InsteaDMatic: Towards cross-platform automated continuous rotation electron diffraction

Abstract: A DigitalMicrograph script InsteaDMatic has been developed to facilitate rapid automated continuous rotation electron diffraction (cRED) data acquisition. The script coordinates microscope functions, such as stage rotation, camera functions relevant for data collection, and stores the experiment metadata. The script is compatible with any microscope that can be controlled by DigitalMicrograph and has been tested on both JEOL and Thermo Fisher Scientific microscopes. A proof-of-concept has been performed through employing InsteaDMatic for data collection and structure determination of a ZSM-5 zeolite. The influence of illumination settings and electron dose rate on the quality of diffraction data, unit cell determination and structure solution has been investigated in order to optimize the data acquisition procedure.