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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 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  
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Author Zhang, Z.; Lobato, I.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Nellist, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Fast generation of calculated ADF-EDX scattering cross-sections under channelling conditions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 246 Issue Pages 113671  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Advanced materials often consist of multiple elements which are arranged in a complicated structure. Quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy is useful to determine the composition and thickness of nanostructures at the atomic scale. However, significant difficulties remain to quantify mixed columns by comparing the resulting atomic resolution images and spectroscopy data with multislice simulations where dynamic scattering needs to be taken into account. The combination of the computationally intensive nature of these simulations and the enormous amount of possible mixed column configurations for a given composition indeed severely hamper the quantification process. To overcome these challenges, we here report the development of an incoherent non-linear method for the fast prediction of ADF-EDX scattering cross-sections of mixed columns under channelling conditions. We first explain the origin of the ADF and EDX incoherence from scattering physics suggesting a linear dependence between those two signals in the case of a high-angle ADF detector. Taking EDX as a perfect incoherent reference mode, we quantitatively examine the ADF longitudinal incoherence under different microscope conditions using multislice simulations. Based on incoherent imaging, the atomic lensing model previously developed for ADF is now expanded to EDX, which yields ADF-EDX scattering cross-section predictions in good agreement with multislice simulations for mixed columns in a core–shell nanoparticle and a high entropy alloy. The fast and accurate prediction of ADF-EDX scattering cross-sections opens up new opportunities to explore the wide range of ordering possibilities of heterogeneous materials with multiple elements.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Zezhong Zhang Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000995063900001 Publication Date 2022-12-28  
  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 European Research Council 770887 PICOMETRICS; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek No.G.0502.18N; Horizon 2020, 770887 ; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme; European Research Council, 823717 ESTEEM3 ; esteem3reported; esteem3JRa Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2023 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:195890 Serial 7251  
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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 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  
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Author Robert, Hl.; Lobato, I.; Lyu, Fj.; Chen, Q.; Van Aert, S.; Van Dyck, D.; Müller-Caspary, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Dynamical diffraction of high-energy electrons investigated by focal series momentum-resolved scanning transmission electron microscopy at atomic resolution Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 233 Issue Pages 113425  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract We report a study of scattering dynamics in crystals employing momentum-resolved scanning transmission

electron microscopy under varying illumination conditions. As we perform successive changes of the probe

focus, multiple real-space signals are obtained in dependence of the shape of the incident electron wave.

With support from extensive simulations, each signal is shown to be characterised by an optimum focus for

which the contrast is maximum and which differs among different signals. For instance, a systematic focus

mismatch is found between images formed by high-angle scattering, being sensitive to thickness and chemical

composition, and the first moment in diffraction space, being sensitive to electric fields. It follows that a single

recording at one specific probe focus is usually insufficient to characterise materials comprehensively. Most

importantly, we demonstrate in experiment and simulation that the second moment (
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000734396800009 Publication Date 2021-11-13  
  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 We thank Dr. Florian Winkler for valuable discussions and experimental work at the early stages of this study. This work was supported by the Initiative and Network Fund of the Helmholtz Association (Germany) under contracts VH-NG-1317 and ZT-I-0025. This project furthermore received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No. 770887). Approved Most recent IF: 2.2  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:184833 Serial 6898  
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Author De wael, A.; De Backer, A.; Lobato, I.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Modelling ADF STEM images using elliptical Gaussian peaks and its effects on the quantification of structure parameters in the presence of sample tilt Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume Issue Pages 113391  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A small sample tilt away from a main zone axis orientation results in an elongation of the atomic columns in ADF STEM images. An often posed research question is therefore whether the ADF STEM image intensities of tilted nanomaterials should be quantified using a parametric imaging model consisting of elliptical rather than the currently used symmetrical peaks. To this purpose, simulated ADF STEM images corresponding to different amounts of sample tilt are studied using a parametric imaging model that consists of superimposed 2D elliptical Gaussian peaks on the one hand and symmetrical Gaussian peaks on the other hand. We investigate the quantification of structural parameters such as atomic column positions and scattering cross sections using both parametric imaging models. In this manner, we quantitatively study what can be gained from this elliptical model for quantitative ADF STEM, despite the increased parameter space and computational effort. Although a qualitative improvement can be achieved, no significant quantitative improvement in the estimated structure parameters is achieved by the elliptical model as compared to the symmetrical model. The decrease in scattering cross sections with increasing sample tilt is even identical for both types of parametric imaging models. This impedes direct comparison with zone axis image simulations. Nonetheless, we demonstrate how reliable atom-counting can still be achieved in the presence of small sample tilt.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000704334200001 Publication Date 2021-09-24  
