Atom probe field ion microscopy investigation of the early interreaction stages in Al/Ni couples

In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the early stages of interreaction, atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM) investigations where performed on Al–Ni-interreaction couples in the as-prepared state, and on couples annealed at 350 and 550°C. The couples consisted of a Ni-FIM-tip and an deposited Al-layer. Al-deposition was performed by e−-beam evaporation directly in the microscope vacuum chamber. APFIM measurements allow the identification of different phases after specimen annealing and reveal a microstructure dependency of the early stages of interreaction.