Could you elaborate on your role pertaining to electron microscopes and how they differ in function from the ubiquitous light microscopes?
Light microscopes enable the visualisation of minute entities such as the components of cellular tissue. These devices are valuable tools, but their capability is hindered by the wavelength of light. For observing truly minuscule elements, inclusive of atoms and crystals, we resort to using electron microscopes. Here, we utilise electron beams, which function like waves but have significantly smaller wavelengths. This allows us to create images of extraordinarily diminutive structures.
As your research aims to enhance the capabilities of this ‘ultramicroscopy’, could you explain your technique?
The mechanics of electron microscopes serve as the focus of our analysis. Subsequently, we innovate equipment and strategies aimed at refining them. This can either strengthen the potency and efficiency of existing devices, or prolong their functionality. The latter provides a more sustainable alternative to procuring a new microscope.
The death of an elderly woman resulted from a car crash into stationary vehicles in Dublin.
The British government instigates an investigation into Pat Finucane’s assassination by UDA.
Following a car crash, a grieving mother attends her daughter’s funeral on a medical trolley.
During a televised presidential debate Trump falls into Harris’s well-crafted trap, making it a night for him to disregard.
You recently released a report in the Science journal regarding one of these strategies, could you elaborate?
We invented a technique to minimise the destruction wrought by the electron beam when scanning a specimen. For example, when inspecting an object, be it medicinal, a component of a battery or a catalyst, the last thing you want is the electron beam damaging the specimen and thereby affecting the image, as this could cause false results. Owing to the joint effort of our team and our partners, we’ve devised an efficient strategy called event-responsive microscopy. Specifically, this reduces the “dwell time”, the period of interaction between the beam and the specimen, still delivering valuable results.
So less interaction translates to a reduced likelihood of causing harm to the specimen?
Precisely. I often provide the analogy of gauging rainfall. You could either collect rainwater in a beaker to accumulate detailed data, similar to storing electrons, or you could swiftly put your hand out the window to judge whether it’s heavy or light rain. Here, exposure time and interaction are noticeably less, you gather valuable data.
How are you planning to apply your research findings in the real world?
A company named turboTEM, a spin-off from Trinity, has been launched in collaboration with a leading microscope producer. In just two years, we’ve moved from conceptualisation to product development and manufacturing, and our equipment is now employed on microscopes.
My work delves into both the theoretical aspects as well as the practical side. Despite being a part of Physics School, my lab could easily blend into an engineering department elsewhere due to our hands-on, technical focus and our proclivity for creation.
One unexpected aspect of my job is the absence of colour at microscopic levels. Recalling an incident from years ago, I was observing some gold atoms under an electron microscope and was taken aback to see a monochromatic image due to the larger wavelengths of colour.
Outside of enhancing microscopes, I find myself short on free time due to the occasional travelling my job demands. Nonetheless, my family is my priority. My wife, Mayra, contributes to the company on a part-time basis, and our two children serve as our driving force. We aspire to develop technology that could positively impact their future world.