High Temperature Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy for real-time studies of phase transformations

Over the past 8 years extensive work has been undertaken utilising Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) to investigate high temperature phase transformations, primarily in iron based alloys. A broad range of phenomenon has been studied including solidification, the peritectic transformation and reaction, delta-ferrite to austenite phase transformation and austenite decomposition. This presentation reviews the technique, specific experimental procedures developed by the authors and a selection of our findings.