Microscopy with neutral helium atoms: A wide-ranging new technique for delicate samples
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Microscopy is vitally important across a wide range of scientific and technological fields. However, despite the multitude of techniques available, there are many materials that are inaccessible to conventional tools: conventional light microscopy is limited to around micron length-scales; electron microscopy often leads to sample damage or charging; and scanning probe methods (such as atomic force microscopy) are limited to small areas on predominantly flat surfaces. Such problems are particularly acute in the case of delicate materials: for example, organic electronic thin films that are damaged by high-energy electrons, or fine polymer structures, where charging obscures the image.
The main aim of this proposal is to develop a revolutionary new technique - Scanning Helium Microscopy (SHeM) - that generates images using a low-energy beam of neutral atoms and so obviates the above problems. The new technique has great potential, but it is essential to improve its spatial resolution and to make it possible for non-specialists to perform helium microscopy easily. The applicants are ideally positioned to lead these developments, by exploiting the technology they developed. The research programme is designed to firmly establish helium microscopy as a cutting-edge research tool. The main themes are:
1. To develop a new high resolution microscope that will achieve nanoscale resolution and an imaging rate comparable with scanning probe techniques. The new microscope will make possible a wide range of new experiments. It will be suitable for use by non-specialists and made available to users through a facility-like access model.
2. To establish and promote the nascent field of helium-microscopy by performing a broad range of collaborative experiments, spanning multiple applications. These will establish applicability of the technique, and help to develop the imaging modalities required to optimise image contrast arises from a variety of atom-surface scattering mechanisms.
3. To develop advanced image collection and reconstruction methods, including making use of the compressibility of natural images, to minimise acquisition time and maximise the information content that can be obtained during any given experimental period. By applying such cutting-edge algorithms to a low-signal scanned probe microscopy for the first time, we anticipate the impact of this theme extending far beyond the present project.
The programme is inherently collaborative: the new microscope will be developed and constructed at the Cavendish Laboratory (Physics, Cambridge), supported by nano-fabrication of key components in the Materials Physics group, Glasgow. Researchers in Applied Maths (Cambridge) will develop accelerated imaging methods, while a further series of international collaborators have agreed to provide samples, time and expertise, to explore helium imaging in a diverse range of fields.
Microscopy with helium will have impact across a wide range of scientific and technological fields, wherever it is difficult to image delicate samples. Applications that are already foreseen include semiconductor devices, composite materials, organic films and the high aspect-ratio structures used in MEMS devices; but the scope for this new microscopy has yet to be fully explored. Success in the project will lead to the commercialisation of a new imaging technology, the impact of which the UK is uniquely positioned to exploit.
The main aim of this proposal is to develop a revolutionary new technique - Scanning Helium Microscopy (SHeM) - that generates images using a low-energy beam of neutral atoms and so obviates the above problems. The new technique has great potential, but it is essential to improve its spatial resolution and to make it possible for non-specialists to perform helium microscopy easily. The applicants are ideally positioned to lead these developments, by exploiting the technology they developed. The research programme is designed to firmly establish helium microscopy as a cutting-edge research tool. The main themes are:
1. To develop a new high resolution microscope that will achieve nanoscale resolution and an imaging rate comparable with scanning probe techniques. The new microscope will make possible a wide range of new experiments. It will be suitable for use by non-specialists and made available to users through a facility-like access model.
2. To establish and promote the nascent field of helium-microscopy by performing a broad range of collaborative experiments, spanning multiple applications. These will establish applicability of the technique, and help to develop the imaging modalities required to optimise image contrast arises from a variety of atom-surface scattering mechanisms.
3. To develop advanced image collection and reconstruction methods, including making use of the compressibility of natural images, to minimise acquisition time and maximise the information content that can be obtained during any given experimental period. By applying such cutting-edge algorithms to a low-signal scanned probe microscopy for the first time, we anticipate the impact of this theme extending far beyond the present project.
The programme is inherently collaborative: the new microscope will be developed and constructed at the Cavendish Laboratory (Physics, Cambridge), supported by nano-fabrication of key components in the Materials Physics group, Glasgow. Researchers in Applied Maths (Cambridge) will develop accelerated imaging methods, while a further series of international collaborators have agreed to provide samples, time and expertise, to explore helium imaging in a diverse range of fields.
