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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Characterization of Ultra-fine Grained and Nanocrystalline Materials Using Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction
Published on: April 1, 2017
A quantitative nanodiffraction system for ultrahigh vacuum scanning transmission electron microscopy
Gary G Hembree1, Christoph Koch, John C H Spence
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1504, USA. hembree@asu.edu
Electron nanodiffraction offers the strongest signal from the smallest volumes for materials science. Modifications to a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) enhance nanodiffraction and quantitative convergent beam electron diffraction (QCBED) performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Electron nanodiffraction provides a strong signal from small volumes, ideal for nanostructural analysis.
- Modern electron microscopes offer various signals for materials investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize nanodiffraction and quantitative convergent beam electron diffraction (QCBED) performance.
- To enhance signal sensitivity and dynamic range for nanostructural investigations.
Main Methods:
- Modification of a Vacuum Generators HB501S scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM).
- Implementation of a fiber-optically coupled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera system.
- Measurement of detector gain and objective lens spherical aberration constant using the Ronchigram method.
Main Results:
- The modified STEM system demonstrates improved nanodiffraction capabilities.
- The new CCD camera system offers greater sensitivity and dynamic range compared to conventional systems.
- Preliminary results showcase the enhanced performance for nanostructural analysis.
Conclusions:
- The optimized STEM instrument is well-suited for advanced nanodiffraction studies.
- The enhanced detector system significantly improves data acquisition for materials science.
- The modifications pave the way for more detailed nanostructural investigations.
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