Multislice algorithms revisited: solving the Schrödinger equation numerically for imaging with electrons.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Electron Microscopy

Background:

• Traditional electron microscopy simulations relied on high-energy approximations.
• Aberration correctors have enabled high-resolution imaging at lower electron energies, necessitating new simulation approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a numerical solution for the exact Schrödinger equation in electron microscopy.
• To systematically investigate multislice algorithms, particularly real-space methods, for low-energy imaging.

Main Methods:

• Numerical solution of the exact Schrödinger equation.
• Systematic investigation of multislice algorithms, including real-space approaches.

Main Results:

• The developed numerical solution accurately simulates electron microscopy images at low energies.
• Analysis of advantages and limitations of various multislice algorithms was performed.

Conclusions:

• The exact Schrödinger equation solution is crucial for accurate simulations with modern aberration-corrected electron microscopes.
• Real-space multislice algorithms require careful consideration for optimal performance in low-energy imaging scenarios.