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Author Agrawal, H.; Patra, B.K.; Altantzis, T.; De Backer, A.; Garnett, E.C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Quantifying Strain and Dislocation Density at Nanocube Interfaces after Assembly and Epitaxy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces Abbreviated Journal Acs Appl Mater Inter  
  Volume 12 Issue 7 Pages 8788-8794  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract (up) Nanoparticle self-assembly and epitaxy are utilized extensively to make 1D and 2D structures with complex shapes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has shown that single-crystalline interfaces can form, but little is known about the strain and dislocations at these interfaces. Such information is critically important for applications: drastically reducing

dislocation density was the key breakthrough enabling widespread implementation of light-emitting diodes, while strain engineering has been fundamental to modern high-performance transistors, solar cells, and thermoelectrics. In this work, the interfacial defect and strain formation after selfassembly and room temperature epitaxy of 7 nm Pd nanocubes capped with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is examined. It is observed that, during ligand removal, the cubes move over large distances on the substrate, leading to both spontaneous self-assembly and epitaxy to form single crystals. Subsequently, atomically resolved images are used to quantify the strain and dislocation density at the epitaxial interfaces between cubes with different lateral and angular misorientations. It is shown that dislocation- and strain-free interfaces form when the nanocubes align parallel to each other. Angular misalignment between adjacent cubes does not necessarily lead to grain boundaries but does cause dislocations, with higher densities associated with larger rotations.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000515214300101 Publication Date 2020-02-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1944-8244 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 9.5 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek; H2020 Research Infrastructures, 731019 ; Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, 14846 ; The work at AMOLF is part of the research program of the “Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek” (NWO). This work was supported by the NWO VIDI grant (project no. 14846). The authors would like to thank Reinout Jaarsma and Dr. Sven Askes for helping with the XPS measurements. A.D.B. acknowledges a postdoctoral grant from the research foundation Flanders (FWO). The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Programme by means of the grant agreement no. 731019 EUSMI. Approved Most recent IF: 9.5; 2020 IF: 7.504  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:167770 Serial 6398  
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Author Geuchies, J.J.; van Overbeek, C.; Evers, W.H.; Goris, B.; de Backer, A.; Gantapara, A.P.; Rabouw, F.T.; Hilhorst, J.; Peters, J.L.; Konovalov, O.; Petukhov, A.V.; Dijkstra, M.; Siebbeles, L.D.A.; van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Vanmaekelbergh, D. url  doi
openurl 
  Title In situ study of the formation mechanism of two-dimensional superlattices from PbSe nanocrystals Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Nature materials Abbreviated Journal Nat Mater  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 1248-1254  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Oriented attachment of PbSe nanocubes can result in the formation of two-dimensional (2D) superstructures with long-range nanoscale and atomic order. This questions the applicability of classic models in which the superlattice grows by first forming a nucleus, followed by sequential irreversible attachment of nanocrystals, as one misaligned attachment would disrupt the 2D order beyond repair. Here, we demonstrate the formation mechanism of 2D PbSe superstructures with square geometry by using in situ grazing-incidence X-ray scattering (small angle and wide angle), ex situ electron microscopy, and Monte Carlo simulations. We observed nanocrystal adsorption at the liquid/gas interface, followed by the formation of a hexagonal nanocrystal monolayer. The hexagonal geometry transforms gradually through a pseudo-hexagonal phase into a phase with square order, driven by attractive interactions between the {100} planes perpendicular to the liquid substrate, which maximize facet-to-facet overlap. The nanocrystals then attach atomically via a necking process, resulting in 2D square superlattices.  
  Address Condensed Matter and Interfaces, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000389104400011 Publication Date 2016-09-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1476-1122 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 39.737 Times cited 182 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This research is part of the programme ‘Designing Dirac Carriers in semiconductor honeycomb superlattices (DDC13),’ which is supported by the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM), which is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). J.J.G. acknowledges funding from the Debye and ESRF Graduate Programs. The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (G.036915 G.037413 and funding of postdoctoral grants to B.G. and A.d.B). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council, ERC grant No 335078—Colouratom. The authors gratefully acknowledge I. Swart and M. van Huis for fruitful discussions. We acknowledge funding from NWO-CW TOPPUNT ‘Superficial Superstructures’. The X-ray scattering measurements were performed at the ID10 beamline at ESRF under proposal numbers SC-4125 and SC-3786. The authors thank G. L. Destri and F. Zontone for their support during the experiments.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:yellow; preprint:; postprint:restricted ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 39.737  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136165 Serial 4289  
