Ross K. W. Marceau

Dynamic reconstruction for atom probe tomography

Progress in the reconstruction for atom probe tomography has been limited since the first implementation of the protocol proposed by Bas et al. in 1995. This approach and those subsequently developed assume that the geometric parameters used to build the three-dimensional atom map are constant over the course of an analysis. Here, we test this assumption within the analyses of low-alloyed materials. By building upon methods recently proposed to measure the tomographic reconstruction parameters, we demonstrate that this assumption can introduce significant limitations in the accuracy of the analysis. Moreover, we propose a strategy to alleviate this problem through the implementation of a new reconstruction algorithm that dynamically accommodates variations in the tomographic reconstruction parameters.

Lattice rectification in atom probe tomography: toward true three-dimensional atomic microscopy

Atom probe tomography (APT) represents a significant step toward atomic resolution microscopy, analytically imaging individual atoms with highly accurate, though imperfect, chemical identity and three-dimensional (3D) positional information. Here, a technique to retrieve crystallographic information from raw APT data and restore the lattice-specific atomic configuration of the original specimen is presented. This lattice rectification technique has been applied to a pure metal, W, and then to the analysis of a multicomponent Al alloy. Significantly, the atoms are located to their true lattice sites not by an averaging, but by triangulation of each particular atom detected in the 3D atom-by-atom reconstruction. Lattice rectification of raw APT reconstruction provides unprecedented detail as to the fundamental solute hierarchy of the solid solution. Atomic clustering has been recognized as important in affecting alloy behavior, such as for the Al-1.1 Cu-1.7 Mg (at. %) investigated here, which exhibits a remarkable rapid hardening reaction during the early stages of aging, linked to clustering of solutes. The technique has enabled lattice-site and species-specific radial distribution functions, nearest-neighbor analyses, and short-range order parameters, and we demonstrate a characterization of solute-clustering with unmatched sensitivity and precision.

A three-dimensional Markov field approach for the analysis of atomic clustering in atom probe data

Solute clustering is increasingly recognised as a significant characteristic within certain material systems that can be tailored to the optimization of bulk properties and performance. Atom probe tomography (APT) is emerging as a powerful tool for the detection of these nanoscale features; however, complementary to experiment, precise and efficient characterization algorithms are required to identify and characterise these nanoclusters within the potentially massive three-dimensional atomistic APT datasets. In this study, a new three-dimensional Markov field (3DMF) cluster identification algorithm is proposed. The algorithm is based upon an analysis of the direct atomic neighbourhood surrounding each atom, and the only input parameter required utilises known crystallographic properties of the system. Further, an array of statistical approaches has been developed and applied with respect to the results generated by the 3DMF algorithm including: an S N statistic, a two-tailed z-test, a difference measure, the χ2 test, and a direct evaluation of the Warren–Cowley parameter for short-range ordering. Finally, the methodologies have been applied to the characterization of the nanostructural evolution of an Al-1.1Cu-0.5Mg (at.%) alloy subjected to a variety of heat treatments.

Understanding the detection of carbon in austenitic high-Mn steel using atom probe tomography.

A high-Mn TWIP steel having composition Fe-22Mn-0.6C (wt%) is considered in this study, where the need for accurate and quantitative analysis of clustering and short-range ordering by atom probe analysis requires a better understanding of the detection of carbon in this system. Experimental measurements reveal that a high percentage of carbon atoms are detected as molecular ion species and on multiple hit events, which is discussed with respect to issues such as optimal experimental parameters, correlated field evaporation and directional walk/migration of carbon atoms at the surface of the specimen tip during analysis. These phenomena impact the compositional and spatial accuracy of the atom probe measurement and thus require careful consideration for further cluster-finding analysis.

Atomically resolved tomography to directly inform simulations for structure–property relationships

Microscopy encompasses a wide variety of forms and scales. So too does the array of simulation techniques developed that correlate to and build upon microstructural information. Nevertheless, a true nexus between microscopy and atomistic simulations is lacking. Atom probe has emerged as a potential means of achieving this goal. Atom probe generates three-dimensional atomistic images in a format almost identical to many atomistic simulations. However, this data is imperfect, preventing input into computational algorithms to predict material properties. Here we describe a methodology to overcome these limitations, based on a hybrid data format, blending atom probe and predictive Monte Carlo simulations. We create atomically complete and lattice-bound models of material specimens. This hybrid data can then be used as direct input into density functional theory simulations to calculate local energetics and elastic properties. This research demonstrates the role that atom probe combined with theoretical approaches can play in modern materials engineering.

