Bruker  introduces the e-Flash^FS and e-Flash^HD, two models of a new generation of detectors for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis on scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and ESPRIT™ QUBE, a new software package for advanced post-processing and visualization of 3D EBSD/EDS data cubes.

With the fast and sensitive e-Flash^FS and the high definition e-Flash^HD Bruker now offers two complementary detectors to optimally cover all EBSD applications from everyday characterization of minerals and alloys to advanced analysis of nano- and functional materials.

Due to an increase in sensitivity by a factor of three compared to its predecessor e-Flash¹⁰⁰⁰, the new e-Flash^FS will significantly expand the range of application fields where high- speed EBSD can be used. The combination of improved sensitivity and high speed makes the e-Flash^FS the EBSD detector of choice for low-kV applications, as well as for dynamic experiments such as in-situ heating or tensile testing. When equipped with the unique OPTIMUS™ detector head for transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), the e-Flash^FS provides orientation maps with spatial resolution as good as 2 nm and high contrast dark field/ bright field images with resolution of 1 nm or better, all within minutes or even seconds, enabling applications in many areas such as the semiconductor industry that were only accessible by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) until now.

The new e-Flash^HD detector features a CCD camera resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 pixels and state-of-the-art camera optics for minimized image distortions, enabling high definition Kikuchi patterns that display the finest details. Due to improvements to the cooling system, the CCD’s dark current is reduced by a factor of four compared to the previous generation e-Flash^HR, resulting in significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratios and thus even better pattern quality. These advancements make the e-Flash^HD a very powerful tool for residual strain analysis, ultra-accurate phase identification, or the analysis of pseudo-symmetry in crystalline structures.

The new ESPRIT QUBE software provides extensive and powerful tools for 3D visualization and post-processing of data sets acquired with electron backscatter diffraction systems (EBSD) and/or energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS). Whether 3D data sets are generated automatically in dedicated FIB/SEM instruments, or by using conventional metallography techniques and standard SEM, ESPRIT QUBE enables true 3D data representation and analysis. By providing grain, inclusion and porosity metrics, or by providing the ability to analyze the density of structural defects such as geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs), ESPRIT QUBE helps scientists gain a profound understanding of advanced materials and their properties. A multitude of options for data filtering, sub-setting, simulation and visualization provide advanced 3D insights into the deformation mechanisms of materials, and enable crystal plasticity studies. ESPRIT QUBEcomplements QUANTAX™ EBSD and EDS systems with even more efficient investigation and interpretation of simultaneously acquired EBSD/EDS data.

“Our new generation of EBSD detectors once again pushes the boundaries in ‘Hough based’ EBSD applications and in high-speed TKD analysis, as well as in residual strain analysis, known as HR-EBSD. The significant improvements in detector sensitivity, pattern quality, effective spatial resolution, and speed reflect Bruker’s commitment to continuously advance high-performance solutions for scientific research and industry,” commented Dr. Daniel Goran, Product Manager EBSD at Bruker’s Nano Analytics division. He continued: “With its state-of-the-art quaternion based approach, ESPRIT QUBE is the most advanced analytical software for processing and visualizing 3D EBSD and EDS data sets. ESPRIT QUBE is the result of an ongoing successful collaboration between Bruker and the Max Plank Institute for Iron Research in Düsseldorf, Germany. Its development was driven by the idea to provide easy access to advanced post-processing capabilities of 3D data cubes for all researchers – from entry to expert level.”

About Bruker Corporation (NASDAQ: BRKR)

For more than 50 years, Bruker has enabled scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker’s high-performance scientific research instruments and high-value analytical and clinical solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular and microscopic levels.

In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy, nano-analysis and industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical research, microbiology and molecular diagnostics.

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