One of the biggest highlights at our booth was the EPR200M benchtop EPR spectrometer. We brought a demo unit along so attendees could see it in action.

The reaction was fantastic. Most researchers are used to EPR spectrometers being massive, floor-standing machines that require their own dedicated rooms. The EPR200M changes that. It offers:

• High Sensitivity: Don't let the size fool you; it delivers research-grade data.

• Compact Design: It fits right on a standard lab bench, making it perfect for multi-user facilities or individual research groups.

• Ease of Use: With an intuitive interface, it lowers the learning curve for students and new users.

Seeing scientists realize they can get high-quality ESR data without a massive footprint is exactly why we do what we do.

Dr. Jingwen Xia on the "Next Generation" of EPR

It wasn't just about the hardware at the booth. CIQTEK’s very own Dr. Jingwen Xia took to the stage to deliver a compelling presentation that got a lot of people talking.

Her talk, titled "Next Generation EPR: Combining High-Performance Q-Band Instrumentation with AI-Enhanced Spectral Processing," dove deep into how we are using modern tech to solve old problems. Dr. Xia explained how Q-band EPR provides better resolution for complex samples, but also acknowledged that analyzing that data can be a headache.

That is where the AI comes in. Dr. Xia showcased how CIQTEK is integrating AI-enhanced spectral processing to:

1. Automate Data Fitting: Saving researchers hours of manual work.

2. Improve Signal-to-Noise Ratios: Extracting clear results from even the "noisiest" samples.

3. Predict Molecular Parameters: Using machine learning to interpret complex spectra with much higher accuracy than traditional methods.

The takeaway was clear: by combining high-performance hardware with "smart" software, we are making EPR more powerful and more user-friendly than ever before.

Looking Ahead

The 59th RSC ESR Meeting was a great reminder of how vibrant and innovative this community is. We want to say a huge thank you to the RSC ESR Group for organizing such a stellar event, to SciMed for their tireless support, and to everyone who stopped by to chat with us or listen to Dr. Xia’s talk.

If you couldn't make it to Colchester this year, don't worry. We are just getting started. Whether you are looking for a compact benchtop solution like the EPR200M or interested in the cutting-edge AI capabilities of our Q-band systems, we would love to help you find the right fit for your research.

Ready to see what the next generation of EPR can do for your lab? Reach out to the CIQTEK team today for a consultation or a digital demo.

CIQTEK made a clear statement at Analytica Munich 2026 with its SEM3200 tungsten filament electron microscope. Instead of just showing specs or slides, the team brought a real machine, ran live demos, and tested visitor samples on site. The result was simple. Strong reactions, crowded booth, and serious follow-up discussions, especially from the DACH region.

For many visitors, this was not just another booth. It was the first time they saw CIQTEK systems working on real samples in real time.

What Made CIQTEK Stand Out This Year

At a show where many companies rely on static displays or pre-prepared images, CIQTEK took a different approach.

The team brought the SEM3200 scanning electron microscope, a tungsten filament SEM designed for routine and research applications, and turned the booth into a live demo space.

Visitors did not just look. They brought samples.

They tested them. And they saw results immediately.

This created a very different kind of conversation compared to a typical exhibition.

As the show progressed, the booth became increasingly busy.

CIQTEK's team, including electron microscopy experts, spent most of the time in real technical conversations rather than simple introductions.

Dr. Miles Yao, Senior Solution Manager, was deeply involved in many of the discussions. This hands-on approach made a strong impression. Many visitors stayed longer than expected, watching the full process from loading to imaging.

From day one, visitors started bringing their own samples to the booth. By day two and three, this became the main attraction.

Instead of generic demo images, the CIQTEK team worked directly with these samples and showed:

• Surface structures in great detail
• Clear morphology even for challenging materials
• Stable imaging during continuous operation

Why SEM3200 Got Such Strong Reactions

The SEM3200 is a tungsten filament SEM, but what surprised many visitors was how well it performed in real scenarios.

Key points that stood out during the live demos:

Consistent image quality
Even with different sample types, the system delivered stable and clear results.

Ease of use
The workflow was straightforward, which is important for labs where not every user is an SEM expert.