  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 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, G.0267.18N, and EOS 30489208. S.V.A. acknowledges TOP BOF funding from the University of Antwerp.; esteem3JRA; esteem3reported Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:181462 Serial 6810  
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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 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 Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, Aj.; Müller-Caspary, K.; Gauquelin, N.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Atom column detection from simultaneously acquired ABF and ADF STEM images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 219 Issue Pages 113046  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In electron microscopy, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability rule has been introduced as a tool to determine the most probable atomic structure from high-resolution annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images exhibiting low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Besides ADF imaging, STEM can also be applied in the annular bright-field (ABF) regime. The ABF STEM mode allows to directly visualize light-element atomic columns in the presence of heavy columns. Typically, light-element nanomaterials are sensitive to the electron beam, limiting the incoming electron dose in order to avoid beam damage and leading to images exhibiting low CNR. Therefore, it is of interest to apply the MAP probability rule not only to ADF STEM images, but to ABF STEM images as well. In this work, the methodology of the MAP rule, which combines statistical parameter estimation theory and model-order selection, is extended to be applied to simultaneously acquired ABF and ADF STEM images. For this, an extension of the commonly used parametric models in STEM is proposed. Hereby, the effect of specimen tilt has been taken into account, since small tilts from the crystal zone axis affect, especially, ABF STEM intensities. Using simulations as well as experimental data, it is shown that the proposed methodology can be successfully used to detect light elements in the presence of heavy elements.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000594768500005 Publication Date 2020-06-01  
  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 2.2 Times cited 9 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (No. W.O.010.16N, No. G.0368.15N, No. G.0502.18N, EOS 30489208). 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 funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 823717 – ESTEEM3. The direct electron detector (Medipix3, Quantum Detectors) was funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. K. M. C. acknowledges funding from the Initiative and Network Fund of the Helmholtz Association (Germany) under contract VH-NG-1317. The authors thank Mark Huijben from the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands) for providing the LiMn2O4 sample used in section 4.2 of this study. N. G., J. V., and S. V. A. acknowledge funding from the University of Antwerp through the Concerted Research Actions (GOA) project Solarpaint and the TOP project. Approved Most recent IF: 2.2; 2020 IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:169706 Serial 6373  
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Author Fatermans, J.; Van Aert, S.; den Dekker, A.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title The maximum a posteriori probability rule for atom column detection from HAADF STEM images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 201 Issue Pages 81-91  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract Recently, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability rule has been proposed as an objective and quantitative method to detect atom columns and even single atoms from high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images. The method combines statistical parameter estimation and model-order selection using a Bayesian framework and has been shown to be especially useful for the analysis of the structure of beam-sensitive nanomaterials. In order to avoid beam damage, images of such materials are usually acquired using a limited incoming electron dose resulting in a low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) which makes visual inspection unreliable. This creates a need for an objective and quantitative approach. The present paper describes the methodology of the MAP probability rule, gives its step-by-step derivation and discusses its algorithmic implementation for atom column detection. In addition, simulation results are presented showing that the performance of the MAP probability rule to detect the correct number of atomic columns from HAADF STEM images is superior to that of other model-order selection criteria, including the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Moreover, the MAP probability rule is used as a tool to evaluate the relation between STEM image quality measures and atom detectability resulting in the introduction of the so-called integrated CNR (ICNR) as a new image quality measure that better correlates with atom detectability than conventional measures such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and CNR.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000466343800009 Publication Date 2019-02-04  
  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 Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (No. W.O.010.16N, No. G.0368.15N, No. G.0502.18N). 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:157176 Serial 5153  
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Author Müller-Caspary, K.; Krause, F.F.; Winkler, F.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Rosenauer, A. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Comparison of first moment STEM with conventional differential phase contrast and the dependence on electron dose Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 203 Issue 203 Pages 95-104  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract This study addresses the comparison of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) measurements of momentum transfers using the first moment approach and the established method that uses segmented annular detectors. Using an ultrafast pixelated detector to acquire four-dimensional, momentum-resolved STEM signals, both the first moment calculation and the calculation of the differential phase contrast (DPC) signals are done for the same experimental data. In particular, we investigate the ability to correct the segment-based signal to yield a suitable approximation of the first moment for cases beyond the weak phase object approximation. It is found that the measurement of momentum transfers using segmented detectors can approach the first moment measurement as close as 0.13 h/nm in terms of a root mean square (rms) difference in 10 nm thick SrTiO3 for a detector with 16 segments. This amounts to 35% of the rms of the momentum transfers. In addition, we present a statistical analysis of the precision of first moment STEM as a function of dose. For typical experimental settings with recent hardware such as a Medipix3 Merlin camera attached to a probe-corrected STEM, we find that the precision of the measurement of momentum transfers stagnates above certain doses. This means that other instabilities such as specimen drift or scan noise have to be taken into account seriously for measurements that target, e.g., the detection of bonding effects in the charge density.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000465021000013 Publication Date 2018-12-30  
