Physical Sciences Projects

Three Dimensional Imaging of Atoms in Archaeological Glasses from the 4th–1st Centuries BC
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The Local Electrode Atom Probe (LEAP) at the Electron Microscope Unit is able to map the atoms in 3D in a small volume of conductive material at a sub-nanometer scale. Recently, the field of application of the LEAP has been widened by the implementation of laser delivering pulses having a duration of only a few picoseconds, which allows analysis of poorly conductive materials as well. The specimen has to be prepared as a very sharp needle. During this project a new technique to prepare specimens out of bulk glass materials will be developed and extensively studied. The final aim of this project is to analyse in the LEAP, among other instruments, some rare and precious archaeological Hellenistic glasses from Gordion in central Turkey (c334-30 BC – time of Alexander the Great).

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Alloys
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Alloys find many applications in our world around us. This project involves the examination of alloys using SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Determine the composition of each alloy investigated as a means to understand: "why are they made of what they are?". Are alloys or metals chosen because they are cheap, readily available or fit an intended purpose? Clearly when you look at metallic items like keys, a wide range of materials are used so why are they made of aluminium, steels or brasses? What about coins? Look at coins (from different countries or follow a particular coin such as our 50c piece and look at changes over the years), paper clips, staples, knives or other kitchen implements or select an alloy of your choice.

Three Dimensional Imaging of Atoms in Advanced Titanium Alloys

The new Local Electrode Atom Probe (LEAP) at the Electron Microscope Unit allows us to see the 3-D arrangement of atoms in solids. The atoms at the tip of a needle-like specimen are ionized and drawn out by the local electric field. The ionized atoms are removed one-by-one and their precise 3-D positions are recorded. The mass spectrometer in the LEAP can identify the ionized atoms to a very high resolution. Therefore, one can get 3-D images at the nanometre scale showing the position and type of each atom. This project is concerned with the development of new advanced titanium alloys for aerospace applications where there is a need to understand the alloy structure and chemistry down to the atomic level. The TSP student working in this program will develop new specimen preparation techniques for these advanced alloys.

Age Hardening of Advanced Aluminium Alloys
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A range of new alloys have recently been cast for scientific studies on the effects of novel thermomechanical processing on age hardening. Whereas it is known that the isothermal ageing of these alloys at temperatures ~150°C leads to great improvements in hardness, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Of interest in this project is the observation that the hardening response can increase greatly when the ageing process is interrupted and recommenced. This project will explore this effect in greater detail using hardness measurements and electron microscopy.

New Developments in Rapid Sample Fabrication for FIM and APT
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Field ion microscopy (FIM) and atom probe tomography (APT) provide quantitative data at the atomic scale. Using reconstructive techniques, a 3-D image of a portion of the atomic structure can be generated, allowing for a detailed analysis of the nano-structure of the sampled material. One of the limitations in this system is that for many materials the fabrication of specimens is a time consuming process, limiting the range of possible analysis materials to those which are easier to prepare. This project will have the student employing new specimen fabrication techniques for FIM and APT, such as ultramicrotomy and focussed ion beam microscopy to rapidly produce large quantities of specimens in an efficient and effective manner.

Create Your Own Investigation
Have you ever looked at something up close and discovered a new world of amazing complexity? The EMU offers a wide variety of microscopy and microanalysis techniques which can be used to explore the specimen of your choice! Under the supervision of an academic supervisor, develop an experimental approach to investigate foods, electronic devices, sporting equipment, paper, moulds, plants & flowers, insects or whatever your curiosity unearths.