Secondary Electron Imaging Research Articles

Failure Analysis of Inconel 601 Radiant Tubes in Continuous Annealing Furnace of Hot Dip Galvanizing Line

Metallurgical investigation was conducted to establish the genesis of crater-like defects and perforations in Inconel 601 radiant tubes used in Radiant Tube Heating/ Radiant Tube Soaking (RTH/RTS) section of the Continuous Annealing Furnace in Hot Dip Galvanizing Line (HDGL) of an integrated steel plant. The radiant tubes, several of them, had undergone catastrophic damage after only about 70 days of service under mixed gas firing inside the furnace. Visual examination, chemical analysis and secondary electron imaging (SEI) coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) were concomitantly utilized for the investigation of failed radiant tube samples. Based on the findings, the unprecedented failures were attributed to the high temperature sulphidation attack experienced by the tubes on their inner walls, owing to sulphur dioxide (SO2) resulting from combustion of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in the mixed gas (2H2S + 3O2 → 2H2O + 2SO2). The investigation also pointed toward the apparent formation of low-melting nickel-nickel sulphide (Ni-Ni3S2) eutectic because of sulphidation, which led to unique spherical manifestations of the defects and served to highlight the deleterious influence of sulphur-bearing compounds on nickel-base alloys at high temperatures. Suitable alternative materials of construction are proposed for the radiant tubes operating under such environments.

Structural, optical, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties of MgO, ZnO and MgO/ZnO nanocomposite for biomedical applications

In this study, MgO nanoparticles were successfully fabricated and incubated inside ZnO NPs to form MgO/ZnO nanocomposite for biomedical applications. The x-ray diffraction analysis of MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO has shown the single-phase x-ray diffraction patterns through X'pert High score. The crystallite sizes were calculated as 18 nm, 42 nm, and 53 nm, respectively. The average particle size of MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO nanopowders depicted from secondary electron images of field emission electron microscopy were 56 nm, 400 nm, and 450 nm, respectively. The presence of MgO NPs inside ZnO NPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The elemental dispersive spectroscopy of MgO, given the peaks of oxygen and magnesium, also showed only zinc and oxygen peaks in ZnO, which confirms no other impurities in MgO and ZnO powders. The elemental analysis of MgO/ZnO nanocomposite showed the peaks of Zinc and Oxygen, along with a tiny peak of Mg. The photoluminescence and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed the absorbance fluorescence limit of the nanomaterials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the several groups present in the nanocomposite. The biocompatibility of MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO was observed with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The cytotoxicity studies were also performed against human cancer (liver and breast) cell lines. The MgO, ZnO, and MgO/ZnO exhibited the antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Mechanical modeling of metal thin films on elastomers for femtosecond laser patterned interconnects

In this work, we present the mechanical analysis of thin Au/Ti film deposited on elastomer substrate, e.g. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) comparing to samples on Kapton®. After deposition, the metal was patterned by ultrashort (270 femtosecond) pulse laser ablation. Minimizing the thermal damage to the substrate, reducing Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) compared to previously demonstrated laser patterning with longer pulses. One of the major issues in the metallization of thick elastomers is the formation of wrinkles followed by brittle cracks in the metallic thin film during the process, deteriorating the metal lines performance and reliability. Such cracking has not been observed on polyimide. The crack formation was investigated using stress analysis of the metallic-elastomeric system, assuming that cracking appears when the stress in the metal film is exceeding a critical value. A general mechanical model and analysis of a multilayer and multi-material laminated system is presented and applied to the specific case of Au/Ti on PDMS. Using this model, the root cause for the stress development in the metallic film has been investigated.A series of samples had been prepared using various elastomer substrates made of Sylgard 184, Dow Corning PDMS. A series of samples was prepared using different monomer/cross-linker ratios in the range of 1:2 to 1:19 monomer to cross-linker weight percentage ratio. Using the thin film stress analysis, the inner stress between and inside the different layers was calculated. Based on the calculations, we could estimate the specific stress in the metallic film. Using this value, we could choose the right specific materials that would not surpass their critical failure stress. This hypothesis was tested and verified by the failure analysis conducted by optical microscope and scanning electrons microscopy (SEM) secondary electrons (SE) images. We report here on a good correlation between the mechanical analysis predictions and the various samples integrity. Therefore, using that model, we could define a “safe zone”, i.e. for what elastic modulus and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) there are no “mud-crack” defects.