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Author van den Bos, K.H.W.; Altantzis, T.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Recent breakthroughs in scanning transmission electron microscopy of small species Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Advances in Physics: X Abbreviated Journal Advances in Physics: X  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 1480420  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Over the last decade, scanning transmission electron microscopy has become one of the most powerful tools to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Often, the ultimate goal is to retrieve the three-dimensional structure, which is very challenging since small species are typically sensitive to electron irradiation. Nevertheless, measuring individual atomic positions is crucial to understand the relation between the structure and physicochemical properties of these (nano)materials. In this review, we highlight the latest approaches that are available to reveal the 3D atomic structure of small species. Finally, we will provide an outlook and will describe future challenges where the limits of electron microscopy will be pushed even further.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000441619500001 Publication Date 2018-08-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2374-6149 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 8 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) under Grant G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, and G.0267.18N, by personal FWO Grants to K. H. W. van den Bos, T. Altantzis, and A. De Backer, and the European Research Council under Grant 335078 COLOURATOM to S. Bals. The authors would like to thank the colleagues who have contributed to this work over the years, including A. M. Abakumov, K. J. Batenburg, E. Countiño-Gonzalez, C. de Mello Donega, R. Erni, J. J. Geuchies, B. Goris, J. Hofkens, L. Jones, P. Lievens, L. M. Liz-Marzán, I. Lobato, G. T. Martinez, P. D. Nellist, B. Partoens, M. B. J. Roeffaers, M.D. Rossell, B. Schoeters, M. J. Van Bael, W. van der Stam, M. van Huis, G. Van Tendeloo, D. Vanmaekelbergh, and N. Winckelmans. (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:152820UA @ admin @ c:irua:152820 Serial 5007  
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Author Bals, S.; Goris, B.; de Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atomic resolution electron tomography Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication MRS bulletin Abbreviated Journal Mrs Bull  
  Volume 41 Issue 41 Pages 525-530  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Over the last two decades, three-dimensional (3D) imaging by transmission electron microscopy or “electron tomography” has evolved into a powerful tool to investigate a variety of nanomaterials in different fields, such as life sciences, chemistry, solid-state physics, and materials science. Most of these results were obtained with nanometer-scale resolution, but different approaches have recently pushed the resolution to the atomic level. Such information is a prerequisite to understand the specific relationship between the atomic structure and the physicochemical properties of (nano) materials. We provide an overview of the latest progress in the field of atomic-resolution electron tomography. Different imaging and reconstruction approaches are presented, and state-of-the-art results are discussed. This article demonstrates the power and importance of electron tomography with atomic-scale resolution.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Pittsburgh, Pa Editor  
  Language Wos 000382508100012 Publication Date 2016-07-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0883-7694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.199 Times cited 19 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (G.0381.16N, G.036915, G.0374.13, and funding of postdoctoral grants to B.G. and A.D.B.). S.B. acknowledges the European Research Council, ERC Grant Number 335078-Colouratom. The research leading to these results received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Program under Grant Agreements 312483 (ESTEEM2). The authors would like to thank the colleagues who have contributed to this work, including K.J. Batenburg, J. De Beenhouwer, R. Erni, M.D. Rossell, W. Van den Broek, L. Liz-Marzan, E. Carbo-Argibay, S. Gomez-Grana, P. Lievens, M. Van Bael, B. Partoens, B. Schoeters, and J. Sijbers. ; ecas_sara Approved Most recent IF: 5.199  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:135690 Serial 4299  
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Author Altantzis, T.; Lobato, I.; De Backer, A.; Béché, A.; Zhang, Y.; Basak, S.; Porcu, M.; Xu, Q.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Three-Dimensional Quantification of the Facet Evolution of Pt Nanoparticles in a Variable Gaseous Environment Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 19 Issue 19 Pages 477-481  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Pt nanoparticles play an essential role in a wide variety of catalytic reactions. The activity of the particles strongly depends on their three-dimensional (3D) structure and exposed facets, as well as on the reactive environment. High-resolution electron microscopy has often been used to characterize nanoparticle catalysts but unfortunately most observations so far have been either performed in vacuum and/or using conventional (2D) in situ microscopy. The latter however does not provide direct 3D morphological information. We have implemented a quantitative methodology to measure variations of the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles under the flow of a selected gas. We were thereby able to quantify refaceting of Pt nanoparticles with atomic resolution during various oxidation−reduction cycles. In a H2 environment, a more faceted surface morphology of the particles was observed with {100} and {111} planes being dominant. On the other hand, in O2 the percentage of {100} and {111} facets decreased and a significant increase of higher order facets was found, resulting in a more rounded morphology. This methodology opens up new opportunities toward in situ characterization of catalytic nanoparticles because for the first time it enables one to directly measure 3D morphology variations at the atomic scale in a specific gaseous reaction environment.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000455561300061 Publication Date 2019-01-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 82 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 335078 COLOURATOM to S.B. and Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A.). The authors acknowledge funding from the European Commission Grant (EUSMI 731019 to S.B., L.M.L.-M., and Q.X. and MUMMERING 765604 to S.B. and Q.X.). The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, and G.0267.18N), postdoctoral grants to T.A. and A.D.B, and an FWO [PEGASUS]2 Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellowship to Y.Z. (12U4917N). L.M.L.-M. acknowledges funding from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grant MAT2017-86659-R). We gratefully acknowledge the support of NVIDIA Corporation with the donation of the Titan X Pascal GPU used for this research. ecas_sara Realnano 815128; sygma Approved Most recent IF: 12.712  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @UA @ admin @ c:irua:156390 Serial 5150  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lobato, I.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Real-time simulations of ADF STEM probe position-integrated scattering cross-sections for single element fcc crystals in zone axis orientation using a densely connected neural network Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 251 Issue Pages 113769  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Quantification of annular dark field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images in terms

