Introduction

3D atom probe tomography (3D-APT) is a state-of-the-art micro-analysis technique offering extensive capabilities for both 3D imaging and quantitative chemical analysis with near atomic resolution. The inter-university 3D Atom Probe Tomography Unit (APTU), directed by University Distinguished Professor C.T. Liu, is a centralized research unit providing scientific resources for conducting advanced materials research. The APTU is equipped with the new-generation 3DAPT (LEAP 5000XR), which is jointly financed by the Collaborative Research Fund from the Research Grants Council under the leadership of Prof. C. T. Liu and other professors from CityU, PolyU, HKU, HKUST, and CUHK, and internal funds from CityU.

Mission

To nurture and reinforce collaborative research in the area of advanced materials at the atomic- and nano-scales from all over the world, with the aim to become an internationally recognized research unit in atom probe tomography.

Objective

To provide a state-of-the-art research platform for materials scientists to conduct advanced materials research, including the 3D characterization of dislocations and twin/grain in metals and advanced alloys, nanoscale precipitation and interfacial segregation in advanced structural materials, irradiation-induced defects and their interactions with nanostructures in nuclear materials, surfaces and interfaces in advanced functional materials.