High Throughput Energy Dispersive Spectrometer for Plasma Focused Ion Beam

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We are requesting a high-throughput energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) detector for the plasma focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (PFIB) recently purchased by McMaster University, the first such tool in Canada. This analytical attachment is essential for X-ray analysis and mapping in order to identify the chemical composition of sample and to reconstruct chemical maps in 3-Dimensions during serial sectioning with the PFIB. This tool will also enable the chemical identification of the areas of interest for subsequent sectioning and milling using the spectroscopic chemical information as a guide to the researcher. The tool is also indispensable for the identification of phases in materials that need to be analysed subsequently in the transmission electron microscope and the 3D atom probe. Several research groups will benefit from the requested instrument. Projects include the analysis of the 3D structure of Li battery materials, the analysis of cracks in steam generator materials used in nuclear power plants, the development of light emitting diodes, the analysis of composite concrete materials, the analysis of the oldest geological materials on earth, lunar samples, photonic structures and metamaterials. The tools is urgently required to enable the correct identification of materials, the correct reconstruction of materials in 3-dimensions taking advantage of the unique high-throughput milling capabilities of the Plasma FIB. The tool will also enable faster feedback on their samples, more reliable interpretation of results and faster progress in research, leading to more relevant and internationally competitive publication. Beyond the 7 research groups with their 47 HQP, their 18 collaborators in the proposed projects (and their HQP) involved in the research and industrial partners relying on this tool, the instrument will be located at the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM), a truly open-access facility supported by the Major Science Initiative with oversight from a user's group who highlighted the need for this tool and this application. The Centre supports over 430 users annually who use multiple tools in the facility, including the PFIB. They will also use this HT-EDS instrumentation for their work. The CCEM facility operates all instrument tools with dedicated technical staff who train users on the proper operation of all instruments it operates, thus ensuring that the equipment will be used widely and effectively.