Microscopy in solid state science

Abstract

The Microstructural Physics group at the Cavendish Laboratory is actively involved in a considerable number of research projects which cover a broad range of materials science. In this paper, we describe briefly several such projects, with particular emphasis given to the application of parallel-detection electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS) on a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to the analysis of materials such as stainless steels, catalysts, and high temperature superconductors. In addition, we describe a number of related projects that are currently being carried out in the group, particularly those which utilise and develop novel STEM imaging and analytical techniques.

TEM and Associated Techniques

“…In general, EELS characterization is associated with the ionization of innershell atomic levels [109][110][111]. A qualitative analysis of the Fe L 2,3 -edge fine structures permits resolving the between iron(II) and iron(III) states present in a variety of iron oxide and iron hydroxide systems [110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127]. As an example, Figure 14.3a,b shows the O K and Fe L 2,3 edges for akaganeite, goethite, 2-lineferrihydrite, hematite, and magnetite.…”