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Realizing an atom-holography microscope
Hiroshi Daimon1,2, Hiroki Momono3, Hiroyuki Matsuda2
1Toyota Physical and Chemical Research Institute, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1192, Japan.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|July 24, 2026
Summary
A new atom-holography microscope allows for anytime, anywhere 3D atomic arrangement analysis. This breakthrough enables precise 3D atomic coordinate determination, accelerating materials development.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electron Microscopy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Precise 3D atomic coordinate determination is crucial for materials analysis.
- Conventional transmission electron microscopy provides only 2D projections, limiting true 3D atomic arrangement visualization.
- Atomic-resolution holography offers 3D atomic analysis but requires large synchrotron facilities, hindering accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an atom-holography microscope for accessible, anytime, anywhere 3D atomic arrangement analysis.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional electron microscopy and synchrotron-based holography.
- To enable routine materials characterization with 3D atomic resolution.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a hologram-display electron spectrometer with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
- Development of a novel atom-holography microscope.
- Analysis of Kikuchi electron holograms from a Bi2Se3 sample.
Main Results:
- Successful realization of an atom-holography microscope enabling anytime, anywhere atomic-resolution holography.
- Visualization of 3D atomic arrangement within a SEM image.
- Reconstruction of atomic arrangement with 0.1 Å accuracy from Bi2Se3 sample.
Conclusions:
- Advanced analytical microscopy for mapping composition and 3D atomic arrangement in SEM images is now widely available.
- The developed microscope significantly accelerates the development of functional materials and microdevices.
- This technology democratizes 3D atomic-level materials analysis.
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