of composition or thickness often relies on probe-position integrated scattering cross sections (PPISCS). In

order to compare experimental PPISCS with theoretically predicted ones, expensive simulations are needed for

a given specimen, zone axis orientation, and a variety of microscope settings. The computation time of such

simulations can be in the order of hours using a single GPU card. ADF STEM simulations can be efficiently

parallelized using multiple GPUs, as the calculation of each pixel is independent of other pixels. However, most

research groups do not have the necessary hardware, and, in the best-case scenario, the simulation time will

only be reduced proportionally to the number of GPUs used. In this manuscript, we use a learning approach and

present a densely connected neural network that is able to perform real-time ADF STEM PPISCS predictions as

a function of atomic column thickness for most common face-centered cubic (fcc) crystals (i.e., Al, Cu, Pd, Ag,

Pt, Au and Pb) along [100] and [111] zone axis orientations, root-mean-square displacements, and microscope

parameters. The proposed architecture is parameter efficient and yields accurate predictions for the PPISCS

values for a wide range of input parameters that are commonly used for aberration-corrected transmission

electron microscopes.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001011617200001 Publication Date 2023-06-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Open_Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N and G0A7723N) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF), Belgium. Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:197275 Serial 8812  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; Martinez, G.T.; MacArthur, K.E.; Jones, L.; Béché, A.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Dose limited reliability of quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy for nano-particle atom-counting Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 151 Issue 151 Pages 56-61  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) has become a powerful technique to characterise nano-particles on an atomic scale. Because of their limited size and beam sensitivity, the atomic structure of such particles may become extremely challenging to determine. Therefore keeping the incoming electron dose to a minimum is important. However, this may reduce the reliability of quantitative ADF STEM which will here be demonstrated for nano-particle atom-counting. Based on experimental ADF STEM images of a real industrial catalyst, we discuss the limits for counting the number of atoms in a projected atomic column with single atom sensitivity. We diagnose these limits by combining a thorough statistical method and detailed image simulations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000351237800008 Publication Date 2014-12-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 29 Open Access  
  Notes 312483 Esteem2; 278510 Vortex; Fwo G039311; G006410; G037413; esteem2ta; ECASJO; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:123927 c:irua:123927 Serial 753  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Backer, A.; De Wael, A.; Gonnissen, J.; Martinez, G.T.; Béché, A.; MacArthur, K.E.; Jones, L.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy for nanoparticle atom-counting: What are the limits? Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2015 Publication Journal of physics : conference series Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 644 Issue 644 Pages 012034  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Quantitative atomic resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) has become a powerful technique for nanoparticle atom-counting. However, a lot of nanoparticles provide a severe characterisation challenge because of their limited size and beam sensitivity. Therefore, quantitative ADF STEM may greatly benefit from statistical detection theory in order to optimise the instrumental microscope settings such that the incoming electron dose can be kept as low as possible whilst still retaining single-atom precision. The principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom-counting. This enables us to decide between different image performance measures and to optimise the experimental detector settings for atom-counting in ADF STEM in an objective manner. To demonstrate this, ADF STEM imaging of an industrial catalyst has been conducted using the near-optimal detector settings. For this experiment, we discussed the limits for atom-counting diagnosed by combining a thorough statistical method and detailed image simulations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000366826200034 Publication Date 2015-10-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group Conference (EMAG), JUN 02-JUL 02, 2015, Manchester, ENGLAND  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1742-6588 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project funding (G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, and G.0374.15N) and a PhD research grant to A De Backer. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 312483 – ESTEEM2 (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative-I3), ERC Starting Grant 278510 Vortex, and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/K032518/1). The authors acknowledge Johnson-Matthey for providing the sample and PhD funding to K E MacArthur. A Rosenauer is acknowledged for providing the STEMsim program.; esteem2jra2; ECASJO; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number c:irua:130314 c:irua:130314 Serial 4050  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; De wael, A.; Gonnissen, J.; Martinez, G.T.; Béché, A.; MacArthur, K.E.; Jones, L.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Quantitative annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy for nanoparticle atom-counting : what are the limits? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Journal of physics : conference series Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 644 Issue Pages 012034-4  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Quantitative atomic resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) has become a powerful technique for nanoparticle atom-counting. However, a lot of nanoparticles provide a severe characterisation challenge because of their limited size and beam sensitivity. Therefore, quantitative ADF STEM may greatly benefit from statistical detection theory in order to optimise the instrumental microscope settings such that the incoming electron dose can be kept as low as possible whilst still retaining single-atom precision. The principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom-counting. This enables us to decide between different image performance measures and to optimise the experimental detector settings for atom-counting in ADF STEM in an objective manner. To demonstrate this, ADF STEM imaging of an industrial catalyst has been conducted using the near-optimal detector settings. For this experiment, we discussed the limits for atomcounting diagnosed by combining a thorough statistical method and detailed image simulations.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Bristol Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1742-6588; 1742-6596 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:129198 Serial 4506  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Martinez, G.T.; de Backer, A.; Rosenauer, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The effect of probe inaccuracies on the quantitative model-based analysis of high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Micron Abbreviated Journal Micron  
  Volume 63 Issue Pages 57-63  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM); Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Quantitative structural and chemical information can be obtained from high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM) images when using statistical parameter estimation theory. In this approach, we assume an empirical parameterized imaging model for which the total scattered intensities of the atomic columns are estimated. These intensities can be related to the material structure or composition. Since the experimental probe profile is assumed to be known in the description of the imaging model, we will explore how the uncertainties in the probe profile affect the estimation of the total scattered intensities. Using multislice image simulations, we analyze this effect for Cs corrected and non-Cs corrected microscopes as a function of inaccuracies in cylindrically symmetric aberrations, such as defocus and spherical aberration of third and fifth order, and non-cylindrically symmetric aberrations, such as 2-fold and 3-fold astigmatism and coma.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Oxford Editor  
  Language Wos 000338402500011 Publication Date 2014-01-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0968-4328; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.98 Times cited 25 Open Access  
