High Resolution Orientation Imaging Microscopy

This report summarizes the progress and achievements resulting from the Army Research Office grant number WF911NF-08-1-0350 on the subject of High Resolution Orientation Imaging Microscopy. The central technical outcome of the project is a new methodology for extracting high-resolution structure data from crystalline materials that uncovers a wealth of new microstructure information including absolute strain, geometrically necessary dislocations, and improved orientation measurements. The framework has been patented, and a commercialization agreement is in place to disseminate the new capabilities to the scientific community. New insights into deformation processes in magnesium, nickel, tantalum, iron, copper and various other metals have already arisen. The results have been widely published via journals, books and conferences. Four graduate students have been funded by this grant two have earned PhDs, and two are on track to complete PhDs. Three students have been awarded NSF or NDSEG fellowships as a direct result of the research opportunities afforded by this grant to undergraduate students. Various other undergraduate students have been funded and have moved on to graduate school.