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Updated: May 31, 2026

Quantitative Atomic-Site Analysis of Functional Dopants/Point Defects in Crystalline Materials by Electron-Channeling-Enhanced Microanalysis
Published on: May 10, 2021
Limits in detecting an individual dopant atom embedded in a crystal.
Anudha Mittal1, K Andre Mkhoyan
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) can detect single dopant atoms. Optimal conditions for imaging dopant atoms depend on various factors, guiding experimental detection and localization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Physics
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) is crucial for atomic-scale imaging.
- Detecting individual dopant atoms in crystals presents challenges due to variations in contrast.
- Understanding factors influencing dopant atom visibility is essential for accurate analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of various parameters on the visibility of single dopant atoms in ADF-STEM images.
- To establish guidelines for optimizing experimental conditions for dopant atom detection.
- To explore the possibility of determining the 3D location of dopant atoms.
Main Methods:
- Multislice-based simulations of ADF-STEM images were performed.
- Simulations covered a wide range of crystal thicknesses, dopant types, and dopant locations.
- Analysis included crystals with different atomic compositions.
Main Results:
- Dopant atom visibility in ADF-STEM images shows complex trends and non-intuitive behaviors.
- Contrast depends significantly on specimen parameters and microscope conditions.
- Specific trends were identified for different dopant atom positions and crystal structures.
Conclusions:
- Practical guidelines are provided for optimizing ADF-STEM experiments to detect dopant atoms.
- The study aids in determining the 3D location of dopant atoms within crystals.
- Limitations and conditions under which dopant atom detection is not feasible are identified.
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