Seven systems valued at US$11.5 million to form the core of DTU's new centre for electron nanoscopy and pave the way for advanced catalyst research
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has placed a $11.5 million dollar order for seven FEI microscopes that will form the core of the University's new Centre for Electron Nanoscopy (CEN).
The order represents the largest product sale ever for FEI and includes two Titan scanning/transmission electron microscopes (S/TEMs), a Tecnai 20S-Twin TEM, a Helios NanoLab 600 DualBeam, a Quanta 200 3D ESEM DualBeam, a Quanta FEG SEM and an Inspect S low-vacuum SEM.
The range of equipment will be utilised for a wide spectrum of advanced research conducted by DTU's researchers and companies that operate at the university.
One of the Titan S/TEMs, the world's most powerful commercially-available microscope, will be equipped with an environmental chamber.
It will be used for collaboration between DTU and FEI to advance environmental TEM (ETEM) applications for in-situ catalyst observations.
Such studies will play an important role in catalyst research and development for alternative fuel cells, environmental catalysis (clean air and water), and petrochemical industries.
In addition, some of the equipment will be used to teach entry level SEM applications for the university's curriculum.
"The Centre for Electron Nanoscopy at DTU will bring together some of the world's best nanotechnologists and the most advanced equipment available," commented Rafal Dunin-Borkowski, director of the new centre.
"The seven electron microscopes from FEI will provide an outstanding suite of complimentary tools for characterising new materials.
"DTU is very pleased to be working with FEI on the use and development of electron microscopy to advance scientific knowledge.
"Uniquely, one of the Titans at DTU will combine aberration correction and monochromation with the ability to introduce gases into the electron microscope.
"This will allow catalyst materials to be studied in their working environment with ultimate spatial resolution.
"Such capabilities are a big step forward for the development of new materials and nanotechnology in general".
"As a global leader in ultra-high resolution and innovative solutions for microscopy, we look forward to working closely with our partners at DTU," said Rob Fastenau, senior vice president and senior executive in Europe for FEI.
"Their goal is to accelerate the progress of nanoscience and translate groundbreaking discoveries into new, nano-enabled products.
"Our ability to collaborate with customers, delivering the most advanced tools coupled with proven applications expertise, has qualified us to support DTU's success".
Installation of the systems is targeted for the second half of 2007 and DTU's Centre for Electron Nanoscopy is scheduled to open at the end of 2007.
