Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:14
Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Exsolved Mineral Phases
Published on: October 25, 2019
Atom probe tomography characterization of solute segregation to dislocations
1Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6136, USA. millermk@ornl.gov
Microscopy Research and Technique
|April 29, 2006
Summary
Atom probe tomography quantifies solute segregation at dislocations in materials with high dislocation densities. This technique reveals solute-rich regions near dislocation cores, crucial for understanding material properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Metallurgy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Solute segregation to dislocations significantly impacts material properties.
- High dislocation density materials, like those processed by cold working or irradiation, are prime candidates for studying this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the quantification of solute segregation to individual dislocations using atom probe tomography.
- To illustrate the application of this technique in various material systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing atom probe tomography (APT) for three-dimensional atomic-scale analysis.
- Observing dislocations via field ion microscopy (FIM) and analyzing solute distribution in APT atom maps.
- Employing maximum separation envelope and tracer methods for quantitative analysis at the subnanometer scale.
Main Results:
- Dislocations are visualized as spirals in FIM images and linear regions of enhanced solute concentration in APT atom maps.
- Subnanometer-scale quantification of solute segregation levels is achieved.
- Examples of interstitial/substitutional solute segregation in ferrite steel and phosphorus segregation in irradiated steels are presented.
Conclusions:
- Atom probe tomography is a powerful technique for quantifying solute segregation at dislocations.
- The findings are critical for understanding and tailoring the properties of advanced materials.
