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 Tr-Beam System equipment Layout of the System

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 (free of charge) 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 materiall 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

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

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