Atom Probe Tomography (APT) is an advanced technique used to obtain 3D atomic-scale compositional information in solids, ranging from metals to semiconductors or insulators. The APT instrument “peels” off individual atoms from a needle-shaped specimen with the help of an electric field or a laser pulse. These atoms are then detected and identified by their time of flight, allowing a detailed 3D reconstruction of the material at the atomic level.

In Atom Probe Tomography, the process begins by sharpening the specimen into a needle shape, typically to a tip diameter of about 100 nm, using a Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) for precise preparation. Next, a high electric field or a laser pulse is applied to the tip, causing individual atoms to evaporate one by one from the apex of the tip. As each atom evaporates, it is directed toward a detector where its arrival time is recorded, allowing the identification of the atom type based on its mass-to-charge ratio. By repeating this process for millions of atoms, APT creates a detailed 3D atomic map of the sample, revealing its compositional and structural characteristics at nearly atomic resolution.

Using a Vacuum Cryo Transfer Module (VCTM) to transfer a sample between an Atom Probe Tomography system and a Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) offers significant advantages, especially when working with sensitive or reactive samples. When the VCTM is employed, it enables the sample to be transferred in a vacuum and at cryogenic temperatures, which helps prevent contamination, oxidation, or structural changes that could occur at room temperature or in ambient conditions.

This is a broadband source of UV, visible, and NIR light with high output power, exceptional temporal stability, and long lifespan. Unlike conventional discharge lamps, this source utilizes a focused laser beam to initiate the discharge. This patented approach is the reason behind its unique properties. The source will be used to enhance the sensitivity of magneto-optical spectrometers, where high energy density and temporal stability are absolutely crucial. It will enable the measurement of polarization rotation spectra with a sensitivity below 500 microdegrees across a broad spectral range. Such subtle effects can be observed, for example, in new magnetic materials such as altermagnets.

A dynamic Instron Electropuls E3000 machine has been installed in the Laboratory of Experimental Mechanics following extensive structural modifications. The machine significantly expands the capabilities for cyclic testing of small samples. It allows testing at frequencies up to 250 Hz across a temperature range from -100 to +1000 °C, with controlled cycle asymmetry. Immediately after installation, it was used to begin compressive pre-cycling of superelastic Nitinol alloys to determine their cyclic R-curves. Special fixtures have been designed for more complex bending tests and testing at high temperatures. The machine will also be used in the study of magnesium alloys for medical applications and other newly developed materials.

The vibration density meter enables precise measurement of liquid densities in a wide temperature range (-10 °C to +200 °C) and up to very high pressures (up to 140 MPa ~ 1400 atmospheres). Using this device, it will be possible to experimentally measure the properties of hydrofluoroethers (HFE), which, due to their low electrical conductivity, chemical stability and relatively high heat capacity, represent a suitable medium for controlling temperature conditions when implementing phase transitions in ferroic materials.

For full-fledged operation of the apparatus and to achieve such high pressures, the device will be supplemented with a high-pressure filling system, which includes a device for generating pressure. The system will also be equipped with temperature control and stabilization and precise temperature measurement, precise pressure measurement and the measuring cell will be placed in a drying box for measurements at lower temperatures. The cell is connected to an external display and evaluation unit mPDS 5.

Our ferromagnetic resonance laboratory is undergoing modernization: a new microwave signal generator will replace technologically obsolete and operationally inadequate microwave sources from the 1980s. This is a targeted investment in the development of our research infrastructure, enabling the implementation of modern broadband FMR spectroscopy while making efficient use of the existing laboratory equipment.

The laboratory uses the method of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) for detailed characterization of the magnetic properties of materials – for example, it investigates magnetic anisotropy, magnetization dynamics, and interactions in nanostructured systems. This knowledge is important both for fundamental research and for the development of new materials and technologies.

The new microwave signal generator operates in the frequency range from 1 to 50 GHz, provides a stable output power of up to 20 dBm across this entire band, and allows amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation of the signal. It fully replaces the previously used klystrons and magnetrons and is compatible with the existing microwave waveguide systems installed in the laboratory.

The Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) system for high-vacuum deposition was designed by the Materials Research Group with Neutron and Ion Beams to meet the needs of research within the Ferrmion project. The new ultra-high vacuum chamber enables the synthesis of complex ferroic layers. Other elements of the device are a load-lock chamber, ion and electron guns, effusion cells, a sample manipulator and a thickness monitor.

