Deeper Insights into Material Properties with the In situ Lab for ZEISS Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes

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ZEISS introduces an integrated solution for multi-modal in situ experiments

  • Automated in situ workflows for highly reproducible, precise, and reliable operator-independent data collection
  • High-throughput data acquisition with high-resolution creating statistically representative results
  • High-quality data for reliable post-processing, such as strain mapping using digital imaging correlation (DIC), powered by GOM
  • Easy data management

Jena, Germany | 25 January 2022 | ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

Today, ZEISS is introducing its new integrated in situ workflow for ZEISS field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM). When researchers need to link material performance to microstructure, which is essential for developing novel materials in a highly efficient way, they can now extend their ZEISS FE-SEM with an in situ solution for heating and tensile experiments. This allows them to observe materials like metals, alloys, polymers, plastics, composites, and ceramics under heat and tension automatically while plotting stress-strain curves on the fly. They can control all system components from a single PC with a unified software environment that enables unattended automated materials testing for up to 24 hours. Core imaging facilities and materials research labs in academia, government and industry will equally benefit from this new solution.
GeminiSEM460_Monitore_Insitu
The in situ lab integrated into the SEM chamber (here on ZEISS GeminiSEM 460) and table with PC, monitors for SEM GUI and analytical software (e.g. EBSD), keyboard and joystick (for driving the stage).

Gaining deeper insights into material properties

In situ materials testing in the SEM delivers precise measurement of the dynamic response of microstructures to mechanical load under defined temperature conditions. Thanks to the design of ZEISS Gemini electron optics, the integration of in situ hardware is very straightforward. Materials scientists can easily add information such as local chemical composition or crystallographic orientations using combined analytical techniques (e.g., EDS and EBSD). All ZEISS FE-SEMs are plugged into the ZEISS ZEN core ecosystem, giving users access to ZEN Connect, ZEN Intellesis, and ZEN’s analytical modules, for example.

Dr. Michael Albiez, Head of ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions, comments: “The ability to quantify material microstructure and bulk mechanical properties in a single automated, user-independent experimental environment provides researchers with the tools necessary to design next generation materials for the future low carbon economy. The in situ lab is not only fully integrated but service and application support are also included. What makes our solution unique is that users can define multiple regions of interest (ROIs) and therefore can be sure to never miss interesting areas of their sample.”

The solution is available for immediate upgrade on existing ZEISS GeminiSEM 360 & 460 and ZEISS Sigma 500 microscopes or can be purchased with new systems.

GeminiSEM460_Monitore_Insitu.jpg
In situ stage for heating and tensile experiments

Mild steel sample (S235JRC) with polished surface. Small particles on the specimen surface are used as markers for DIC (digital image correlation). SE images are imported into the GOM Correlate software for DIC analysis. The amplitude and direction of major strain can be displayed in the image.

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 7.5 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2021).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 13 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 35,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is the world’s only one-stop manufacturer of light, electron, X-ray and ion microscope systems and offers solutions for correlative microscopy. The portfolio comprises of products and services for life sciences, materials and industrial research, as well as education and clinical practice. The unit is headquartered in Jena. Additional production and development sites are located in Oberkochen and Munich, as well as in Cambourne (UK) and Dublin (USA). ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.

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