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Quantitative Optical Microscopy: Measurement of Cellular Biophysical Features with a Standard Optical Microscope

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Optimizing experimental parameters of integrated differential phase contrast (iDPC) for atomic resolution imaging.

Zhiyao Liang¹, Dongsheng Song¹, Binghui Ge¹

¹Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.

Ultramicroscopy

|January 22, 2023

Summary

Integrated differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (iDPC-STEM) offers sub-Å resolution imaging for atomic structures. This study provides guidelines for optimizing experimental parameters to enhance contrast and light element visibility in iDPC-STEM images.

Keywords:

Atomic resolution Contrast Electron dose Image simulation iDPC-STEM

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Condensed Matter Physics
Electron Microscopy

Background:

Integrated differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (iDPC-STEM) is a powerful technique for atomic resolution imaging.
It enables simultaneous imaging of heavy and light atoms, even at low electron doses.
However, the impact of experimental parameters on iDPC-STEM image contrast requires systematic investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically investigate the influence of experimental parameters on atomic resolution iDPC-STEM image contrast.
To provide a practical guideline for optimizing iDPC-STEM imaging conditions.
To enhance the visibility of light elements in iDPC-STEM images.

Main Methods:

Simulations of iDPC-STEM were performed on a SrTiO3 sample.
Key experimental parameters studied include defocus, specimen thickness, accelerating voltage, convergence angle, collection angle, sample tilt, and electron dose.
Image contrast and atom column intensity were evaluated.

Main Results:

Defocus, specimen thickness, accelerating voltage, convergence angle, collection angle, and sample tilt significantly influence image contrast and light element visibility.
Dose-dependent simulations highlight the advantages of low-dose iDPC-STEM imaging.
Optimal parameters were identified to improve image quality.

Conclusions:

Experimental parameter optimization is crucial for achieving high-contrast atomic resolution iDPC-STEM images.
Low-dose iDPC-STEM imaging offers significant advantages over conventional STEM modes.
This work provides essential guidance for researchers using iDPC-STEM for atomic structure analysis.