The first dedicated local electrode atom probes (LEAP [a trademark of Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation]) have been built and tested as commercial prototypes. Several key performance parameters have been markedly improved relative to conventional three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) designs. The Imago LEAP can operate at a sustained data collection rate of 1 million atoms/minute. This is some 600 times faster than the next fastest atom probe and large images can be collected in less than 1 h that otherwise would take many days. The field of view of the Imago LEAP is about 40 times larger than conventional 3DAPs. This makes it possible to analyze regions that are about 100 nm diameter by 100 nm deep containing on the order of 50 to 100 million atoms with this instrument. Several example applications that illustrate the advantages of the LEAP for materials analysis are presented.

We present sample transfer instrumentation and integrated protocols for the preparation and atom probe characterization of environmentally-sensitive materials. Ultra-high vacuum cryogenic suitcases allow specimen transfer between preparation, processing and several imaging platforms without exposure to atmospheric contamination. For expedient transfers, we installed a fast-docking station equipped with a cryogenic pump upon three systems; two atom probes, a scanning electron microscope / Xe-plasma focused ion beam and a N2-atmosphere glovebox. We also installed a plasma FIB with a solid-state cooling stage to reduce beam damage and contamination, through reducing chemical activity and with the cryogenic components as passive cryogenic traps. We demonstrate the efficacy of the new laboratory protocols by the successful preparation and transfer of two highly contamination- and temperature-sensitive samples—water and ice. Analysing pure magnesium atom probe data, we show that surface oxidation can be effectively suppressed using an entirely cryogenic protocol (during specimen preparation and during transfer). Starting with the cryogenically-cooled plasma FIB, we also prepared and transferred frozen ice samples while avoiding significant melting or sublimation, suggesting that we may be able to measure the nanostructure of other normally-liquid or soft materials. Isolated cryogenic protocols within the N2 glove box demonstrate the absence of ice condensation suggesting that environmental control can commence from fabrication until atom probe analysis.

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Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, August 7–August 11, 2011.

Identity theft and tax fraud have been leading white-collar crimes for over a decade. Emerging trends have seen the rise in white-collar crime to now include deed theft. This type of theft marries identity theft and mortgage fraud, and it is robbing the hopes of many people who aspire to own a home. This whitepaper identifies how deed theft takes place through targeting homes with deceased owners, house flipping fraud and fake forensic auditors. It explores this evolved white-collar crime and its dangerous effects, while also revealing the best ways to mitigate the risk of deed theft. Furthermore, this paper provides the background of the crime and how the crime correlates with identify theft. Gaining control of this issue is challenging due to the existing infrastructure that was introduced in 1920. This leaves few country clerks with any response to the issue surrounding identity theft and mortgage fraud. To mitigate this challenge, devices have been developed to track the behaviour of people to ensure that their residences are not 'stolen'. Although these solutions are available, few individuals learn about deed theft so that the solutions can be used to protect themselves against it. This whitepaper presents DeedLock as the most effective solution to address the looming challenge of property theft.