In situ TEM MEMS based tensile testing of thin films
We plan to investigate the rate-dependent tensile properties of 2D materials such as metal thin films and PbMoO4 (PMO) films by using a combination of a novel plan-view FIB based sample lift out method and a MEMS based in situ tensile testing platform inside a TEM.
2D materials including recent TMDCs and metallic thin films are critical for achieving nanoscale miniaturizations in electronic applications. Currently, owing to the difficulty in sample manipulation and lack of appropriate mechanical testing suites, the mechanical properties of 2D materials remain under-explored. In this project, Proper protocols to handle and transfer the sample into the MEMS based platform are being developed. Once the protocol are stablished, and using a combination of a novel plan-view FIB based sample lift out method and a MEMS based tensile testing platform, 2D materials will be in situ tested inside a TEM. Specifically, we plan to investigate the rate-dependent tensile properties of metal thin films and PbMoO4 (PMO) films.