Fast response and setup
Visitors could see how quickly the system moved from sample loading to imaging.

Practical performance, not just specs
Seeing their own samples made the performance much more convincing than any brochure.

For many attendees, this changed their expectations of what a tungsten filament SEM can do.

Strong Response from the DACH and German Market

One of the biggest takeaways from Analytica 2026 was the strong reaction from the DACH region, especially Germany.

Many visitors expressed genuine surprise at:

• The actual imaging performance of SEM3200
• The stability during continuous live operation
• The overall value compared to established brands

The presence of CIQTEK's local DACH team played an important role here. Communication was smooth, and discussions could go deeper and faster.

For many German and DACH visitors, seeing the system work on real samples removed a lot of uncertainty.

What This Means for CIQTEK in Europe

Analytica Munich 2026 marked an important step for CIQTEK in the DACH and broader European market.

It showed that:

• Live demonstration is a powerful way to build credibility
• European users value practical, real-world performance
• There is a clear space in the market for reliable and cost-effective SEM solutions

With more systems already delivered in Europe and a growing local presence, CIQTEK is in a strong position to continue this momentum.

At CIQTEK, we believe that high-end scientific instruments are only as powerful as the hands that operate them. Recently, our Customer Success team visited the Integrated Circuit Experiment Center at USTC. Our mission was simple: to take the complexity out of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and provide researchers with the practical skills they need to push the boundaries of micro-scale observation.

This "Service-First" initiative brought together about 60 students and faculty members for a deep dive into the world of precision microscopy.

Moving from Theory to Mastery

A great experiment starts with a solid understanding of the "why" behind the "how." The training was structured into a dual-track model: comprehensive theory followed by intensive group practice.

In the classroom, our Customer Success Manager, Zhang Jing, broke down complex concepts into easy-to-digest insights. The sessions covered everything from the basic physics of electron beams to advanced parameter optimization.

Specifically, we focused on:

• The Fundamentals: How SEM works and its core functional applications.

• Optimization: Tweaking key parameters to get the sharpest possible data.

• Semiconductor Focus: Specific characterization techniques tailored for integrated circuit research.

By simplifying the "hardcore" technical knowledge, we ensured every participant had a rock-solid foundation before they ever touched the equipment.

Hands-on Teaching with a Human Touch

The real magic happened during the practical sessions. We know that reading a manual is never the same as actually running a scan. That is why our team moved into the lab for "shoulder-to-shoulder" teaching.

During the small-group workshops, we guided participants through the entire workflow:

1. 1. Sample Preparation: The crucial first step for any successful scan.

   2. Machine Operation: Getting comfortable with the CIQTEK hardware interface.

   3. Image Analysis: Learning how to interpret what you are seeing.

   4. Troubleshooting: Identifying and fixing common issues on the fly.

This one-on-one approach meant we could correct mistakes in real-time and answer specific questions as they popped up. The result? A noticeable jump in operating efficiency and a lot of happy researchers who now feel confident working with our instruments.

A Full-Cycle Commitment to Your Research

CIQTEK’s roots are in the academic world, and we feel a deep responsibility to give back to the scientific community. Our philosophy is built on "Achieving Customer Success." For us, the relationship does not end when an instrument is delivered; that is just where it begins.

We provide a full-spectrum service to protect your research journey:

• Smooth Delivery: Getting your equipment set up and ready to run.

• Deep Training: Ensuring your team has the skills to get the best results.

• Daily Maintenance: Keeping the hardware in peak condition.

• Ongoing Technical Support: We are just a call or email away when you hit a roadblock.

By providing this end-to-end support, CIQTEK is proud to safeguard the innovations happening in university labs and support the next generation of semiconductor and integrated circuit research.

Looking Ahead

While this two-day session has come to an end, our journey with the research community never stops. CIQTEK will continue to listen to user needs and provide the professional, attentive service that scientists deserve. We want our electron microscopes to be more than just tools; we want them to be reliable partners on your path to discovery.

Whether you are exploring the micro-world or breaking the boundaries of materials science, we are right there with you.

As part of our Winter Olympics 2026 story, CIQTEK invited our Italian partner Media System Lab to attend the competition at Livigno Snow Park as our special on-site representative.

