High Resolution Variable Pressure SEM Imaging System for Structure/Surface Characterization and Failure Analysis of High Performance Materials.

我们正在研究一种具有超变压能力的高分辨率电子显微镜成像系统，该系统可以在不受涂层污染的情况下精确测量新兴材料的局部裂纹、缺陷和表面完整性，这是任何其他可用设备都无法做到的。该设备是唯一的商用实时成像系统，具有高性能、先进的3D测量、表面重建能力、直观的操作、紧凑的设计、低环境影响和极具竞争力的价格。******所要求的设备迫切需要支持来自加拿大三所不同大学的六名申请人的研究项目，即瑞尔森大学，滑铁卢大学和安大略理工大学。主要研究人员（pi）正在进行高影响力的研究，旨在加速开发和采用新型和新兴的可持续聚合物和复合材料用于下一代抗菌医疗设备，汽车和飞机。pi的多学科研究项目需要广泛的多尺度表征和建模，其中评估结构、表面完整性、加工参数、机械性能以及不同尺度的渐进失效模式仍然极具挑战性。提出的多用途成像系统对于解决这些挑战和推进pi各自的研究计划至关重要。该设备将与先进的3D立体数字图像相关和锁定红外热成像系统相结合，创建一个独特而全面的最先进的表征工具，这将显著提高申请人的基础设施能力。******收购拟议的成像系统不仅将促进新的合作，还将使pi的研究计划转化为创新的技术解决方案，这将立即使加拿大的工业合作伙伴受益。主要的好处包括开发新的可持续制造平台，以及性能改进的先进可再生材料。此外，pi各自研究计划的实验部分将为45名高素质人员（HQP）提供一个独特的机会，让他们在所要求的系统上接受培训。它还将为他们提供实践经验和对各种材料的材料结构，加工和性能之间多方面关系的深刻理解。这些在先进材料和制造领域非常受欢迎的技能，对于HQP确保高质量的工程工作将是有价值的。所要求的系统将提供给研究生和所有研究小组（包括内部和外部）来自学术界，医院和行业的研究助理。**

We are making a case for a high resolution electron microscope imaging system with ultra variable pressure capability to accurately measure local cracks, defects, and surface integrity in new and emerging materials without contamination by coatings, which is untenable with any other available equipment. The proposed equipment is the only commercially-available, real time imaging system that offers high performance, advanced 3D measurements, surface reconstruction capabilities, intuitive operation, compact design, and low environmental impact at a very competitive price.******The requested equipment is urgently needed to support the research programs of six applicants from three different Canadian universities, namely Ryerson University, University of Waterloo, and Ontario Tech. The principal investigators (PIs) are conducting high impact research with the aim to accelerating the development and adoption of new and emerging sustainable polymers and composites into next generation antimicrobial medical devices, automotive, and aircraft. The PIs' multidisciplinary research programs require extensive multi-scale characterization and modelling, where assessing structure, surface integrity, processing parameters, mechanical properties, as well as progressive failure modes at different scales remains extremely challenging. The proposed multipurpose imaging system is crucial to tackle these challenges, and advance the PIs' respective research programs. This equipment will be coupled with an advanced 3D stereo digital image correlation and a Lock-in infrared thermography system to create a unique and comprehensive state-of-the-art characterization tool, which will significantly enhance the applicants' infrastructure capabilities. ******The acquisition of the proposed imaging system will not only boost new collaborations, but also enable the translation of the PIs' research programs into innovative technological solutions, which will immediately benefit Canadian industrial partners. Key benefits, include the development of new sustainable manufacturing platforms, and advanced renewable materials with improved performance. Moreover, the experimental component of the PIs' respective research programs will provide a unique opportunity for 45 High Qualified Personnel (HQP) to be trained on the requested system. It will also provide them with both hand-on experience and deep understanding of the multifaceted relationship between material structure, processing, and performance of various materials. These highly sought-after skills are desired in the advanced materials and manufacturing sector, and will be valuable for HQP to secure high quality engineering jobs. The requested system will be made available to graduate students and research associates of all research groups (both internal and external) from academia, hospitals, and industry. **