High-resolution imaging of low-atomic-number chemical elements using electron microscopy is challenging and may require the use of high doses of electrons. Electron diffractive imaging, which creates real-space images using diffraction intensities and phase retrieval methods, could overcome such issues, although it is also subject to limitations. Here, we show that a combination of electron diffractive imaging and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy can image individual TiO(2) nanocrystals with a resolution of 70 pm while exposing the specimen to a low dose of electrons. Our approach, which does not require spherical and chromatic aberration correction, can reveal the location of light atoms (oxygen) in the crystal lattice. We find that the unit cell in nanoscale TiO(2) is subtly different to that in the corresponding bulk.
Electron diffractive imaging of oxygen atoms in nanocrystals at sub-angstrom resolution
Liberato De Caro;Elvio Carlino;Pantaleo Davide Cozzoli;Cinzia Giannini
2010
Abstract
High-resolution imaging of low-atomic-number chemical elements using electron microscopy is challenging and may require the use of high doses of electrons. Electron diffractive imaging, which creates real-space images using diffraction intensities and phase retrieval methods, could overcome such issues, although it is also subject to limitations. Here, we show that a combination of electron diffractive imaging and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy can image individual TiO(2) nanocrystals with a resolution of 70 pm while exposing the specimen to a low dose of electrons. Our approach, which does not require spherical and chromatic aberration correction, can reveal the location of light atoms (oxygen) in the crystal lattice. We find that the unit cell in nanoscale TiO(2) is subtly different to that in the corresponding bulk.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.