They were there in person. Right at the venue. Capturing the atmosphere, the emotion, and the unforgettable moments from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

It was powerful. And it reminded us why the Olympic spirit matters far beyond sports.

When Science Meets the Olympic Spirit

At CIQTEK, we develop advanced scientific instruments, including SEM, NMR, EPR, BET systems, etc. Our work supports researchers who spend years chasing answers that most people never see.

Scientific progress is not instant. It takes patience. It takes resilience. It takes the willingness to refine and improve again and again.

That is why the scientific spirit aligns so naturally with the Olympic spirit.

Both are about:

• Relentless improvement

• Long-term commitment

• Precision and control

• Teamwork across borders

At Livigno Snow Park, our partner Media System Lab witnessed elite athletes pushing their physical limits. Back in laboratories around the world, scientists push technological and intellectual limits every day.

Different fields. Same mindset.

CIQTEK and Media System Lab: Partnership in Action

Global innovation depends on trusted partnerships. CIQTEK's collaboration with Media System Lab reflects our belief that strong local partners create a stronger global impact.

While athletes represent their nations on the slopes, our partners represent shared values in science and technology. Together, we build something bigger than any single company.

Why This Moment Matters for CIQTEK

Being part of the Winter Olympics 2026 story through Livigno Snow Park is meaningful for us.

It represents connection.

Connection between science and sport.
Connection between Italy and the global research community.
Connection between ambition and achievement.

The athletes compete for gold.
Scientists compete against the unknown.

Both inspire us to aim higher.

The competitions will end. The medals will be awarded. The crowds will go home.

But the spirit continues.

At CIQTEK, we carry that energy forward. Into our labs. Into our engineering teams. Into every collaboration around the world.

Because excellence is not a moment.

It is a mindset.

A group photo of the CIQTEK mascot, Matteo from the MS lab, and the Winter Olympics mascot

At TSM 2026, CIQTEK will showcase its growing portfolio of electron microscopes (EM), designed to meet the evolving needs of academic research, shared facilities, and industrial laboratories.

CIQTEK's EM product line covers a wide range of applications, from routine imaging to advanced materials characterization, including:

• Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM), enabling high-resolution structural and compositional analysis at the nanoscale

• FIB-SEM systems, delivering enhanced brightness and resolution for materials science and industrial inspection

• Field Emission SEM (FE-SEM), engineered for high-resolution imaging, analytical workflows, and demanding research environments

• Tungsten filament SEM, offering stable performance and cost-effective solutions for teaching labs and routine analysis

Across the portfolio, CIQTEK focuses on delivering reliable imaging performance, intuitive system operation, and long-term ownership value, helping laboratories achieve consistent results without unnecessary complexity.

Engaging with the Microscopy Community

CIQTEK views conferences like TSM not only as an opportunity to present instrumentation, but also as a platform for meaningful technical exchange. During the meeting, the CIQTEK team looks forward to discussing real-world microscopy challenges, system selection considerations, and long-term operational needs with users across materials science, life science, and industrial applications.

For attendees interested in learning more about CIQTEK EM solutions or exploring potential collaborations, CIQTEK warmly welcomes conversations during the meeting in Austin!

Local Support from CIQTEK USA

To better serve customers in North America, CIQTEK maintains a local branch in the United States, providing regional sales support, application consultation, and long-term service assistance for electron microscopy users.

For more information about CIQTEK EM solutions or to connect with the CIQTEK USA team, please contact us at info.usa@ciqtek.com.

The CIQTEK Electron Microscope Factory serves as the company’s dedicated manufacturing and training center for electron microscopy systems. Equipped with advanced production facilities, precision assembly lines, and demonstration laboratories, the factory integrates R&D, manufacturing, quality control, and user training to ensure high performance and reliability across CIQTEK SEM, FIB-SEM, and TEM product lines.

The training was hosted by Mr. Gao, Head of the Electron Microscopy Solutions Department at CIQTEK, together with senior engineers from the CIQTEK electron microscopy team. During the program, participants received systematic instruction on key procedures such as ion pump baking, aperture position inspection, filament centering, high-resolution imaging practice, and accessory installation and calibration.

