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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
10:25
Sub-nanometer Resolution Imaging with Amplitude-modulation Atomic Force Microscopy in Liquid
Published on: December 20, 2016
Sub-angstrom atomic-resolution imaging from heavy atoms to light atoms
Michael A O'Keefe1, Yang Shao-Horn
1Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. maok@lbl.gov
Summary
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) now images light atoms like lithium. This breakthrough in sub-angstrom resolution advances nanotechnology and battery material research.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has evolved significantly since its early high-resolution imaging capabilities.
- Pioneering work achieved resolutions better than 4 angstroms, enabling visualization of heavy atom columns.
- Recent advancements in TEM resolution have extended imaging capabilities to light elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the capability of sub-angstrom resolution TEM for imaging light atom columns.
- To extend the range of detectable light atoms, including lithium.
- To validate the role of HRTEM in the nanotech revolution and for next-generation TEMs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized sub-angstrom focal-series reconstruction of the specimen exit surface wave.
- Applied high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with sub-angstrom resolution.
- Analyzed transition metal oxide structures used in lithium rechargeable batteries.
Main Results:
- Successfully imaged columns of cobalt, oxygen, and lithium atoms.
- Extended the detection of light atoms by TEM to include lithium.
- Achieved sub-angstrom resolution, enabling visualization of light atom columns.
Conclusions:
- Sub-angstrom HRTEM is crucial for imaging light atoms, including lithium, in complex materials.
- This technique provides essential experimental verification for nanotechnology advancements.
- The results anticipate the capabilities of future aberration-corrected and monochromated TEMs.
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