Microscopy with helium will have impact across a wide range of scientific and technological fields, wherever it is difficult to image delicate samples. Applications that are already foreseen include semiconductor devices, composite materials, organic films and the high aspect-ratio structures used in MEMS devices; but the scope for this new microscopy has yet to be fully explored. Success in the project will lead to the commercialisation of a new imaging technology, the impact of which the UK is uniquely positioned to exploit.
Planned Impact
WHO?
Microscopy has a huge range of applicability and a new form of microscopy has the potential to contribute to active research across the whole spectrum physical and biological sciences, leading in the longer term to both societal and economic impact. In addition to the previous academic beneficiaries, we confidently anticipate impact in the following industrially-relevant fields.
- Semiconductors, electronics and materials for energy: Fabrication is notoriously difficult and delicate. SHeM will provide new opportunities for metrology, including in-situ applications, even during growth. Delicate organic devices in particular can be imaged without destroying functionality; we therefore envisage new approaches to correlating structure with response, ultimately improving the development cycle.
- New polymers and composites: The materials science community will benefit when characterising insulating, charge sensitive and optically active materials, ultimately leading to more sophisticated new materials. Micro-machined polymers, plastics and composites will benefit in particular, especially when involving structures spanning nano- to micron length-scales.
- Device technology: It will be possible to image micro- to nanoscale devices whose structures are difficult to resolve. These include photonic assemblies, devices with quantum functionality, MEMS structures, microfluidic devices and even polymeric medical structures; these typically cannot be conductively coated to enable imaging with charged particles without altering their fundamental characteristics.
- 'Soft' technologies, including biological materials, ices, and waxes that are vacuum compatible can be imaged without preparation or coating. Hence, melting or other damage is avoided without masking surface structure.
- High value samples: Imaging of extremely valuable samples is often avoided due to the risk of damage. SHeM avoids any possibility of beam-induced degradation, mitigating perceived risks and permitting access to unusual specimens such as archaeological artefacts, meteorites, or other irreplaceable items.
- Technology generated will have impact well beyond the immediate field of SHeM. Most notably, the accelerated acquisition and reconstruction methods will benefit the microscopy, remote sensing, image analysis and optical reconstruction.
HOW?
We will engage with as wide a range of potential end-users as possible. Direct collaboration is integral to our strategy: academic groups help showcase the new microscopy, while setting up the proposed microscope as a user-facility extends the audience even further. Academic dissemination will be directed towards conferences and publications with a broad audience: e.g. conferences with delegates from across the sciences. Industrial interest will be nurtured through contributions to community and trade magazines.
Direct links with industry are proposed. We include letters from Element 6, Hitachi and NILT, and will conduct research with them, contributing directly to their R&D. A major goal is to develop a commercial prototype (TRL 6), which will provide much greater access to the technology, benefitting the international scientific community and the UK high-tech economy in general. Cambridge Enterprise will handle IP aspects, and will help establish the most effective route to market, either by licencing, or through an independent spin-out company.
People impacts are also expected. The programme will support training at the undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral levels in both the Universities of Cambridge and Glasgow. Teaching material will be developed for incorporation into courses and student research projects at all levels, leading to long term impact, as individuals develop into future leaders of research. There will be further impact through educational outreach to schools, leveraging our many existing outreach programmes, and drawing on the visual appeal of microscopy.
Microscopy has a huge range of applicability and a new form of microscopy has the potential to contribute to active research across the whole spectrum physical and biological sciences, leading in the longer term to both societal and economic impact. In addition to the previous academic beneficiaries, we confidently anticipate impact in the following industrially-relevant fields.
- Semiconductors, electronics and materials for energy: Fabrication is notoriously difficult and delicate. SHeM will provide new opportunities for metrology, including in-situ applications, even during growth. Delicate organic devices in particular can be imaged without destroying functionality; we therefore envisage new approaches to correlating structure with response, ultimately improving the development cycle.
- New polymers and composites: The materials science community will benefit when characterising insulating, charge sensitive and optically active materials, ultimately leading to more sophisticated new materials. Micro-machined polymers, plastics and composites will benefit in particular, especially when involving structures spanning nano- to micron length-scales.
