On Monday, November 24, the Special Microscopy Laboratory was officially opened at the Faculty of Civil Engineering CTU in Prague in the presence of the Faculty Dean, Prof. Jiří Máca, other representatives of the academic community, and representatives of the Tescan Company, the microscope manufacturer. The laboratory represents a significant step forward in improving the quality of materials research across the Czech Technical University in Prague.
The laboratory was founded in 2024 as an umbrella workplace for the shared SEM-FIB Laboratory and the Microstructural Analysis Laboratory. The founding members of the shared laboratory are the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and the Faculty of Transportation Sciences CTU in Prague.
A high-resolution scanning electron microscope combined with the TESCAN Amber X Xe plasma focused ion beam (UHR FE-SEM and Xe Plasma FIB) has been put into operation there. It represents the first commercial installation of this type of device in the country, enabling the university to conduct cutting-edge scientific research at the European level. It will also be used for instruction in Doctoral degree programmes and professional training, thereby strengthening cooperation between the participating faculties and supporting education and the creation of multidisciplinary projects.
The Amber X microscope, which has become the key device of the laboratory, enables simultaneous imaging and precise ion milling of samples thanks to the aligned focal points of both beams. At the same time, the microscope can make advanced material analyses for determining elemental and crystallographic composition (EDS and EBSD). This combination significantly expands the options of analyses and makes the laboratory a modern research centre meeting current global standard. The laboratory is designed for universal use in the field of high-resolution electron microscopy of all inorganic materials.
The primary focus of its use at the Faculty of Civil Engineering will be on the study of cement and other building composites, but also metals, plastics, and wood – i.e. often porous, multiphase, and heterogeneous structures whose microstructural characterisation is essential for research into their properties. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering will use the device, e.g., in the study of microelectronic components such as chips.
The SEM-FIB Laboratory itself was established thanks to the support from the OP JAK Ph.D. Infra project, focused on the development of instruction and excellent research activities in material-oriented Doctoral degree programmes. The members of cooperating workplaces are actively involved in the operation of the laboratory, research activities, and training of new users. The employees and students of other CTU component parts can access the laboratory through the Laboratory Administrator.
Responsible: prof. Ing. Karel Kabele, CSc.
