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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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High-resolution Thermal Micro-imaging Using Europium Chelate Luminescent Coatings
Published on: April 16, 2017
A new MEMS-based system for ultra-high-resolution imaging at elevated temperatures.
Lawrence F Allard1, Wilbur C Bigelow, Miguel Jose-Yacaman
1Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA. allardlfjr@ornl.gov
Microscopy Research and Technique
|January 24, 2009
Summary
New electron microscopy heating technology enables single-atom imaging of materials at extreme temperatures. This rapid heating and cooling system allows detailed study of nanocrystal behavior under high-temperature conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electron Microscopy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- In situ heating techniques are increasingly used in electron microscopy for studying catalysts and nanophase materials.
- Aberration-corrected electron microscopes offer sub-Angström resolution, necessitating advanced heating methods to maintain high-resolution imaging at elevated temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced in situ heating capability for electron microscopy that overcomes limitations of standard heating stage technologies.
- To enable high-resolution imaging and study of material behavior at temperatures exceeding 1000°C.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel rapid heating device in collaboration with Protochips Inc.
- Utilizing aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (S)TEM with high-angle annular dark-field imaging.
- Implementing rapid temperature cycling (room temperature to >1000°C in 1 ms) and fast stabilization post-heating.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated single-atom imaging capabilities at high temperatures.
- Observed the behavior of nanocrystals at elevated temperatures with high resolution.
- Achieved rapid heating/cooling rates (1 million °C/sec) and quick return to stable microscope operation.
Conclusions:
- The developed in situ heating technology significantly enhances the study of materials under extreme thermal conditions.
- This advancement is crucial for understanding dynamic processes in catalysts and nanomaterials.
- The system is applicable for remote operation and future gas reaction experiments using environmental cells.
