EP4634650A1 - Systeme pour traiter par laser a onde continue et caracteriser par meb un echantillon - Google Patents
Systeme pour traiter par laser a onde continue et caracteriser par meb un echantillonInfo
- Publication number
- EP4634650A1 EP4634650A1 EP23789660.0A EP23789660A EP4634650A1 EP 4634650 A1 EP4634650 A1 EP 4634650A1 EP 23789660 A EP23789660 A EP 23789660A EP 4634650 A1 EP4634650 A1 EP 4634650A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sample
- laser
- electron
- scanning
- focusing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N23/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00
- G01N23/22—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by measuring secondary emission from the material
- G01N23/225—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by measuring secondary emission from the material using electron or ion
- G01N23/2251—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups G01N3/00 – G01N17/00, G01N21/00 or G01N22/00 by measuring secondary emission from the material using electron or ion using incident electron beams, e.g. scanning electron microscopy [SEM]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
- H01J37/02—Details
- H01J37/22—Optical, image processing or photographic arrangements associated with the tube
- H01J37/226—Optical arrangements for illuminating the object; optical arrangements for collecting light from the object
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2223/00—Investigating materials by wave or particle radiation
- G01N2223/40—Imaging
- G01N2223/418—Imaging electron microscope
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2223/00—Investigating materials by wave or particle radiation
- G01N2223/60—Specific applications or type of materials
- G01N2223/605—Specific applications or type of materials phases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J2237/00—Discharge tubes exposing object to beam, e.g. for analysis treatment, etching, imaging
- H01J2237/20—Positioning, supporting, modifying or maintaining the physical state of objects being observed or treated
- H01J2237/206—Modifying objects while observing
- H01J2237/2065—Temperature variations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J2237/00—Discharge tubes exposing object to beam, e.g. for analysis treatment, etching, imaging
- H01J2237/20—Positioning, supporting, modifying or maintaining the physical state of objects being observed or treated
- H01J2237/206—Modifying objects while observing
- H01J2237/2067—Surface alteration
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J2237/00—Discharge tubes exposing object to beam, e.g. for analysis treatment, etching, imaging
- H01J2237/26—Electron or ion microscopes
- H01J2237/28—Scanning microscopes
Definitions
- TITLE SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT BY CONTINUOUS WAVE LASER AND CHARACTERIZE A SAMPLE BY SEM
- the present invention relates to the field of sample processing and characterization, applied to materials research and engineering, and more particularly using a continuous wave laser for processing and a scanning electron microscope for the characterisation.
- An aim of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a versatile system, capable of treating a sample of material typically over a millimeter zone using a beam of energetic light, and of characterizing, using an electron beam, a large number of materials, and suitable for a wide variety of processes, some of which have developed in recent years.
- a laser source configured to generate a continuous wave laser beam
- a two-dimensional scanning device configured to move the laser beam on said sample with a determined speed
- a focusing device configured to focus the laser beam on the sample through the window and to modify a value of the focal length in a controlled manner, - the laser source and the focusing device being configured so that the focusing spot on the sample has a determined power and diameter.
- the focusing device comprises fixed focal length optics and a device configured to modify said focal length placed upstream of the scanning device.
- the system according to the invention comprises a beam splitter placed upstream of the scanning device and a display camera placed on the path of an optical beam reflected by the sample and reflected by the splitter beam, and configured to view the sample.
- the system according to the invention comprises a thermal sensor configured to measure the temperature of a zone comprising the laser focusing spot on the sample.
- the system according to the invention further comprises a device for injecting a specific gas (DIG) into the chamber.
- DIG specific gas
- the first detector is a secondary electron detector.
- the system according to the invention further comprises a second removable detector configured to detect electrons backscattered by the sample.
- the system according to the invention further comprises a removable crystallographic camera (CC) configured to detect electrons retro-diffracted by the sample.
- CC removable crystallographic camera
- the system according to the invention comprises a removable calorimeter allowing the calibration of the output power of the laser.
- the electron scanning microscope is of the environmental type.
- the laser source is coupled to an optical fiber, and in addition the laser source, the two-dimensional scanning device and the device focusing devices are arranged in a single housing, the system further comprising a coupling part configured to interface the housing and the electron scanning microscope.
