Two-stage optics: high-acuity performance from low-acuity optical systems

We are studying the crystallization and annealing behavior of high performance polymers, like poly(p-pheny1ene sulfide) PPS, and poly-(etheretherketone), PEEK. Our purpose is to determine whether PPS, which is similar in many ways to PEEK, undergoes reorganization during annealing. In an effort to address the issue of reorganization, we are studying solution grown single crystals of PPS as model materials.Observation of solution grown PPS crystals has been reported. Even from dilute solution, embrionic spherulites and aggregates were formed. We observe that these morphologies result when solutions containing uncrystallized polymer are cooled. To obtain samples of uniform single crystals, we have used two-stage self seeding and solution replacement techniques.

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Atomic Resolution in Crystal Aperture Stem

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100179932 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 236-237

Author(s):

J T Fourie

Keyword(s):

Optical System ◽

Spherical Aberration ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Transmission Function ◽

Optical Systems ◽

Bragg Angle ◽

Electron Optical System ◽

Intimate Contact ◽

Diffraction Effects ◽

Design Aspect

The attempts at improvement of electron optical systems to date, have largely been directed towards the design aspect of magnetic lenses and towards the establishment of ideal lens combinations. In the present work the emphasis has been placed on the utilization of a unique three-dimensional crystal objective aperture within a standard electron optical system with the aim to reduce the spherical aberration without introducing diffraction effects. A brief summary of this work together with a description of results obtained recently, will be given.The concept of utilizing a crystal as aperture in an electron optical system was introduced by Fourie who employed a {111} crystal foil as a collector aperture, by mounting the sample directly on top of the foil and in intimate contact with the foil. In the present work the sample was mounted on the bottom of the foil so that the crystal would function as an objective or probe forming aperture. The transmission function of such a crystal aperture depends on the thickness, t, and the orientation of the foil. The expression for calculating the transmission function was derived by Hashimoto, Howie and Whelan on the basis of the electron equivalent of the Borrmann anomalous absorption effect in crystals. In Fig. 1 the functions for a g220 diffraction vector and t = 0.53 and 1.0 μm are shown. Here n= Θ‒ΘB, where Θ is the angle between the incident ray and the (hkl) planes, and ΘB is the Bragg angle.

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