Microscopy & Tomography
Discovering material structures
Through our imaging analysis techniques, we explore the micro- and nanostructure of materials. Our tomographic capabilities even give us a three-dimensional insight into the structure. Thanks to our application-oriented and industry-related research activities, we can draw on commensurate experience. This includes preparative sample preparation and computer-assisted evaluation as well as post-processing.

Contact: Annika Pfaffenberger
Phone: +49 921 55 7503
E-mail: annika.pfaffenberger@uni-bayreuth.de
Max. sample size [cm] cylinder up to 3 diameters (optimum)
Max. resolution [µm/pixel] [mA] 2.3 at 120x magnification
Features
768×560 CCD-Kamera
Software
Skyscan (TomoNT and NRecon): control and acquisition software, ConeBeam reconstruction (generates cross-sectional images of the sample).
NRecon version 1.6.4.1 (Brucker): quantitative analysis of the reconstructed sectional planes, 3-D Creator (generates 3-D images and videos).
Analysis options
Non-destructive, 3-dimensional analysis of materials (polymer, glass, ceramic, metal) down to the sub-micro range. porous structures. Application examples: foam morphologies (cell size distribution, cell diameter, closed-cell, or open-cell structures), characterisation of fillers in composites and compounds (size, shape, and distribution), porosities, inclusions, etc.
Location: University of Bayreuth

Electron source tungsten cathode
Accelerating voltage [kV] 0,5 bis 30
Resolution in SE image [nm] 3 at 30 kV, 15 at 1 kV
Magnification range x5 to x300 000
Specimen stage (travel) [mm] X: 80, Y: 40, Z: 6 to 45
Detectors
Secondary and backscatter electron detector
Resolution [nm] 0.2 (line), 0.29 (point), at 200 kV
High voltage [kV] 120; 160; 200 (variable)
Nominal voltage [eV] 0 – 2500 (step size 0.2 eV)
Cathode thermal LaB6 cathode
Koehler radiation system four lenses
Focus length [mm] 3
Spherical aberration constant cs [mm] 2.2
Chromatic aberration constant cc [mm] 2.2
Astigmatism [µm] <1
Smallest focusing step [nm] 15
Spectrometer type Omega
Isochromatic [eV] Energy resolution (reduced irradiation) ± 0.65
Distribution [µm/eV] 0.8 (energy distribution plane), 0.3 (image plane)
Image recording
Negative film (3,25″ x 4″), Gatan Ultrascan 1000 CCD camera with Gatan GMS image processing

Resolution [nm] 0.344 (line), 0.5 (point), at 80 kV
High voltage [kV] 50; 80
Nominal voltage [eV] 0 – 2000 (step size 0.5 eV)
Cathode thermal tungsten cathode
Focus length [mm] 2.6
Spherical aberration constant cs [mm] 2.2
Chromatic aberration constant cc [mm] 1.7
astigmatism [µm] <1
smallest focusing step [nm] 15
Spectrometer type Castaing/Ottensmeyer
Isochromatic [eV] Energy resolution (full irradiation) ± 7.5
Isochromatic [eV] Energy resolution (reduced irradiation) ± 1.5 eV
Distribution [µm/eV] 1.8 (energy distribution plane), 0.5 (image plane)
Image recording
Negative film (3.25″ x 4″), Dage SIT low light video camera, SIS Megaview III CCD camera with AnalySIS image processing
Contact: Annika Pfaffenberger
Phone: +49(0)921 55 75 03

Magnification 6,3 to 40 fach
Features
Digital and analogue image processing
Test method
Surface topography, measuring microscope
Automated microscope with high-resolution Leica DFC450 digital camera and LAS software for image processing.
Objectives: 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x (plus 10x)
Methods: incident light (brightfield, polarisation), transmitted light (brightfield, polarisation)
Motorised high-performance focusing drive with small step size of 10 nm for capturing image stacks in Z-direction
- Visualisation of samples with high roughness with outstanding image sharpness
- Quantification of height differences on the sample surface
- Automatic combination of overlapping images through stitching function
Can be used with a Mettler-Toledo FP82HT hotstage (in combination with a 20x objective, temperature range: RT to 375 °C).
Accuracy of the hotstage: RT to 100 °C ± 0.4 °C
100 to 200 °C ± 0.6 °C
200 to 300 °C ± 0.8 °C
Phone: +49 921 55 75 03
E-mail: annika.pfaffenberger@uni-bayreuth.de
Location: University of Bayreuth
Magnification 25 to 175 fach
Features
Digital image processing

Sputter material gold
Sample size [mm] Ø 25, height 30
Frequency [1/min] 600
Features
Digital and analogue image processing
Methods
Ideal for cutting composites and foams