TEM: Imaging Modes

High-Resolution TEM

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is an imaging mode of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) that allows for direct imaging of the atomic structure of the sample. HRTEM is a powerful tool to study the properties of materials on the atomic scale such as semiconductors, metals and nanoparticles.

Figure 15.04: Schematic of ray diagram for HRTEM imaging mode.

The primary transmitted and one or more of the diffracted beams are made to recombine as shown in Figure 15.04, thus preserving their phases and amplitudes. The image is formed by the interference of the diffracted beams with the direct beam (phase contrast). High resolution mode uses small effective wavelengths (λ).