On 20 March 2026, Grenoble INP – UGA’s Consortium of Shared Technology Facilities (CMTC) and the SIMaP laboratory* organised a scientific workshop devoted to atom probe tomography. The event brought together 70 participants from across the academic and industrial communities to discover the capabilities of this latest-generation instrument and discuss its potential applications.
Housed at the CMTC, the atom probe provides three-dimensional analysis of matter at the atomic scale, revealing the chemical composition of materials. It is now supported by a comprehensive technological environment, recently enhanced by the addition of an SEM-FIB—a scanning electron microscope combined with a focused ion beam (Ga FIB)—dedicated to sample preparation. Together, these instruments form the SATenAuRA platform, a unique facility capable of generating vast volumes of data and investigating complex materials and interfaces with unparalleled precision.
The morning session introduced the platform, the principles behind atom probe tomography and the procedures for accessing the instrument, followed by a tour of the facilities. In the afternoon, speakers highlighted the wide range of applications, spanning metallurgy, microelectronics, nanoscience, energy and geology. One of the highlights was a presentation by Isabelle Mouton, a research engineer at the SIMaP laboratory, who explained how atom probe tomography works. Several other contributions illustrated its uses across a variety of scientific fields.
Beyond the technical aspects, the workshop initiated dialogue with prospective users and provided laboratories and partners with an opportunity to express their needs, paving the way for new collaborations. This collective approach lies at the heart of the SATenAuRA project, which was designed as a unifying facility serving research excellence at both regional and national levels.
Representing a total investment of more than €4 million and involving numerous institutional and industrial stakeholders, the platform is part of a strategy to pool scientific equipment at regional level. It aims to build a community around chemical nanocharacterisation and foster the emergence of ambitious projects.
The arrival of the now fully operational SEM-FIB completes this ecosystem by enabling precise sample preparation tailored to each application. Together, these instruments position Grenoble INP – UGA as a leading player in advanced materials analysis, at the crossroads of research, education and innovation.
*CNRS / UGA / Grenoble INP – UGA
