The subject of the award procedure is the delivery of a cryo-TEM (transmission electron microscope) according to technical specification and tender documents including training

***

In addition, the offer must take into account the following points:

- 5-year warranty on all components of the microscope manufacturer (including year 3-5 as a maintenance and service contract, according to HZB contract "Maintenance + Service Cryo-TEM" and comparable, e.g. with status "Advanced")

- If applicable, 1 year warranty on all other components (especially cameras and optional EDX)

***

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) is one of 18 research centres that have joined forces in the Helmholtz Association. HZB researches solutions for a climate-neutral society. Scientists develop and optimize efficient and cost-effective materials for solar cells, batteries and catalysts. These energy materials are essential building blocks on the way to a CO2-neutral and secure energy supply.

HZB operates modern laboratories, infrastructures and instruments for research. Many laboratories and equipment are available not only to HZB scientists, but also to a national and international research community.

The most widely used infrastructure is the electron storage ring BESSY II, a particle accelerator that delivers a special type of X-ray radiation. It is called synchrotron radiation. The radiation can be adjusted over a wide energy range. BESSY II focuses on soft X-rays. This means that BESSY II is optimized in such a way that it can be perfectly used for energy research. The reason: the wavelength range of soft X-rays is particularly well suited to detect material effects and the movement of charge carriers in thin layers of solar cells, solar fuels, catalysts and storage systems.

With its focus on soft X-rays, BESSY II is unique in Germany. The facility is complementary to PETRA III at DESY in Hamburg, which serves the hard X-ray spectrum. Every year, BESSY II records an average of 2700 visits by visiting researchers. They appreciate the high reliability and stability of the photon source.

The users work at around 40 experimental stations where state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microscopy methods are available. Internationally, BESSY II enjoys an excellent reputation for its method development.

In addition to the many scientific instruments used at HZB to investigate the structure and function of various energy materials, the Department of Electrochemical Energy Storage at HZB also operates a cryogenic transmission electron microscope (Cryo-TEM) for the investigation of sensitive energy materials.

HZB aims to acquire a cryogenic 200 keV transmission electron microscope (Cryo-TEM) of the latest generation for the characterization of sensitive energy materials.

The subject of the current tender is the purchase of a cryo-TEM with a cold field emission electron source, a side sample holder, direct electron detection cameras and an (optional) EDX system.

The scope of delivery also includes 5 days of on-site training by at least 2 employees of HZB or HU.