High Resolution Electron Microscopy at Low Beam Energies with Applications for Lithium Minerals and Batteries (08/04/26)
Speaker and Affliation:
Prof. Raynald Gauvin
Professor, Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
When?
8th April, 2026 (Wednessday), 11.30 AM (India Standard Time)
Where
KPA Auditorium, Dept. of Materials Engineering, IISc, Bangalore
Abstract:
The Seminar explores high-resolution electron microscopy at low beam energies using field emission techniques. For bulk materials, resolutions below 5 keV are achievable, while thin specimens can be analysed below 30 keV. Modern FE-SEM systems can reach sub-nanometer resolution in STEM mode and near 1 nm for bulk imaging. The talk will cover applications including EDS, EBSD, electron channelling, and secondary electron imaging.
A key focus will be the Hitachi SU-9000 STEM, capable of analyzing both thin and bulk samples across 0.1- 30 keV. Equipped with EELS and advanced EDS detectors, including lithium-sensitive systems, it enables high-resolution imaging (down to 0.16 nm) and challenging microanalysis of lithium-based and nanomaterials. Examples will include lithium compounds and aerospace coatings, highlighting quantitative EDS mapping at low energies (~2 keV).
Short Bio of Speaker:
Professor Raynald Gauvin earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal in 1990. He began his academic career at Universite de Sherbrooke, becoming full professor in 1998, and joined McGill University in 2001 as a Professor in Mining and Materials Engineering.
His research focuses on advanced microstructural characterization using high-resolution SEM, X-ray microanalysis, and Monte Carlo simulations. He developed the widely used CASINO simulation program and has authored over 650 publications. An active international speaker, he has delivered more than 150 invited talks.
Professor Gauvin has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Canadian Materials Physics Medal (2007) and the Heinrich Award (1997). He has also held leadership roles in major scientific societies such as MAS, SMC, CIASEM, and IUMAS. Currently, he holds the Birks Chair in Metallurgy and an Industrial Research chair supported by Hydro-Quebec and NSERC. He is also an honorary member and fellow of leading microanalysis societies.
Host Faculty: Prof. Pavan Nukala