  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 25 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The direct electron detector (Medipix3 Merlin) was funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. K. Muller-Caspary acknowledges funding from the Initiative and Network Fund of the Helmholtz Association within the framework of the Helmholtz Young Investigator Group moreSTEM (VH-NG-1317) at Forschungszentrum Julich, Germany. F. F. Krause acknowledges funding from the Central Research Development Fund of the University of Bremen, Germany. 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) and the Research Fund of the University of Antwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:160213 Serial 5242  
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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 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 Martinez, G.T.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Alania, M.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Thickness dependence of scattering cross-sections in quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 187 Issue Pages 84-92  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), scattering cross-sections have been shown to be very sensitive to the number of atoms in a column and its composition. They correspond to the integrated intensity over the atomic column and they outperform other measures. As compared to atomic column peak intensities, which saturate at a given thickness, scattering cross-sections increase monotonically. A study of the electron wave propagation is presented to explain the sensitivity of the scattering cross-sections. Based on the multislice algorithm, we analyse the wave propagation inside the crystal and its link to the scattered signal for the different probe positions contained in the scattering cross-section for detector collection in the low-, middle- and high-angle regimes. The influence to the signal from scattering of neighbouring columns is also discussed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000428131200011 Publication Date 2018-01-31  
  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 Not_Open_Access: Available from 01.02.2020  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings ( G.0374.13N , G.0369.15N , G.0368.15N and WO.010.16N ) and a PhD grant to K.H.W.v.d.B. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union 7th Framework Programme [ FP7 /2007-2013] under Grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2). The authors are grateful to A. Rosenauer for providing access to the StemSim software. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:149384 Serial 4809  
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Author Alania, M.; Lobato Hoyos, I.P.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Frozen lattice and absorptive model for high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy : a comparison study in terms of integrated intensity and atomic column position measurement Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 184 Issue A Pages 188-198  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('In this paper, both the frozen lattice (FL) and the absorptive potential (AP) approximation models are compared in terms of the integrated intensity and the precision with which atomic columns can be located from an image acquired using high angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The comparison is made for atoms of Cu, Ag, and Au. The integrated intensity is computed for both an isolated atomic column and an atomic column inside an FCC structure. The precision has been computed using the so-called Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB), which provides a theoretical lower bound on the variance with which parameters can be estimated. It is shown that the AP model results into accurate measurements for the integrated intensity only for small detector ranges under relatively low angles and for small thicknesses. In terms of the attainable precision, both methods show similar results indicating picometer range precision under realistic experimental conditions. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.'));  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000415650200022 Publication Date 2017-09-12  
  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 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes ; The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0369.15N, and G.0368.15N). A. Rosenauer is acknowledged for providing the STEMsim program. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:147658 Serial 4877  
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Author Gauquelin, N.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Béché, A.; Krause, F.F.; Lobato, I.; Lazar, S.; Rosenauer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Verbeeck, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Determining oxygen relaxations at an interface: A comparative study between transmission electron microscopy techniques Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 181 Issue 181 Pages 178-190  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Nowadays, aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a popular method to characterise nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Here, atomically resolved images of nanomaterials are acquired, where the contrast depends on the illumination, imaging and detector conditions of the microscope. Visualization of light elements is possible when using low angle annular dark field (LAADF) STEM, annular bright field (ABF) STEM, integrated differential phase contrast (iDPC) STEM, negative spherical aberration imaging (NCSI) and imaging STEM (ISTEM). In this work, images of a NdGaO3-La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (NGO-LSMO) interface are quantitatively evaluated by using statistical parameter estimation theory. For imaging light elements, all techniques are providing reliable results, while the techniques based on interference contrast, NCSI and ISTEM, are less robust in terms of accuracy for extracting heavy column locations. In term of precision, sample drift and scan distortions mainly limits the STEM based techniques as compared to NCSI. Post processing techniques can, however, partially compensate for this. In order to provide an outlook to the future, simulated images of NGO, in which the unavoidable presence of Poisson noise is taken into account, are used to determine the ultimate precision. In this future counting noise limited scenario, NCSI and ISTEM imaging will provide more precise values as compared to the other techniques, which can be related to the mechanisms behind the image recording.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000411170800022 Publication Date 2017-06-03  
