Advanced Electron Microscopy in Materials Research

The research unit advanced electron microcopy in materials research focuses on structural, compositional and functional characterization providing a direct correlation between synthesis/processing and properties/functionality in materials research.
Electron Microscopy Group 2024KIT
High-end structural and compositional characterization is one of the essential requirements for advanced materials development; the experimental basis for a systematic understanding of materials and modelling. Electron microscopy is one of the most versatile and powerful tools to provide this basis by quantitative characterization of the atomic, nanometer and micron scale structure and composition. Moreover, in-situ experiments provide a direct correlation between structural changes, materials properties and functional behavior.
In addition to using state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques for materials characterization, we develop microscopy techniques to provide answers to specific research problems in materials and physical sciences. 

News & Publications

kübelDr. Kübel
Spectra Ultra TEM installed

The Iliad Ultra (S)TEM has been installed at Campus South. Combining a future-proof concept with state-of-the-art design to advance research at the frontiers of materials science and nanotechnology.

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Conventus / Photo: Markus Breig, KITConventus / Photo: Markus Breig, KIT
Sucessful MC2025 in Karlsruhe

Our warm congratulations to Dr. Kübel and his collaborators for the successful organization of the Microscopy Conference 2025. It was an inspiring and fruitful event that highlighted exciting advances in microscopy.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next MC in Dresden in 2027!

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DGE Förderpreis Sangjun KangChristian Kübel
Sangjung Kang received DGE PhD Prize

Sangjun Kang has been awarded the DGE prize for the best PhD thesis. Congratulations!

.POLiS
Excellence Cluster POLiS extended

We are very pleased to announce that the Excellence Cluster POLiS has been extended.

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TiMS CertificateTiMS
Editor for 'The Innovation Materials'

Christian Kübel has become editor at 'The Innovation Materials'

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Large-angle Lorentz 4D-STEM map of the strain and magnetic field distribution in a deformed glassSpringer
Large-angle Lorentz 4D-STEM simultaneous PDF, strain and magnetic mapping

Together with Xioake Mu, we have developed large-angle Lorentz 4D-STEM imaging as a new approach to simultaneously image the pair distribution function, strain and magnetic field distribution at the nanoscale. We have used this approach to directly correlated the strain distribution around shear bands in a metallic glass with the magnetic domain structure. Further details about the technique and our findings are available at S. Kang, et al.,
Nature Communication, 2025, 16, 1305; DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56521-6
.

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Former News

Explore our archive of past news and highlights you may wish to revisit.

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Method Development

We are optimizing and developing new microscopy methods to address emerging structural and functional questions.
In-situ TEM Atmosphere Holder Protochips Inc.
In-situ TEM
4D-STEM Xiaoke Mu, KIT
4D-STEM
KIT Dr. Christian kübel
Electron Tomography
. Dr. Christian kübel
Correlative Characterization

Materials Research

We are applying advanced electron microscopy techniques such as (S)TEM, EELS, EDX, NBED, tomography and FIB to characterize a variety of materials for different application areas.
Battery Interfaces Christian Kübel, KIT
Batteries
Catalysis Christian Kübel, KIT
Catalysis

Atomic structure of the active catalytic center

Metal-Support Interaction

Nano and micro scale morphology

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Metallic Glasses Teaser Kang, KIT
Metallic Glasses

Bulk metallic & nano glasses

Local structural & compositional analysis

Shear band structure

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High Entropy Oxides Kai Wang, KIT
High Entropy Oxides

Atomic structure & chemistry

Electron structure

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Multiferroic Thin Films Dr. Wang ,et al.
Multiferroic

Atomic structure and chemistry at interfaces

Ferroelectric & magnetic structure

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KIT Fraunhofer
Hydrogen Storage System
KIT KIT
Former Projects