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Novel Applications of FIB-SEM-Based ToF-SIMS in Atom Probe Tomography Workflows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2020

William D.A. Rickard Open the ORCID record for William D.A. Rickard [Opens in a new window] ,
Steven M. Reddy Open the ORCID record for Steven M. Reddy [Opens in a new window] ,
David W. Saxey Open the ORCID record for David W. Saxey [Opens in a new window] ,
Denis Fougerouse Open the ORCID record for Denis Fougerouse [Opens in a new window] ,
Nicholas E. Timms Open the ORCID record for Nicholas E. Timms [Opens in a new window] ,
Luke Daly Open the ORCID record for Luke Daly [Opens in a new window] ,
Emily Peterman ,
Aaron J. Cavosie Open the ORCID record for Aaron J. Cavosie [Opens in a new window]  and
Fred Jourdan Open the ORCID record for Fred Jourdan [Opens in a new window]
William D.A. Rickard*
Affiliation:
John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
Steven M. Reddy
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
David W. Saxey
Affiliation:
John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
Denis Fougerouse
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
Nicholas E. Timms
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
Luke Daly
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney2006, NSW, Australia
Emily Peterman
Affiliation:
Earth and Oceanographic Science, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, USA
Aaron J. Cavosie
Affiliation:
School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
Fred Jourdan
Affiliation:
John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA6845, Australia
*
*Author for correspondence: William D.A. Rickard, Email: w.rickard@curtin.edu.au
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Abstract

Atom probe tomography (APT) is used to quantify atomic-scale elemental and isotopic compositional variations within a very small volume of material (typically <0.01 µm3). The small analytical volume ideally contains specific compositional or microstructural targets that can be placed within the context of the previously characterized surface in order to facilitate a correct interpretation of APT data. In this regard, careful targeting and preparation are paramount to ensure that the desired target, which is often smaller than 100 nm, is optimally located within the APT specimen. Needle-shaped specimens required for atom probe analysis are commonly prepared using a focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM). Here, we utilize FIB-SEM-based time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to illustrate a novel approach to targeting <100 nm compositional and isotopic variations that can be used for targeting regions of interest for subsequent lift-out and APT analysis. We present a new method for high-spatial resolution targeting of small features that involves using FIB-SEM-based electron deposition of platinum “buttons” prior to standard lift-out and sharpening procedures for atom probe specimen manufacture. In combination, FIB-ToF-SIMS analysis and application of the “button” method ensure that even the smallest APT targets can be successfully captured in extracted needles.

Keywords

FIB-SEMatom probe tomograpysample preparationFIB-ToF-SIMS
Type
Australian Microbeam Analysis Society Special Section AMAS XV 2019
Information
Microscopy and Microanalysis , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , August 2020 , pp. 750 - 757
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Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2020

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