  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 34 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0044.13N, G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N), and by a Ph.D. grant to K.H.W.v.d.B. The Qu-Ant-EM microscope used for this study was partly funded by the Hercules fund from the Flemish Government. A.B. and N.G. acknowledge the EUROTAPES project (FP7-NMP.2011.2.2-1 Grant no.280432) which partly funded this study. N.G., A.B. and J.V. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), ERC Starting Grant 278510 VORTEX. The research leading to these results has received funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under Contract No. RO 2057/4-2 and the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 312483 – ESTEEM2. We thank Prof. G. Koster from the University of Twente for kindly providing us with the LSMO-NGO test sample. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:144435UA @ admin @ c:irua:144435 Serial 4620  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De wael, A.; De Backer, A.; Jones, L.; Nellist, P.D.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Hybrid statistics-simulations based method for atom-counting from ADF STEM images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 177 Issue 177 Pages 69-77  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A hybrid statistics-simulations based method for atom-counting from annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images of monotype crystalline nanostructures is presented. Different atom-counting methods already exist for model-like systems. However, the increasing relevance of radiation damage in the study of nanostructures demands a method that allows atom-counting from low dose images with a low signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, the hybrid method directly includes prior knowledge from image simulations into the existing statistics-based method for atom-counting, and accounts in this manner for possible discrepancies between actual and simulated experimental conditions. It is shown by means of simulations and experiments that this hybrid method outperforms the statistics-based method, especially for low electron doses and small nanoparticles. The analysis of a simulated low dose image of a small nanoparticle suggests that this method allows for far more reliable quantitative analysis of beam-sensitive materials.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000401219800010 Publication Date 2017-01-25  
  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 8 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, and WO.010.16N), and a postdoctoral 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). The authors are grateful to G.T. Martinez for providing image simulations. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:141718 Serial 4486  
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 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 Alania, M.; De Backer, A.; Lobato, I.; Krause, F.F.; Van Dyck, D.; Rosenauer, A.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title How precise can atoms of a nanocluster be located in 3D using a tilt series of scanning transmission electron microscopy images? Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 181 Issue 181 Pages 134-143  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In this paper, we investigate how precise atoms of a small nanocluster can ultimately be located in three dimensions (3D) from a tilt series of images acquired using annular dark field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Therefore, we derive an expression for the statistical precision with which the 3D atomic position coordinates can be estimated in a quantitative analysis. Evaluating this statistical precision as a function of the microscope settings also allows us to derive the optimal experimental design. In this manner, the optimal angular tilt range, required electron dose, optimal detector angles, and number of projection images can be determined.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000411170800016 Publication Date 2016-12-15  
  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 3 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative. Reference No. 312483-ESTEEM2. The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0369.15N, G.0368.15N, and WO.010.16N) and a post-doctoral grant to A. De Backer, and from the DFG under contract No. RO-2057/4-2. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:144432 Serial 4618  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Alania, M.; Altantzis, T.; De Backer, A.; Lobato, I.; Bals, S.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Depth sectioning combined with atom-counting in HAADF STEM to retrieve the 3D atomic structure Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 177 Issue 177 Pages 36-42  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Aberration correction in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has greatly improved the lateral and depth resolution. When using depth sectioning, a technique during which a series of images is recorded at different defocus values, single impurity atoms can be visualised in three dimensions. In this paper, we investigate new possibilities emerging when combining depth sectioning and precise atom-counting in order to reconstruct nanosized particles in three dimensions. Although the depth resolution does not allow one to precisely locate each atom within an atomic column, it will be shown that the depth location of an atomic column as a whole can be measured precisely. In this manner, the morphology of a nanoparticle can be reconstructed in three dimensions. This will be demonstrated using simulations and experimental data of a gold nanorod.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000401219800006 Publication Date 2016-11-09  
  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 13 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the European Union under the Seventh Framework Program under a contract for an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative. Reference No. 312483-ESTEEM2. S. Bals acknowledges funding from the European Research Council (Starting Grant No. COLOURATOMS 335078). The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0369.15N and G.0368.15N) and a post-doctoral grant to A. De Backer and T. Altantzis. The authors are grateful to Professor Luis M. Liz-Marzán for providing the sample.; ECAS_Sara; (ROMEO:green; preprint:; postprint:can ; pdfversion:cannot); Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:138015UA @ admin @ c:irua:138015 Serial 4316  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gonnissen, J.; De Backer, A.; den Dekker, A.J.; Sijbers, J.