  Notes FWO (G.0393.11; G.0064.10; G.0374.13; G.0044.13); European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7); ERC GrantNo. 246791-COUNTATOMS and ERC Starting Grant No. 278510-VORTEX. A.R. thanks the DFG under contract number RO2057/8-1.The research leading to these results has received funding fromthe European Union 7th Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013]under grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2).; esteem2ta ECASJO; Approved Most recent IF: 1.98; 2014 IF: 1.988  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:113857UA @ admin @ c:irua:113857 Serial 831  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Backer, A.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A decade of atom-counting in STEM: From the first results toward reliable 3D atomic models from a single projection Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 113702  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Quantitative structure determination is needed in order to study and understand nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Materials characterisation resulting in precise structural information is a crucial point to understand the structure–property relation of materials. Counting the number of atoms and retrieving the 3D atomic structure of nanoparticles plays an important role here. In this paper, an overview will be given of the atom-counting methodology and its applications over the past decade. The procedure to count the number of atoms will be discussed in detail and it will be shown how the performance of the method can be further improved. Furthermore, advances toward mixed element nanostructures, 3D atomic modelling based on the atom-counting results, and quantifying the nanoparticle dynamics will be highlighted.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000953765800001 Publication Date 2023-02-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert, Grant 815128 REALNANO to S. Bals, and Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0267.18N, G.0502.18N, G.0346.21N, and EOS 30489208) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF) . The authors also thank the colleagues who have contributed to this work over the years, including T. Altantzis, E. Arslan Irmak, K.J. Batenburg, E. Bladt, A. De wael, R. Erni, C. Faes, B. Goris, L. Jones, L.M. Liz-Marzán, I. Lobato, G.T. Martinez, P.D. Nellist, M.D. Rosell, A. Rosenauer, K.H.W. van den Bos, A. Varambhia, and Z. Zhang.; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195896 Serial 7236  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Varambhia, A.M.; Jones, L.; De Backer, A.; Fauske, V.T.; Van Aert, S.; Ozkaya, D.; Nellist, P.D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantifying a Heterogeneous Ru Catalyst on Carbon Black Using ADF STEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Particle and particle systems characterization Abbreviated Journal Part Part Syst Char  
  Volume 33 Issue 33 Pages 438-444  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Ru catalysts are part of a set of late transition metal nanocatalysts that have garnered much interest for catalytic applications such as ammonia synthesis and fuel cell production. Their performance varies greatly depending on their morphology and size, these catalysts are widely studied using electron microscopy. Using recent developments in Annular Dark Field (ADF) Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) quantification techniques, a rapid atom counting procedure was utilized to document the evolution of a heterogeneous Ru catalyst supported on carbon black. Areas of the catalyst were imaged for approximately 15 minutes using ADF STEM. When the Ru clusters were exposed to the electron beam, the clusters changed phase from amorphous to crystalline. To quantify the thickness of the crystalline clusters, two techniques were applied (simulation and statistical decomposition) and compared. These techniques show that stable face centredcubic crystal structures in the form of rafts, between 2 and 8 atoms thick, were formed after the initial wetting of the carbon support.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000379970000012 Publication Date 2016-06-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0934-0866 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.474 Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes The authors would like to thank the EPSRC and Johnson Matthey for funding this work as part of a CASE-Award studentship. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 312483 – ESTEEM2 (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative–I3). We would like to thank Brian Theobald and Jonathan Sharman from JMTC for provision of the samples The authors gratefully acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) for funding and for a postdoctoral grant to ADB. The microscope used was funded by the INFRASTRUKTUR Grant 197405 (NORTEM) program of the Research Council of Norway.; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 4.474  
  Call Number c:irua:134036 c:irua:134036 Serial 4086  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Arteaga Cardona, F.; Jain, N.; Popescu, R.; Busko, D.; Madirov, E.; Arús, B.A.; Gerthsen, D.; De Backer, A.; Bals, S.; Bruns, O.T.; Chmyrov, A.; Van Aert, S.; Richards, B.S.; Hudry, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Preventing cation intermixing enables 50% quantum yield in sub-15 nm short-wave infrared-emitting rare-earth based core-shell nanocrystals Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2023 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun  
  Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 4462  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Short-wave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence could become the new gold standard in optical imaging for biomedical applications due to important advantages such as lack of autofluorescence, weak photon absorption by blood and tissues, and reduced photon scattering coefficient. Therefore, contrary to the visible and NIR regions, tissues become translucent in the SWIR region. Nevertheless, the lack of bright and biocompatible probes is a key challenge that must be overcome to unlock the full potential of SWIR fluorescence. Although rare-earth-based core-shell nanocrystals appeared as promising SWIR probes, they suffer from limited photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The lack of control over the atomic scale organization of such complex materials is one of the main barriers limiting their optical performance. Here, the growth of either homogeneous (α-NaYF<sub>4</sub>) or heterogeneous (CaF<sub>2</sub>) shell domains on optically-active α-NaYF<sub>4</sub>:Yb:Er (with and without Ce<sup>3+</sup>co-doping) core nanocrystals is reported. The atomic scale organization can be controlled by preventing cation intermixing only in heterogeneous core-shell nanocrystals with a dramatic impact on the PLQY. The latter reached 50% at 60 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>; one of the highest reported PLQY values for sub-15 nm nanocrystals. The most efficient nanocrystals were utilized for in vivo imaging above 1450 nm.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001037058500022 Publication Date 2023-07-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 16.6 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes D.H. would like to thank Dominique Ectors (Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) for assistance and discussion on the PXRD data and TOPAS evaluations. The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Helmholtz Association via: i) the Professorial Recruitment Initiative Funding (B.S.R.); ii) the Research Field Energy – Program Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition – Topic 1 Photovoltaics (F.A.C., D.B., E.M., B.S.R., D.H.). This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 innovation programme under grant agreement 823717. This work was supported by the European Research Council (grant 770887-PICOMETRICS to S.V.A. and Grant 815128-REALNANO to S.B.). The authors acknowledge financial support from the ResearchFoundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0346.21 N to S.V.A. and S.B.) and a postdoctoral grant (A.D.B.). The authors (B.A.A., O.T.B. and A.C.) acknowledge funding from the Helmholtz Zentrum München, the DFG-Emmy Noether program (BR 5355/2-1) and from the CZI Deep Tissue Imaging (DTI-0000000248). The authors (O.T.B. and D.H.) would like to thank the Helmholtz Imaging (ZT-I-PF-4-038-BENIGN). Approved Most recent IF: 16.6; 2023 IF: 12.124  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:198158 Serial 8808  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author den Dekker, A.J.; Gonnissen, J.; de Backer, A.; Sijbers, J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Estimation of unknown structure parameters from high-resolution (S)TEM images : what are the limits? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 134 Issue Pages 34-43  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract (up) Statistical parameter estimation theory is proposed as a quantitative method to measure unknown structure parameters from electron microscopy images. Images are then purely considered as data planes from which structure parameters have to be determined as accurately and precisely as possible using a parametric statistical model of the observations. For this purpose, an efficient algorithm is proposed for the estimation of atomic column positions and intensities from high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. Furthermore, the so-called CramérRao lower bound (CRLB) is reviewed to determine the limits to the precision with which continuous parameters such as atomic column positions and intensities can be estimated. Since this lower bound can only be derived for continuous parameters, alternative measures using the principles of detection theory are introduced for problems concerning the estimation of discrete parameters such as atomic numbers. An experimental case study is presented to show the practical use of these measures for the optimization of the experiment design if the purpose is to decide between the presence of specific atom types using STEM images.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000324474900006 Publication Date 2013-06-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 31 Open Access  
