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Laue micro-diffraction has proven to be able to reveal material properties at the sub-grain scale for many polycrystalline materials and is now routinely available at several synchrotron facilities, providing an approach for nondestructive three-dimensional probing of the microstructures and mechanical states of materials. However, for in situ experiments, maintaining the positioning of the sample throughout the experiment, to achieve a good alignment of the characterized volumes, is a challenging issue. The aim of the present work is to address this problem by developing an approach based on digital image correlation of focused-beam Laue diffraction patterns. The method uses small changes in the diffraction signal as a focused X-ray beam is scanned over a surface region to allow corrections to be made for both sample lateral movement and rotation. The method is demonstrated using a tensile deformation experiment on an Al sample with 2.5 µm average grain size. The results demonstrate an accuracy of 0.5 µm for sample position registration and a precision in sample rotation of ∼0.01°. The proposed method is fast to implement and does not require the use of additional surface markers.

International audience; For studying the micromechanical behaviour of UO2 and characterising the intergranular interaction, polycrystals are implanted with helium ions, inducing strains in a thin surface layer. Laue X-ray microdiffraction is used to measure the strain field in this implanted layer with a spatial resolution of about 1 micrometer. It allows a 2D mapping of the strain field in a dozen of grains. These measurements show that the induced strain depends mainly on the crystal orientation, and can be evaluated by a semi-analytical mechanical model. A mechanical interaction of the neighbouring grains has also been evidenced near the grain boundaries, which has been well reproduced by a finite element model. This interaction is shown to increase with the implantation energy (i.e. the implantation depth): it can be neglected at low implantation energy (60 keV), but not at higher energy (500 keV).

In order to study the mechanical behavior of nuclear fuel during direct long term storage, UO2 polycrystals were implanted with Helium ions at a thin surface layer (1 µm approximately), which leads to stress and strain fields in the layer. Strains were measured, at the grains scale, by X-ray micro-diffraction, using synchrotron radiation (ESRF). Image analysis methods were developed for an automatic analysis of the large number of diffraction patterns. Applying statistical tools to Laue patterns allows an automatic detection of low quality images, and enhances the measurement precision. At low layer thickness, the mechanical interaction between grains can be neglected. At higher thickness, experimental results showed a higher mechanical interaction near grain boundaries that can be modeled using finite elements method. Geostatistical tools were used to quantify these interactions. The swelling and the elastic constants in the implanted layer can be estimated through the measured strains on a large number of grains with different orientations. This work allows the determination of the swelling of nuclear fuel in irradiation conditions, as well as the modification of its elastic properties; Dans le but d'étudier le comportement mécanique du combustible nucléaire dans un scénario de stockage direct à long terme, des polycristaux d'UO2 sont implantés en ions Hélium dans une fine couche surfacique (environ 1 µm), induisant des déformations. Ces déformations sont mesurées, à l'échelle des grains, par micro-diffraction des rayons X, en utilisant un rayonnement synchrotron (ESRF). Des méthodes d'analyse d'images sont développées pour traiter automatiquement le grand nombre de clichés de diffraction. Le développement d'outils statistiques permet de détecter des clichés problématiques et d'améliorer la précision de l'analyse. Pour des faibles profondeurs d'implantation, l'interaction mécanique entre les grains peut être négligée. Les résultats expérimentaux peuvent être approchés par un modèle mécanique simple. À plus grandes profondeurs, les résultats expérimentaux montrent une plus grande interaction mécanique aux joints de grain qui peut être modélisée par éléments finis. Des outils de géostatistique ont été utilisés pour quantifier ces interactions. Le gonflement et les constantes élastiques de la couche implantée peuvent être ajustés à travers les déformations mesurées sur un grand nombre de grains d'orientations différentes. Ces études permettent de déterminer le gonflement du combustible nucléaire en conditions d'irradiation, ainsi que les modifications de ses propriétés élastiques

