New Thermo Fisher DualBeam enables innovative research and enhanced sample prep

The new Thermo Scientific Helios Hydra DualBeam system allows researchers to apply a range of ion beam species within one focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy instrument, by delivering four different ions as the primary beam, including argon, nitrogen, oxygen and xenon, and quickly and easily switching between them in less than ten minutes without sacrificing performance. It also facilitates materials science researchers to discover and design new materials and analyse their properties and structure. With its oxygen ion beam, ideally suited for the milling of carbon-based materials such as graphite used in battery anodes, it could help researchers develop safer, lighter and more efficient energy storage devices.

Mike Shafer, president of materials and structural analysis at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: “Integrating the ability for scientists to easily choose between four different ion species within one instrument will expand and optimize the application space for investigating material properties across length scales. Our new Helios Hydra DualBeam system provides the flexibility they need to better analyse their samples, improve their results and develop new and enhanced materials.”