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Updated: May 18, 2026

Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
Published on: March 12, 2017
Advanced scanning transmission stereo electron microscopy of structural and functional engineering materials
L Agudo Jácome1, G Eggeler, A Dlouhý
1Institut für Werkstoffe, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany. leonardo.agudo@bam.de
Stereo transmission electron microscopy (STEM) offers a 3D view of microstructures, enabling precise depth and thickness measurements. This advanced technique reveals the true 3D nature of dislocations and material features within thin foils.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microscopy
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Stereo transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides a 3D visualization of microstructures within thin foils.
- It aids in determining feature location (surface vs. interior) and measuring dimensions.
- Understanding dislocation configurations in three dimensions is crucial for materials characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review classical stereo TEM principles.
- To extend stereo TEM capabilities using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode.
- To demonstrate the enhanced technique with real-world material examples.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a modern analytical 200 kV TEM with a field emission gun (FEG TEM) in STEM mode.
- Employing a high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) detector.
- Combining stereo pair micrographs into an anaglyph for 3D visualization with colored glasses.
Main Results:
- The study presents an extended stereo TEM technique applicable to various materials.
- Demonstrated the visualization of microstructures in a Ni-base superalloy, a 9% Cr tempered martensite ferritic steel, and a NiTi shape memory alloy.
- Analyzed the impact of camera length, foil thickness measurement, depth of focus, and surface effects.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced stereo TEM technique provides realistic 3D microstructural impressions.
- This method is valuable for detailed analysis of complex material systems.
- The technique offers insights into the three-dimensional characteristics of microstructural features.
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