News Article
Alabama Uni and Imago establish centre for atom probe tomography
The University of Alabama (UA) and Imago Scientific Instruments announced plans to establish a new research facility for atom probe tomography (LEAP microscopy).
The University of Alabama (UA) and Imago Scientific Instruments announced plans to establish a new research facility for atom probe tomography (LEAP microscopy).
LEAP provides very high spatial resolution combined with compositional analysis and high sensitivity. It will allow UA materials-research scientists to analyse specimens in three dimensions with atomic resolution, offering key insights into how a material's atomic structure affects its mechanical and electrical properties.
"Nanoscience is impacting virtually all aspects of society," said Dr. Judy Bonner, executive vice president and provost at UA. "The University of Alabama's growing knowledge base in this revolutionary field along with recent state-of-the-art instrument acquisitions enables us, for example, to not only improve manufactured materials, but train the next generation of nanotechnology researchers."
"This is significant," said Dr. Mike Bersch, director of UA's Central Analytical Facility, "because we know, at both the macro and nano-scales, a material's properties, such as strength or conductivity, depend upon which atoms are where. LEAP is ideal for studying semiconductors, the base materials used in manufacturing computer chips and other electronic devices."
Under an agreement with Imago, which provides support of nanotechnology research across the U.S., Japan, Europe and Asia, UA and the company's researchers will work jointly on projects.
"Working at the nano level, and being able to identify the type, location and spatial position of atoms, helps us better engineer materials," said Dr. Gregory Thompson, assistant professor of metallurgical and materials engineering at UA. "Through the LEAP's analysis, researchers can better design materials with tailored properties for such applications as transistors used in cell phones, hard drives for computers, or high strength, low-weight steels used for fuel efficient automobiles."
The LEAP is the latest in a series of recent nanotechnology enhancements at UA. In 2004 and 2005, the University added to the Central Analytical Facility with two state-of-the-art instruments, a Transmission Electron Microscope and a focused ion beam. In addition, in the fall of 2006, a Transmission Electron Microscope was installed in UA's Biology Building.
LEAP provides very high spatial resolution combined with compositional analysis and high sensitivity. It will allow UA materials-research scientists to analyse specimens in three dimensions with atomic resolution, offering key insights into how a material's atomic structure affects its mechanical and electrical properties.
"Nanoscience is impacting virtually all aspects of society," said Dr. Judy Bonner, executive vice president and provost at UA. "The University of Alabama's growing knowledge base in this revolutionary field along with recent state-of-the-art instrument acquisitions enables us, for example, to not only improve manufactured materials, but train the next generation of nanotechnology researchers."
"This is significant," said Dr. Mike Bersch, director of UA's Central Analytical Facility, "because we know, at both the macro and nano-scales, a material's properties, such as strength or conductivity, depend upon which atoms are where. LEAP is ideal for studying semiconductors, the base materials used in manufacturing computer chips and other electronic devices."
Under an agreement with Imago, which provides support of nanotechnology research across the U.S., Japan, Europe and Asia, UA and the company's researchers will work jointly on projects.
"Working at the nano level, and being able to identify the type, location and spatial position of atoms, helps us better engineer materials," said Dr. Gregory Thompson, assistant professor of metallurgical and materials engineering at UA. "Through the LEAP's analysis, researchers can better design materials with tailored properties for such applications as transistors used in cell phones, hard drives for computers, or high strength, low-weight steels used for fuel efficient automobiles."
The LEAP is the latest in a series of recent nanotechnology enhancements at UA. In 2004 and 2005, the University added to the Central Analytical Facility with two state-of-the-art instruments, a Transmission Electron Microscope and a focused ion beam. In addition, in the fall of 2006, a Transmission Electron Microscope was installed in UA's Biology Building.
