In a study published today in Nano Letters, scientists have provided researchers with an unexpected improvement in a new nanoscale 3D scanning system developed for the ion-electron microscope system that allows scientists to taking their work to the next level, especially in the field of security and energy.
Scientists from Thermo Fisher Scientific are working at the ARC Center of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) to develop a device that can be manipulated in an ion beam system ( FIBS) are available. This device replicates the use of FIB, moving it past the sputtering device to the elemental detection machine, collecting and analyzing the photons that are emitted during the diffusion process. This new system offers many improvements and other features. In particular, it provides a resolution of 15 nanometers, a significant improvement over the 1 micron resolution of the electron-based EDX system. In addition, it can detect elements that are difficult to define such as hydrogen and lithium.
According to Garrett Budnik, lead author and senior scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, “Creating heat is always a challenge. This new device fills what was once a technological gap, paving the way for new scientific advances.
“When that happens and researchers can use new methods to study their problem, new research is done.”
John Scott, a postdoctoral researcher and co-author at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), says: “This research is intended to enable other researchers to solve the problem effectively. Integrating elemental research as part of a media strategy optimizes the identity process, creating a better experience for everyone involved. We have created this new system so that others can create new technology in many places.
Budnik is the third Thermo Fisher scientist to work with the university on an industry-relevant doctorate, working with Thermo Fisher Scientific based on their deep understanding of the business market and high-tech development space.
TMOS Research Director Milos Toth, who worked at Thermo Fisher Scientific as a researcher before joining UTS as a professor, said, “Shared research between industry and academia is fruitful because it leads to business analysis. Only university researchers can devote their energies to research that is not good for the market. Industrial companies can develop well-tested technology without fully understanding the science behind it. Together they can make a huge contribution to society.
Scott says, “This research was only possible because we had access to Thermo Fisher engineers. Our FIB is probably the most advanced microscope yet and that’s because we can bring in people who designed it, who can help us take it apart and put it back together.
Reflecting on the future of their research, Budnik says, “We’ve pushed this discovery process to its limit. It’s been well developed to the point where the only place you have to go next is to use metasurfaces. It’s another natural step.
TMOS is the largest meta-optics research group in the world, developing the next generation of optical systems with applications beyond current concepts. Together with industrial partners such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, they will overcome difficult challenges in creating, controlling and detecting light at the nanoscale.