Characterization of interface structures in nanocrystalline germanium by means of high-resolution electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations

AbstractThe atomic structure of nanocrystalline particles formed by vapor deposition and subsequent annealing of amorphous thin films of germanium was studied by high resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The HREM images revealed a strongly varied multiply twinned structure. In some regions of adjacent twins contrast features were detected which were caused by an overlapping of twin lamellae. It will be shown by HREM contrast simulations that these interface types can be described by Σ = 3

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Interface structures in polycrystalline ceramic materials

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100143900 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 44 ◽

pp. 468-471

Author(s):

K. J. Morrissey

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Analytical Electron Microscopy ◽

Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽

High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽

Ceramic Materials ◽

Polycrystalline Materials ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Resolution Electron ◽

Interface Structures

Grain boundaries and interfaces play an important role in determining both physical and mechanical properties of polycrystalline materials. To understand how the structure of interfaces can be controlled to optimize properties, it is necessary to understand and be able to predict their crystal chemistry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), analytical electron microscopy (AEM,), and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) are essential tools for the characterization of the different types of interfaces which exist in ceramic systems. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some specific areas in which understanding interface structure is important. Interfaces in sintered bodies, materials produced through phase transformation and electronic packaging are discussed.

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High-resolution electron microscopy of nanostructured materials

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100137239 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 172-173

Author(s):

M. José-Yacamán

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

High Resolution ◽

Grain Boundaries ◽

Nanostructured Materials ◽

High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽

Hrem Image ◽

Small Particles ◽

Resolution Electron ◽

Nanophase Materials

Electron microscopy is a fundamental tool in materials characterization. In the case of nanostructured materials we are looking for features with a size in the nanometer range. Therefore often the conventional TEM techniques are not enough for characterization of nanophases. High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM), is a key technique in order to characterize those materials with a resolution of ~ 1.7A. High resolution studies of metallic nanostructured materials has been also reported in the literature. It is concluded that boundaries in nanophase materials are similar in structure to the regular grain boundaries. That work therefore did not confirm the early hipothesis on the field that grain boundaries in nanostructured materials have a special behavior. We will show in this paper that by a combination of HREM image processing, and image calculations, it is possible to prove that small particles and coalesced grains have a significant surface roughness, as well as large internal strain.

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HRTEM simulation of interfacial structure in amorphous multilayers

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100154305 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 47 ◽

pp. 466-467

Author(s):

Margaret L. Sattler ◽

Michael A. O'Keefe

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

High Resolution ◽

Cross Section ◽

High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽

Interfacial Structure ◽

Multilayer Sample ◽

Resolution Electron ◽

Multilayered Materials ◽

Simulated Images

Multilayered materials have been fabricated with such high perfection that individual layers having two atoms deep are possible. Characterization of the interfaces between these multilayers is achieved by high resolution electron microscopy and Figure 1a shows the cross-section of one type of multilayer. The production of such an image with atomically smooth interfaces depends upon certain factors which are not always reliable. For example, diffusion at the interface may produce complex interlayers which are important to the properties of the multilayers but which are difficult to observe. Similarly, anomalous conditions of imaging or of fabrication may occur which produce images having similar traits as the diffusion case above, e.g., imaging on a tilted/bent multilayer sample (Figure 1b) or deposition upon an unaligned substrate (Figure 1c). It is the purpose of this study to simulate the image of the perfect multilayer interface and to compare with simulated images having these anomalies.

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