TESCAN TENSOR a 4D-STEM for Multimodal Characterization of Challenging and Interesting Specimens
Designed from the ground up TESCAN TENSOR’s quality, throughput, and robustness of 4D-STEM acquisition, analysis, and processing has been optimized with state-of-the-art technologies, such as Precession Electron Diffraction (PED), 4D-STEM computing and visualization, electrostatic beam blanking, and ultra-high vacuum at the specimen area. Additionally, TESCAN TENSOR features real-time, automated data analysis and processing, which empowers an unprecedented level of system accessibility, utilization, and productivity.
The methodology behind this advanced (electron diffraction) microscope will be explained as the solution of choice for a range of nanoscale applications. With TESCAN TENSOR, it is possible to map composition, phases, and crystal orientations across a user defined field of view, with spatial resolution down to a few nanometers. Examples including results from nickel-based superalloy indentation studies, will be presented.
Nickel superalloys are advanced engineering materials for applications in demanding environments, including aerospace and energy generation, where they are subject to oxidizing conditions, extreme operating temperatures up to 1000°C, and complex mechanical stress states. Significant metallurgical research coupled with novel processing techniques have allowed the formation of single crystal gas turbine blades, with improved mechanical and creep resistance when compared to polycrystalline alloys. However, as they possess a more complex composition with multiple alloying elements, their deformation, creep, and fatigue behavior must be thoroughly investigated across multiple length scales and operating conditions. As such, understanding the mechanical properties of these alloys will allow for cost-efficient material selection.
An investigation into the crystallographic grain reorientation caused by Vickers indentation induced plastic deformation, studied by precession-assisted 4D-STEM with automated crystal orientation analysis will be presented, including high resolution mapping of the resulting indentation induced crystallographic orientation gradient.