Advanced Optical Microscopy for Materials Engineering

Maschinenbau, Master (PO-2023)

Modulnummer / Modulcode WP-AOMME
Modulname Advanced Optical Microscopy for Materials Engineering
Art des Moduls Wahlpflicht
Lernergebnisse, Kompetenzen, Qualifikationsziele

At the end of the course, it is expected that students:

  • Acquired solid knowledge on the functioning of regular optical microscopes, operating in transmission and reflection mode; regular confocal optical profilometer; fluorescence confocal microscope; femtosecond pump-probe microscopy.
  • Developed general notions on the principles of optics and materials characterization with optical microscopes.
  • Know the general concepts at the base of image acquisition and analysis for enhancing data acquisition from optical microscopy images.
  • Differentiate among the different materials depending on their optical properties and establish a relation with suitable optical microscopy for its characterization.
  • Understand the main difference between regular optical microscopes, regular confocal optical profilometers, and fluorescence confocal microscopes.
  • Establish a link between regular optical microscopies with advanced femtosecond pump-probe microscopy.
Lehrveranstaltungsarten S (2 SWS), Ü (2 SWS)
Lehrinhalte

The course will be divided into 4 parts:

1. Regular Optical Microscopy

In this first part, students will explore basic optical microscopy, a foundational technique for material analysis. Optical microscopy uses visible light to illuminate and magnify samples, providing real-time images of surface structures and defects. This method is valuable for examining grain boundaries, surface textures, and microstructural features in metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. By understanding light-matter interactions and learning to interpret micrographs, students will gain skills essential for identifying physical properties and potential failure points in materials.

2. Regular Confocal Optical Profilometry

Next, students will work with a confocal optical profilometer to achieve precise 3D surface imaging. Unlike traditional microscopy, this method measures height variations across a surface by using confocal optics, making it ideal for characterizing surface roughness, layer thickness, and topographical details. This is particularly relevant for surface engineering applications in materials where precision is critical, such as coatings and thin films. Students will learn how to visualize and quantify surface profiles, critical for understanding wear, corrosion resistance, and adhesion properties.

3. Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy

In this section, students will engage with fluorescence confocal microscopy, which offers highly specific, in-depth visualization. This technique uses fluorescent labeling to highlight specific material features, allowing detailed analysis of composites, layered structures, and embedded materials. By using point-by-point scanning, fluorescence confocal microscopy provides fine resolution at different depths, revealing subsurface structures and even defects. Students will appreciate its applications in material quality control and advanced structural analysis where precise component mapping is required.

4. Femtosecond Pump-Probe Microscopy

Finally, students will be introduced to femtosecond pump-probe microscopy, an advanced optical technique that uses ultra-short laser pulses to investigate dynamic material responses at the nanoscale. This technique is particularly powerful for studying rapid phenomena like thermal, mechanical, and electronic changes in materials, critical for high-performance materials like those in electronics or aerospace. By learning about pump-probe principles, students will understand how this tool can capture ultrafast processes, aiding in the development of materials with targeted properties.

Each section will build practical skills and a solid theoretical foundation, equipping students with advanced microscopy knowledge applicable to a range of engineering challenges.

Titel der Lehrveranstaltungen Advanced Optical Microscopy for Materials Engineering
Lehr- und Lernmethoden (Lehr- und Lernformen) Blockseminar + Prakikum
Verwendbarkeit des Moduls B. Sc. And M. Sc. Maschinenbau
Dauer des Moduls ein Semester
Häufigkeit des Angebotes jährlich im Sommersemester
Sprache Englisch
Empfohlene (inhaltliche) Voraussetzungen für die Teilnahme am Modul - Basic knowledge of physics and materials from the optics point of view.
- Fundaments of optics.
- Good level of English.
Voraussetzungen für die Teilnahme am Modul
Studentischer Arbeitsaufwand 200 h = (Lectures time 50 h) + (selfstudy 150 h).
Studienleistungen S1: • Proficiency in regular optical microscopy techniques • Competence in surface profilometry and 3d imaging • Ability to analyze and interpret microscopy data • Understanding of fluorescence labeling and targeted imaging • Knowledge of femtosecond laser techniques and time-resolved material analysis
S2: Development of 3 laboratory practices and presentation of 3 experimental reports respectively, using each of the 3 optical microscopes available at the Institute of Materials Engineering and the Institute of Physics. Additionally, a 4th report is expected to be presented about femtosecond pump-probe microscopy.
Voraussetzung für Zulassung zur Prüfungsleistung Studienleistung S2
Prüfungsleistungen •One written (90 minutes) or oral exam (30 to 45 minutes with a second evaluator), depending on the number of students (80%). •Delivery of laboratory reports (20%).
Anzahl Credits (ECTS) 6 cp
Lehreinheit Maschinenbau
Modulverantwortliche/r Prof. Dr. Camilo Florian Baron
Lehrende Prof. Dr. Camilo Florian Baron
Medienformen - Blackboard, projector, presentations in PowerPoint. - Course release in Moodle platform. - Links to videos and presentations. List of relevant books and publications relative to the course.
Literatur
  • Corle, T. R. and Kino, G. S. (1996) Confocal scanning optical microscopy and related imaging systems. San Diego, Calif. [u.a.]: Acad. Press. https://karla.hds.hebis.de/Record/HEB051362465
  • To?ro?k P. (ed.) (2007) Optical imaging and microscopy : techniques and advanced systems. 2., rev. edition, Springer series in optical sciences. 2., rev. edition. Berlin: Springer (Springer series in optical sciences, 87). https://karla.hds.hebis.de/Record/HEB192395254
  • Book “Ultrafast Laser Nanostructuring” from Springer Nature. Available in https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-14752-4