Electronic microscopy, its development possibilities at the ISSP and research results of various scientific activities at the laboratory of Solid State Radiation Physics

Dr.phys. Krišjānis Šmits (ISSP UL Laboratory of Solid State Radiation Physics)

The TEM microscope has been operating at ISSP UL for 2 years and during this time the sample preparation and measurement methods have been mastered. The workshop will provide a brief overview of the most commonly used research methods and the results obtained. Some practical research results and the limits of the microscope possibilities are shown. During this time, it has also been possible to carry out research using the Titan Themis TEM microscope in Tartu, which is equipped with a Cs corrector. This allows us to compare the capabilities of both devices and evaluate the usefulness and necessity of some additions to ISSP UL electron microscopy equipment. We will look at the development options of the equipment and what the improvement of existing TEM and its optimal equipment (HAADF, EELS and CL) might be.

Research in the laboratory of solid state physics employs predominantly luminescent methods supplemented by information acquired in electron microscopy. There is a wide range of materials to be studied, but currently mainly the luminescent properties of various oxides and complex oxides are studied. In the framework of the seminar, we will look at some of the studies and publications created during the last two years.

The seminar will focus on the following studies and results:

  • Creation of NV centres in diamonds with TEM and luminescence studies;
  • Rare earth spectroscopy in crystalline environment and defect study  in zirconium dioxide;
  • Charge compensation and effect on lanthanide luminescence in zirconium dioxide;
  • Luminescent properties of coatings obtained by plasma electrolytic oxidation;
  • Luminescent zirconium dioxide and hafnium dioxide materials.