- Device technology: It will be possible to image micro- to nanoscale devices whose structures are difficult to resolve. These include photonic assemblies, devices with quantum functionality, MEMS structures, microfluidic devices and even polymeric medical structures; these typically cannot be conductively coated to enable imaging with charged particles without altering their fundamental characteristics.
- 'Soft' technologies, including biological materials, ices, and waxes that are vacuum compatible can be imaged without preparation or coating. Hence, melting or other damage is avoided without masking surface structure.
- High value samples: Imaging of extremely valuable samples is often avoided due to the risk of damage. SHeM avoids any possibility of beam-induced degradation, mitigating perceived risks and permitting access to unusual specimens such as archaeological artefacts, meteorites, or other irreplaceable items.
- Technology generated will have impact well beyond the immediate field of SHeM. Most notably, the accelerated acquisition and reconstruction methods will benefit the microscopy, remote sensing, image analysis and optical reconstruction.
HOW?
We will engage with as wide a range of potential end-users as possible. Direct collaboration is integral to our strategy: academic groups help showcase the new microscopy, while setting up the proposed microscope as a user-facility extends the audience even further. Academic dissemination will be directed towards conferences and publications with a broad audience: e.g. conferences with delegates from across the sciences. Industrial interest will be nurtured through contributions to community and trade magazines.
Direct links with industry are proposed. We include letters from Element 6, Hitachi and NILT, and will conduct research with them, contributing directly to their R&D. A major goal is to develop a commercial prototype (TRL 6), which will provide much greater access to the technology, benefitting the international scientific community and the UK high-tech economy in general. Cambridge Enterprise will handle IP aspects, and will help establish the most effective route to market, either by licencing, or through an independent spin-out company.
People impacts are also expected. The programme will support training at the undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral levels in both the Universities of Cambridge and Glasgow. Teaching material will be developed for incorporation into courses and student research projects at all levels, leading to long term impact, as individuals develop into future leaders of research. There will be further impact through educational outreach to schools, leveraging our many existing outreach programmes, and drawing on the visual appeal of microscopy.
Organisations
- University of Cambridge (Lead Research Organisation)
- Ionoptika (Collaboration)
- DURHAM UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- University of Newcastle (Collaboration)
- Smithsonian Institution (Collaboration)
- C N Technical Services (Collaboration)
- De Beers Group (Collaboration)
- Federal University of Sao Carlos (Collaboration)
- Philipp University of Marburg (Project Partner)
- NIL Technology (Denmark) (Project Partner)
- Element Six (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Technion - Israel Institue of Technology (Project Partner)
Publications
Lambrick S
(2020)
Multiple scattering in scanning helium microscopy
in Applied Physics Letters
Bergin M
(2021)
Complex optical elements for scanning helium microscopy through 3D printing
in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Lambrick SM
(2018)
A ray tracing method for predicting contrast in neutral atom beam imaging.
in Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
Lambrick SM
(2022)
Observation of diffuse scattering in scanning helium microscopy.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Lambrick S
(2021)
True-to-size surface mapping with neutral helium atoms
in Physical Review A
Colbrook M
(2019)
How to Compute Spectra with Error Control
in Physical Review Letters
Von Jeinsen NA
(2023)
2D Helium Atom Diffraction from a Microscopic Spot.
in Physical review letters
Bergin M
(2020)
Observation of diffraction contrast in scanning helium microscopy.
in Scientific reports
Bergin M
(2021)
Low-energy electron ionization mass spectrometer for efficient detection of low mass species.
in The Review of scientific instruments
Bergin M
(2019)
A method for constrained optimisation of the design of a scanning helium microscope.
in Ultramicroscopy
Lambrick S
(2021)
True-to-size surface mapping with neutral helium atoms
Hansen A
(2021)
Harmonic Analysis and Applications
Lambrick S
(2022)
Observation of diffuse scattering in scanning helium microscopy.
Von Jeinsen N
(2023)
2D Helium Atom Diffraction from a Microscopic Spot.
Colbrook M
(2019)
How to Compute Spectra with Error Control.
