SBIR-STTR Award

Scanning) Transmission electron microscopy S)TEM) is primary characterization method used to determine nanoscale features and local internal structure of materials. Recently, S)TEM observation of materials at cryogenic temperatures have gathered significant interests, particularly in evaluating material for quantum information systems. At low temperatures one can studying these materials’ magnetic phases, superconductivity and topological states with nanometer spatial resolutions using S)TEM. For many of these applications, temperatures down to liquid helium temperatures are required to study the relevant phenomena, while at the same time allowing high-resolution imaging. However, there is currently no dedicated TEM stage solution specifically designed to stably image samples at liquid helium temperatures all the way to room temperature and that allows high- resolution imaging and spectroscopy of samples throughout that temperature range. Previously, Hummingbird Scientific has developed a stable liquid nitrogen LN2)-cooled cryo-biasing holder capable of high-resolution imaging and electrical stimuli in real-time http://hummingbirdscientific.com/products/cryo-biasing/), which is currently released as a prototype to customers pending publications. Levering this work for this upcoming proposed SBIR project, we propose to design, develop and bring to market a dedicated cryo TEM stage that can cool the sample down to liquid helium temperatures and can image stably at temperatures from Liquid Helium up to room temperature. This will new product will aid in understanding of bonding, optical, plasmonic, magnetic and vibration properties of materials using electron energy-loss spectroscopy EELS) throughout the full temperature regime. This characterization tool can specifically leverage the fast imaging capabilities that current generation high-sensitivity/high frame rate TEM cameras can provide in acquiring the most impactful data. This product will be key in allowing scientists to expand the knowledge of structure-property relationships in materials, specifically the relation between temperature and electronic properties, and will allow for the accelerated development of the next generation of quantum-inspired technologies.

(Scanning) Transmission electron microscopy is a primary characterization method used to determine nanoscale features and the local internal structure of materials. Recently, transmission electron microscopy observations of materials at cryogenic temperatures have gathered significant interest, particularly for evaluating materials related to quantum information systems. Only at temperatures below what can be achieved with liquid nitrogen can the magnetic phases, superconductivity, and topological states of these materials be studied, and only transmission electron microscopy can provide nanometer spatial resolution data. Stable, liquid helium temperature cooled samples in the microscope are therefore necessary to study the most relevant quantum phenomena in sufficient detail. However, there is currently no dedicated transmission electron microscope stage solution specifically designed to stably image samples between liquid helium (4K) and liquid nitrogen (77K) temperatures, and that allows high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy of samples throughout that temperature range. In Phase I, Hummingbird Scientific successfully designed, built, and tested a liquid helium temperature internal TEM sample motion stage. This proof-of-concept stage has demonstrated that a retrofit internal stage is a viable commercial product and can address the scientific community’s need for high-resolution transmission electron microscope imaging at temperatures below 77K. Our proposed Phase II commercialization work plan focuses on (1) further optimization of the stage performance based on our Phase I performance results, (2) developing the necessary beta tilt, robotic sample handling for sample loading, and biasing capabilities required for a commercial product, (3) build and test each new feature to a beta LHe TEMstage, and (4) preparing the product for launch by beta testing, manufacturing cost reduction, and compatibility with the major original equipment manufacturer transmission electron microscope configurations. When commercialization efforts of this ultra-low temperature in-situ TEM stage succeed as expected, these methods will become widely available to researchers for understanding interactions over a heretofore-unexplored range of materials and temperatures for quantum material systems. This product will be key in allowing scientists to expand the knowledge of structure-property relationships in materials, specifically the relation between temperature and electronic properties, and will allow for the accelerated development of the next generation of quantum-inspired technologies and 2D materials.