CPER-FEDER project Multi3

Multi3 : Advanced multi-scale and multi-functional characterization for multi-disciplinary research

 

The importance of fine characterization techniques in laboratories specializing in the study of the physical, mechanical or chemical properties of materials in general is well established. In order to understand microstructure/property relationships, develop new materials and analyze synthesis or processing methods, it is essential to have high-performance analysis tools on a wide range of scales, from the micron to the atomic scale. In addition, as the materials and systems studied become increasingly complex, with several functions targeted simultaneously, it is also crucial to know the surface characteristics of the materials studied, to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) view of their structure, and to be able to study at the relevant scales the relationships between their structure and the targeted properties, under conditions that best reproduce the actual environment of use (so-called “operando” imaging).

The Lyon Saint-Etienne Consortium is a federative structure pooling advanced microscopy equipment, for academic research of excellence on multi-scale structure-property relationships, in particular via operando microscopy. The MULTI3 project aims to extend the range of 3D and operando characterization facilities available at CLYM.

 

Target equipments

  • A dual-column ion beam microscope (FIB) equipped with analytical accessories (EDS, EBSD) and a cryogenic stage. The selected instrument is a Zeiss Crossbeam 750 equipped with a laser. A cryogenic stage and a glove box for transfers under inert gas are currently being procured.
  • An in situ liquid sample holder for transmission electron microscopy (Protochips Poseidon, installed on the JEOL NEO-ARM microscope in Saint-Etienne). This sample holder enables analysis at temperatures above ambient temperature and electrochemical characterization.
  • A stage enabling various types of micro/nanomechanical testing (compression, tensile, flexure, indentation, friction, DMA) in situ using environmental scanning electron microscopy (Bruker PI89). Tests can be performed at room temperature under gas, or under vacuum up to 1,000°C. The stage can also be mounted on the Brillouin microscope at the Institut Lumière Matière. It will also be possible to use it in the FIB-laser.
  • A climate chamber equipped with a device for locally measuring sample deformation during tensile testing at elevated temperatures using a heated tensile testing stage (Newtec MT1000).
  • A plasma cleaner for cleaning samples, MET slides, and SEM stages.

 

Funding

The project is led by INSA Lyon, a leading engineering school in France.

It is supported by the CPER 2021-2027 program and the FEDER-FSE+ Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2021-2027 program.

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In practice

The FIB laser is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2026. Its accessories (cryogenic stage, glove box) are currently being procured. The other equipments are operational.

For further information, please contact CLYM management.