  Notes FWO; FP 2007-2013; Esteem2; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2013 IF: 2.745  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109240 Serial 1083  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van den Bos, K.H.W.; Janssens, L.; De Backer, A.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The atomic lensing model: new opportunities for atom-by-atom metrology of heterogeneous nanomaterials Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 203 Issue Pages 155  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) The atomic lensing model has been proposed as a promising method facilitating atom-counting in heterogeneous nanocrystals [1]. Here, image simulations will validate the model, which describes dynamical diffraction as a superposition of individual atoms focussing the incident electrons. It will be demonstrated that the model is reliable in the annular dark field regime for crystals having columns containing dozens of atoms. By using the principles of statistical detection theory, it will be shown that this model gives new opportunities for detecting compositional differences.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000465021000020 Publication Date 2018-12-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 4 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0369.15N, G.0502.18N and WO.010.16N), and by personal grants to K.H.W. van den Bos and A. De Backer. This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 770887). Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @UA @ admin @ c:irua:155721 Serial 5074  
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Author van den Bos, K.H. W.; De Backer, A.; Martinez, G.T.; Winckelmans, N.; Bals, S.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Unscrambling Mixed Elements using High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Physical review letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Lett  
  Volume 116 Issue 116 Pages 246101  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) The development of new nanocrystals with outstanding physicochemical properties requires a full threedimensional (3D) characterization at the atomic scale. For homogeneous nanocrystals, counting the number of atoms in each atomic column from high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images has been shown to be a successful technique to get access to this 3D information. However, technologically important nanostructures often consist of more than one chemical element. In order to extend atom counting to heterogeneous materials, a new atomic lensing model is presented. This model takes dynamical electron diffraction into account and opens up new possibilities for unraveling the 3D composition at the atomic scale. Here, the method is applied to determine the 3D structure of Au@Ag core-shell nanorods, but it is applicable to a wide range of heterogeneous complex nanostructures.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000378059500010 Publication Date 2016-06-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0031-9007 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.462 Times cited 46 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through Projects No. G.0374.13N, No. G.0368.15N, and No. G.0369.15N, and by grants to K. H.W. van den Bos and A. De Backer. S. Bals and N. Winckelmans acknowledge funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant No. 312483—ESTEEM2. The authors are grateful to A. Rosenauer for providing the STEMsim program.; esteem2jra2; ECASSara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); Approved Most recent IF: 8.462  
  Call Number c:irua:133954 c:irua:133954 Serial 4084  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Aert, S.; De Backer, A.; Martinez, G.T.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Dyck, D.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Advanced electron crystallography through model-based imaging Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication IUCrJ Abbreviated Journal Iucrj  
  Volume 3 Issue 3 Pages 71-83  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab; Engineering Management (ENM)  
  Abstract (up) The increasing need for precise determination of the atomic arrangement of non-periodic structures in materials design and the control of nanostructures explains the growing interest in quantitative transmission electron microscopy. The aim is to extract precise and accurate numbers for unknown structure parameters including atomic positions, chemical concentrations and atomic numbers. For this purpose, statistical parameter estimation theory has been shown to provide reliable results. In this theory, observations are considered purely as data planes, from which structure parameters have to be determined using a parametric model describing the images. As such, the positions of atom columns can be measured with a precision of the order of a few picometres, even though the resolution of the electron microscope is still one or two orders of magnitude larger. Moreover, small differences in average atomic number, which cannot be distinguished visually, can be quantified using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. In addition, this theory allows one to measure compositional changes at interfaces, to count atoms with single-atom sensitivity, and to reconstruct atomic structures in three dimensions. This feature article brings the reader up to date, summarizing the underlying theory and highlighting some of the recent applications of quantitative model-based transmisson electron microscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000368590900010 Publication Date 2015-11-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2052-2525; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.793 Times cited 30 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) for funding and for a PhD grant to ADB. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union 7th Framework Program (FP7/20072013) under grant agreement No. 312483 (ESTEEM2). SB and GVT acknowledge the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC grant No. 335078 – COLOURATOMS and ERC grant No. 246791 – COUNTATOMS.; esteem2jra2; ECASSara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); Approved Most recent IF: 5.793  
  Call Number c:irua:129589 c:irua:129589 Serial 3965  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fatermans, J.; de Backer, A.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Image-quality evaluation and model selection with maximum a posteriori probability Type H2 Book chapter
  Year 2021 Publication Advances in imaging and electron physics T2 – Advances in imaging and electron physics Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 215-242  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract (up) The maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability rule for atom column detection can also be used as a tool to evaluate the relation between scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image quality and atom detectability. In this chapter, a new image-quality measure is proposed that correlates well with atom detectability, namely the integrated contrast-to-noise ratio (ICNR). Furthermore, the working principle of the MAP probability rule is described in detail showing a close relation to the principles of model-selection methods.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2021-03-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume 217 Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-0-12-824607-8; 1076-5670 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ERC Consolidator project funded by the European Union grant #770887 Picometrics Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177532 Serial 6782  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Schryvers, D.; Salje, E.K.H.; Nishida, M.; De Backer, A.; Idrissi, H.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantification by aberration corrected (S)TEM of boundaries formed by symmetry breaking phase transformations Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 176 Issue Pages 194-199  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) The present contribution gives a review of recent quantification work of atom displacements, atom site occupations and level of crystallinity in various systems and based on aberration corrected HR(S)TEM images. Depending on the case studied, picometer range precisions for individual distances can be obtained, boundary widths at the unit cell level determined or statistical evolutions of fractions of the ordered areas calculated. In all of these cases, these quantitative measures imply new routes for the applications of the respective materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403992200026 Publication Date 2017-01-09  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.843 Times cited 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders (G.0064.10N, G.0393.11N, G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N) and the Flemish Hercules 3 program for large infrastructure as well as financial support from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007 – 2013) under Grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2). EKHS thanks EPSRC (EP/ K009702/1) and the Leverhulme trust (EM-2016-004) for support. DS and MN acknowledge financial support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS, Japan) through the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A: No. 26249090) and the Strategic Young Researcher Overseas Visits Program for Accelerating Brain Circulation (R2408). Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:149654 Serial 4914  
