Thermo Fisher Releases New Electron Detector

The commercial launch of the advanced EMPAD 2 allows for unprecedented material imaging at 10,000 frames per second.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Materials Science

Thermo Fisher Releases New Electron Detector

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As of August 2026, Thermo Fisher Scientific has made the Electron Microscope Pixel Array Detector (EMPAD) commercially available. Developed by researchers at Cornell University, this second-generation technology allows for ultra-fast recording of electron scattering patterns.

Why it matters

The detector solves a long-standing challenge where electron beams overwhelmed conventional systems, allowing researchers to accurately map atomic defects and vibrations. This capability is essential for making ptychography viable, providing a deeper understanding of material structures.

The EMPAD 2 detector captures up to 10,000 frames per second and can identify atomic vibrations and temperature variations. Manufacturers are currently producing between 50 and 100 units annually to meet research demand.

The players

Thermo Fisher Scientific

This global supplier of analytical instruments manufactures and distributes the electron detector for commercial use.

Cornell University

This research institution served as the site for the development of the EMPAD technology.

The details

The system processes complex patterns created when electrons scatter through a material, effectively measuring both weak and strong signals simultaneously. This high-resolution data collection identifies missing atoms and structural defects that were previously difficult to visualize.

Gruner and Muller began exploring X-ray detector technology in 2006.
The early form of the EMPAD was demonstrated at Cornell in 2016.
The EMPAD 2 was first developed in 2020.
The newest iteration of the detector became commercially available in August 2026.

The Big Picture

The commercial release of this detector marks a major shift in the efficacy of the ptychography imaging technique. By overcoming hardware limitations that previously hampered signal intensity handling, this technology transitions atomic-level microscopy from experimental prototypes to standard scientific practice.

The ability to image materials with atomic-level precision at high speeds could accelerate the development of more durable and efficient consumer electronics and advanced battery materials. These improvements in material design may eventually lead to higher-performing components in future commercial products.

The takeaway

Advancements in electron microscopy are moving from theoretical research to practical commercial application. Scientists can now utilize these high-speed detectors to better understand the minute structural changes that dictate material performance.