‘SPEQTEM’, an advanced electron microscope for quantum research and technological innovation
A state-of-the-art electron microscope was inaugurated this morning at the campus of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, in the presence of, among others, the President of the CNR, Maria Chiara Carrozza, and the Magnifico Rettore, Carlo Adolfo Porro, a state-of-the-art electron microscope that boosts scientific research in the quantum field, while also supporting technological innovation and energy transition. Fruit of the collaboration between CNR, Unimore and Thermo Fisher Scientific, the instrument opens up new frontiers for advanced studies and sustainable applications, strengthening regional and national scientific excellence
This morning, the new SPEQTEM - Spectroscopic Quantum Transmission Electron Microscope, a cutting-edge instrument resulting from the collaboration between the Nanoscience Institute of the National Research Council (CNR Nano), the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) and Thermo Fisher Scientific, a world leader in scientific technologies, was inaugurated at the Physics Building on the campus of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by the President of the CNR (National Research Council) Maria Chiara Carrozza, the Magnificent Rector of Unimore Carlo Adolfo Porro, representatives of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the structures involved and local authorities including the Councillor for Education Policy and Relations with the University of the Municipality of Modena Federica Venturelli and the Regional Councillor of the Emilia-Romagna Region Ludovica Carla Ferrari. The Director of Cnr-Nano Gaetano Scamarcio, and the Director of Cnr-Ismn and IEntrance Vittorio Morandi also brought institutional greetings.
The SPEQTEM microscope, acquired by CNR-Nano and installed in Unimore's Department of Fisics, Informatics and Mathematics (FIM), with the support of the iENTRANCE and NQSTI projects, will play a key role in research and innovation, with two main objectives: to be a state-of-the-art platform for electron quantum optics experiments and to serve as an integrated facility for applied and industrial frontier research. The microscope is an integral part of the iENTRANCE infrastructure, which is supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP), and will contribute to research on innovative energy materials, such as next-generation eco-sustainable lithium batteries.
Equipped with advanced technologies, including a monochromator and an energy filter, SPEQTEM makes it possible to produce atomic resolution images and in-depth analyses of material properties, opening up new possibilities for the study of quantum phenomena and electromagnetic fields inside matter. With a total value in excess of two million euro, the instrument represents a strategic investment that will be managed by the TEM@Modena research group, involving researchers from CNR Nano and FIM Unimore. Led by Vincenzo Grillo (Cnr Nano), the multidisciplinary team stands out for its unique and internationally recognised expertise.
Maria Chiara Carrozza, president of the CNR, said: ‘With the acquisition of SPEQTEM, the CNR consolidates its leadership position in advanced electron microscopy in our country. The microscope represents an innovation at the service of science and the region: in fact, it will be available not only to the academic world, but also to industry and regional infrastructures, integrating with the CNR instrumentation already present in the Emilia-Romagna region, particularly in the fields of microscopy and materials, and contributing to strengthening the level of scientific excellence in the region’.
Carlo Adolfo Porro, Rector of Unimore, emphasised: ‘SPEQTEM is a highly innovative instrument that allows us to study quantum phenomena and the properties of materials at the atomic level. The fact that, thanks to the collaboration between CNR and Unimore, made possible by the support of Thermo Fisher Scientific, it is now available to our researchers makes us particularly proud. The microscope opens the way to new possibilities for tackling crucial challenges, such as sustainable energy and the development of innovative materials, demonstrating that investing in tools such as SPEQTEM creates value for the area and gives local expertise an international perspective. A heartfelt thank you to the CNR and its President for this effective synergy'.
Alberto Tinti, Senior Director of Sales & Business Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, commented: ‘Our long-standing collaboration with the Modena research team reflects our commitment to showcasing scientific excellence. By combining our technology and the innovative approach of this team, we aim to develop advanced solutions and prototypes capable of meeting the new challenges of scientific research.’
The day ended in the afternoon with a scientific symposium attended by some of the world's leading experts who discussed cutting-edge topics including electron microscopy and quantum optics.
Photographs of the instrument and the inauguration ceremony can be downloaded at the link https://filesender.garr.it/?s=download&token=595ef366-8e99-424d-9e73-156b45495802
SPEQTEM data sheet
SPEQTEM (Spectroscopic Quantum Transmission Electron Microscope) is a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope (Thermo Fisher Spectra 300 model) designed to provide ultra-high resolution imaging and chemical analysis at the atomic level.
Using a high-energy electron beam to pass through ultra-thin samples, the microscope is a key tool for research in physics, materials science and biology. Thanks to advanced technologies such as the monochromator and energy filter, SPEQTEM allows physical and chemical properties to be studied with unprecedented precision. It allows, for instance, the characterisation of magnetic fields and the investigation of quantum phenomena, such as coherent excitations, which are fundamental to understanding particle interactions and developing new technologies.
Purchased by CNR Nano and installed at Unimore's FIM Department, the instrument is supported by the PNRR iENTRANCE and NQSTI projects and managed by the TEM@Modena group, led by Vincenzo Grillo. Integrated with other advanced techniques in Modena, SPEQTEM offers new opportunities for atomic analysis and innovation.
Part of the iENTRANCE infrastructure, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP), dedicated to the energy transition and circular economy, it will support high-resolution spectroscopic characterisation with a focus on nanomaterials for energy.
The TEM@MODENA research group
The TEM @ Modena group is the result of an intense collaboration between Cnr Nano and the FIM Department of Unimore, in synergy with the Interdepartmental Centre for Large Instruments Unimore. This multidisciplinary team of researchers, postdocs, PhD students and technicians, led by Vincenzo Grillo of Cnr Nano, is internationally recognised for its innovative approach and pioneering achievements in electron microscopy.
The group is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the automation and control of electron microscopes. It is also distinguished by its ability to model electron beams travelling through the microscope. Using advanced technologies such as microelectromechanical devices (MEMS), the team has pioneered the realisation of vortex beams, which are fundamental for many advanced applications in electron microscopy and quantum physics, and of an angular momentum spectrometer, a unique instrument that can increase the precision and efficiency of materials analysis. Among the TEM group's flagship research is the study of microscopy techniques for quantum experiments, which make it possible to explore matter in unprecedented detail, opening up new perspectives in the understanding of its properties.
Thanks to constant development and the ability to attract talent, the TEM group has established a reputation for excellence, participating in major European projects and receiving prestigious awards such as the Ernst Ruska Prize, Europe's highest tribute in the field of electron microscopy, awarded to Vincenzo Grillo, and his team.
Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng
Articolo pubblicato da: Ufficio Stampa Unimore - ufficiostampa@unimore.it