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Author Guzzinati, G.; Altantzis, T.; Batuk, M.; De Backer, A.; Lumbeeck, G.; Samaee, V.; Batuk, D.; Idrissi, H.; Hadermann, J.; Van Aert, S.; Schryvers, D.; Verbeeck, J.; Bals, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Recent Advances in Transmission Electron Microscopy for Materials Science at the EMAT Lab of the University of Antwerp Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Materials Abbreviated Journal Materials  
  Volume 11 Issue 11 Pages 1304  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) The rapid progress in materials science that enables the design of materials down to the nanoscale also demands characterization techniques able to analyze the materials down to the same scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. As Belgium’s foremost electron microscopy group, among the largest in the world, EMAT is continuously contributing to the development of TEM techniques, such as high-resolution imaging, diffraction, electron tomography, and spectroscopies, with an emphasis on quantification and reproducibility, as well as employing TEM methodology at the highest level to solve real-world materials science problems. The lab’s recent contributions are presented here together with specific case studies in order to highlight the usefulness of TEM to the advancement of materials science.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000444112800041 Publication Date 2018-07-28  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1996-1944 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.654 Times cited 15 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N, G.0120.12N, G.0365.15N, G.0934.17N, S.0100.18N AUHA13009 ; European Research Council, COLOURATOM 335078 ; Universiteit Antwerpen, GOA Solarpaint ; G. Guzzinati, T. Altantzis and A. De Backer have been supported by postdoctoral fellowship grants from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). Funding was also received from the European Research Council (starting grant no. COLOURATOM 335078), the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 770887), the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N, G.0120.12N, G.0365.15N, G.0934.17N, S.0100.18N, G.0401.16N) and from the University of Antwerp through GOA project Solarpaint. Funding for the TopSPIN precession system under grant AUHA13009, as well as for the Qu-Ant-EM microscope, is acknowledged from the HERCULES Foundation. H. Idrissi is mandated by the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (F.R.S.-FNRS). (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:can); saraecas; ECAS_Sara; Approved Most recent IF: 2.654  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:153737UA @ admin @ c:irua:153737 Serial 5064  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Goris, B.; de Beenhouwer, J.; de Backer, A.; Zanaga, D.; Batenburg, K.J.; Sánchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzán, L.M.; Van Aert, S.; Bals, S.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Measuring lattice strain in three dimensions through electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Nano letters Abbreviated Journal Nano Lett  
  Volume 15 Issue 15 Pages 6996-7001  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract (up) The three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure of nanomaterials, including strain, is crucial to understand their properties. Here, we investigate lattice strain in Au nanodecahedra using electron tomography. Although different electron tomography techniques enabled 3D characterizations of nanostructures at the atomic level, a reliable determination of lattice strain is not straightforward. We therefore propose a novel model-based approach from which atomic coordinates are measured. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating lattice strain in 3D.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Washington Editor  
  Language Wos 000363003100108 Publication Date 2015-09-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1530-6984;1530-6992; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.712 Times cited 87 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Fwo; 335078 Colouratom; 267867 Plasmaquo; 312483 Esteem2; 262348 Esmi; esteem2jra4; ECASSara; (ROMEO:white; preprint:; postprint:restricted 12 months embargo; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 12.712; 2015 IF: 13.592  
  Call Number c:irua:127639 c:irua:127639 Serial 1965  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title General conclusions and future perspectives Type H2 Book chapter
  Year 2021 Publication Advances in imaging and electron physics T2 – Advances in imaging and electron physics Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 243-253  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract (up) This chapter provides an overview of statistical and quantitative methodologies that have pushed (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) toward accurate and precise measurements of unknown structure parameters for understanding the relation between the structure of a material and its properties. Hereby, statistical parameter estimation theory has extensively been used which enabled not only measuring atomic column positions, but also quantifying the number of atoms, and detecting atomic columns as accurately and precisely as possible from experimental images. As a general conclusion, it can be stated that advanced statistical techniques are ideal tools to perform quantitative electron microscopy at the atomic scale. In the future, statistical methods will continue to be developed and novel quantification procedures will open up new possibilities for studying material structures at the atomic scale.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2021-03-06  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume 217 Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-0-12-824607-8; 1076-5670 Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes ERC Consolidator project funded by the European Union grant #770887 Picometrics Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177533 Serial 6781  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Sentürk, D.G.; De Backer, A.; Friedrich, T.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Optimal experiment design for element specific atom counting using multiple annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy detectors Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 242 Issue Pages 113626  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) This paper investigates the possible benefits for counting atoms of different chemical nature when analysing multiple 2D scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images resulting from independent annular dark field (ADF) detector regimes. To reach this goal, the principles of statistical detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error when determining the number of atoms in atomic columns consisting of multiple types of elements. In order to apply this theory, atom-counting is formulated as a statistical hypothesis test, where each hypothesis corresponds to a specific number of atoms of each atom type in an atomic column. The probability of error, which is limited by the unavoidable presence of electron counting noise, can then be computed from scattering-cross sections extracted from multiple ADF STEM images. Minimisation of the probability of error as a function of the inner and outer angles of a specified number of independent ADF collection regimes results in optimal experimental designs. Based on simulations of spherical Au@Ag and Au@Pt core–shell nanoparticles, we investigate how the combination of two non-overlapping detector regimes helps to improve the probability of error when unscrambling two types of atoms. In particular, the combination of a narrow low angle ADF detector with a detector formed by the remaining annular collection regime is found to be optimal. The benefit is more significant if the atomic number Z difference becomes larger. In

