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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/Z531078/1
Title: MagTEM2 - the next generation microscope for imaging functional materials
Principal Investigator: McVitie, Professor S
Other Investigators:
MacLaren, Professor DA Boldrin, Dr D MacLaren, Dr I
Almeida, Dr T P Fallon, Dr K
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
DENSsolutions BV Quantum Detectors Seagate Technology
Department: School of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Glasgow
Scheme: Standard Research TFS
Starts: 01 April 2024 Ends: 31 March 2029 Value (£): 4,900,000
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Analytical Science Chemical Structure
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
R&D
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
23 Oct 2023 EPSRC RI Strategic Infrastructure Interview Panel October 2023 Announced
24 Apr 2023 EPSRC Strategic Equipment Outline Panel April 2023 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
OUR AIM is to commission a user-accessible scanning transmission electron microscope for high resolution imaging and analysis of functional materials in a field-free environment.

OUR OBJECTIVES are summarised as: INSTALLATION of the new instrument, named MagTEM2, in collaboration with manufacturers; DEMONSTRATION of MagTEM2's unique capabilities for field-free imaging alongside world-class analytical techniques; EXTENSION of our user-base; and generation of IMPACT.

Our focus is not simply to maximise spatial resolution as that compromises other modalities. A single-purpose microscope will not reveal the structure-function links that underpin all materials science. Rather, we will ensure that functional imaging is world class. MagTEM2 will enable multimodal imaging to correlate structure, electro-magnetic functionality and chemical identity down to the atomic scale. Spectroscopic energy resolution, improved through monochromation of the STEM beam, will enable enhanced chemical discrimination and imaging of vibrational and plasmonic modes. High-speed detectors, coupled with potentially gigahertz electrical stimulation of devices, will push the time resolution of MagTEM2 far beyond current capabilities.

MagTEM2 will also provide opportunities for doctoral training, the professional development of technical staff and outreach activities. Critically, it will be available to external users, operating alongside substantial complementary infrastructure for materials research at the University of Glasgow. We have assembled a consortium of ~100 academic and industrial users, with wide-ranging ambitions for research that is not currently possible in the UK. Their interests range from developing the next generation of magnetic data storage to the design of materials that will contribute to global goals for climate change mitigation.ularly of delicate, beam-sensitive materials. We have been at the forefront of development in both of these areas and are exceptionally well-placed to grow an acknowledged UK research strength.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
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Organisation Website: http://www.gla.ac.uk