Aberration-Corrected Electron Microscopy (ACEM) Core

The Aberration Corrected Electron Microscopy Core, or ACEM, is a cutting-edge, university-wide shared user research facility that works in partnership with other core facilities at Yale. We serve the Yale community and also the larger community through collaboration efforts. Our core's focus is cutting-edge and high-throughput capability in TEM, SEM and FIB. 

We offer a variety of techniques, including X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron diffraction (ED), nano-beam electron diffraction (NBED), 4D-STEM, convergent beam diffraction (CBED), EELS, EDX, electron holography, in-situ biasing/heating/cooling, CL, holography, Lorentz mode for imaging magnetic materials, i-DPC, and tomography. 

Currently, we have a space on Yale West Campus with one advanced TEM (Spectra Ultra X), one regular TEM (pending funding support), and one advanced FIB dual beam system. In the future, we will further expand the lab by getting space through the PSEB project. 

Our core will collaborate with other TEM facilities to provide Yale researchers with seamless access for advanced TEM capabilities. Students interested in getting involved in advanced TEM techniques are welcome to contact Dr. Yang for potential research opportunities. 

Spectra Ultra Operation plan

There are special requirements to be eligible to independently operate the incoming Spectra Ultra TEM. The user needs first to be trained and certified to use the Tecnai Osiris microscope and second to demonstrate a basic understanding of the relevant techniques.

Phase I (until January 2025): Users are welcome to talk to YINQE staff members to be trained on Tecnai Osiris and to be trained by ACEM Core staff on the Helios G4 UX tool.
Phase II (January 2025-March 2025): We will offer a short program to educate potential new users about the basic principles of the technique and provide hands-on sessions for each person.
Phase III (March 2025–July 2025): Test run. We will only allow users that are ready to operate the instrument independently. 
Phase IV (August 2025 and after): We will finalize the routine operation policies. Tentative policy will still require users to be trained on the low-end TEM policies first and demonstrate their capability. No excuse allowed.

Core update

RFP proposal is funded to purchase a carbon coater. Training will be included with Helios G4 UX training in the future.

Dr. Shize Yang will serve as meeting co-chair of the 2025 Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) user meeting. All are welcome to express feedback in terms of their needs or experiences with BNL user facilities.

Capability updates

Spectra Ultra TEM:

• Space ready, November 2024
• Package delivery, January 2025
• Test run, May 2025
• Official opening, summer 2025

FIB-Helios G4 UX: Brand new after upgrade.
SC 28 Site monitoring tool: Working.
Cressington Carbon coater: Working.
DENSsolutions in-situ TEM holder for biasing and heating