Summary of "Le Centre de microscopies électroniques de l'Université de Rennes 1"

Summary of the Video: Le Centre de microscopies électroniques de l’Université de Rennes 1

Main Ideas and Concepts

The University of Rennes 1 has created a new Electron Microscopy Center by merging its existing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microanalytical microscopy centers with a newly established transmission electron microscopy (TEM) platform. The center is equipped with advanced instrumentation, including:

Two scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
One transmission electron microscope (TEM)

These instruments enable both imaging and detailed chemical and structural analysis of samples. The platform also includes comprehensive sample preparation facilities to ensure sample integrity under electron microscopy conditions. The center is located in building 10a on the Beaulieu campus.

Technical and Methodological Details

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Electrons are emitted and travel down a column.
The sample is placed halfway along the column.
The electron beam passes through the sample to form an image observed on a phosphorescent screen.
Multiple detectors and cameras capture detailed information about the sample.
TEM allows observation at very small scales, such as crystallographic structures and unit cells.
Electron diffraction is used to determine crystallographic axes and analyze chemical composition at a localized scale.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Used for surface observation of objects ranging from a few millimeters to centimeters.
Offers a larger field of view and observation area compared to TEM.
SEM helps isolate and characterize larger sample areas before detailed TEM analysis.

Sample Handling

Samples are placed on small plates (e.g., 5 mm sides) mounted on transfer rods.
Transfer rods allow introduction of samples into the microscope via an airlock system.

Complementarity of SEM and TEM

SEM provides a multi-scale approach by observing larger surface features.
TEM offers detailed local structural and compositional analysis at the nanoscale.
Together, they enable comprehensive material characterization.

Project and Funding

The project cost approximately €2.2 million.
Funding sources include:
- French government
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
- Brittany region
- CNRS
- Rennes Métropole
- University of Rennes 1

Applications and Users

The platform serves a multidisciplinary user base:

Academic research laboratories in:
- Materials science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Geosciences
- Archaeology
- Electronics
- Pharmacy
- Medical schools
- Biology
Industrial users, including SMEs and large companies in:
- Cosmetics
- Metallurgy
- Biotechnology

The platform supports both research and training, providing resources for higher education and professional development.

Upcoming Events

An official inauguration of the platform is scheduled for July.
The event will acknowledge the many contributors to the project.
It will also serve to inform researchers and industry partners about the platform’s capabilities and operation.

Detailed Overview

Center Overview

Combination of SEM, microanalytical microscopy, and new TEM platform.
Located at University of Rennes 1, Beaulieu campus, building 10a.

Equipment

2 Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM).
1 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM).
Sample preparation tools to prevent deformation.

TEM Methodology

Electron beam emitted and passes through sample.
Image formed on phosphorescent screen.
Multiple detectors/cameras collect data.
Electron diffraction used for crystallography.
Chemical composition analysis possible.

SEM Methodology

Surface observation of millimeter- to centimeter-sized samples.
Larger field of view than TEM.
Used for preliminary observation before TEM.

Sample Handling

Samples placed on small plates (~5 mm).
Mounted on transfer rods for airlock introduction.

Scientific Approach

Multi-scale analysis combining SEM (surface, larger scale) and TEM (local, atomic scale).
Enables detailed structural and compositional insights.

Funding and Support

€2.2 million project.
Funded by French government, ERDF, Brittany region, CNRS, Rennes Métropole, University of Rennes 1.

User Base

Multidisciplinary: materials science, physics, chemistry, geosciences, archaeology, electronics, pharmacy, medical schools, biology.
Industry: cosmetics, metallurgy, biotechnology, SMEs and large companies.
Research and training focus.

Upcoming Inauguration

July event to thank contributors.
Presentation of platform capabilities to researchers and industry.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Marie-Line Huneault Guillou Viry Professor at University of Rennes 1 and head of the scanning electron microscopy center.
Valérie Demangeau CNRS researcher at the Institute of Chemical Sciences in Rennes; responsible for setting up the transmission electron microscopy platform.