The slip activity during the transition from elastic to plastic tensile deformation of the Mg-Al-Mn sheet

The deformation behavior of the Mg-Al-Mn sheet was investigated during tensile loading along the rolling (RD) and transversal direction (TD) with special attention to the early stage of deformation. The activity of dislocation slip systems during the transition from elastic to plastic deformation was revealed by the acoustic emission (AE) technique. The parametrization and statistical AE analysis using the adaptive sequential k-mean (ASK) clustering provided necessary information about the individual deformation mechanisms and their evolution. The AE findings were supported by microstructural analyses, including in-situ secondary electron (SE) imaging and Schmid factor estimation for the activity of particular dislocation slip systems with respect to the loading direction. It was found that basal <a> slip is the dominating mechanism up to the stress of ∼ 80 MPa in both loading directions with an absolute dominance during the RD-loading, while during the TD-loading, the contribution of prismatic <a> slip to the deformation at stresses above 50 MPa was determined. Below the yielding in both loading directions, the predominance of prismatic <a> over pyramidal <c+a> slip was found at the stress in the range of 80–110 MPa and the opposite tendency occurred at stresses between 110 and 140 MPa.

Influence of rare earths on the gas nitriding kinetics of 32CrMoNiV5 steel at low temperature

This work aims to study the influence of rare earth on nitrogen diffusion kinetics and on surface properties (surface hardness and diffusion depth) of 32CrMoNiV5 steel containing various additions of rare earth (Ce and La). Gas phase nitriding treatments based on ammonia, nitrogen, and hydrogen were carried out by thermogravimetry at 520 °C for 48 h with a constant K N nitriding potential. Several methods of measurement, analysis and observation were used to characterize the nitrided alloys: X-ray diffraction, microhardness, optical and scanning microscopes, and electron microprobe. All the results show that rare earth have a significant influence on the nitrogen diffusion rate: improvement of surface hardness, diffusion depth and gradients of hardness, and nitrogen concentration in the diffusion layer. Secondary electron images, X-ray images and X-ray mappings performed on different particles showed the presence of cerium and lanthanum oxides in the diffusion layer in spheroidal form and of elongated platelets, of size 0.50 to 15 µm, distributed along the grain boundaries and in the grains of the matrix.

Juvenile Eastern Oysters More Resilient to Extreme Ocean Acidification than Their Mud Crab Predators

AbstractOcean acidification is predicted to impair marine calcifiers' abilities to produce shells and skeletons. We conducted laboratory experiments investigating the impacts of CO2‐induced ocean acidification (pCO2 = 478–519, 734–835, 8,980–9,567; Ωcalcite = 7.3–5.7, 5.6–4.3, 0.6–0.7) on calcification rates of two estuarine calcifiers involved in a classic predator‐prey model system: adult Panopeus herbstii (Atlantic mud crab) and juvenile Crassostrea virginica (eastern oyster). Both oyster and crab calcification rates significantly decreased at the highest pCO2 level. Notably, however, oysters maintained positive net calcification rates in the highest pCO2 treatment that was undersaturated with respect to calcite, while mud crabs exhibited net dissolution (i.e., net loss of shell mass) in calcite‐undersaturated conditions. Secondary electron imaging of oyster shells revealed minor microstructural alterations in the moderate‐pCO2 treatment, and major microstructural and macrostructural changes (including shell dissolution, delamination of periostracum) in the high‐pCO2 treatment. These results underscore the threat that ocean acidification poses for marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells, illustrate the strong biological control that some marine calcifiers exert over their shell‐building process, and shows that ocean acidification differentially impacts the crab and oyster species involved in this classical predator‐prey model system.

