Development and validation of an interface for automated image acquisition during high-temperature environmental...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microscopy
• Surface Science

Background:

• High-temperature experiments require precise control over image acquisition.
• Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows for in-situ studies under controlled atmospheres.
• Automating image acquisition in ESEM enhances experimental efficiency and data quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated interface for image acquisition during high-temperature experiments in an environmental SEM.
• To optimize the interface for multi-region and multi-magnification imaging.
• To validate the system's performance in real-world experimental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel interface for automated image acquisition.
• Optimization for focusing (focus and astigmatism) and automatic re-centering.
• Validation using a nickel-based superalloy undergoing oxidation at 950 °C.

Main Results:

• The developed interface successfully automated image acquisition in an environmental SEM.
• The system demonstrated effective operation across multiple regions of interest and magnifications.
• Automated focusing and re-centering were validated during high-temperature oxidation experiments.

Conclusions:

• The automated interface significantly improves the process of high-temperature in-situ experiments in ESEM.
• This technology enables comprehensive analysis of material behavior across different sample areas and magnifications.
• It facilitates the qualification of material behavior and validation of observation reproducibility.