addition, we show the benefit of subdividing the detector regime into three collection areas for heterogeneous nanostructures based on a structure consisting of three types of elements, e.g., a mixture of Au, Ag and Al atoms. Finally, these results are compared with the probability of error resulting when one would ultimately use a pixelated 4D STEM detector and how this could help to further reduce the incident electron dose.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000873778100001 Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert and Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0346.21N and EOS 30489208) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF).; esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: 2.2  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:190925 Serial 7118  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Şentürk, DG.; Yu, CP.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atom counting from a combination of two ADF STEM images Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 255 Issue Pages 113859  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy; Atom counting; Heterogeneous nanostructures; Multivariate Gaussian mixture model; 4D STEM; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract (up) To understand the structure–property relationship of nanostructures, reliably quantifying parameters, such as the number of atoms along the projection direction, is important. Advanced statistical methodologies have made it possible to count the number of atoms for monotype crystalline nanoparticles from a single ADF STEM image. Recent developments enable one to simultaneously acquire multiple ADF STEM images. Here, we present an extended statistics-based method for atom counting from a combination of multiple statistically independent ADF STEM images reconstructed from non-overlapping annular detector collection regions which improves the accuracy and allows one to retrieve precise atom-counts, especially for images acquired with low electron doses and multiple element structures.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001089064200001 Publication Date 2023-09-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S. Van Aert). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G034621N, G0A7723N, and EOS 40007495) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. S. Van Aert acknowledges funding from the University of Antwerp Research fund (BOF). Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2024 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:201008 Serial 8964  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Aert, S.; De Backer, A.; Jones, L.; Martinez, G.T.; Béché, A.; Nellist, P.D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Control of Knock-On Damage for 3D Atomic Scale Quantification of Nanostructures: Making Every Electron Count in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Physical review letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Lett  
  Volume 122 Issue 6 Pages 066101  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) Understanding nanostructures down to the atomic level is the key to optimizing the design of advancedmaterials with revolutionary novel properties. This requires characterization methods capable of quantifying the three-dimensional (3D) atomic structure with the highest possible precision. A successful approach to reach this goal is to count the number of atoms in each atomic column from 2D annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. To count atoms with single atom sensitivity, a minimum electron dose has been shown to be necessary, while on the other hand beam damage, induced by the high energy electrons, puts a limit on the tolerable dose. An important challenge is therefore to develop experimental strategies to optimize the electron dose by balancing atom-counting fidelity vs the risk of knock-on damage. To achieve this goal, a statistical framework combined with physics-based modeling of the dose-dependent processes is here proposed and experimentally verified. This model enables an investigator to theoretically predict, in advance of an experimental measurement, the optimal electron dose resulting in an unambiguous quantification of nanostructures in their native state with the highest attainable precision.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000458824200008 Publication Date 2019-02-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0031-9007 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.462 Times cited 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 770887). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (WO.010.16N, G.0934.17N, G.0502.18N, G.0267.18N), and a grant to A. D. B. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement No. 312483— ESTEEM2 (Integrated Infrastructure Initiative-I3) and the UK EPSRC (Grant No. EP/M010708/1). Approved Most recent IF: 8.462  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @UA @ admin @ c:irua:157175 Serial 5156  
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Author De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Faes, C.; Arslan Irmak, E.; Nellist, P.D.; Jones, L. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Experimental reconstructions of 3D atomic structures from electron microscopy images using a Bayesian genetic algorithm Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication N P J Computational Materials Abbreviated Journal npj Comput Mater  
  Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 216  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) We introduce a Bayesian genetic algorithm for reconstructing atomic models of monotype crystalline nanoparticles from a single projection using Z-contrast imaging. The number of atoms in a projected atomic column obtained from annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images serves as an input for the initial three-dimensional model. The algorithm minimizes the energy of the structure while utilizing a priori information about the finite precision of the atom-counting results and neighbor-mass relations. The results show promising prospects for obtaining reliable reconstructions of beam-sensitive nanoparticles during dynamical processes from images acquired with sufficiently low incident electron doses.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000866500900001 Publication Date 2022-10-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2057-3960 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This work was supported by the European Research Council (Grant 770887 PICOMETRICS to S.V.A. and Grant 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0267.18N, G.0502.18N, G.0346.21N) and a postdoctoral grant to A.D.B. L.J. acknowledges Science Foundation Ireland (SFI – grant number URF/RI/191637), the Royal Society, and the AMBER Centre. The authors acknowledge Aakash Varambhia for his assistance and expertise with the experimental recording and use of characterization facilities within the David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy, Department of Materials, University of Oxford, and in particular the EPSRC (EP/K040375/1 South of England Analytical Electron Microscope).; esteem3reported; esteem3JRA Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:191398 Serial 7114  
