CEITEC BUT Completes Major Upgrade of Cutting-Edge TITAN Electron Microscope: Unlocking Atomic-Level Insights
CEITEC Brno University of Technology has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the completion of a major upgrade to its TITAN transmission electron microscope, a state-of-the-art instrument for studying materials at the atomic level. Located within the CEITEC Nano clean laboratories, the 4-metre TITAN Themis microscope has undergone two significant enhancements, elevating its capabilities to a select few globally.
The first upgrade involves the installation of an advanced electromagnetic lens aberration corrector, enabling the electron beam to be focused to a size smaller than an atom, achieving a resolution of less than 50 picometres. This remarkable feat empowers scientists to create detailed images of individual atoms and analyze their chemical composition, a crucial aspect for developing advanced materials, catalysts, and electronic components. Furthermore, the upgrade's ability to achieve atomic resolution even at low electron energies is a game-changer, allowing researchers to study delicate materials like graphene without causing damage.
Interestingly, the corrector was installed directly in CEITEC's Brno laboratories, a technically demanding process carried out by a small team of international experts, rather than during factory production. This unique approach showcases the university's commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement.
The second upgrade introduces a new-generation electron energy loss spectrometer, providing valuable insights into atomic structure, chemical bonds, and magnetic properties. Equipped with cutting-edge cameras capable of detecting individual electrons, this system opens up new avenues for studying dynamic and fragile materials. The upgraded microscope, funded through the TERAFIT project, will significantly contribute to research in energy-efficient information technologies and advanced nanomaterials.
As part of the CzechNanoLab infrastructure, the TITAN microscope is now accessible to a broader scientific community, not only CEITEC scientists but also researchers across the Czech Republic and beyond. This development further solidifies Brno's position as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale.
