The Space Nanomaterials Atom Probe (SNAP)

Atom probe tomography (APT) is a powerful tool for the characterisation of materials at atomic scales. APT works by applying a pulsed voltage or pulsed laser to a needle like specimen that is 100 nm in diameter [1-2]. The voltage or laser pulse provides sufficient energy to field evaporate a single ion from the sample that then impinges on a position sensitive detector [1-2]. The time of flight provides elemental and isotopic information of the ion while the position of detection allows reconstruction of the ions original position in the sample generating a 3D atomic scale render of the material. Thus, APT provides unique information of a material’s structure and composition that is unobtainable in any other way [1-2].

 

Over the last decade APT has provided unique insights across a range of technological [1] and geological materials [2]. Applications in planetary science range from the detection of pre-solar nano-diamonds [3], to characterizing the nanoscale damage induced by space weathering [4-5], to trace element mobilization during asteroid impacts [6], to nanophase magnetic carrier phases in iron meteorites [7], and aqueous alteration of asteroids [8], among others. Recent successful asteroid sample return missions (JAXA’s Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 missions and NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission) as well as planned future sample return missions to Mars, Phobos and the Moon mean that it is important to extract the most science from the minimum sample volume. APT represents the ideal tool in this field to maximize the scientific return while consuming very little (0.01 µm³) of these precious materials [9-10].

 

Excitingly, APT technology has greatly improved over the last few years with the development of deep-UV laser systems and cryo-vacuum transfer capabilities that will enable the characterization of traditionally challenging materials including many extraterrestrial materials such as delicate hydrous phases which is particularly important for characterizing water-rich C-complex asteroids such as Ryugu and Bennu as well as Mars Sample Return materials [9-10], as well as irradiated materials e.g., space weathered natural and anthropogenic materials. However, we have only scratched the surface of what is possible with the APT technique and many more applications are yet to be attempted [10]. With human ambitions reaching back to the Moon and the Artemis program aiming to establish a permanent human settlement it is vital to understand how space craft materials and components behave in the radiation-rich and harsh space environment beyond low Earth Orbit. APT is uniquely suited to provide an atomic eye view of these important processes.

 

We are excited to announce the installation of the Space Nanomaterials Atom Probe or SNAP laboratory at the University of Glasgow. SNAP will be the first APT facility in Scotland and the first worldwide to specialize in space science challenges. It will focus on providing atomic-scale structural details on materials for space applications including satellite structural materials, space-based batteries, microelectronics and radiation-hardened materials. The SNAP facility will comprise a CAMECA LEAP 6000XR system with combined voltage and deep UV laser pulsed operation capabilities, as well as a and cryo-vacuum transfer solution. These features make SNAP uniquely suitable for delicate samples and enabling, first of their kind measurements of challenging materials including space weathered satellites and  extraterrestrial materials.

 

The SNAP facility is currently being commissioned and we anticipate ‘first-light’ in autumn 2026. We are already open to discussions for collaborative projects.

 

The SNAP facility is supported by dedicated research technical professional and expert research staff across a range of material science. As an international user-friendly facility, we also welcome collaborations from the international space science, materials science, planetary science and geological communities. Once the SNAP facility is operational, we will launch our access scheme to provide a collaborative route to use the latest APT technology. We look forward to working with you on this exciting new equipment, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or research ideas.

References: [1] Gault B. et al., (2021) Nat. Rev. Met. Prim. 1(1) 51. [2] Reddy S.M. et al., (2020), G&GR, 44(1) 5-50. [3] Heck P.R. et al., (2014) MAPS, 49(3), 453. [4] Greer J., et al., (2020) MAPS, 55(2), 426-440. [5] Daly L. et al., (2021) Nat Astro. 5(12) 1275-1285, [6] Montalvo S.D., (2019) Chem. Geol., 507, 85-95. [7] Einsle J.F., et al., (2018) PNAS¸ 115(49) E11436-E11445. [8] White L.F., et a., (2020) PNAS, 117(21) 11217-11219. [9] Daly L. et al., (2020) IOP Conf. Ser. Mat. Sci. & Eng. 891(1), 012008. [10] McCarroll I.E. et al., (2022) MRS Bull., 47(7) 696-705.