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Author De wael, A.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Hidden Markov model for atom-counting from sequential ADF STEM images: Methodology, possibilities and limitations Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 219 Issue Pages 113131  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) We present a quantitative method which allows us to reliably measure dynamic changes in the atomic structure of monatomic crystalline nanomaterials from a time series of atomic resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. The approach is based on the so-called hidden Markov model and estimates the number of atoms in each atomic column of the nanomaterial in each frame of the time series. We discuss the origin of the improved performance for time series atom-counting as compared to the current state-of-the-art atom-counting procedures, and show that the so-called transition probabilities that describe the probability for an atomic column to lose or gain one or more atoms from frame to frame are particularly important. Using these transition probabilities, we show that the method can also be used to estimate the probability and cross section related to structural changes. Furthermore, we explore the possibilities for applying the method to time series recorded under variable environmental conditions. The method is shown to be promising for a reliable quantitative analysis of dynamic processes such as surface diffusion, adatom dynamics, beam effects, or in situ experiments.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000594770500003 Publication Date 2020-10-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 770887 and No. 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through grants to A.D.w. and A.D.B. and projects G.0502.18N and EOS 30489208. Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2020 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:172449 Serial 6417  
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Author De wael, A.; De Backer, A.; Jones, L.; Varambhia, A.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Measuring Dynamic Structural Changes of Nanoparticles at the Atomic Scale Using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Physical Review Letters Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev Lett  
  Volume 124 Issue 10 Pages 106105  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) We propose a new method to measure atomic scale dynamics of nanoparticles from experimental high-resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. By using the so-called hidden Markov model, which explicitly models the possibility of structural changes, the number of atoms in each atomic column can be quantified over time. This newly proposed method outperforms the current atom-counting procedure and enables the determination of the probabilities and cross sections for surface diffusion. This method is therefore of great importance for revealing and quantifying the atomic structure when it evolves over time via adatom dynamics, surface diffusion, beam effects, or during in situ experiments.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000519718100015 Publication Date 2020-03-13  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0031-9007 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 8.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement No. 770887 and No. 823717 ESTEEM3). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through grants to A.D.w. and A.D.B. and projects G.0502.18N and EOS 30489208. L.J. acknowledges the SFI AMBER Centre for support. A.V. and P.D.N. acknowledge the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPSRC) for support (EP/K040375/1 and 1772738). A.V. also acknowledges Johnson-Matthey for support. We would like to thank Brian Theobald and Jonathan Sharman from JMTC Sonning for provision of the Pt sample. Approved Most recent IF: 8.6; 2020 IF: 8.462  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:167148 Serial 6347  
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Author Van Aert, S.; de Backer, A.; Martinez, G.T.; Goris, B.; Bals, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Rosenauer, A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Procedure to count atoms with trustworthy single-atom sensitivity Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics Abbreviated Journal Phys Rev B  
  Volume 87 Issue 6 Pages 064107-6  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract (up) We report a method to reliably count the number of atoms from high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images. A model-based analysis of the experimental images is used to measure scattering cross sections at the atomic level. The high sensitivity of these measurements in combination with a thorough statistical analysis enables us to count atoms with single-atom sensitivity. The validity of the results is confirmed by means of detailed image simulations. We will show that the method can be applied to nanocrystals of arbitrary shape, size, and atom type without the need for a priori knowledge about the atomic structure.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000315144700006 Publication Date 2013-02-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1098-0121;1550-235X; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.836 Times cited 106 Open Access  
  Notes FWO; 262348 ESMI; 312483 ESTEEM2;246791 COUNTATOMS; Hercules 3; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 3.836; 2013 IF: 3.664  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:105674 Serial 2718  
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Author Gonnissen, J.; de Backer, A.; den Dekker, A.J.; Martinez, G.T.; Rosenauer, A.; Sijbers, J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Optimal experimental design for the detection of light atoms from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Applied physics letters Abbreviated Journal Appl Phys Lett  
  Volume 105 Issue 6 Pages 063116  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract (up) We report an innovative method to explore the optimal experimental settings to detect light atoms from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. Since light elements play a key role in many technologically important materials, such as lithium-battery devices or hydrogen storage applications, much effort has been made to optimize the STEM technique in order to detect light elements. Therefore, classical performance criteria, such as contrast or signal-to-noise ratio, are often discussed hereby aiming at improvements of the direct visual interpretability. However, when images are interpreted quantitatively, one needs an alternative criterion, which we derive based on statistical detection theory. Using realistic simulations of technologically important materials, we demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method and compare the results with existing approaches.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher American Institute of Physics Place of Publication New York, N.Y. Editor  
  Language Wos 000341188700073 Publication Date 2014-08-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0003-6951;1077-3118; ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.411 Times cited 12 Open Access  
  Notes FWO (G.0393.11; G.0064.10; and G.0374.13); European Union Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013] under Grant Agreement No. 312483 (ESTEEM2); esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 3.411; 2014 IF: 3.302  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:118333 Serial 2482  
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