Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
Published on: March 12, 2017
The use of a central beam stop for contrast enhancement in TEM imaging
Chao Zhang1, Qiang Xu, Peter J Peters
1Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ, Delft, The Netherlands; College of Computer, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China.
Abstract:
Dark field TEM imaging using a stop of the central beam (DF-000) is reported. It is shown that a strong enhancement in the contrast can be obtained for graphene as example of weak phase object and endocytic multivescilar body as example of an unstained biological sample. No charging or significant contamination of the central beam stop is observed. For graphene, a resolution beyond 1Å(-1) was easily obtained. DF-000 imaging can be considered as a good and easy to use alternative of a phase plate.
Related Concept Videos
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy
In-phase-contrast microscopes, interference between light directly passing through a cell and light refracted by cellular components is used to create high-contrast, high-resolution images without staining. It is the oldest and simplest type of microscope that creates an image by altering the wavelengths of light rays passing through the specimen. Altered wavelength paths are created using an annular stop in the condenser. The annular stop produces a hollow cone of...
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
Overview of Electron Microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
