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Birmingham Tri-Beam System

University of Birmingham was awarded a strategic grant by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (grant: EP/T-31379/1), to develop a multi-scale, high-resolution, tri-beam facility for fast machining and 3D characterisation.

  • The project was developed jointly with ThermoFisher Scientific. This facility is composed of a customised Helios-5 Laser Hydra UX microscope fully integrated with an MBRAUN glovebox. This system enables the high resolution, large volume characterisation of advanced materials including air-sensitive materials including battery electrode materials.

    The Tri-Bean System layout.

 

The Helios Hydra-Laser Base apparatus

Helios Hydra-Laser Base

 

A diagram depicting beam configuration
Beam Configuration


We are looking for project collaboration and are now running pilot projects with the aim of demonstrating the uniqueness of our Tri-beam microscope. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please complete the enquiry form.

Case Studies

Discover more about the Centre's expertise through previous case studies, exampled through varied material samples and milling techniques.

Case 1: Femto-second laser milling to excavate materials and to explore features embedded


Example 1: Ceramic material

Dimensions of the milled volume: 1mm x 0.5 mm x 1mm (Depth)

1st step: coarse milling – 4 min

1st step: coarse milling – 4 min

2nd step: fine milling – 10 min

2nd step: fine milling – 10 min


Example 2: Graphite-based electrode material

Dimensions of the milled volume: 1mm x 0.5 mm x 0.5mm (Depth)

Fine and coarse milling

Coarse milling – 1 min; Fine milling – 1 min

Sample post-milling

Argon ion fine milling after laser milling

Surface finish after fine laser milling

Surface finish after fine laser milling

A monochrome image of a sample following argon cleaning

Followed by further 2 min argon cleaning


Case 2: Porosity study of electrode material

Objective of this test

To determine the internal structures of the electrode and check the porosity level of the electrode materials.

Method

  • Use Argon ion beam and electron beam to perform the slice and view on the electrode samples
  • Perform SEM imaging on each slice and 3D reconstruction of the SEM images

Sample Milling Setup

  • Sample: Non-graphite based electrode
  • Technique: Auto Slice and View
  • Argon ion plasma beam
  • Slice thickness: 200nm
  • Total no. of slices: 200
  • Rocking polish: 5°(minimize curtaining effect)
  • Total time of slice and view: ~ 20 hours

A monochrome image depicting a sample milling set up

A monochrome image of an SEM cross-section

SEM cross-section

3D reconstruction of 200 SEM cross-section images (Avizo)

Slice images at different planes (Avizo)

Observe the change of internal structures

XY plane

YZ plane

ZX plane

Porosity Analysis using Avizo

 

A list of porosity analysis settings


Case 3: Large volume EBSD study on 3D-printed steel

Objective of this test

To determine the 3D grain morphology of the steel sample as it evolves and changes across multiple layers.

Method

  • Use femto-second laser beam and electron beam to perform the slice and view on the steel rod samples
  • Perform EBSD mapping on each slice and 3D reconstruction of the EBSD mappings

Sample milling setup

  • Analytical technique: Laser auto slice and view
  • Thickness of slice: 10mm
  • No. of slices: 122
  • Time for Laser milling: 8min per slice
  • Time for Ar ion polishing: 2min per slice
  • Time for EBSD analysis: 30min per slice (650mmx450mm scanning area)
  • Total time of slice and view: 4 days
    3D reconstruction of SEM cross-section images
    3D reconstruction of EBSD mappings (IPF X)

2D EBSD mappings (IPF X) at different planes (Avizo)

   XY plane
    YZ plane
    XZ plane