Development and characterization of AISI 316L micro parts produced by metal powder hot embossing

Metal powder hot embossing (MPHE) is a low-cost micromanufacturing technique that can produce metallic parts with aspects in micron scale. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed for evaluating the shape retention and the homogeneity of microstructure of replicated geometries into AISI 316L powder feedstock by the secondary electron imaging (SEI) and the backscattered electron imaging modes, the distribution of chemical composition by the electron-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, and grain structures by the electron backscatter diffraction technique. Moreover, the SEI and EDS techniques completed the failure analysis of tensile tests. Nanoindentations were also performed to assist phase identification analysis in the densified microstructure. Different geometries in the micron scale (micro wall half-reservoirs, micro channel half-flanges, convex and concave micro gear configurations, and micro tensile specimens) were selected for replication. Shaping limitations were attributed to the geometry, convex or concave, and the stiffness of the die. Micro gear and micro wall configurations were shaped using a stiffer elastomer (T = 230 °C and P = 11.3 to 14 MPa for 45 min) and a metallic die (T = 170 °C and P = 11.3 MPa for 10 min), respectively. The shaping of concave geometries was achieved regardless of the metal powder concentration, 60 and 65 vol.%. Densified parts retained the replicated micro configurations after long periods of thermal debinding and sintering, with densification above 95%. The chemical composition in sintered parts was homogeneous. The microstructure was principally composed of austenitic grains. The 316L stainless steel sintered part produced through MPHE presented an ultimate tensile strength of 458 ± 15 MPa, similar to that of a wrought AISI 316L alloy; the fracture type in the micro tensile specimen was ductile.

Effect of pre-coating with methyl methacrylate containing UV photoinitiators on the bond strength of poly(ether ether ketone).

This study investigates the effect of pre-coating with methyl methacrylate (MMA) containing ultraviolet (UV) photoinitiators on the bond strength of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). Cylindrical PEEK blocks were irradiated with 365 nm UV light for 5-20 s after they were coated with MMA containing 0.4-3.0 wt% UV photoinitiators: [1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione (PPD)], [diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) (TMDPO)], and [phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (BTMPO)]. Pre-coated PEEKs were bonded to PEEK blocks with a MMA-based adhesive resin. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Secondary electron images were captured to observe failure surfaces. The data were analyzed with one- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (p<0.05). The highest bond strength (20.7±5.1 MPa) was observed for pre-coating with MMA containing 0.4 wt% BTMPO, for 20 s of UV irradiation. Cohesive failure of the adhesive resin was observed. The use of this pre-coating led to improved bonding performance of PEEK.

Debonding of cemented natural fractures during core recovery

Natural opening-mode fractures existing in the subsurface can be partially or completely sealed by diagenetic cements (e.g., joints and veins), and these cemented fractures may reopen during core recovery to the ground surface. Depending on the cement/host-rock material properties, debonding or re-fracturing may happen within the cement or at the cement/rock interface. We demonstrate the role of induced stresses in opening cemented fractures (veins) during cores recovery to the surface and to determine whether cracks form along the vein interface or through the core and why. We consider vein as a thin layer sandwiched inside the rock mass, and use the theory of eigenstrain to calculate stress disturbances at the core surface due to the release of in-situ stresses and the difference between surface and downhole temperatures. Then, we employ the theory of elasticity to calculate the maximum tensile stress at the edge of the vein. This tensile stress can be used to estimate the tensile strength of the diagenetic cements inside natural fractures. Using the developed technique, we solve practical examples to determine whether debonding is more likely within the natural cement or at cement/host-rock bonding. For the case of core recovery in Marcellus Shale with a calcite vein, we find that the maximum tensile stress normal to the vein plane happens at the center of the vein. We observe this phenomenon for both alignment of c-axis orientation with the layering, perpendicular to the fracture wall (⊥c-axis) and parallel to the fracture wall (∥c-axis). Therefore, theoretically, cracks likely form at the center of the calcite vein rather than the Marcellus Shale/calcite interface. Laboratory tests to date have shown that re-fracturing of calcite veins in Marcellus Shales can occur either within the calcite or at the calcite/Shale interface. For the case of core recovery in sandstone with fractures cemented with continuous crystallized quartz grains, the proposed solution predicts re-breaking at the center of the vein. For this case, we investigate two crystallographic orientations of quartz, c-axis orientation perpendicular to the fracture wall and a-axis orientation perpendicular to the fracture wall. Based on the current calculations for both crystallography of quartz, the tensile stress normal to the quartz plane is maximum at the center of the vein. Petrographic evidence, using secondary electron (SE) and cathodoluminescence (CL) images, supports our model predicting breakage within quartz veins as opposed to at the cement/sandstone host-rock interface. However, in a hypothetical case in which the calcite c-axis forms parallel to fracture walls in sandstone host-rock, debonding is predicted at the interface rather than within the vein cement.

