An Integrated Environmental Holder for the TEM

The Department of Energy supports the microcharacterization of materials via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) as a core research area. This project will expand the utility of TEM by developing an environmental holder for liquid and gaseous environments. While the proposed effort will focus on gas delivery, existing proven technology will be leveraged for liquid delivery. Thus, the resulting holder will have utility for both gas and liquids, using modular components and different delivery systems. The gas system will include a capability for heating the sample to high-temperatures (1000oC), will have minimal sample drift and vibration, and will be suitable for ready modification in the user¿s laboratory. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee Few laboratories can afford a dedicated TEM microscope; hence the development of a practical and high performance holder of this type should permit a far greater pool of users that can participate in in situ studies. This improvement should lead to scientific advancements across multiple areas of research relevant to the DOE mission