Interoperable electron Microscopy Platform for advanced RESearch and Services

Project Information

IMPRESS

Grant agreement ID: 101094299

DOI

10.3030/101094299

EC signature date 7 December 2022

Start date 1 February 2023

End date 31 January 2028

Funded under

• Research infrastructures

Total cost

€ 9 633 919,26

EU contribution

€ 9 633 918,75

Coordinated by

CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IMPRESS (Interoperable electron Microscopy Platform for advanced RESearch and Services)

Reporting period: 2023-02-01 to 2024-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

IMPRESS aims to revolutionize Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) by enhancing its capabilities and making it interoperable across analytical European Research Infrastructures (RIs) such as TEM and synchrotron light sources. This initiative aims to broaden TEM application in various scientific disciplines through the development of an innovative interoperable platform featuring Correlative Adaptable and Transferable (e-CAT) cartridges, new electron source prototypes, advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques, and comprehensive software solutions.
IMPRESS is set against a backdrop of increasing demand for advanced research tools capable of facilitating groundbreaking discoveries in fields crucial for Europe's innovation and competitiveness, such as energy transition, industry, space, and cultural heritage. By addressing current TEM constraints and promoting interoperability, the project paves the way for enhanced collaborative research, cross-disciplinary breakthroughs, and the training of scientific personnel in cutting-edge technologies.
The project's impact is envisioned to be significant and wide-reaching, contributing to the strategic advancement of European scientific research and positioning Europe at the forefront of global scientific innovation for analytical RIs.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In this first year, IMPRESS achieved the following results:
Development of the Interoperable Platform: Significant strides have been made in defining the requirements for the e-CAT cartridges. A call for tender in the form of Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) was published in early January 2024, with deadline on April 26, 2024. Companies are currently invited to apply to this call to participate in the co-creation of the IMPRESS solutions together with consortium members.
Innovations in Electron Source Prototypes: Progress in the development of new electron source prototypes has been marked by conceptual advances aimed at reducing aberrations, enhancing TEM performance through improved brightness and energy distribution.
Advancements in Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques: The project has seen breakthroughs in adaptive optics and the development of event-driven detectors, showcasing potential improvements in electron imaging and spectroscopy.
In-situ/operando and correlative methodologies: New sample environments have been designed to properties and behaviors of materials, with development efforts informed by end-user requirements.
Software Development: IMPRESS has made advances in software for instrument control and simulation, enhancing the usability and efficiency of TEM operations, thus facilitating sophisticated experiments.
These achievements represent a significant leap forward in the capabilities of TEM, contributing to a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

IMPRESS stands at the forefront of scientific innovation by significantly enhancing TEM technology, pushing it beyond the current state of the art. This endeavor focuses on the design and prototyping of the e-CAT cartridges and developing pioneering solutions that expand TEM’s applicability in research and industry. Key achievements include new electron source prototypes, advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques, methodologies and chips design for in-situ/operando experiments, and comprehensive software for experiment simulation and control.

Results Beyond the State of the Art:
IMPRESS introduces an interoperable platform that will revolutionize TEM’s flexibility, enabling seamless integration with various scientific instruments and disciplines. The e-CAT cartridges are a groundbreaking innovation, facilitating adaptable and transferable research applications. New electron source prototypes reduce optical aberrations, enhancing TEM’s imaging capabilities. Advanced imaging and spectroscopy techniques, including event-driven detectors, enable high-resolution studies at unprecedented speeds. The software developments optimize TEM operations, allowing for more sophisticated and efficient experiments. Even though the project is still at its beginning, it has already produced three results with high scientific and/or technological potential:
• First correlated RIXS and XEOL experiment under magnetic field. This unique setup allows the correlation of the excitation spectrum to the photoluminescence properties of emerging magnetic materials with potentially a strong impact in spintronics and optoelectronic R&I.
• Design and fabrication of ultrafast electron beam optics. Ultrafast electron beam modulating devices (either electric, magnetic or cavitiy based) enable ultrafast microscopy of dynamic phenomena at the nanoscale (e.g. magnitization dynamics in spintronics)
• Design and fabrication of magnetic immersion lens for cold field emission gun. Electron gun performance in (transmission) electron microscopes has been improved, benefitting electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy techniques in general.

Potential Impact:
The advancements made by IMPRESS promise to significantly impact multiple scientific fields, enabling new discoveries in materials science, nanotechnology, biology, and beyond. By broadening TEM’s capabilities, IMPRESS contributes to Europe’s competitiveness in global research and innovation, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations and technological advancements.
In addition, the project uses a PCP strategy, stimulating innovation in the TEM space and enhancing the competitiveness of the European industry. Preliminary cost-benefit analysis indicates potential for operational cost reductions and revenue increases for European RIs, alongside strategic benefits like market diversification and support for SME growth.