Combined Focused Electron Beam-Induced Deposition and Etching for the Patterning of Dense Lines without Interconnecting Material.

High resolution dense lines patterned by focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) have been demonstrated to be promising for lithography. One of the challenges is the presence of interconnecting material, which is often carbonaceous, between the lines as a result of the Gaussian line profile. We demonstrate the use of focused electron beam-induced etching (FEBIE) as a scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based direct-write technique for the removal of this interconnecting material, which can be implemented without removing the sample from the SEM for post processing. Secondary electron (SE) imaging has been used to monitor the FEBIE process, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements confirm the fabrication of well separated FEBID lines. We further demonstrate the application of this technique for removing interconnecting material in high resolution dense lines using backscattered electron (BSE) imaging to monitor the process.

Early silicification of the Cyrenaican chert, Libya: The importance of moganite as a transitional silicon dioxide phase

AbstractThe Messinian lagoonal carbonate–evaporite sequence of Cyrenaica, north‐east Libya, hosts: (i) opaline nodules in gypsiferous microbial‐rich mudstone; (ii) nodules replacing poikilotopic gypsum cementing bioclastic carbonates; and (iii) bedded porcelanite with large lenticular gypsum pseudomorphs intercalated with recrystallized microbial mats. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, backscattered electron images – secondary electron images, X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction and cathodoluminescence techniques were employed to elucidate on the early stages of chert diagenesis and demonstrate the role of moganite in the formation of varieties of chalcedony during silicification. The opaline nodules composed of opal‐A, exhibit shrinkage cracks lined by isopachous fibrous quartzine underlain by a thin birefringent zone. This suggests that quartzine may develop by crystallization and conversion of opal‐A through a transitional moganite. The quartzine is followed by amorphous silica gel that converts into length‐fast chalcedony. By contrast, lutecite evolved by silica replacement of gypsum through a transitional moganite phase, which forms an amorphous zone in apparent optical continuity with the fibrous lutecite; as moganite advances by pseudo‐crystalline terminations controlled by the gypsum cleavage. In gypsified oyster shells, intercrystalline organic matter enveloping pseudomorphed shell microstructures enabled moganite nucleation that merges syntaxially around the gypsum crystal rim. The associated lutecite occurs as radial‐fibrous beekite aggregates that are consistent with early shell silicification. The bedded porcelanite consists of opal‐CT groundmass undergoing recrystallization and enclosing micro‐cavities lined by quartzine. The associated pseudomorphs display phases of gypsum replacement by moganite and lutecite at the outer margin, followed by dissolution and cavity filling by quartz varieties in response to fluid flushing. In all cases, organic matter and microbes played a vital role in the silicification process.

Natural rubber‐carbon black coagulation: Following the nanostructure evolution from a colloidal suspension to a composite

AbstractMaking elastomeric composite materials via heteroaggregation of a binary colloidal suspension of Natural Rubber (NR) latex and Carbon Black (CB) filler is an interesting production method to obtain an efficient dispersion in the polymer matrix. This study successfully employs an original approach of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to investigate for the first time the nanostructure evolution of a coagulum originated from the aggregation of NR globules with CB filler in suspension. More specifically, we exploited a chemical fixation method allowing simultaneous acquisition of backscattered electron (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) imaging modes. Additionally, the role of external physical stresses, like mechanical shear and sonication was also investigated in terms of structural effect induced on the formed coagulum at the nanoscopic scale. Our results highlight destabilization of NR globules, either induced by direct interaction with small CB aggregates or governed by solvent evaporation. Reduction in the size of CB agglomerates, obtained using sonication, highly improved filler distribution and confirmed that the size of CB aggregates is an important parameter responsible for the destabilization of NR globules.

