In-situ Characterization Facilities

TESCAN MIRA3 Scanning Electron Microscope

MIRA3 is a high-performance SEM system which features a high-brightness Schottky emitter for high-resolution and low-noise imaging. MIRA3 SEM equipped with a large GM chamber provides high compatibility with various type of in situ testing stages. In addition to high resolution SE and BSE imaging modes, the MIRA3 SEM has a special ‘Channeling’ mode which enables the acquisition of an image of the pseudo-Kikuchi lines (electron channeling pattern) from a crystalline materials using a BSE detector. In the special scanning mode, the electron beam is rocking around one point and creates a selected area channelling pattern (SACP).

TESCAN Peltier Cooling & Heating Stage

The Peltier stage allows for lowering the temperature of the sample by placing it on a temperature-controllable stage. The temperature of the stage is manipulated by creating a gradient of temperature between two dielectric plates which are separated by a semiconductor. A voltage is applied between the two electrodes connected to the semiconductor and a gradient in temperature is created. This phenomenon is known as the Peltier effect. The gradient can be reversed by switching the direction of the current. This method is excellent for small-scale heat extracting/transferring (cooling/heating) from a sample.

Gatan MTEST2000 Uniaxial Testing Stage

In-situ tensile testing inside SEM allows dynamic microstructural observations and can provide new insights into materials research. A custom-designed sample clamp system enhances compatibility of the tensile stage with SEM-based intensive analysis techniques such as Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging (ECCI) and Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). In-situ analysis of bulk-to-microscale sample during deformation process provides a deeper understanding into deformation mechanisms of materials. Tensile, compression and bending tests are available. Cyclic tests under tensile or compression mode is also available. The in-situ capabilities of this stage was recently demonstrated in an micro-cracking study in metastable high entropy alloys.

Hysitron PI-88 PicoIndenter

The Hysitron PI-88 SEM PicoIndenter is a comprehensive in-situ nanomechanical test instrument for SEM. The picoindenter provides an advanced instrument with powerful capabilities that delivers extraordinary performance and versatility. This picoindenter was used for micro-mechanical characterizations in our recent publications: in-situ hydrogen charging setup and fiber based artificial muscles.

Kammrath Weiss Technology  5kN Tensile Testing Module

This tensile module is designed to operate at loads upto 5kN with smooth and well controlled movement for testing with high precision and clear imaging. The displacement speed can range from 0.1 to 20μm/s. Similar to the Gatan tensile stage, this tensile test module is compatible with SEM-based analysis techniques such as ECCI and EBSD, enabling in-situ analysis of bulk-to-microscale sample during deformation process.

Kammrath Weiss Technology MZ. H12 Specimen Heating Device 

A small heating unit is attached at the center of the specimen, focusing the heat directly to the point of interest. This heating module can be used as a stand-alone heating unit or in combination with the KW tensile stage; it can achieve a temperature range up to 1200 ºC. For better accuracy, specimens should be ground fairly thin (approx. 1mm). 

Bulge Test Setup for Multiaxial Deformation Experiment 

The bulge test setup was designed and created by the Tasan Group. With controlled multiaxial deformation capability, it can (i) create multiple and complex strain paths and (ii) track microstructure evolution. 

in-situ Electrochemical Hydrogen-Charging Setup for SEM

This electrochemical H-charging setup is compatible with high vacuum systems such as SEM, and provides (i) real-time microstructural analysis and (ii) mechanical analysis of H-induced effects.

In the setup, the objective sample surface of observation is isolated from a hydrogen source by the sample itself. By electrochemical reaction in the cell, hydrogen permeates into the sample from the surface contacting with the hydrogen source and diffuses into the whole sample volume. A clean objective surface without liquid contamination allows simultaneous microstructural and mechanical characterization during hydrogen absorption inside electron microscope. See here for our in-situ hydrogen embrittlement case studies utilizing this setup.

in-situ Electrochemical Hydrogen-Charging Setup for Synchrotron

Similar to the in-situ hydrogen charging setup for SEM, this synchrotron compatible electrochemical H-charging setup provides simultaneous x-ray diffraction characterization during hydrogen permeation across the sample thickness.