In order to study the mechanical behavior of nuclear fuel during direct long term storage, UO2 polycrystals were implanted with Helium ions at a thin surface layer (1 µm approximately), which leads to stress and strain fields in the layer. Strains were measured, at the grains scale, by X-ray micro-diffraction, using synchrotron radiation (ESRF). Image analysis methods were developed for an automatic analysis of the large number of diffraction patterns. Applying statistical tools to Laue patterns allows an automatic detection of low quality images, and enhances the measurement precision. At low layer thickness, the mechanical interaction between grains can be neglected. At higher thickness, experimental results showed a higher mechanical interaction near grain boundaries that can be modeled using finite elements method. Geostatistical tools were used to quantify these interactions. The swelling and the elastic constants in the implanted layer can be estimated through the measured strains on a large number of grains with different orientations. This work allows the determination of the swelling of nuclear fuel in irradiation conditions, as well as the modification of its elastic properties; Dans le but d'étudier le comportement mécanique du combustible nucléaire dans un scénario de stockage direct à long terme, des polycristaux d'UO2 sont implantés en ions Hélium dans une fine couche surfacique (environ 1 µm), induisant des déformations. Ces déformations sont mesurées, à l'échelle des grains, par micro-diffraction des rayons X, en utilisant un rayonnement synchrotron (ESRF). Des méthodes d'analyse d'images sont développées pour traiter automatiquement le grand nombre de clichés de diffraction. Le développement d'outils statistiques permet de détecter des clichés problématiques et d'améliorer la précision de l'analyse. Pour des faibles profondeurs d'implantation, l'interaction mécanique entre les grains peut être négligée. Les résultats expérimentaux peuvent être approchés par un modèle mécanique simple. À plus grandes profondeurs, les résultats expérimentaux montrent une plus grande interaction mécanique aux joints de grain qui peut être modélisée par éléments finis. Des outils de géostatistique ont été utilisés pour quantifier ces interactions. Le gonflement et les constantes élastiques de la couche implantée peuvent être ajustés à travers les déformations mesurées sur un grand nombre de grains d'orientations différentes. Ces études permettent de déterminer le gonflement du combustible nucléaire en conditions d'irradiation, ainsi que les modifications de ses propriétés élastiques

The understanding of structure-function relationships in normal and pathologic mammalian tissues is at the basis of tissue engineering (TE) approach for the development of biological substitutes to restore or improve tissue function. In this framework it is interesting to investigate engineered bone tissue, which is formed when porous ceramic constructs are loaded with Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSC) and implanted in vivo. To monitor the relation between bone formation and vascularization, it is important to achieve a detailed imaging and a quantitative description of the complete three-dimensional vascular network in such constructs. Here we used synchrotron X-ray phase contrast micro-tomography to visualize and analyze the three-dimensional micro-vascular networks in bone-engineered constructs, in ectopic bone formation mouse-model. We compared samples seeded with and without BMSC as well as samples differently stained (comprising unstained samples). Thanks to the high quality of the images, we investigated the 3D distribution of both vessels and collagen matrix and we obtained quantitative information for all different sample preparations.We propose our approach as a tool for quantitative studies of angiogenesis in TE and for any other pre-clinical investigations where a quantitative analysis of the vascular network is required.

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved. The mineralogy and spatial distribution of nano-crystalline corrosion products that form in the steel/concrete interface were characterized using synchrotron X-ray micro-diffraction (μ-XRD). Two types of low-nickel high-chromium reinforcing steels embedded into mortar and exposed to NaCl solution were investigated. Corrosion in the samples was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). μ-XRD revealed that goethite (α-FeOOH) and akaganeite (β-FeOOH) are the main iron oxide-hydroxides formed during the chloride-induced corrosion of stainless steel in concrete. Goethite is formed closer to the surface of the steel due to the presence of chromium in the steel, while akaganeite is formed further away from the surface due to the presence of chloride ions. Detailed microstructural analysis is shown and discussed on one sample of each type of steel.

The electrons transfer (ET) from an atom or a molecule, donor (D), to another, acceptor (A) is the basis of many fundamental chemical and physical processes. The ET mechanism is controlled by spatial arrangements of donor and acceptors: it’s the particular spatial arrangement and thus the particular distance and the orientation between the electron donors and acceptors that controls the efficiency in charge separation processes in nature. Here, we stress the importance of this concept reviewing how spatial distribution of atomic and molecular self-assembly can determine the quality and physical features of ET process from biology to material science. In this context, we propose novel lab-on-chip techniques to be used to control spatial distribution of molecules at nanoscale. Synchrotron source brightness jointly to focusing optics fabrication allows one nowadays to monitor and visualize structures with sub-micrometric spatial resolution. This can give us a new powerful tool to set up sophisticated X-ray imaging techniques as well as spectroscopic elemental and chemical mapping to investigate the structure-function relationship controlling the spatial arrangement of the molecules at nanoscale. Finally, we report intriguing recent case studies on the possibility to manipulate and control this spatial distribution and material functionality at nanoscale by using X ray illumination.

