Birmingham Tri-Beam System

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University 麻豆精选 was awarded a strategic grant by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (grant: EP/T-31379/1), to develop a multi-scale, high-resolution, tri-beam facility for fast machining and 3D characterisation. 

The project was developed jointly with ThermoFisher Scientific. This facility is composed of a customised Helios-5 Laser Hydra UX microscope fully integrated with an MBRAUN glovebox. This system enables the high resolution, large volume characterisation of advanced materials including air-sensitive materials including battery electrode materials.

The Tr-Beam System equipmentLayout of the System

 

The Helios Hydra-Laser Base apparatusHelios Hydra-Laser Base

A diagram depicting beam configurationBeam Configuration


We are looking for project collaboration and are now running pilot projects with the aim of demonstrating the uniqueness of our Tri-beam microscope. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please complete the .

Case Studies

Discover more about the Centre's expertise through previous case studies, exampled through varied materiall samples and milling techniques.

Case 1: Femto-second laser milling to excavate materials and to explore features embedded

Example 1: Ceramic material

Dimensions of the milled volume: 1mm x 0.5 mm x 1mm (Depth)

1st step: coarse milling – 4 min1st step: coarse milling – 4 min

2nd step: fine milling – 10 min2nd step: fine milling – 10 min

Example 2: Graphite-based electrode material

Dimensions of the milled volume: 1mm x 0.5 mm x 0.5mm (Depth)

Fine and coarse millingCoarse milling – 1 min; Fine milling – 1 min

Sample post-milling 

Argon ion fine milling after laser milling

Surface finish after fine laser millingSurface finish after fine laser milling

A monochrome image of a sample following argon cleaningFollowed by further 2 min argon cleaning

Case 2: Porosity study of electrode material

Objective of this test

To determine the internal structures of the electrode and check the porosity level of the electrode materials.

Method

  • Use Argon ion beam and electron beam to perform the slice and view on the electrode samples
  • Perform SEM imaging on each slice and 3D reconstruction of the SEM images

Sample Milling Setup

  • Sample: Non-graphite based electrode
  • Technique: Auto Slice and View
  • Argon ion plasma beam
  • Slice thickness: 200nm
  • Total no. of slices: 200
  • Rocking polish: 5°(minimize curtaining effect)
  • Total time of slice and view: ~ 20 hours

A monochrome image depicting a sample milling set up

A monochrome image of an SEM cross-sectionSEM cross-section

3D reconstruction of 200 SEM cross-section images (Avizo)

Slice images at different planes (Avizo)

Observe the change of internal structures

XY plane

YZ plane

ZX plane

Porosity Analysis using Avizo

 

A list of porosity analysis settings

Case 3: Large volume EBSD study on 3D-printed steel

Objective of this test

To determine the 3D grain morphology of the steel sample as it evolves and changes across multiple layers.

Method

  • Use femto-second laser beam and electron beam to perform the slice and view on the steel rod samples
  • Perform EBSD mapping on each slice and 3D reconstruction of the EBSD mappings

Sample milling setup

  • Analytical technique: Laser auto slice and view
  • Thickness of slice: 10mm
  • No. of slices: 122
  • Time for Laser milling: 8min per slice
  • Time for Ar ion polishing: 2min per slice
  • Time for EBSD analysis: 30min per slice (650mmx450mm scanning area)
  • Total time of slice and view: 4 days

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3D reconstruction of SEM cross-section images

3D reconstruction of EBSD mappings (IPF X)

2D EBSD mappings (IPF X) at different planes (Avizo)

XY plane

YZ plane

XZ plane