- the invention relates to a method of processing and characterizing a sample, the sample being placed in a chamber of an electron scanning microscope, the chamber comprising a gas or being under vacuum, a wall of the chamber comprising a porthole, the method comprising:
- a processing step 200 comprising focusing the laser beam on the sample by passing through the window, the value of the focal length being modifiable in a controlled manner, and scanning along two dimensions of the laser beam so as to move it on said sample with a determined speed, the focusing spot on the sample having a determined power and diameter,
- a characterization step 300 consisting of producing a first so-called post-processing image with the electron scanning microscope, by illuminating the sample with a focused electron beam and detecting electrons coming from the sample.
- the method according to the invention further comprises a step 50 consisting of producing a second so-called pre-processing image with the electron scanning microscope before processing step 200.
- Figure 1 illustrates a system for processing and characterizing a sample according to the invention.
- Figure 2 illustrates an example of implementation of the system according to the invention in which the MEB operates in “SE” mode and comprising a display camera and a thermal camera.
- Figure 3 illustrates an example of implementation of the system according to the invention in which the MEB operates in “BSE” mode and comprising a device for injecting a specific gas.
- Figure 4 illustrates an example of implementation of the system according to the invention in which the SEM operates in “EBSD” mode and comprising a crystallographic camera.
- Figure 4bis illustrates an example of implementation of the system according to the invention in which the laser source, the output optical fiber, the two-dimensional scanning device and the focusing device are arranged in a single housing and in which the system includes a coupling part configured to interface the box and the MEB.
- Figure 5 illustrates a first example of use of the system according to the invention with a characterization in SEM mode.
- Figure 6 illustrates a second example of use of the system according to the invention with characterization in EBSD mode, the SEM A image being taken before processing and the SEM B image being taken after processing.
- Figure 7 illustrates a third example of use of the system according to the invention with a characterization in BSE mode.
- the system 10 for processing and characterizing an Ech sample according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 1. It includes a SEM scanning electron microscope comprising a chamber Ch is under vacuum or partial gas pressure, in which the sample to be treated/characterized is placed. One of the walls of the MEB contains a window H.
- the SEM comprises a device COL (commonly called column) configured to generate an electron beam FE and to focus this electron beam on the sample, and at least one detector Det configured to detect electrons from the sample.
- the system 10 also comprises an LAS laser source configured to generate a continuous wave FL laser beam, a DFOC focusing device configured to focus the laser beam on the sample through the window H and to modify the value of the focal length in a controlled manner, and a two-dimensional scanning device DS configured to move the laser beam on said sample with a determined speed v.
- an LAS laser source configured to generate a continuous wave FL laser beam
- a DFOC focusing device configured to focus the laser beam on the sample through the window H and to modify the value of the focal length in a controlled manner
- a two-dimensional scanning device DS configured to move the laser beam on said sample with a determined speed v.
- the laser source LAS and the focusing device DFOC are configured so that the focusing spot on the sample has a determined power P and a diameter D.
- P we play on the power of the laser which is adjustable, and to vary D we play on the value of the focal length.
- the FL beam enters the Ch chamber via an interface window H, preferably treated with laser quality (specific surface treatment).
- the window is transparent at the laser wavelength and also ensures the sealing of the chamber.
- the porthole ensures the sealing of the chamber and allows the FL laser beam to enter the Ch chamber and access the sample.
- an SEM image of the sample is taken after the laser treatment, and optionally also before the treatment for a comparison.
- the invention thus makes it possible to process and characterize a sample of material in the same instrument, with a continuous wave laser beam whose parameters (P, D, v) can be modified.
- the parameters of the spot P (power) and D (size) are adjustable, which makes it possible to adapt the surface energy density incident on the sample and the temperature gradient at which it is subjected, which can reach a million degrees/cm.
- the beam diameter varies, depending on the application, over a range included in the interval [45 - 500 pm],
- the treatment of the sample is carried out in the controlled atmosphere (vacuum, humidity, neutral or reducing gas, etc.) of the Ch chamber of the SEM.
- controlled atmosphere vacuum, humidity, neutral or reducing gas, etc.
- vacuum laser treatment protects the sample from damage from humidity and oxidation.
