Where do nucleation, corrosion or bubble events begin?
Time-lapse optical imaging
Performance Testing · Electrical & Electrochemical
In-situ Electrochemical Optical, Confocal and Digital-Holographic Imaging (EC Imaging)
Observe surface, interface and morphology changes while an electrochemical process is running.
- Price
- from£90 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 12 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Lyncée Tec DHM R1000
- Typical outputs
- Time-stamped image sequenceFeature or height-change mapSynchronous electrochemical traceAnnotated event timeline
Why this service
What EC Imaging can help you understand
In-situ electrochemical imaging combines a compatible optical, confocal or digital-holographic microscope with an electrochemical cell. It links visual or topographic change to potential, current, time…
How does surface morphology evolve with potential or time?
Confocal surface mapping
Can optical change be synchronised with electrochemical response?
Digital-holographic phase or height tracking
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Time-lapse optical imaging
Where do nucleation, corrosion or bubble events begin?
- Best used when
- Where do nucleation, corrosion or bubble events begin?
- Typical result
- Time-stamped image sequence
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
Confocal surface mapping
How does surface morphology evolve with potential or time?
- Best used when
- How does surface morphology evolve with potential or time?
- Typical result
- Feature or height-change map
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Digital-holographic phase or height tracking
Can optical change be synchronised with electrochemical response?
- Best used when
- Can optical change be synchronised with electrochemical response?
- Typical result
- Synchronous electrochemical trace
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Time-stamped image sequence reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Feature or height-change map supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Synchronous electrochemical trace provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Annotated event timeline included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
Can an existing sealed cell be used?
Only if its window, geometry, contacts and working distance are compatible with the selected imaging method.
What is the typical turnaround?
Typical turnaround is 12 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope EC Imaging correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth