Three-dimensional nanoscale analysis in physical metallurgy

Since the introduction of the atom probe field ion microscope (APFIM) by Muller in 1967, this instrument has been used extensively in physical metallurgy. With the recent development of a new generation of APFIM facility, namely the three-dimensional atom probe, alloying elements can be mapped out in a three-dimensional space with almost atomic resolution. Due to its high spatial resolution, light element sensitivity, and the ability to quantify composition the APFIM is particularly useful for the analysis of solute clusters and nanoscale precipitates. These features are suitable for characterising the complicated microstructure of metallic materials. Size, shape, number density and quantitative composition of these ultra-fine features can be obtained by only one single experimental technique. The application of the three-dimensional atom probe in the present study on the stages of precipitation in high-speed steels will be presented to demonstrate the unique potential of the APFIM technique. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.