Study on real-time detection method for electron beam selective melting process

In order to solve the problem of lack of effective and real-time monitoring evaluation method for electron beam selective melting (EBSM) processing, a technique of acquiring real-time secondary electron (SE) imaging through layer-by-layer scanning is presented, which could monitor the defects of components. Basic design scheme, including the Electron beam scanning system, signal processing and imaging system, is introduced in this paper. Capability of generating digital image and choosing different monitoring area for the real-time monitoring system has been verified by series of experiments. Results suggest that the maximum resolution of the prototype has reached 0.3mm.

Characterization of Sintered Aluminium Reinforced with Ultrafine Tungsten Carbide Particles

The strengthening effect on aluminium (Al) by ultrafine particles of tungsten carbide (WC) after compacting and sintering was evaluated. The Al-1 vol.% WC mixture was prepared through a high-speed stirring technique, called assisted sonication. In this study, the effects of compacting, sintering temperature and holding time were evaluated by composite microstructural characterization and by mechanical tests. The characterizations involved electron dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques for phase identification; electron backscattered diffraction for crystallographic analysis; backscattered electrons and secondary electrons imaging for failure and wear studies. In all composites, hardness was determined; for the hardest composite, the tensile strength, flexural strength and ball scattering wear resistance were also evaluated. The Al-1 vol.% WC composite produced by assisted sonication, densified by cold compacting at 152 MPa and sintered at 640 °C for 2 h at 5 × 10−4 Pa (high vacuum) exhibited the highest hardness, associated with an acceptable ductile behavior. This strengthening was associated with the formation of Al12W and grain refinement.

Helium ion microscope - secondary ion mass spectrometry for geological materials.

The helium ion microscope (HIM) is a focussed ion beam instrument with unprecedented spatial resolution for secondary electron imaging but has traditionally lacked microanalytical capabilities. With the addition of the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) attachment, the capabilities of the instrument have expanded to microanalysis of isotopes from Li up to hundreds of atomic mass units, effectively opening up the analysis of all natural and geological systems. However, the instrument has thus far been underutilised by the geosciences community, due in no small part to a lack of a thorough understanding of the quantitative capabilities of the instrument. Li represents an ideal element for an exploration of the instrument as a tool for geological samples, due to its importance for economic geology and a green economy, and the difficult nature of observing Li with traditional microanalytical techniques. Also Li represents a “best-case” scenario for isotopic measurements. Here we present details of sample preparation, instrument sensitivity, theoretical, and measured detection limits for both elemental and isotopic analysis as well as practicalities for geological sample analyses of Li alongside a discussion of potential geological use cases of the HIM–SIMS instrument.

Developing a New Model for Description of Micro Size Particles in SEM Images for Safeguards Purposes

Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) is a fast screening tool for identification of uranium and thorium particles. In the field of micro-particle analysis for safeguards purposes, estimation of uranium size is necessary information especially for scanning of swipes or environmental samples at nuclear facilities. SEM can be used to visualize micro sized particles of any nuclear material. It gives secondary electron images (SEI) at different magnifications power. In this work, the model JEOL 6510 LV instrument that has capabilities to image samples in a range of magnification from X5 to X300,000 was used. The process of imaging was done at optimum conditions; SS=50, WD=10 and appropriate pressure. The system determines the size of any particle in SEI using internal image. Many trials were performed to accomplish a correlation between micro size and pixels to estimate the size of targeted particles. Here, a mathematical model was developed to describe the relation between micro size and pixels depending on an assumption that is called to zeros assumption. The mathematical description was manipulated in three different ways; linearly, exponentially and by using artificial neural network (ANN). The model in its three forms was validated using large numbers of SEIs and comparisons with commercial softwares. The fitting correlation coefficient for linear and exponential manipulation was found to be 0.99997 and 1 respectively. While, the performance of the trained data in ANN was 6x10-10.

