Laboratory 4 Dimensional X-ray Diffraction for Sustainable Materials Development

Objective

Several pressing societal challenges require the development of a new generation of materials that are stronger, smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. The unique capabilities of such new materials are in most cases dictated by their intricate crystalline microstructure. Thus, continued research and innovation, and understanding of the characteristics and manipulation of crystalline materials is fundamental for further progress, economic growth, and improvement of our quality of life. Lab4DMade will revolutionize this field by developing a Lab4DµXRD prototype, the first-of-its-kind laboratory-based scanning X-ray diffraction microscope with unprecedented high throughput, spatial and temporal resolution, and user-friendliness. The Lab4DµXRD prototype will incorporate a new class of X-ray focusing optics to be developed to provide a focused highly intense X-ray probe and a new type of detector TimePix4 with superior read out rate and energy resolution. The potential of Lab4DµXRD will be demonstrated in relevant environments (reaching TRL6), using application cases within next generation materials and processing (photovoltaics, aluminum wires for electric vehicles, solid state batteries and additive manufacturing). Lab4DµXRD will outperform all existing non-destructive laboratory-based crystallographic imaging tools with i) a ten-time improved spatial resolution, ii) the availability to image a much broader range of materials (with small grain sizes and defects), iii) increased speed of acquisition, iv) 3D information about local strain and phase distributions within the bulk, and v)uniquely, 4D (x,y,z,time) mapping of the microstructural evolution while the samples are exposed to external stimuli. Lab4DµXRD represents a significant business opportunity for the 3 companies developing hardware and software (Xnovo, Advacam and AXO). DTU and the 3 associated partners (DESY, Hydro and MPI) will benefit from being the first end-users with access to Lab4DµXRD.