Short-range order in multicomponent materials.

The generalized multicomponent short-range order (GM-SRO) parameter has been adapted for the characterization of short-range order within the highly chemically and spatially resolved three-dimensional atomistic images provided by the microscopy technique of atom-probe tomography (APT). It is demonstrated that, despite the experimental limitations of APT, in many cases the GM-SRO results derived from APT data can provide a highly representative description of the atomic scale chemical arrangement in the original specimen. Further, based upon a target set of the GM-SRO parameters, measured from APT experiments, a Monte Carlo algorithm was utilized to simulate statistically equivalent atomistic systems which, unlike APT data, are complete and lattice based. The simulations replicate solute structures that are statistically consistent with other correlation measures such as solute cluster distributions, enable more quantitative characterization of nanostructural phenomena in the original specimen and, significantly, can be incorporated directly into other models and simulations.

Vacancy-Solute Interactions in Al-Cu-Mg

This is an initial report of a multi-technique study on the effect of Mg alloying on solute-vacancy interactions during the early stages of ageing of dilute 2xxx Al-Cu-Mg alloys so as to better understand the early rapid hardening (RH) that occurs in certain compositions of these alloys and the more general phenomena of secondary hardening (SH) at ambient temperatures. Therefore, RH at 150 °C and SH at room temperature from the as-quenched condition and after 60 sec ageing at 150 °C were studied in Al-1.1Cu and Al-1.1Cu-0.5Mg (at. %) variously by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) spectroscopy and atom probe tomography (APT) and monitored by Vickers hardness measurements. The present results indicate that Cu-Cu, Mg-Mg and Cu-Mg clusters are formed in the ternary alloy already in the asquenched state and that they persist during ageing at 150 °C. The fraction of the solutes Cu and Mg that were associated with vacancies after ageing was increased 10-fold and double, respectively and the strength of the Cu clustering is enhanced greatly after 60 sec at 150 °C.

Quantitative chemical-structure evaluation using atom probe tomography: Short-range order analysis of Fe–Al

Short-range-order (SRO) has been quantitatively evaluated in an Fe-18Al (at%) alloy using atom probe tomography (APT) data and by calculation of the generalised multicomponent short-range order (GM-SRO) parameters, which have been determined by shell-based analysis of the three-dimensional atomic positions. The accuracy of this method with respect to limited detector efficiency and spatial resolution is tested against simulated D03 ordered data. Whilst there is minimal adverse effect from limited atom probe instrument detector efficiency, the combination of this with imperfect spatial resolution has the effect of making the data appear more randomised. The value of lattice rectification of the experimental APT data prior to GM-SRO analysis is demonstrated through improved information sensitivity.

Multi-Scale Correlative Microscopy Investigation of Both Structure and Chemistry of Deformation Twin Bundles in Fe–Mn–C Steel

A multi-scale investigation of twin bundles in Fe-22Mn-0.6C (wt%) twinning-induced plasticity steel after tensile deformation has been carried out by truly correlative means; using electron channelling contrast imaging combined with electron backscatter diffraction, high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography on the exact same region of interest in the sample. It was revealed that there was no significant segregation of Mn or C to the twin boundary interfaces.

Atomic scale analysis of light alloys using atom probe tomography

The present paper reviews recent progress in atomic-scale characterisation of composition and nanostructure of light alloy materials using the technique of atom probe tomography. In particular, the present review will highlight atom-by-atom analysis of solid solution architecture, including solute clustering and short-range order, with reference to current limitations of spatial resolution and detector efficiency of atom probe tomography and methods to address these limitations. This leads to discussion of prediction of mechanical properties by simulation and modelling of the strengthening effect exerted by solute clusters and the role of experimental atom probe data to assist in this process. The unique contribution of atom probe tomography to the study of corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement of light alloys will also be discussed as well as a brief insight into its potential application for the investigation of solute strengthening of twinning in Mg alloys.