The device represents new deposition setup for the controlled preparation of ultra-thin layers of hybrid composites based on fullerenes and ferroic metals. It enables simultaneous deposition of several metals with a given stoichiometric ratio (to form ferroic nanoparticles/nanocrystals), accompanied by deposition of C60 allotrope and oxygen implantation with a well-defined fluency. It will be predominantly used for production of layers for WP1, RA4 – Nanoscale ferroic composites.

As part of the tasks associated with the irradiation of multiferroic alloy materials within the Ferrmion project, an investment was made in new vacuum technology. The aim was to ensure stable and high‑quality vacuum conditions, which are essential for precise experiments with ion beams and thin‑film deposition.

Various types of vacuum pumps were integrated into the system to cover the full range of requirements for pumping speeds and achievable pressures. The first group consists of devices with a pumping speed of 5.2–7 m³/h, equipped with a manual gas ballast valve and the option to add an automatic valve. These pumps provide a base pressure down to 2·10⁻² mbar, feature an integrated pressure sensor, and a modern control unit that enables economical operation. Thanks to their low noise level (up to 50 dB(A)) and compact weight of up to 20 kg, they are suitable for continuous operation in the laboratory.
The second group comprises dry scroll pumps with a pumping speed of 10.8–13 m³/h. These units offer similar parameters but with higher performance and the ability to communicate with a turbomolecular pump via a dedicated cable. They are optimized to achieve the required vacuum during long‑term operation.

Significance of the investment: The new vacuum pumps make it possible to carry out experiments with multiferroic alloys under conditions that guarantee measurement accuracy and reproducibility of results. Stable vacuum is crucial for thin‑film deposition, the study of radiation damage, and the preparation of materials. The investment directly supports the scientific objectives of the Ferrmion project and the development of a new research direction in the Tandetron Laboratory.

The high-temperature vacuum furnace was manufactured according to the needs of the Materials Research Group with neutron and ion beams to synthesize or modify hybrid composites based on carbon allotropes (fullerenes) and ferroics as part of the research activity 1A4 OP JAK Ferrmion at high temperatures (up to 2000 ˚C), in vacuum (approx. 10-5 mbar) or in an inert atmosphere. The furnace design allows samples to be inserted through the top lid into a tungsten cage with a volume of 503 mm3. The furnace is programmable with a power input of up to 10 kW.

The high-voltage source is designed for the preparation or modification of ferroic samples by ion irradiation with energies up to 100 keV. High fluence and low ion energy allow modification of the surface properties of the samples. Within the OP JAK Ferrmion project, prepared layers of materials will be irradiated with selected ions and fluences and used for the study of hybrid composites or in the research of thin lithium batteries and other systems suitable for energy storage.

TCHEA (TCS High Entropy Alloys Database), developed by Thermo-Calc Software AB, is designed to support CALPHAD-based modeling and design of high-entropy and complex concentrated alloys. It is particularly useful for predicting phase stability, phase fractions, solidification paths, and transformation temperatures in multicomponent systems, where experimental exploration is costly and time-consuming. The database enables efficient composition screening, alloy optimization, and microstructure-informed materials design, thereby directly supporting the effective solution of the challenges addressed within the FerrMion project.

Within the project, a high-energy ball mill was acquired for intensive mechanical processing of powder materials. The equipment is used for fine milling, homogenization, mechanical alloying and mechanical activation, enabling the preparation of powders with controlled structure and composition. The acquisition of this device was essential for carrying out the planned experiments that require precise control of material properties. The ball mill significantly expands the experimental capabilities of the workplace and contributes to improved quality and reproducibility of research results. The equipment is intended for both basic and applied research in advanced materials.

Within the project, a 3-D powder mixer was acquired for gentle and highly homogeneous mixing of powder materials. The device enables uniform blending of powders without significant mechanical damage, which is crucial for the preparation of input materials with precisely defined composition. The acquisition of the mixer was necessary to ensure reproducibility of experiments and consistent quality of prepared powder mixtures. The equipment broadens the technological infrastructure of the workplace and supports the implementation of planned research activities in the field of advanced materials. The device is suitable for both basic and applied research.

Within the project, the Thermo-Calc computational system was acquired for simulation and prediction of material behavior based on thermodynamic and physical-chemical models. The software enables calculation of phase equilibria, phase stability, and material evolution as a function of temperature and composition, significantly reducing the need for time- and cost-intensive trial-and-error experiments. The acquisition of this system was essential for efficient design of new materials and optimization of experimental procedures. Thermo-Calc enhances research planning, increases efficiency, and supports high-quality interpretation of experimental data. The system is used in both basic and applied research in advanced materials.