3D elemental and isotopic distribution
laser or voltage pulsing
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Tomography (3D-APT)
Characterise 3D elemental and isotopic distribution, segregation, clustering, and interface chemistry, and nanoscale composition with near-atomic spatial resolution using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£750 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 10 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Cameca LEAP 6000 XRFEI-3D-APT LEAP 5000 XRFEI-Helios G4 UX
- Typical outputs
- Reconstructed 3D atom mapComposition profiles and proximity histogramsCluster, interface, or precipitate statisticsMethod-specific images
Why this service
What 3D-APT can help you understand
Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Tomography is selected when the project needs defensible information on 3D elemental and isotopic distribution, segregation, clustering, and interface chemistry, or nanoscale…
Segregation, clustering, and interface chemistry
site-specific correlative preparation
Nanoscale composition with near-atomic spatial resolution
cryo-transfer APT
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Laser or voltage pulsing
3D elemental and isotopic distribution
- Best used when
- 3D elemental and isotopic distribution
- Typical result
- Reconstructed 3D atom map
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Site-specific correlative preparation
segregation, clustering, and interface chemistry
- Best used when
- segregation, clustering, and interface chemistry
- Typical result
- Composition profiles and proximity histograms
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Cryo-transfer APT
nanoscale composition with near-atomic spatial resolution
- Best used when
- nanoscale composition with near-atomic spatial resolution
- Typical result
- Cluster, interface, or precipitate statistics
- 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.
Reconstructed 3D atom map reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Composition profiles and proximity histograms supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Cluster, interface, or precipitate statistics provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| 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. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
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.
What should I send for Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Tomography?
Provide film / coating, liquid / solution, device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For 3D elemental and isotopic distribution, start with laser or voltage pulsing; add site-specific correlative preparation when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 10 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Specimen yield and reconstruction accuracy are material-dependent. The analysed volume is extremely small and may not represent heterogeneous bulk material.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope 3D-APT 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