Direct observation of interface and surface steps in epitaxial films by dark‐field transmission electron microscopy

1994 ◽  
Vol 65 (14) ◽  
pp. 1766-1768 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Loretto ◽  
F. M. Ross ◽  
C. A. Lucas ◽  
G. C. L. Wong
1997 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 687-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
KUNIO TAKAYANAGI ◽  
YOSHITAKA NAITOH ◽  
YOSHIFUMI OSHIMA ◽  
MASANORI MITOME

Surface transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to reveal surface steps and structures by bright and dark field imaging, and high resolution plan view and/or profile view imaging. Dynamic processes on surfaces, such as step motion, surface phase transitions and film growths, are visualized by a TV system attached to the electron microscope. Atom positions can precisely be detected by convergent beam illumination (CBI) of high resolution surface TEM. Imaging of the atomic positions of surfaces with truncation is briefly reviewed in this paper, with recent development of a TEM–STM (scanning tunneling microscope) system.


Author(s):  
R. W. Anderson ◽  
D. L. Senecal

A problem was presented to observe the packing densities of deposits of sub-micron corrosion product particles. The deposits were 5-100 mils thick and had formed on the inside surfaces of 3/8 inch diameter Zircaloy-2 heat exchanger tubes. The particles were iron oxides deposited from flowing water and consequently were only weakly bonded. Particular care was required during handling to preserve the original formations of the deposits. The specimen preparation method described below allowed direct observation of cross sections of the deposit layers by transmission electron microscopy.The specimens were short sections of the tubes (about 3 inches long) that were carefully cut from the systems. The insides of the tube sections were first coated with a thin layer of a fluid epoxy resin by dipping. This coating served to impregnate the deposit layer as well as to protect the layer if subsequent handling were required.


2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 913-919
Author(s):  
Frank Krumeich

AbstractSince the 1970s, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is well established as the most appropriate method to explore the structural complexity of niobium tungsten oxides. Today, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) represents an important alternative for performing the structural characterization of such oxides. STEM images recorded with a high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) detector provide not only information about the cation positions but also about the distribution of niobium and tungsten as the intensity is directly correlated to the local scattering potential. The applicability of this method is demonstrated here for the characterization of the real structure of Nb7W10O47.5. This sample contains well-ordered domains of Nb8W9O47 and Nb4W7O31 besides little ordered areas according to HRTEM results. Structural models for Nb4W7O31 and twinning occurring in this phase have been derived from the interpretation of HAADF-STEM images. A remarkable grain boundary between well-ordered domains of Nb4W7O31 and Nb8W9O47 has been found that contains one-dimensionally periodic features. Furthermore, short-range order observed in less ordered areas could be attributed to an intimate intergrowth of small sections of different tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) based structures.


1997 ◽  
Vol 04 (03) ◽  
pp. 559-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. GIBSON ◽  
X. CHEN ◽  
O. POHLAND

Transmission electron microscopy is uniquely able to extend techniques for imaging free surface steps to the buried interface regime, without significant loss of detail. Two mechanisms for imaging surface and interfacial steps by transmission electron microscopy are described. They are thickness contrast and strain contrast. The former reveals the position and approximate height of steps, whereas the latter detects stress fields which are commonly associated with steps. The basis for each of these methods is elaborated, and preliminary results are shown for step images at Si/SiO2 interfaces, where measurable stress fields have been directly detected for the first time.


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