Establishment of CAMECA-NIMS 3DAP Laboratory
National Institute for Materials Science
CAMECA Business Unit, AMETEK Co., Ltd.
On June 26, the National Institute for Materials Science and CAMECA Business Unit, AMETEK Co., Ltd., established the CAMECA-NIMS 3DAP Laboratory for educational and awareness activities for 3D atom probe (3DAP) technology, which can three-dimensionally visualize the distribution of the atoms that make up a material.
Abstract
- On June 26, the National Institute for Materials Science and CAMECA Business Unit, AMETEK Co., Ltd., established the CAMECA-NIMS 3DAP Laboratory for educational and awareness activities for 3D atom probe (3DAP) technology, which can three-dimensionally visualize the distribution of the atoms that make up a material. CAMECA will install a state-of-the-art 3D atom probe at NIMS, make it available to external users through a user consortium, and provide technical instruction on utilizing the 3D atom probe as a standard method for material analysis at businesses or universities.
- The 3D atom probe method can detect and identify the position of single atoms including light elements, which are difficult to observe with electron microscopes. It is also very effective in analyzing the distribution of elements within a variety of materials or devices. NIMS has played a leading role in this area; for example, it has developed an original laser atom probe and was the first in the world to succeed in atom probe analysis of bulk insulators, significantly extending the range of its application. CAMECA is contributing to the development and global popularization of this method as the world’s only manufacturer of commercial 3D atom probe devices. However, the popularity of this method is still limited due to the special characteristics of its devices (e.g. sample preparation, measurement methods, analysis method expertise).
- This is why CAMECA-NIMS 3DAP Laboratory will install CAMECA’s latest 3D atom probe model (EIKOS-X) at NIMS, in addition to a state-of-the-art atom probe (LEAP-5000 XS) owned by NIMS, and make it available to external users. The device will be available for use free of charge for joint studies with NIMS whose results will be released, and in exchange for a cooperation fee for studies conducted by businesses whose results will not be released. There will be regular lectures on 3D atom probe technology, as well as dedicated operators to provide technical instruction and support for sample preparation and analysis. At this time, devices owned by NIMS (FIB/SEM) can also be used for a fee.
- The CAMECA-NIMS 3DAP Laboratory will considerably lower the barrier to the use of atom probes in material development, raising expectations for a variety of applications and making a significant contribution to the academic and industrial worlds.
Devices at CAMECA-NIMS 3DAP Laboratory - Laser atom probe: CAMECA EIKOS-X
