AXT is pleased to announce the sale of another TESCAN Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with Thermo Scientific UltraDry EDS detector after winning a successful competitive tender. This system was purchased by Federation University via a CCSNET EIF grant and will be located in their Carbon Capture and Storage laboratories at their Gippsland campus.

The system in question is a TESCAN VEGA LMU SEM with large vacuum chamber and variable pressure capability for environmental imaging. It features a fully automatic stage and state-of-the-art electronics and optics benefitting from more than 10 years of continuous development.

Other key system features include TESCAN’s unique four lens Wide Field Optics design, patented Intermediate Lens (IML) that provides an infinitely adjustable final aperture and industry-leading ultra-fast imaging rates down to 20ns/pixel. Data and image acquisition is aided by a range of automated functions including optimisation of focus/stigmatism, contrast/brightness, spot size/probe current, gun heating/alignment, column alignment and auto diagnostics.

Federation University have specified the system to include a Thermo Scientific UltraDry EDS detector that incorporates a state-of-the-art silicon drift detector for elemental analysis. This detector combines superior resolution with extremely high count rates that produces rapid, high accuracy analyses. More detectors can be added to at a later date if required to further extend the analytical capabilities of the SEM.

Researchers at Federation University will be using the new system to reduce the cost of carbon capture technology. In particular they will be looking into heterogeneous chemistry and the behaviour of fly ash, (a by-product of coal-fired power stations) and the degradation of carbon capture systems when exposed to flue gases.

When asked why Federation University selected the VEGA SEM system, Dr. Vince Verheyen said, “we preferred AXT’s offer as it provided excellent value for money. They also listened to our requirements and tailored a solution to meet our needs. We look forward to working with them to realise our research goals in developing sustainable carbon capture technologies.”

AXT represent TESCAN and Thermo Scientific’s microanalysis and surface science product lines in Australia and New Zealand.