Facility Highlight: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

The CrystalProbe-Montpellier Infrastructure

The CrystalProbe-Montpellier infrastructure is an advanced field-emission-gun (FEG) scanning electron microscope (SEM) uniquely equipped with ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) capabilities. This state-of-the-art SEM, known as the CrystalProbe FEX500, is one of only two in existence—the other located in Liverpool, UK. Specially designed for high-resolution crystallographic orientation mapping and phase identification in crystalline materials, the CrystalProbe-Montpellier stands out due to its exceptional precision and versatility.

Key Features:

• High-Resolution Mapping: The system can achieve crystallographic map resolutions as fine as 0.05 μm, enabling detailed analysis of geological materials.
• Advanced EBSD Camera: Equipped with the Symmetry camera from Oxford Instruments, it allows for ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive EBSD measurements.
• Simultaneous Crystallographic and Chemical Mapping: The integrated EDS detector supports concurrent analysis of both structural and chemical properties.
• Specialized Configuration: The electron gun is inclined at 70° to the vertical, housed in a large chamber with controlled pressure to minimize drift during measurements.
• Temperature Range for In Situ Experimentation: The system supports a broad temperature range, from -180 °C to 800 °C, facilitating diverse experimental conditions.
• High Acquisition Frequency: Capable of reaching acquisition frequencies up to 500 Hz, ensuring rapid data collection.

Application

The CrystalProbe-Montpellier, part of the CNRS-INSU platform, offers comprehensive services and facilities for high-resolution crystallographic and chemical mapping. The platform caters to a wide array of materials, including rocks, ice, and metallic specimens, attracting users from both public organizations and industry worldwide.