Lambrick S
(2020)
Multiple scattering in scanning helium microscopy
Description | The aim of this award was to develop the field of scanning helium microscopy (SHeM), a recently developed technique for imaging surfaces with neutral atoms. This revolutionary method was co-developed in our research group, and has wide and interdisciplinary applications. SHeM can be applied to almost any material, without any form of sample preparation. The method is particularly useful for imaging delicate materials and insulators, as there is no possibility of the measurement process causing damage, since the probe particles are uncharged and have extremely low energies. Example application areas include imaging insulators, light sensitive molecules, delicate polymers e.g. making up MEMS structures and even biological materials. During the project we have developed a new prototype SHeM instrument, as well as enhancing our existing SHeM instrument. We have simplified and improved all the key components of the microscope (e.g. helium source, sample environment, atom detector), which has enabled us to increase the imaging resolution by more than an order of magnitude. We expect a further order of magnitude in resolution will soon be possible. We have added a multi-detector capability which enables the complete 3D surface profile of a sample to be determined, and have developed a new ultra-high sensitivity detector, which is vital for achieving high spatial resolution in our images. Through a detailed measurement programme we have established the contrast mechanisms through which SHeM images are formed, including discovering several new mechanisms. Images are usually dominated by the local topography of the surface, although multiple scattering effects, diffuse illumination and shadowing of the helium can play important roles. On pristine surfaces or 2D materials, we have demonstrated that diffraction contrast can also be utilised, opening up a whole new direction for analysis of advanced 2D materials. We have applied the SHeM technique to image a wide range of samples, including insulators, organic/polymer films, biomaterials, and other technologically relevant materials. These studies have demonstrating the capabilities of the technique and will provide use-case examples, to enable other scientists to see how SHeM could be applied to image their samples. Perhaps most excitingly, we have established a partnership with Ionoptika Ltd., to take forward the new technology from the point which we have reached, to commercialisation. Such a step will be crucial to the wider adoption of the technique as a standard microscopic technique for delicate samples. |
Exploitation Route | The main research outcomes of this award are the availability of scanning helium microscopy (SHeM) as a new imaging tool for other researchers. As a form of microscopy, the way these outcomes will be taken forward is that other researchers will be able to use SHeM to image their own samples, which depending on their particular requirements will have particular advantages over other microscopy techniques. Initially, and particularly for academic researchers wishing to perform helium atom microscopy on their own samples, we envisage that users will access one of the two microscopes in Cambridge. Such imaging activities can either be performed collaboratively by engaging with researchers in Cambridge, or non-collaboratively as users of the Cambridge Atom Scattering Facility on a paid basis (see https://atomscattering.phy.cam.ac.uk). The Cambridge Atom Scattering Facility will become part of the National Facilities for Physics made available by the Cavendish Laboratory as part of the investment in and construction of the Ray Dolby Centre. More generally and in the longer term, especially in non-academic settings, we envisage that SHeM instruments will become commercially available. They will then be purchased by different organisations, perhaps as a single specialist instrument within a suite of microscopes, so that the technique will become available much more widely. Our commercialisation strategy has been to establish a partnership with Ionoptika Ltd., who are starting to develop a commercial SHeM offering and promote the technique widely. |
Sectors | Electronics,Energy,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Other |
URL | https://www.shem.uk |
Description | The aim of this award was to develop the field of scanning helium microscopy (SHeM), a recently developed technique for imaging and analysing surfaces with neutral atoms. The main research outcomes of this award are the availability of scanning helium microscopy (SHeM) as a new imaging tool for other researchers, along with the understanding of the imaging modalities that underpin use of the method. As a new form of microscopy which has a very diverse range of applications, huge amounts of impact are possible. Specific impact is beginning to emerge as other researchers begin to use SHeM to image their own samples; for example, to study organic electronic devices, characterise device growth processes, or study biofilms with biomedical applications. The full detail of the impact of many of these use-cases rests with the particular users concerned and we expect will be reported via their funding streams. The helium microscopy technology that has emerged from the award is now starting to have direct economic impact. The university technology is being commercialised by Ionoptika Ltd., who have the stated aim of adding a helium microscope product to their instrumentation portfolio. The commercial availability of SHeM will lead to much greater scientific impact through the operation of new commercially supplied instruments, as the number of users will increase dramatically once instruments can be purchased for use. Outside the immediate field of SHeM, the underlying technology developed during the award is also having wider commercial impact. Specifically, Ionoptika have now developed a new atom-beam source product, based on the work of the award - no such product is commercially available at present. That product will directly result in further economic impact, and indirectly through the impact arising from a wide range of other research activities. We anticipate similar economic and wider scientific impact will emerge related to commercialisation of the ultra-high sensitivity atom detectors that were developed during the award; similar to the atom-source product, ultra-high sensitivity detectors are not available commercially at present and have a wide range of potential applications. More generally, the award has had a major scientific impact on the newly emerging field of neutral atom microscopy; there are now at least 4 groups worldwide working in this area - stimulated, at least in part, by the momentum given to the field by the present award and our resulting lead in the area. Our work studying the fundamental imaging modalities has had important impact in that other groups have a clear understanding of the fundamental imaging process, and can therefore operate the imaging method effectively. |
