Research on nanoprocess of non-equilibrium materials by in situ ultra-high voltage electron microscopy

Microscopy (Oxf). 2020 Dec 3;69(6):331-339. doi: 10.1093/jmicro/dfaa042.

Abstract

Ultra-high voltage electron microscopy is useful for research utilizing high-penetration thickness of electron beam, in situ observation, or irradiation effects by the particle characteristics of electrons. In this review, the importance of non-equilibrium materials science research by a combination with irradiation effects and in situ observation is shown, and examples of some research are introduced. For example, crystal-amorphous-crystalline phase transition in intermetallic compounds, non-equilibrium phase transition in pure metallic nanoparticles and nucleation and growth process of electron irradiation-induced crystallization in amorphous nanoparticles will be discussed. Finally, we want to suggest the importance of exploring non-equilibrium materials science based on dynamic structures which has been unexplored.

Keywords: in situ observation; non-equilibrium materials; ultra-high voltage electron microscopy.