- Adjusting the scanning speed v of the DS device provides a multi-scale character, with an accessible scanning amplitude typically ranging from microns to millimeters, and it is also possible to make the shape of the scanning more complex (scanning strategy). .
- the system according to the invention can be implemented with various materials such as ceramics, minerals, metals, polymers, etc.
- the system according to the invention it is possible to reproduce the heat treatment similar to that which takes place in different industrial processes (additive manufacturing, heat treatment, tempering, quenching, welding, etc.), making it possible to understand the nature of the interactions between industrial lasers and materials during these processes, and to offer optimized thermal treatments during and/or after the implementation of these processes.
- the system according to the invention also finds its place in industrial centers, for example additive manufacturing or surface structuring. It makes it possible to control the in situ evolution of the material treated by the laser.
- the system according to the invention is integrated upstream or downstream of a process to check the consequence(s) of modifying a manufacturing parameter on the evolution of the microstructure of the material.
- the system for processing and characterizing a sample according to the invention is thus extremely versatile and meets a need for equipment not satisfied to date, as explained above.
- the system according to the invention presents different embodiments which can be combined with each other.
- the focusing device comprises an optic of fixed focal length L and a device 20 configured to modify the value of the focal length and disposed upstream of the scanning device, itself disposed upstream of optics L.
- the device 20 is for example a varioScan R which includes a diverging lens which causes the beam to diverge at the laser output, and which therefore makes it possible to modify the size of the laser spot impacting the sample.
- the scanning device and for example a goniometric mirror.
- the system also comprises a beam splitter BS arranged upstream of the scanning device and a display camera CV placed on the path of the optical beam FLR reflected by the sample Ech and then by the beam splitter FLR. BS beam.
- the visible camera thus recovers the light reflected by the sample, which allows it to visualize the surface of the sample, the future trajectory of the laser as well as the location where the laser spot has passed.
- the system 10 comprises a thermal sensor CT for measuring the temperature of a zone comprising the laser focusing spot on the sample.
- a 2D thermal camera is used which allows infrared thermography to be carried out, such as, for example, visualizing the distribution of the temperature field induced by laser treatment.
- the electron detector shown is a detector of electrons commonly called secondary DES, conventionally used in scanning electron microscopy operating in secondary electron mode or “Secondary Electron Mode >> SEM in English.
- Secondary Electron Mode SEM in English.
- this mode is installed by default in commercial SEMs, and makes it possible to obtain a topographic contrast image of the observed surface.
- Figure 2 also shows a removable BP protection shield, which protects the MEB column during laser firing.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention in which the MEB operates in so-called “BSE” mode for BackScattered Electron in English.
- This mode produces a contrast image of atomic number allowing information to be obtained on the chemical nature of the elements observed.
- the system includes a second electron detector which is a DER backscattered electron detector. This detector is preferably removable and is only positioned in the chamber when the MEB must operate in this mode.
- the system 10 comprises a device for injecting a determined DIG gas into the chamber Ch, which allows control of the environment during laser treatment.
- FIG 4 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention in which the SEM operates in so-called “EBSD” mode for “Electron Back Scattered Diffraction” in English.
- the system includes a removable DC crystallographic camera configured to detect electrons backscattered/diffracting from the sample. This mode allows you to look at the result of the laser treatment in order to characterize the microstructure from a crystallographic point of view (specific imaging).
- the scanning microscope is of the environmental type, or MEBE, which allows control of the gaseous environment of the part to be treated. Furthermore the use of a MEBE in the system according to the invention allows the implementation of all related physical and chemical techniques, using particle physics (X-ray spectrometry, electron diffraction, IR thermography).
- the system includes a removable calorimeter allowing the calibration of the output power of the laser.
- the LAS laser is a class 4 fiber laser having an adjustable fiber output power from 20 to 200 W (collimated beam) and emitting at a wavelength of 1070 +/- 2 nm.
- the laser is a laser coupled to an optical output fiber.
- the laser source, the output optical fiber, the two-dimensional scanning device and the focusing device are arranged in a single BT box.
- the system also includes a coupling part PA configured to interface the box and the MEB, as illustrated in Figure 4bis. This part allows you to confine the focusing lens of the housing.
- Figure 5 illustrates a first example of use of the system according to the invention.