First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
Sector | Electronics,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Other |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | COVID 19 Grant Extension Allocation University of Cambridge |
Amount | £71,145 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2020 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Covid Bridging Award: Developing the Field of Helium Microscopy |
Amount | £25,465 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 20.40(g) |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Isaac Newton Trust |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2021 |
End | 06/2021 |
Description | Knowledge Transfer Partnership: Helium Atom Microscopy |
Amount | £125,870 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10000925 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 02/2024 |
Description | Visiting Professorship - Professor Paul Dastoor |
Amount | £37,202 (GBP) |
Funding ID | VP1-2018-027 |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 01/2020 |
Title | Helium Microscope |
Description | The award aims to develop the technique of helium microscopy; we are developing a new instrument while the existing microscope is available for use by others. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | In progress. |
Title | Ray Tracing Simulation |
Description | This is a ray tracing simulation designed to help with the interpretation of helium microscopy images, and particularly formation of contrast due to multiple scattering and diffuse illumination. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The tool has contributed to several research papers, and further papers that (as of March 2021) are being prepared. |
URL | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1228078 |
Title | Data supporting A ray tracing method for predicting contrast in atom beam imaging |
Description | A ray-tracing method for predicting contrast in atom beam imaging ================================================================= A data-set supporting the publication "A ray tracing method for predicting contrast in atom beam imaging". The experimental data was taken in 2016 as part of an exercise to calibrate the instrument and the simulated data was generated between August 2017 and January 2018. The raw experimental data was gathered by direct digital acquisition from the hardware in Matlab and the simulated data was generated by the code at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1228079. MolFlow+ was also used to generate one data set: Molflow+ is a Monte Carlo code developed at CERN by R. Kersevan and M. Ady, website: cern.ch/molflow. The data is split into three parts in three folders: - the experimental data - the simulated data for the images of a tick mark - the simulated data looking at the transmission probability of the detector cone This data packet supports 'A ray tracing method for predicting contrast in neutral atom beam imaging', S.M. Lambrick et. al. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Title | Dataset supporting "Multiple scattering in scanning helium microscopy" |
Description | The data pack provides helium atom microscope image data for a test sample of FIB-ed trenches in silicon and of an Alvetex scaffold along with simulated ray tracing images for the same test sample. Optical profiler and SEM images are also provided that were used to measure the depth of the trenches. Text description files are included within the archive. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The data supported the publication "Multiple scattering in scanning helium microscopy", DOI: 10.1063/1.5143950 |
Title | Dataset supporting "Observation of diffraction contrast in scanning helium microscopy" |
Description | The data pack provides helium atom microscope image data for lithium fluoride surfaces, demonstrating observation of diffraction contrast. A description of the data format is included within the archive. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The dataset supports the publication "Observation of diffraction contrast in scanning helium microscopy", DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58704-1 |
Title | Research data supporting "Low-energy electron ionization mass spectrometer for efficient detection of low mass species" |
Description | The data set contains data relating to the performance of the highly efficient low mass species detector described in the paper "Low-energy electron ionization mass spectrometer for efficient detection of low mass species", DOI: 10.1063/5.0050292 |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The script was data was obtained during development of the ultra high sensitivity detector described in the paper at DOI:10.1063/5.0050292. |
URL | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4599730 |
Title | Research data supporting "True to size surface mapping with neutral helium atoms" |