Throughout the week, the GSEM team worked closely with CIQTEK engineers to gain both theoretical and practical understanding of CIQTEK’s electron microscopy technology. The sessions were designed to ensure that GSEM’s sales and service engineers are fully equipped with the technical expertise required to support local customers in Korea, from system installation and operation to advanced troubleshooting and maintenance.

This training not only enhanced GSEM’s technical capabilities but also strengthened the partnership between CIQTEK and GSEM. With continuous collaboration in product knowledge, application support, and customer service, CIQTEK and GSEM will jointly provide more professional, efficient, and reliable solutions to the Korean electron microscopy market.

CIQTEK remains committed to empowering global partners through professional training, technical collaboration, and continuous innovation in scientific instrumentation.

Recently, a team led by Wang Haomin from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences made significant progress in studying the magnetism of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs) using a CIQTEK Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope (SNVM).

Building on previous research, the team pre-etched hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with metal particles to create oriented atomic trenches and used a vapor-phase catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to controllably prepare chiral graphene nanoribbons in the trenches, obtaining ~9 nm wide zGNRs samples embedded in the hBN lattice. By combining SNVM and magnetic transport measurements, the team directly confirmed its intrinsic magnetism in experiments. This groundbreaking discovery lays a solid foundation for the development of graphene-based spin electronic devices. The related research findings, titled "Signatures of magnetism in zigzag graphene nanoribbons embedded in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice," have been published in the prestigious academic journal "Nature Materials".

Graphene, as a unique two-dimensional material, exhibits magnetic properties of p-orbital electrons that are fundamentally different from the localized magnetic properties of d/f orbital electrons in traditional magnetic materials, opening up new research directions for exploring pure carbon-based magnetism. Zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs), potentially possessing unique magnetic electronic states near the Fermi level, are believed to hold great potential in the field of spin electronics devices. However, detecting the magnetism of zGNRs through electrical transport methods faces multiple challenges. For instance, nanoribbons assembled from the bottom up are often too short in length to reliably fabricate devices. Additionally, the high chemical reactivity of zGNR edges can lead to instability or uneven doping. Furthermore, in narrower zGNRs, the strong antiferromagnetic coupling of edge states can make it difficult to detect their magnetic signals electrically. These factors hinder direct detection of the magnetism in zGNRs.

ZGNRs embedded in the hBN lattice exhibit higher edge stability and feature an inherent electric field, creating ideal conditions for detecting the magnetism of zGNRs. In the study, the team used CIQTEK's Room-Temperature SNVM to observe the magnetic signals of zGNRs directly at room temperature.

Figure 1: Magnetic measurement of zGNR embedded in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice using Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope

In electrical transport measurements, the fabricated approximately 9-nanometer-wide zGNR transistors demonstrated high conductivity and ballistic transport characteristics. Under the influence of a magnetic field, the device exhibited significant anisotropic magnetoresistance, with a magnetoresistance change of approximately 175 Ω at 4 K, a magnetoresistance ratio of about 1.3%, and this signal persisted even at temperatures as high as 350 K. Hysteresis was only observed under a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the zGNRs, confirming its magnetic anisotropy. Through analysis of the variation of magnetoresistance with tilting angle, the researchers found that the magnetic moment is perpendicular to the sample surface. Furthermore, the decrease in magnetoresistance with increasing source-drain bias and temperature revealed the interaction between magnetic response and charge transport and thermal vibrations.

Figure 2: Magnetic transport characteristics of 9-nanometer-wide zGNR devices embedded in hBN

This research, by combining Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope technology and transport measurements, directly confirmed the existence of intrinsic magnetism in hBN-embedded zGNRs for the first time, providing a possibility for controlling magnetism through an electric field. This work not only deepens the understanding of graphene's magnetic properties but also opens up new pathways for the development of spin electronic devices based on graphene.

Experience the Nano-scale Magnetic Imaging System

CIQTEK invites you to experience the Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope (SNVM) – a globally leading nano-scale magnetic field imaging system, operating at temperatures of 1.8~300 K with a vector magnetic field of 9/1/1 T, achieving a magnetic spatial resolution of 10 nm, and magnetic sensitivity of 2 μT/Hz1/2.

