High-resolution TEM imaging on 3D nanocrystals with tilt illuminations

Abstract: When we observe 3D objects, such as nanocrystals using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the significant depth of the sample causes the contrast transfer function (CTF) to mix, resulting in complex and confused image. This paper predicts that a high-resolution projected image can be obtained by tilting the illumination and filtering it with a ring slit. This method produces images similar to those obtained using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), which is not affected by the CTF problem. Potential applications are such as MOFs (metal-organic frameworks), perovskites and Solid-State Electrolyte (SSE) for Li-ion battery, where small ions or molecules play important role.