In situ analysis

As materials research continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly important to not only observe materials in their initial and final state but also throughout their various applications. This might include imaging metal feedstocks as they are heated for additive manufacturing or wetting and drying of functionalized nanoparticles in order to understand their behavior in real-world conditions. Characterizing these behaviors is crucial as they impact critical research areas such as clean energy, transportation, catalysis, nano-electronics, and even human health.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a range of microscopy solutions, along with advanced analysis software, to help you with materials characterization. We have designed hardware and software  to deliver automated and accurate analysis on particles and feed powders.

In situ microscopy

While electron microscopy (EM) typically is a static imaging method, advances in sample handling and rapid imaging have allowed the technique to be used for live, in situ observations. The high resolution of the electron  microscope  enables you to investigate nanoscale annealing behavior, phase transformations in metals, structural changes, sintering phenomena in catalysts, segregation/diffusion phenomena, and more.

In situ electron microscopy  analysis of materials requires that the instruments offer fast and quantitative data acquisition along with dynamic high-resolution imaging. This is especially important when the investigated processes are dependent on rapidly changeable variables like temperature or humidity. For such dynamic experiments, the combination of flexibility in sample imaging, the ability to use different beam and vacuum conditions, and the fast collection of compositional data are indispensable.

Thermo Scientific Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and DualBeam (focused ion beam SEM) systems can operate under a variety of conditions that are needed for realistic in situ experiments. In particular, the MEMS-based Thermo Scientific μHeater Holder, in combination with in situ sample preparation, provides high-quality characterization at elevated temperatures, up to 1200°C.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.