Enhancement of electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance by silver shell‑copper core coating of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy

A silver shell‑copper core coating was applied on additively manufactured (AM) AlSi10Mg alloy to improve the electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, surface roughness and indentation hardness. Surface microstructure evolution and roughness of the AM alloy, i.e. as-built, during the subsequent processes, such as heat treatment, shot peening and AgCu coating, were comprehensively characterized using secondary electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope and a scanning laser microscope, respectively. Also, the surface indentation hardness of the coated alloy was evaluated to study the mechanical response. The corrosion behavior and electrical conductivity of the AgCu coated AM alloy were evaluated and compared with the as-built and shot peened AM alloy using the electrochemical and the electrical resistivity measurements, respectively. The results showed that the AgCu coating could significantly increase the surface hardness of the AM AlSi10Mg four times along with an average of 60% improvement in roughness. The electrochemical characterization shows a significant increase in the corrosion resistance for the AgCu coated AM AlSi10Mg with a low corrosion current density of 4 μmA/cm2 in a chloride solution compared to the uncoated alloy. Finally, it was observed that the AgCu coating leads to reduction of the electrical resistance of the studied AM alloy by 40%. Consequently, the electrical conductivity property of the coated AM AlSi10Mg increases.

Revealing correlation of core‒rim structures, defects and stacking-faults in SiC ceramics by integrated scanning electron microscopy

Dopant distribution is key to understand sintering behavior and microstructure‒property relationship of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics. Using high-angle secondary-electron (SE) imaging in scanning electron microscope combining elemental and cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis, core‒rim structures were found as common microstructural features in SiC ceramics sintered with rare-earth oxides. Characteristic emission by donor-accepter-pairs (DAP) could reveal co-solution of Al‒N in α- and β-SiC phases in hot-pressed and gas-pressure sintered ceramics, with or without AlN co-dopant. Stacking-faults (SFs) were found in β-SiC grains to emit characteristic photons by local twin-structures, which confine the luminous transition by DAP into a quantum effect and suppress fully the luminescence when SF density reaches a limit by sintering with two rare-earth oxides. Systematic correlation between the development of microstructures, solution and defect luminescence, and phase transformation can lead to hierarchical microstructure‒property relationship to study synergetic mechanical, thermal and opto-electrical performance of SiC ceramics as well as electronic materials.

Lateral and vertical growth of Mg-doped GaN on trench-patterned GaN films

Growth of Mg-doped GaN on trench-patterned GaN films consists of competing lateral and vertical growth fronts that result in regions with different electronic properties. Under typical growth conditions, lateral growth from the trench sidewall occurs at a faster rate than vertical growth from the trench base. When the trench width is sufficiently narrow, the growth fronts from opposite sidewalls coalesce and lead to eventual planarization of the top surface. Secondary electron imaging and cathodoluminescence mapping are used to correlate the morphology and the optical properties of regions resulting from lateral and vertical growth. For our growth conditions, the lateral-to-vertical growth rate ratio is found to be about 2.

Quasi-Newtonian Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (QN-ESEM) for Monitoring Material Dynamics in High-Pressure Gaseous Environments.

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) is a powerful technique that enables imaging of diverse specimens (e.g., biomaterials, chemical materials, nanomaterials) in a hydrated or native state while simultaneously maintaining micro‐to‐nanoscale resolution. However, it is difficult to achieve high signal‐to‐noise and artifact‐free secondary electron images in a high‐pressure gaseous environment due to the intensive electron‐gas collisions. In addition, nanotextured substrates can mask the signal from a weakly scattering sample. These drawbacks limit the study of material dynamics under extreme conditions and correspondingly our understanding in many fields. In this work, an imaging framework called Quasi‐Newtonian ESEM is proposed, which introduces the concepts of quasi‐force and quasi‐work by referencing the scattering force in light–matter interactions, to break these barriers without any hardware changes. It is shown that quasi‐force is a more fundamental quantity that has a more significant connection with the sample morphology than intensity in the strongly scattering regime. Experimental and theoretical studies on the dynamics of droplet condensation in a high‐pressure environment (up to 2500 Pa) successfully demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the framework and that the overwhelmed signal of interest in ESEM images can be reconstructed through information stored in the time domain, i.e., frames captured at different moments.