Laser‐based in situ techniques: Novel methods for generating extreme conditions in TEM samples

KEY WORDS in situ; laser; transmission electron microscopy; dynamic; transformation;growthABSTRACT The dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM) is introduced as a noveltool for in situ processing of materials. Examples of various types of dynamic studies outline theadvantages and differences of laser-based heating in the DTEM in comparison to conventional(resistive) heating in situ TEM methods. We demonstrate various unique capabilities of the drivelaser, namely, in situ processing of nanoscale materials, rapid and high temperature phase trans-formations, and controlled thermal activation of materials. These experiments would otherwise beimpossible without the use of the DTEM drive laser. Thus, the potential of the DTEM as a newtechnique to process and characterize the growth of a myriad of micro and nanostructures is dem-onstrated. Microsc. Res. Tech. 72:122–130, 2009.