PIONEERS IN THE FIELD OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
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The Top League in Research
USTEM offers structural investigations and chemical analyses using high-quality research equipment, which is made available for the field of research, for industry and the economy, as well as being provided to interested private individuals.
More accurate statistics, better optical resolution, fasterpaced studies can allow USTEM researchers to continue their leading role as a member of the top league in the field of transmission electronics.
Most important projects of USTEM at a glance:
TECHNOLOGY MARVEL REWARDED WITH THE NOBEL PRIZE
In 1931, Ernst Ruska, a German electrical engineer, built the first TEM at Siemens and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986. As early as the 1930s, it was sensational, as it showed details that were half the size of what the best contemporary light microscopes could capture. It was called an “Übermikroskop” (in English, a ‘super microscope’) and was based on a novel principle: magnetic fields could deflect electrons because of their charge and electron beams could be bundled and focused in the same manner as light rays through lenses. Since the wavelengths of the electrons are considerably shorter than those of light, electron microscopes can produce a much better resolution than an optical microscope. Since 1942, electron microscopy has been an integral part and a core competence of TU Wien.
Materials science and physics
Since USTEM was founded, I have been responsible for the field of materials science / physics, and since 2006 I have been in charge of the research facility. My research interests are all aspects of analytical and high-resolution electron microscopy, my current research deals with superconducting materials, high-entropy alloys and catalytic materials.
My field of activity includes project supervision, budgetary issues, as well as administrative and personnel matters. After 22 years, I decided to take on this completely new professional challenge in order to use my talents on a larger scale. Not only was I attracted by the team of great scientists, but I sense a huge potential for development in terms of future research. Here at USTEM we are creating a great basis for new perspectives and developments in the field of technology, environment and energy production.
TEM sample preparation and laboratory
My main focus area is the preparation of a large number of different samples, using a wide variety of methods. Furthermore, I am an expert at the FIB. I do student trainings and I am securing functionality of many of our devices. The variety of my tasks at USTEM are challenging, I appreciate the opportunities I am offered and strengthen my talents.
EasiTrain, superconductivity
The aim of my thesis is to characterize the structure on micro and nano level of various superconducting materials that are provided for some of the main components of the CERN collider Future Circular. The investigation of the microstructure is essential to understand how the superconducting properties of materials can be improved in order to use them for future use. For this purpose, I use various electron microscopic techniques (both with SEM and TEM), which allow a better understanding of the parameters in the manufacturing process of materials affect their microstructural characteristics and thus their superconducting properties.
Materials science and physics
Throughout my university career, the energy loss spectrometry was my passion. I am pleased that the Vienna University of Technology and USTEM provide in this field excellence today. I co-founded USTEM 20 years ago and led in the early years. Now I support my colleagues with their scientific questions and lead research projects.
Focused Ion Beam and Scanning Electron Microscopy
The focus of my work at USTEM is scanning ion and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, I am investigating chemical and crystallographic characterizations of various materials based on scanning electron microscopy.
Scanning electron microscopy, ultramicrotomy
My main task is the examination of a wide variety of samples on the scanning electron microscope, the preparation at the FIB and the training of students on these devices. The microtome, which can be used to produce ultra-thin sections, is also my area of responsibility. For me, working on the scanning electron microscope has lost none of its fascination even after 35 years: I keep seeing surprises, seeing beautiful structures or discovering something new about everyday things. Since there are no routine samples at USTEM, every examination is new and exciting.
During my apprenticeship at USTEM I received optimal training and learned a lot about preparation. I will continue to use and deepen this in the future at USTEM. I am happy to be able to continue to support my colleagues in this area after the completion of my apprenticeship. My special interest lies in cryo-ultramicrotomy and scanning electron microscopy.
Energy loss spectrometry
As part of a research project I am working on my doctoral thesis at USTEM: I am researching some fascinating properties of electron energy loss.
Physics, materials science
I am developing new analysis methods for TEM & EELS, especially in the areas of orbital mapping (mapping of individual electronic states in solids), magnetic measurements at the atomic level, electron beam design / shaping (vortex beams) and simulations (imaging and spectroscopy).
Physics, materials science
In addition to chemical analysis at the nanometer scale by using electron energy loss measurements and X-ray spectroscopy I research the manipulation of the electron beam, holographic methods and so-called vortex beams, which are suitable for measuring magnetism at the sub-nanometer scale. In addition, I serve customers in their research projects.
Scanning electron microscopy, ultramicrotomy
I am primarily in contract research in all of electron microscopes USTEM using all analytical techniques employed. My special expertise lies in atomically resolved imaging, crystallography and energy dispersive X-ray analysis for chemical characterization on the nanometer scale.
Materials science and physics
In addition to chemical analysis in the nanometer range, I am concerned with the characterization of optical properties on the scales, the visible light are not accessible. With the help of energy loss measurements and the detection of light which is excited by the electron beam in the sample, it is possible to determine the optical properties.