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In situ measurements are a pivotal extension of conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By means of the shape memory alloy NiTi thin film Functional Grids were produced for in situ straining as alternative or at least complement of expensive commercial holders. Due to the martensite-austenite transition temperature straining effects can be observed by use of customary heating holders in the range of 50 to 100   °C. The grids can be produced in diversified designs to fit for different strain situations. Micro tensile tests were performed and compared with finite element simulations to estimate the applied forces on the sample and to predict the functionality of different grid designs. As a first example of this Functional Grid technology, we demonstrate the impact of applying a strain to a network of ZnO tetrapods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elastocaloric effect that occurs during the stress-induced martensitic transformation in shape memory alloys is a promising mechanism in view of solid state cooling applications. It also allows for downscaling to feature sizes in the μm range, thus, being attractive for micro-cooling applications using thin film materials. In this study, elastocaloric properties of TiNi and TiNiCu films and their relation to functional fatigue were investigated. Both materials show similar effect sizes, their fatigue behavior is however different. While the temperature change in TiNi degrades by a factor of two within 150 cycles, no significant elastocaloric fatigue was found in TiNiCu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]