SNVM is a precision measurement instrument that combines Diamond Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) technology with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) scanning imaging technology. It features high spatial resolution, high-sensitivity magnetic imaging, versatile detection capabilities, and non-invasive detection advantages, making it important in areas such as magnetic domain characterization, antiferromagnetic imaging, superconductor characterization, and research on two-dimensional magnetic materials.

Room temperature version of SNVM

Cryogenic version of SNVM

Beyong Nano, a leading innovator in nanotechnology, is set to unveil its groundbreaking model CIQTEK SEM3200 at the prestigious 33rd International Materials Research Congress taking place in Cancun, Mexico.

The Congress, known for bringing together pioneers and visionaries in the field of materials science, provides Beyong Nano with the perfect platform to showcase CIQTEK’s latest technological marvel.

The Scanning Electron Microscope is poised to revolutionize the industry with its advanced features, unparalleled performance, and potential applications across various sectors. 

Visitors to the Beyong Nano booth at the congress can experience firsthand the transformative potential of the model 3200 and engage with the company's team of experts to learn more about its features, applications, and future developments.

With six parallel conference sessions, a world-class exhibition, workshops, satellite meetings, an international Imaging Competition, and more, CIQTEK invites conference attendees to visit their booth #131 at the exhibition hall to learn more about their cutting-edge Electron Microscope instruments and solutions. The company's representatives will be available to provide detailed information, answer questions, and explore potential collaborations with researchers, scientists, and industry professionals attending the conference.

Meet us at Booth 131

Date: July 1-3, 2025

Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex, UK

In this research, the team utilized the Tungsten Filament SEM from CIQTEK for in-situ SEM fatigue testing and obtained excellent test results.

Link to the original paper:

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq6807

Recently, the first author of this paper, Professor Bo Chen from Tongji University, was invited to visit CIQTEK and granted an interview with us.

Professor Bo Chen introduces: "Our research group mainly focuses on two aspects, one being imaging with synchrotron X-rays, and the other involving electron microscopy imaging, as with CIQTEK. The work of our entire research group revolves around the nano- and micro-structures of materials, particularly in the three-dimensional nano- and micro-structures of materials. Therefore, our entire research group can be referred to as the materials nano- and micro-structure research group."

Regarding the paper recently published in "Science," Professor Bo Chen stated: "The paper seized upon a phenomenon that hadn't been extensively considered before, which is the fatigue of lithium metal. Previously, everyone believed that it was electrochemical fatigue generated during charging and discharging processes, but in reality, it also exhibits mechanical fatigue during these processes."

"The primary discovery of this research is that lithium exhibits not only electrochemical fatigue during charging and discharging but also mechanical fatigue manifested during these processes, which combined are the main causes of destruction in the lithium metal of solid-state batteries. The paper further suggests that by alloying lithium metal to enhance its physical properties, the lifespan of solid-state batteries can be improved. This is a groundbreaking finding and quite intriguing."

When designing experiments, the team observed both types of fatigue by installing fatigue devices on the electron microscope. Since the research group only had one electron microscope, in order to comprehensively observe, they used an in-situ tensile stage developed by Professor Jixue Li at Hangzhou Yuanwei Technology Company. Professor Bo Chen said, "With the help of Professor Li, we jointly created a fatigue tensile-testing device. The mechanical fatigue experiment of lithium metal was conducted by Professor Li using the electron microscope from CIQTEK for in-situ tensile testing."

When asked about his views on CIQTEK Electron Microscopes, Professor Bo Chen was very candid and sincere: "For us, our only requirement is that the equipment must perform well."

As a research scientist who enjoys hands-on exploration, Professor Bo Chen also shared some personal insights on using CIQTEK instruments. He mentioned that when the instrument offers both quality and cost-effectiveness, it greatly enhances the interest of researchers in tinkering with the machine, reduces the sense of alienation towards expensive instruments, and encourages researchers to utilize the machine more effectively, thereby unleashing more research creativity.

Ending with Professor Bo Chen's words, CIQTEK will continue to stick to the slogan： Successful Customers, Successful Companions！