News
17.03.2026
New Dual-Beam FIB/SEM System to Boost Research in Materials and Life Sciences
The CCiTUB has incorporated a state-of-the-art dual-beam FIB/SEM system, the Zeiss CrossBeam 350, thanks to the award of grant EQC2021‑007336‑P funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Union’s Next Generation EU funds (2021 call), with a budget of €1,228,000.
This instrument, currently being installed at the Electron Microscopy and Related Techniques Unit on the Diagonal Campus, combines high‑resolution imaging, sample preparation, and advanced characterization technologies in a single system, making it a key tool for addressing emerging scientific challenges. The equipment will enable the development of new cutting‑edge methodologies and applications in both materials science and the life sciences.
Features and Applications
Integration with Other Techniques
One of its most notable capabilities is the acquisition of ultra‑high‑resolution images across a wide range of samples. It also enables simultaneous observation with electron and ion beams, a combination that significantly enhances the detail and precision of analyses. The system can also produce images with spatial correlation to those obtained through optical microscopy. This feature, combined with its ability to operate in cryogenic mode throughout the entire process, is particularly valuable for structural biology studies.
The new system also stands out for its ability to improve sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It can generate extremely thin and highly specific lamellae using techniques such as lift‑out or the preparation of MEMS chips for in situ studies. All these operations can be performed either at room temperature or in cryogenic mode at liquid nitrogen temperature, ensuring the structural preservation of sensitive samples.
Morphological, Compositional, and Structural Characterization
The system integrates several detectors that enable comprehensive morphological and compositional characterization. Among its analytical capabilities are chemical analysis of microstructures, acquisition of 2D and 3D compositional information, and the execution of tomographic series through nanometric slicing, applicable to both biological samples and materials.
These functionalities make it possible to reconstruct three‑dimensional volumes with high precision and to gain deep insight into the internal organization of samples.
A Tool for Creating and Modifying Structures
Beyond observation and analysis, the new instrument allows the modification and creation of structures using the focused ion beam (FIB) and different types of gases. This capability opens the door to applications in micro‑ and nanoengineering, as well as the fabrication of functional structures or prototypes at the nanoscale.