A lot of effort is put into developing a fundamental understanding of the surface properties of materials such as metals and alloys, thin materials, or batteries. Mg-Ca-Zn alloy, a biocompatible and biodegradable substance, is studied as a promising material for medicinal applications (specifically as temporary implants). The amount of Zn and Ca in the alloy has a significant influence on the mechanical properties. Certain conditions can lead to the precipitation of a Ca-rich phase, which hardens the material by blocking dislocation movement.

We used correlative in-situ microscopy by combining atomic force microscope (AFM LiteScope) with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The different imaging systems enables us to gain more information and better understanding of the sample surface in a shorter time. It has become a very useful tool helping us to understand the complexity of the material under in-situ conditions, and with precise and easy localization to the region of interest.

Using AFM-in-SEM, we localized and imaged the precipitate by SEM overview and the Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) technique, which maps the contact potential difference between the tip and sample. We were able to identify the hardening precipitate from other islands on the sample surface thanks to the differences in the potential between both phases present. Regarding the shape, the precipitate is circular and has sunk into the alloy as recognizable in 3D AFM topography colored by KPFM signal on the right of Fig. 1.

To summarize, AFM-in-SEM solution allows us analyses under in-situ conditions of several AFM modes – such as 3D topography, electrical, magnetic, or mechanical properties – and SEM capabilities like fast imaging, chemical analysis, or surface modification. This way, the Correlative Microscopy is essential in material science, semiconductor or life science research, as well as in industry.