The base for new scientific findings

The starting point of scientific research often entails the curiosity of being able to see and discover something in a more precise and accurate manner. Electron microscopy allows for a closer look to be made, ranging from the inside of atoms all the way to viewing the insides of cells.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AS INTEGRAL PART OF EVERYDAY RESEARCH

Let us get equipped with optimal scientific infra-structure in order to respond together to future technical and societal challenges.

What do semiconductor technology, power generation, aerospace, transportation and automotive industries have in common? The decisive factors for the industrial competitiveness of technologies entail continuous improvements in material properties through innovative surface technology, analytical technology, microstructure analysis and characterisation.

Particular attention has recently been paid to conserving resources and reducing greenhouse gases. The investigations of the microstructure, the testing of hard material layers and of changes in the surfaces by means of TEM and SEM provide important information and can provide valuable insight and momentum, for example, for the fight against climate change. Practical results lead to being able to find better solutions to major problems in technology and society. USTEM is therefore of great importance as a place of interaction between different subjects such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, information technology, mechanical engineering, quantum mechanics and atomic physics, as well as departments inside and outside TU Wien.

Loading the sample holder
With an ultramicrotome, samples can be cut in an electron-transparent manner (approximately 300-1,000 atomic layers thick) and then examined directly under a transmission electron microscope.  © Klaus Ranger
Filling the cold trap with liquid nitrogen
Sample cooling with liquid nitrogen ensures maximum cleanliness at the location of the sample in the transmission electron microscope.  © Klaus Ranger
Detail of a scanning electron microscope
Optical properties of layers and magnetic properties of materials can be investigated in the nanometre range.  © Klaus Ranger

Examples of applications

Examples of applications for results from the material analyses at the USTEM:

Protective layers for components in automotive, aircraft and aerospace construction
Novel and more efficient catalysts, for example in fuel cells
Resistant and wear-reducing coatings for highly stressed Components

Further development of more energy-efficient semiconductor
Structures
Phase analysis for desired mechanical and chemical properties

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY HAS BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF EVERYDAY RESEARCH. USTEM PROVIDES RESEARCHERS AND COMPANIES WITH ACCESS TO NECESSARY HIGH-END TECHNOLOGY.

Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Johannes Fröhlich
Vice Rector Research and Innovation