Description | Simulated SHeM images and the associated 3D reconstructions and reconstruction errors that are presented in the associated publication. The contents of this data pack are split into: 1. A series of ray tracing simulation results that are provided in full, base simulation data of all the reconstructions presented in the paper are present. Those used for non-normal incidence with rotation are found with the 3D reconstructions rather than in the ray tracing results folder. 2. A selection of heliometric reconstructions. All the reconstructions that are directly presented in the paper are included. 3. Data on overall reconstruction accuracy that is used to produce the plots in the paper. All data is provided either in plain text or matlab `.mat` format. The provided `.stl` and `.png` files are for convinience, and replicate data stored in the `.mat` files. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | These data lay the first foundations for 3D stereoscopic imaging using scanning helium microscopy. |
URL | https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/333466 |
Title | Script for modeling gas diffusion through helium detectors |
Description | The script enables modelling of gas diffusion through helium atom detectors, which is a fundamentally important process in designing high sensitivity detectors for helium scattering and helium microscopy. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The script was used in developing the ultra high sensitivity detector described in the paper at DOI:10.1063/5.0050292. |
URL | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4445536 |
Description | Collaboration with CNTech Ltd. |
Organisation | C N Technical Services |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We performed neutral helium imaging of samples of metal on silicon substrates and of a silicon sample with trenches milled in to develop a model for potential chemical sensitive contrast in helium microscopy and investigate other contrast mechanisms such as depth sensitivity. |
Collaborator Contribution | CNTech worked on characterising samples with techniques able to probe the surface roughness on various length scales including white light interferometry, optical profilometry and atomic force microscopy to determine the surface states of the various parts of the sample. |
Impact | So far images have been included in our publication "Multiple scattering in scanning helium microscopy", DOI: 10.1063/1.5143950 |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Collaboration with University of Newcastle, Australia |
Organisation | University of Newcastle |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have established an ongoing collaboration with Prof. Paul Dastoor's group in the University of Newcastle Australia, following on from historic collaboration dating back to development of an initial version of a helium microscope in 2011. The two groups have worked collaboratively to understand contrast in helium images, and to establish applications of helium microscope technology. We were able to support Prof Dastoor in performing helium imaging and atom scattering experiments in Cambridge, to help him understand several existing measurements performed in Newcastle. In addition, we led a major public engagement event at the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition involving both the Cambridge and Newcastle research groups. We supported a programme of public and scientific talks designed to further develop and promote interest in the field of helium microscopy, involving Prof. Dastoor. |
Collaborator Contribution | During 2019 Newcastle provided extensive contributions in the form of Prof Dastoors direct involvement in Cambridge activities during his year long sabatical visit. Prof Dastoor engaged with a range of ongoing activies, experiments and publications, providing expert scientific expertise and advice. In support of the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition, Newcastle provided direct support of a local postdoctoral researcher for several months, as well as several months of time from a number of Newcastle staff and students, both in Newcastle, and during the exhibition itself in London. Prof Dastoor also supported our activities through a series of public and scientific talks promoting our field. |
Impact | Several publications have arisen from the longstanding collaboration (listed separately). A commercialisation opportunity is being discussed as a result of the collaboration (details are confidential for now). The collaboration is multidisciplinary, as the technique of helium microscopy can be applied in many areas of science, including physics, chemistry, materials science and biology. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Imaging Diamond Samples |
Organisation | De Beers Group |
Department | Element Six |
Country | Luxembourg |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Helium imaging of samples of industrial diamond. |
Collaborator Contribution | Supply of samples of industrial diamond. |
Impact | Series of images which will contribute to better understanding of diamond surfaces and diamond wear. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Imaging biological scaffolds |
Organisation | Durham University |
Department | Department of Biosciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We performed neutral helium imaging of biological scaffolds of interest to researchers in the Department of Biosciences at Durham university. We provided those images back to Durham university, thus providing a mechanism for them to image the actual scaffolds of interest in their experimental work, rather than representative samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners provided a series of samples, as well as advice on the requirements of their area of research. They also helped draft a paper that includes helium images of the scaffold structure. |
Impact | So far scaffold images have been included as an example within a related paper, "Multiple scattering in scanning helium microscopy", published in 2020. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Ionoptika Ltd. |
Organisation | Ionoptika |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | The aim of the partnership (co-funded between Innovate UK and Ionoptika) is to transfer basic knowledge on helium microscopy to Ionoptika Ltd., to support development of a commercial prototype scanning helium microscope and subsequently commercialisation of the technology, as well as other related products such as atom/molecular beam sources. We have employed a knowledge transfer associate, whos role is to act as the conduit for transfer of knowledge between the two organisations. We have directed ongoing research activities to further support knowledge transfer. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners have provided research funding, have engaged with the knowledge transfer process, and have provided extensive staff time from their side to support the development of a commercial scanning helium microscope. They have provided in-kind access to their research facilities for comparative measurements using molecular imaging SIMS. |