Strain heterogeneities in polycrystalline thin films are of great interest in technology because many fabrication and reliability problems are stress related. Nevertheless measuring local strains in sub-micron grains remains a real experimental challenge. This thesis is focused on recent and promising results in the field of strain measurements in small dimensions via X-ray micro-diffraction. A 3D mapping of 111 Bragg reflection from a Au sub-micron single grain was measured during a thermal cycle. Coherent properties of the beam has been used to retrieve a component of the displacement field in 3D from this single grain with a resolution around 17 × 17 × 22 nm via phase retrieval procedures. However algorithms do not always converge when the grain is highly strained. Thus alternative techniques are proposed and tested to overcome this stagnation. Complementary results from laboratory diffraction and micro 3D X-Ray Diffraction have also been analysed to compare strain at different scales. Strong strain heterogeneities has been evidenced between grains.; Les comportements mécaniques des films minces polycristallins sont encore mal compris à l'échelle sub-micronique. En particulier des hétérogénéités locales de déformation importantes sont attendues, mais elles restent difficile à quantifier expérimentalement. Les nouvelles possibilités offertes par les micro-faisceaux synchrotron de rayons X ont donc été utilisées dans ce travail pour éclairer cette problèmatique. Une réflexion de Bragg provenant d'un grain unique sub-micronique a été acquise avec une très bonne résolution dans l'espace réciproque en trois dimensions lors d'un cycle thermique. Les propriétés de cohérence du faisceau ont été utilisées pour reconstruire à trois dimensions une composante du champ de déplacement intra-grain avec une résolution d'une vingtaine de nanomètres dans les trois directions. Cette technique est basée sur des algorithmes de reconstruction de phase qui néanmoins connaissent des stagnations dans le cas des échantillons fortement déformés. Une méthodologie basée sur la connaissance de la forme du grain a donc été développée pour contourner ces difficultés. Des analyses complémentaires de diffraction X de laboratoire et de microdiffraction monochromatique ont également mis en évidence des hétérogénéités importantes de déformation entre les différents grains.

Strain heterogeneities in polycrystalline thin films are of great interest in technology because many fabrication and reliability problems are stress related. Nevertheless measuring local strains in sub-micron grains remains a real experimental challenge. This thesis is focused on recent and promising results in the field of strain measurements in small dimensions via X-ray micro-diffraction. A 3D mapping of 111 Bragg reflection from a Au sub-micron single grain was measured during a thermal cycle. Coherent properties of the beam has been used to retrieve a component of the displacement field in 3D from this single grain with a resolution around 17 × 17 × 22 nm via phase retrieval procedures. However algorithms do not always converge when the grain is highly strained. Thus alternative techniques are proposed and tested to overcome this stagnation. Complementary results from laboratory diffraction and micro 3D X-Ray Diffraction have also been analysed to compare strain at different scales. Strong strain heterogeneities has been evidenced between grains.; Les comportements mécaniques des films minces polycristallins sont encore mal compris à l'échelle sub-micronique. En particulier des hétérogénéités locales de déformation importantes sont attendues, mais elles restent difficile à quantifier expérimentalement. Les nouvelles possibilités offertes par les micro-faisceaux synchrotron de rayons X ont donc été utilisées dans ce travail pour éclairer cette problèmatique. Une réflexion de Bragg provenant d'un grain unique sub-micronique a été acquise avec une très bonne résolution dans l'espace réciproque en trois dimensions lors d'un cycle thermique. Les propriétés de cohérence du faisceau ont été utilisées pour reconstruire à trois dimensions une composante du champ de déplacement intra-grain avec une résolution d'une vingtaine de nanomètres dans les trois directions. Cette technique est basée sur des algorithmes de reconstruction de phase qui néanmoins connaissent des stagnations dans le cas des échantillons fortement déformés. Une méthodologie basée sur la connaissance de la forme du grain a donc été développée pour contourner ces difficultés. Des analyses complémentaires de diffraction X de laboratoire et de microdiffraction monochromatique ont également mis en évidence des hétérogénéités importantes de déformation entre les différents grains.

The description and identification of corrosion products formed on archaeological iron artefacts need various approaches at different observation scales. For this study, samples from five sites were prepared using two techniques. The first consists in cutting cross-sections perpendicular to corrosion layers. This allows local observations and analysis of the corrosion layer stratigraphy at different levels. The second consists in performing manual grinding or abrading of the corrosion layers starting from the current surface of the excavated artefact to the metal core. It allows the description of the successive layers and is well adapted for the analysis on a larger scale. In addition to these two observation scales, the identification of the iron oxides formed needs the coupling of several complementary techniques. Elementary compositions were determined by scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive x-ray (SEM–EDX) analysis and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Structural identification was performed by x-ray micro-diffraction under synchrotron radiation (µXRD) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. These analyses were performed on the same samples with both x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy in order to ensure a reliable characterization. In some cases there are some ambiguities or overlapping between signatures of different phases by µXRD (such as maghaemite–magnetite) or Raman spectroscopy (such as goethite–magnetite) which can be overcome by the association of the two methods. The final aim is to set up an analytical methodology that will be optimal for the study of ancient iron corrosion products. It is the first step in the study of long-term mechanisms of iron in soil. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.