In-situ Mass-spectrometer for SEM   -under development-

We are developing a new in-situ mass spectroscopy setup for scanning electron microscopes, which enables gas species quantification during microstructure characterizations. This in-situ setup can be coupled with SEM-based techniques such EBSD, ECCI, in-situ heating and cooling stages, and in-situ hydrogen-charging setup. We use this setup to study hydrogen embrittlement and provide insights in hydrogen segregation, trapping, and permeation in materials.

RTEC SMT-5000 3D Indentation and Scratch Tester

The RTEC SMT-5000 allows precise instrumented indentation and scratch testing with advanced capacitive and piezoelectric-based force measurement systems. Its 3D profiler automatically combines high-resolution surface topography with indentation and scratch data. Indentation tests include automated depth vs. load curves with adjustable loading modes and complete control over parameters such as indentation spacing for multiple tests. The software automatically calculates hardness and elastic modulus and plots their depth profiles. Scratch testing offers several loading modes, including constant and linear force profiles. It calculates parameters like the coefficient of friction and provides a full scratch scan with the profilometer. The instrument can be combined with external stages for testing under corrosive, high- and low-temperature, humid environments, and more.

Linseis DSC PT 1600

The LINSEIS DSC PT 1600 high-temperature differential scanning calorimeter is characterized by sensors with high calorimetric sensitivity, a short time constant and a condensation-free sample chamber, providing high detection sensitivity and stable baselines throughout the device’s lifecycle. Its modular design allows the DSC PT 1600 to operate across an expansive temperature range from -150 °C to 1750 °C by utilizing two interchangeable furnace types. This adaptability, combined with multiple DSC and DTA sensor options, ensures accurate measurements tailored to various experimental conditions. The system’s vacuum-tight architecture permits precise quantitative determination of enthalpy changes and specific heat capacity (Cp) under high-purity gas atmospheres and vacuum conditions (up to 10⁻⁵ mbar). Furthermore, the DSC PT 1600 is integrated with a mass spectrometer for real-time, in situ gas analysis during thermal processes, particularly suitable for hydrogen-focused research conducted by our group.

Linseis DIL L78/RITA Q/D/T

The DIL L78/RITA Q/D/T by Linseis is a dilatometer capable of tensile and compressive sample deformation, as well as identifying sample length changes with increase or decrease in temperature (“quenching” mode). Equipped with a copper induction coil, and an inlet for liquid nitrogen, it is capable of providing temperature environments from – 150ºC to 1600ºC. Temperature is monitored through a thermocouple that is welded to the sample, and is able to provide up to 100 K/s heating and cooling rates, depending on solid sample geometries. Sample length measurements are obtained through a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), with spring-loaded rods touching the edges of tensile samples, or the sample stages for compressive and quenching modes. The LVDT is capable of measuring a total length change of ± 1.2 mm with a 10 nm resolution in the quenching mode, and a ± 5 mm length change with resolution of 40 nm in the compressive or tensile modes. Experiments are typically done in Helium atmosphere to minimize sample oxidation, but can be back-filled with different atmospheres as desired.

This dilatometer is capable of providing up to 22,000 N of force, with a compression rate of 0.01 to 100 mm/s, equaling to approximately a true strain rate of 0.001 to 10 s−1 with standard sample dimensions. For tensile tests, we have recorded up to an instantaneous strain rate of 50 s−1 with adjusted sample geometry. The dilatometer allows for pre-programming of different heating, cooling and deformation segments that allow the user to identify phase transformations, and build Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) and Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagrams through the packaged program. The additional heating and deformation capabilities of this dilatometer has also allowed for tests typically atypical of dilatometers, including stress-relaxation and creep rupture tests, as well as high deformation rate testing.