Impact | None yet. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | SHeM in Zooarcheology |
Organisation | Federal University of Sao Carlos |
Country | Brazil |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The aim of the collaboration was to assess the usefulness of helium atom imaging in archeological applications. We have performed helium atom imaging of zooarcheologically relevant samples provided by our collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | The aim of the collaboration was to assess the usefulness of helium atom imaging in archeological applications. Our collaborators provided samples for us to image. |
Impact | We have obtained preliminary SHeM images of relevant samples. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | SHeM in Zooarcheology |
Organisation | Smithsonian Institution |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The aim of the collaboration was to assess the usefulness of helium atom imaging in archeological applications. We have performed helium atom imaging of zooarcheologically relevant samples provided by our collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | The aim of the collaboration was to assess the usefulness of helium atom imaging in archeological applications. Our collaborators provided samples for us to image. |
Impact | We have obtained preliminary SHeM images of relevant samples. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Cambridge Physics Centre Lecture: Seeing With Atoms |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | This was a schools lecture about microscopy with helium atoms, based on our recent research. It enthused, stimulated and challenged students and their teachers about an exciting area of physics, and aimed to draw links with their school curriculum. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://outreach.phy.cam.ac.uk/programme/cpc |
Description | Girlguiding Cambs East STEM Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | STEM Activity Day organised by Girlguiding Cambridgeshire East. The day consisted of one hour timed sessions, we had a presentation about imaging through history leading to microscopy and the importance of knowing how a sample is affected by the measuring process. We made pinhole cameras using kits that we made in advance and each girl made their own camera and used it to look at bright objects in the environment before taking it home with them. We provided printed and online educational material to link to the GCSE and A-level physics through Isaac Physics and did an augmented reality exercise with the girls using our Augmented reality app. Many of the girls had visible reactions to seeing the effect of light on a sample and understood the principle of the measurement effecting the experiment and thus the result. The connection with being able to make something "that works" connected science and engineering to something that they could do themselves connecting them with cameras and microscope technologies in their lives. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | http://www.seeingwithatoms.com |
Description | Physics at Work 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Physics at Work is a Department of Physics event, bringing over 2000 students in to experience physics related activities. As part of this award we ran one of the twenty exhibits that students circulate around. Students interest was sparked, engaging them with physics for the future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://outreach.phy.cam.ac.uk |
Description | Physics at Work 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Physics at Work is a Department of Physics event, bringing over 2000 students in to experience physics related activities. As part of this award we ran one of the twenty exhibits that students circulate around, based on our 2019 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition stand. Students interest was sparked, engaging them with physics for the future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://outreach.phy.cam.ac.uk |
Description | Physics at Work 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Physics at Work is a Department of Physics event, engaging with over 2000 students to experience physics related activities. As part of this award we ran one of the approximately twenty exhibits that students engage with, based on our 2019 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition and recent laboratory research. This year the event ran online, involving a pre-recorded video, then a live Zoom session to engage with the participants. Students interest was sparked, engaging them with physics for the future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | http://outreach.phy.cam.ac.uk |
Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition is a major public engagement event run annually in central London, showcasing the best science from UK universities and research organisations. Places at the exhibit are competetively awarded, based on a formal application the year before. Our exhibition showcased the emerging technology of the scanning helium microscope (SHeM) and how it can be applied, including hands on demonstrations, augmented reality exhibits, and live-linkups with researchers in the SHeM labs in Cambridge, UK and Newcastle, Australia. Learning materials were developed in collaboration with Isaac Physics, enabling us to engage directly with teachers and the student curriculum, to consolidate our educational impact. The event enabled us to engage with thousands of students, individually and in school groups, sparking their interest, and providing them with the resources to build upon that spark. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.seeingwithatoms.com |