Deep Learning Enabled Strain Mapping of Single-Atom Defects in 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides with Sub-picometer Precision

Abstract: 2D materials offer an ideal platform to study the strain fields induced by individual atomic defects, yet challenges associated with radiation damage have so-far limited electron microscopy methods to probe these atomic-scale strain fields. Here, we demonstrate an approach to probe single-atom defects with sub-picometer precision in a monolayer 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, WSe${2-2x}$Te${2x}$. We utilize deep learning to mine large datasets of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy images to locate and classify point defects. By combining hundreds of images of nominally identical defects, we generate high signal-to-noise class-averages which allow us to measure 2D atomic coordinates with up to 0.3 pm precision. Our methods reveal that Se vacancies introduce complex, oscillating strain fields in the WSe${2-2x}$Te${2x}$ lattice which cannot be explained by continuum elastic theory. These results indicate the potential impact of computer vision for the development of high-precision electron microscopy methods for beam-sensitive materials.