Instrument provides materials scientists with the ability to simultaneously determine the spatial position and chemical identity of individual atoms in conducting materials
The first commercial three dimensional atom probe (3DAP) has been sold into the People's Republic of China.
This milestone purchase has been made by the Institute of Materials, Shanghai University.
The instrument provides materials scientists with the ability to simultaneously determine the spatial position and chemical identity of individual atoms in conducting materials. The Institute will be using it in studies of aluminium alloys and high strength steels.
Oxford Nanoscience managing director Richard Davies said: "This first commercial sale of a 3DAP into China highlights the determination of the country to utilise the latest technology and techniques available.
"3DAP offers the materials scientist a unique way of being able to correlate structure at the atomic level with properties at the macro level, such as material strength and hardening".
"We would also like to thank the British Consulate S and T staff in Shanghai", he continued, "who have been extremely helpful in providing advice which has enabled the sale to progress smoothly".
The announcement of this order provides the perfect springboard for the 'Year of British Science in China, 2005', a programme of science to science events targeting primarily specialists and officials, which will be open to major UK scientific bodies.
This year-long event will be officially launched in Shanghai on 19 January 2005 by David Sainsbury, UK science minister.
Oxford Nanoscience claims to be the world leader in the sale of 3D atom probes.
The company already has a very strong presence in other countries in Asia, with six units installed in Japan.
"We are confident that the order from Shanghai is just the beginning and there will be more to come from China", concluded Davies.
"The level of interest in the product from the country has been exceptional".
