Microscope: Helium Ion

EMSL's Helium Ion Microscope, produced for EMSL by Carl Zeiss, is the first Helium Ion Microscope offered at a national scientific user facility.

EMSL's helium ion microscope is the first HIM to be offered at a national scientific user facility. It promises to advance biological, geochemical, biogeochemical, and surface/interface studies using its combined surface sensitivity and high-resolution microscopy functions. The HIM is equipped with a Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) capability that identifies atomic elements. In the future, the RBS capability will allow 3-D chemical analysis when paired with an improved spectrum detector.

Research Applications

Biological, geochemical, and biogeochemical samples — characterizing sample properties and behavior at nano and sub-atomic levels, including emerging novel materials with a range of scientific applications

Nanostructures of catalysts — understanding the relationship between the nature of nanostructure and chemical functionality

Energy — studying surface/interface characteristics to develop materials with novel functions, improved efficiency, and fewer pollutant byproducts

National security — developing ultrasensitive materials to detect and reduce biological and radioactive threats and chemical agents

Material modification — using sub-nanometer He⁺ ion beam to modify and tailor material properties

EMSL's HIM Offers:

Ultra-high resolution — reveals fine structure details and allows chemical visualization of nanostructures and biological samples, including those with low-Z elements

RBS — identifies atomic elements and determines material composition using a sub-nanometer He⁺ ion probe

Charge neutralization — uses an electron flood gun to neutralize charge for insulating samples based on line or frame scans

Small beam size — provides stable beam energy and current over a period of time using one of 24 selectable apertures measuring 5, 10, or 20 μm in diameter

Novel features — offers EMSL users an additional 4.5-inch center port and two 2.75-inch ports for other characterization capabilities.

All Related Publications Related Publications

1. Millimeter-Wave Absorption as a Quality Control Tool for M-Type Hexaferrite Nanopowders.
2. Making Li-air batteries rechargeable: material challenges.
3. Separation Nanotechnology of Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid Bonded Magnetic Nanoparticles for Spent Nuclear Fuel.
4. RBS/C, HRTEM and HRXRD study of damage accumulation in irradiated SrTiO3.
5. Potential of nanocrystalline cellulose-fibrin nanocomposites for artificial vascular graft applications.