Laser-PEEM/LEEM Facility for Multidisciplinary Nanoscience Imaging

Lead Research Organisation: Diamond Light Source
Department Name: Physical Sciences

Abstract

Electron microscopy has a strong record of disruptive breakthroughs that propel innovation by exploring the fundamental properties of a wide range of naturally occurring and fabricated materials. A PhotoEmission Electron Microscope (PEEM) gives nanoscale insights into the chemical, magnetic and electronic properties of materials. A Low-Energy Electron Microscope (LEEM) provides detailed nanoscale structural insights through full-field imaging combined with spatially resolved Low-Energy Electron Diffraction (micro-LEED). We will combine PEEM/LEEM with a continuous wave (CW) laser (Laser-PEEM/LEEM) to provide a unique user facility with the highest possible spatial resolution and with probing depths ranging from less than a nanometre to tens of nanometres. The Laser-PEEM/LEEM instrument will provide unique opportunities to connect structure to function through detailed nanoscale imaging and real-time monitoring of, for example, catalytic chemistry on and around nanoparticles, ferroic domain wall manipulation, edge state structural modifications in 2D materials, battery electrode degradation and photovoltaic cell activity.
The multidisciplinary Laser-PEEM/LEEM facility will provide the science and engineering research community with unique capabilities to address urgent and important societal challenges related to climate change, energy storage, energy harvesting, data and clean growth by enabling scientific advances in, for instance, photovoltaic efficiency, stable and secure data storage device technologies and battery performance.

Publications

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Reimers S (2023) Current-driven writing process in antiferromagnetic Mn2Au for memory applications. in Nature communications

 
Description The laserPEEM facility is operational as a user facility and accepting peer reviewed proposals. Twenty researchers have received tutorials and hand-on training in PhotoEmission Electron Microscopy. New sample transfer and sample mounting methodologies have been developed using the funded equipment. A research technical professional is assigned to the equipment to operate and upgrade the facility as required. The laserPEEM facility has benefitted considerably as a national user facility from the expansive support infrastructure available at Diamond.
Exploitation Route The methodology of providing a new national facility at a large-scale facility through a UKRI grant could be duplicated by others.
Sectors Chemicals

Education

Electronics

Energy

Environment
URL https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Instruments/Magnetic-Materials/I06/laserPEEM.html
 
Description NanoESCA facility collaboration 
Organisation University of Bristol
Department School of Physics
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have purchased time on the NanoESCA facility at the University of Bristol and collaborated with Prof. Neil Fox and Dr. Jude Laverock. The purchase of time was funded by the grant and collaborative activity to work on graphene and develop sample transefer between the NanoESCA and Diamond equipment is being developed.
Collaborator Contribution Prof. Neil Fox and Dr. Jude Laverock from the University of Bristol provided expertise and advice on setting up a new PEEM facility. Diamond staff and the University of Bristol staff work on research projects together on 2D materials.
Impact The collaboration is in its early stages. Prof. Neil Fox and Dr. Jude Laverock have joined the user working group for the laser PEEM facility.
Start Year 2022