- This secondary electron image (SEM) makes it possible to identify the location and evaluate the width of the area affected by the passage of the laser.
- SEM secondary electron image
- five laser shots were carried out with a power of 24 W, with a spot size of 60 pm.
- Tracks 1 to 5 correspond respectively to a laser advance speed of 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mm/s.
- Figure 6 illustrates a second example of use of the system according to the invention
- image A is the image before laser treatment and image B after.
- the backscattered electron diffraction type analysis obtained with the EBSD camera highlights the crystallographic character of the microstructure of the material and the modification of the latter by the laser.
- Comparison of images A (before laser treatment) and B (after laser treatment) shows that the grains constituting the microstructure and the surface state are modified by the passage of the laser (zone 60).
- FIG. 7 illustrates a third example of use of the system according to the invention.
- Backscattered electron type imaging (BSE mode) obtained with the electron microscope highlights the contrast in chemical composition constituting the microstructure of the material observed and the modification of the latter by the laser.
- the network lighter on the image due to enrichment in chromium and molybdenum
- the cells interconnected honeycomb network, darker on the image.
- the upper treated part we see that the network is modified, its topography is greatly reduced and the cells are smaller. This change in structure induces modifications in the mechanical properties of the material.
- the system according to the invention allows an in situ comparison before/after treatment without moving the sample between laser treatment and characterization.
- This comparison of images taken in situ represents a significant saving of time and the use of the system according to the invention leads to more reliable measurements because they are carried out under a controlled atmosphere.
- the invention relates to a method of processing and characterizing an Ech sample.
- the sample is placed in the chamber Ch of an SEM), the chamber comprising a gas or being under vacuum.
- a wall of the chamber comprises a porthole H.
- the method comprises a step 100 of generating a continuous wave FL laser beam having a modifiable power P.
- the laser beam is focused on the sample by passing through the window and the laser beam is scanned in two dimensions so as to move it on the sample with a determined speed v.
- the focal length value can be modified in a controlled manner, the focusing spot on the sample having a determined power P and diameter D.
- a characterization step 300 a first so-called post-processing image is produced with the SEM, by illuminating the sample with a focused FE electron beam and detecting electrons coming from the sample.
- the method according to the invention further comprises a step 50 consisting of producing a second so-called pre-processing image with the SEM before processing step 200.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
- Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
- Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
- Welding Or Cutting Using Electron Beams (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2213567A FR3143756A1 (fr) | 2022-12-16 | 2022-12-16 | Systeme pour traiter par laser a onde continue et caracteriser par meb un echantillon |
| PCT/EP2023/078426 WO2024125853A1 (fr) | 2022-12-16 | 2023-10-12 | Systeme pour traiter par laser a onde continue et caracteriser par meb un echantillon |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4634650A1 true EP4634650A1 (fr) | 2025-10-22 |
Family
ID=85685409
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP23789660.0A Pending EP4634650A1 (fr) | 2022-12-16 | 2023-10-12 | Systeme pour traiter par laser a onde continue et caracteriser par meb un echantillon |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4634650A1 (fr) |
| JP (1) | JP2026503388A (fr) |
| KR (1) | KR20250121015A (fr) |
| CN (1) | CN120418646A (fr) |
| FR (1) | FR3143756A1 (fr) |
| WO (1) | WO2024125853A1 (fr) |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11035899B2 (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2021-06-15 | Globalfoundries Singapore Pte. Ltd. | System for detection of passive voltage contrast |
-
2022
- 2022-12-16 FR FR2213567A patent/FR3143756A1/fr active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-10-12 CN CN202380086317.9A patent/CN120418646A/zh active Pending
- 2023-10-12 JP JP2025534638A patent/JP2026503388A/ja active Pending
- 2023-10-12 WO PCT/EP2023/078426 patent/WO2024125853A1/fr not_active Ceased
- 2023-10-12 KR KR1020257019810A patent/KR20250121015A/ko active Pending
- 2023-10-12 EP EP23789660.0A patent/EP4634650A1/fr active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2024125853A1 (fr) | 2024-06-20 |
| FR3143756A1 (fr) | 2024-06-21 |
| CN120418646A (zh) | 2025-08-01 |
| KR20250121015A (ko) | 2025-08-11 |
| JP2026503388A (ja) | 2026-01-29 |
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