Nano-Chip

Simultaneous Biasing & Heating

The Lightning range of Nano-Chips provides researchers with the ability to control the biasing and heating environment of their sample with the highest of precision. Available in different configurations, the Lightning Nano-Chip ensures the full atomic resolution imaging power of the TEM can be maintained while creating the real-world application environment.

MEMS Based Technology

The Lightning Nano-Chips use the latest in MEMS technology to create the lab-on-chip biasing and thermal environment. The unique properties in using metal heating and biasing lines, along with the unique Nano-Chip design provides in situ researchers with the ultimate in control and accuracy.

Nano-Chip Range

 Biasing (Dedicated)  Heating (Dedicated) Biasing & Heating (Simultaneous)  Heating & Biasing (Simultaneous)
   
Electrical Contacts 4 4 4 + 2 (Biasing accuracy) 2 + 4 (Heating accuracy)
Temperature Range – 1,300 °C 800 °C 800 °C
Min. Detectable Currents pA Range – pA Range pA Range
Electric Fields ≤ 200 kV/cm – ≤ 200 kV/cm at 800 °C ≤ 200 kV/cm at 800 °C
DC Measurements ≤ 100 V – ≤ 100 V  at 800 °C ≤ 100 V  at 800 °C
AC Measurements 1 – 100 Hz – 1 – 100 Hz 1 – 100 Hz
Compatible Systems Lightning D6+, Lightning D7+ Lightning D6+, Lightning D7+ Lightning D7+ Lightning D7+
 Biasing (Dedicated)  Heating (Dedicated) Biasing & Heating (Simultaneous)
   
Electrical Contacts 4 4 4 + 4
Temperature Range – 1,300 °C 800 °C (1,300 °C dedicated)
Min. Detectable Currents pA Range – pA Range
Electric Fields ≤ 200 kV/cm – ≤ 200 kV/cm at 800 °C
DC Measurements ≤ 100 V – ≤ 100 V  at 800 °C
AC Measurements 1 – 100 Hz – 1 – 100 Hz
Compatible Systems Lightning D6+, Lightning D9+ Lightning D6+, Lightning D9+ Lightning D9+

Frequently Asked Questions

What electron transparent windows are available?
As the majority of biasing related experiments are using FIB lamellas or nanowires, there is no need for a substrate support. For this reason, the most commonly used and produced biasing Nano-Chips are ‘through-holes’. Although not a standard Nano-Chip, we do offer SiNx windows for measuring nanoparticles.
Are the Lightning Nano-Chips fabricated using the same principles as the Wildfire Nano-Chips?
Yes. Through our experience in developing a wide range of Wildfire heating Nano-Chips, we have applied similar techniques and principles for fabricating high quality sample carrying devices for TEM investigation.
What is the homogeneity of the electrical field?
There are several different designs for the Lightning range of Nano-Chips. In this example below, the one devices has three areas where samples can be loaded for electric field measurements.yjtjjjtjtyjtyAs the simulation above indicates, the electric field is highly uniform, as high as 99%  in the gap between the electrodes.
Can I fabricate my own MEMS device for my specific application?
Yes. Some labs have very unique requirements and we are happy to work with you on the geometries needed for our Lightning series.
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