SPEQTEM: a state-of-the-art electron microscope inaugurates a new era of quantum microscopy at Cnr Nano
CNR Nano unveils the SPEQTEM electron microscope, an advanced facility, developed with UNIMORE and Thermo Fisher Scientific, that will enable analysis of atomic structures and quantum behaviors, and support innovations in energy-efficient technologies.

On Friday, January 24, the new Spectroscopic Quantum Transmission Electron Microscope (SPEQTEM) was inaugurated at the Physics Building of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) campus. SPEQTEM is a cutting-edge instrument born from the collaboration between the Institute of Nanoscience of the National Research Council (Cnr Nano), Unimore, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in scientific technologies.


The ceremony was attended by key institutional representatives, including Maria Chiara Carrozza, President of the National Research Council; Carlo Adolfo Porro, Rector of Unimore; Federica Venturelli, Modena’s Councilor for Educational Policies and University Relations; and Ludovica Carla Ferrari, Councilor of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Thermo Fisher Scientific representatives and local authorities also participated. Institutional greetings were delivered by Gaetano Scamarcio, Director of Cnr Nano, and Vittorio Morandi, Director of Cnr-Ismn and iENTRANCE.


In his presentation, Vincenzo Grillo, coordinator of the TEM@Modena laboratory at Cnr Nano, emphasized the significance of SPEQTEM: SPEQTEM marks a breakthrough for our research efforts. This microscope not only advances our capability to explore quantum phenomena and material properties with unprecedented precision but also establishes a critical platform for both academic and industrial innovation. It is an exciting milestone for Cnr Nano and our collaborators.”


A strategic resource for quantum science and materials innovation

SPEQTEM, acquired by Cnr Nano and installed within the Department of Physics, Informatics, and Mathematics (FIM) at Unimore, is supported by the iENTRANCE and NQSTI projects. It aims to serve two key purposes: as a pioneering platform for quantum electron optics experiments and as an integrated facility for cutting-edge applied and industrial research.


As a Thermo Fischer Spectra 300 TEM model, equipped with advanced technologies such as an energy filter and monochromator, SPEQTEM delivers atomic-resolution imaging and in-depth material analysis. It is integral to the iENTRANCE infrastructure, funded by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and will contribute to developing next-generation energy materials, including sustainable lithium batteries. Vincenzo Grillo explains: “This instrument allows us to characterize internal electromagnetic fields in materials and investigate quantum phenomena such as coherent excitations, which are fundamental for probing electronic dynamics, understanding light-matter interactions, and unraveling the properties of materials at the atomic scale.”


A fruitful collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific

The partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific played a crucial role in the realization of SPEQTEM. Marco Tinti, Electron Microscopy Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighted the collaboration: “Thermo Fisher Scientific is proud to have contributed to this significant achievement by providing innovative technological solutions. The integration of SPEQTEM into the research ecosystem exemplifies how industry and academia can work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible in science and technology. This collaboration with Cnr Nano and Unimore reflects our shared commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing the technological challenges of tomorrow.”


The inauguration on Jan. 24 was followed by a scientific symposium featuring international leaders in electron microscopy and quantum optics, including Marco Beleggia (Unimore), Rafal Dunin-Borkowski (Forschungszentrum Jülich), Vincenzo Grillo (Cnr Nano), Ido Kaminer (Technion), Ebrahim Karimi (University of Ottawa), Eva Olsson (Chalmers University), and Peter Tiemeijer (Thermo Fisher Scientific).

 

TEM@Modena: an internationally recognized research group

The TEM@Modena team, led by Vincenzo Grillo, comprises experts from Cnr Nano and FIM Unimore, known for their pioneering work in electron microscopy. Their groundbreaking achievements include developing vortex electron beams and an orbital angular momentum spectrometer—innovative tools that push the boundaries of quantum microscopy. The team’s expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning further enhances their ability to automate and optimize electron microscopy, attracting recognition and prestigious awards, such as the Ernst Ruska Prize, Europe’s highest honor in the field.


SPEQTEM represents a significant investment in scientific excellence, with a value exceeding €2 million, and will play a central role in fostering collaborations and driving advancements in quantum science and materials research.


[Top image: from left :Alberto Tinti, Gaetano Scamarcio, Maria Chiara Carrozza, Vincenzo Grillo, Carlo Adolfo Porro, Ludovica Carla Ferrari, Federica Venturelli (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)]

SPEQTEM microscope (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
Maria Chiara Carrozza, Cnr President (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
from left: Alberto Tinti, Carlo Adolfo Porro, Maria Chiara Carrozza, Vincenzo Grillo (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM inauguration event (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)

SPEQTEM inauguration: Vincenzo Grillo (Cnr Nano), Gaetano Scamarcio (Cnr Nano), Maria Chiara Carroza (Cnr), Stefano Frabboni (Unimore), Elisa Molinari (Unimore), Vittorio Morandi (Cnr Ismn, IEntramce).  (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)

SPEQTEM inauguration (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM inauguration (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM inauguration (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM inauguration (Credits Vittorio Tulli, Cnr)
SPEQTEM Symposium
SPEQTEM Symposium speakers

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