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Atom-counting in High Resolution Electron Microscopy: TEM or STEM – that's the question Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 174 Issue 174 Pages 112-120  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In this work, a recently developed quantitative approach based on the principles of detection theory is used in order to determine the possibilities and limitations of High Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR STEM) and HR TEM for atom-counting. So far, HR STEM has been shown to be an appropriate imaging mode to count the number of atoms in a projected atomic column. Recently, it has been demonstrated that HR TEM, when using negative spherical aberration imaging, is suitable for atom-counting as well. The capabilities of both imaging techniques are investigated and compared using the probability of error as a criterion. It is shown that for the same incoming electron dose, HR STEM outperforms HR TEM under common practice standards, i.e. when the decision is based on the probability function of the peak intensities in HR TEM and of the scattering cross-sections in HR STEM. If the atom-counting decision is based on the joint probability function of the image pixel values, the dependence of all image pixel intensities as a function of thickness should be known accurately. Under this assumption, the probability of error may decrease significantly for atom-counting in HR TEM and may, in theory, become lower as compared to HR STEM under the predicted optimal experimental settings. However, the commonly used standard for atom-counting in HR STEM leads to a high performance and has been shown to work in practice.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000403342200013 Publication Date 2016-10-27  
  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 2 Open Access  
  Notes The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, G.0374.13N, and WO.010.16N) and a postdoctoral grant to A. De Backer. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013] under Grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2). Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:137102 Serial 4315  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author van den Bos, K.H.W.; Krause, F.F.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Rosenauer, A.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Locating light and heavy atomic column positions with picometer precision using ISTEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 172 Issue 172 Pages 75-81  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Recently, imaging scanning transmission electron microscopy (ISTEM) has been proposed as a promising new technique combining the advantages of conventional TEM (CTEM) and STEM [1]. The ability to visualize light and heavy elements together makes it a particularly interesting new, spatially incoherent imaging mode. Here, we evaluate this technique in term of precision with which atomic column locations can be measured. By using statistical parameter estimation theory, we will show that these locations can be accurately measured with a precision in the picometer range. Furthermore, a quantitative comparison is made with HAADF STEM imaging to investigate the advantages of ISTEM.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000390600200009 Publication Date 2016-10-09  
  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 8 Open Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N), and by a Ph.D. grant to K.H.W. van den Bos. The research leading to these results has received funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under Contract No. RO 2057/4-2 and the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 312483 – ESTEEM2. We thank Prof. G. Koster from the University of Twente for kindly providing us with the PbTiO3 test sample. Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:136109UA @ admin @ c:irua:136109 Serial 4288  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Backer, A.; van den Bos, K.H.W.; Van den Broek, W.; Sijbers, J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title StatSTEM: An efficient approach for accurate and precise model-based quantification of atomic resolution electron microscopy images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 171 Issue 171 Pages 104-116  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract An efficient model-based estimation algorithm is introduced to quantify the atomic column positions and intensities from atomic resolution (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) images. This algorithm uses the least squares estimator on image segments containing individual columns fully accounting for overlap between neighbouring columns, enabling the analysis of a large field of view. For this algorithm, the accuracy and precision with which measurements for the atomic column positions and scattering cross-sections from annular dark field (ADF) STEM images can be estimated, has been investigated. The highest attainable precision is reached even for low dose images. Furthermore, the advantages of the model-based approach taking into account overlap between neighbouring columns are highlighted. This is done for the estimation of the distance between two neighbouring columns as a function of their distance and for the estimation of the scattering cross-section which is compared to the integrated intensity from a Voronoi cell. To provide end-users this well-established quantification method, a user friendly program, StatSTEM, is developed which is freely available under a GNU public license.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000389106200014 Publication Date 2016-09-09  
  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 43 Open Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0393.11, G.0064.10 and G.0374.13), a Ph.D. research grant to K.H.W. van den Bos, and a postdoctoral 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). A. Rosenauer is acknowledged for providing the STEMsim program.; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @ c:irua:135516 Serial 4280  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gonnissen, J.; De Backer, A.; den Dekker, A.J.; Sijbers, J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Detecting and locating light atoms from high-resolution STEM images: The quest for a single optimal design Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2016 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 170 Issue 170 Pages 128-138  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In the present paper, the optimal detector design is investigated for both detecting and locating light atoms from high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR STEM) images. The principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for the detection of light atoms from HR STEM images. To determine the optimal experiment design for locating light atoms, use is made of the so-called Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB). It is investigated if a single optimal design can be found for both the detection and location problem of light atoms. Furthermore, the incoming electron dose is optimised for both research goals and it is shown that picometre range precision is feasible for the estimation of the atom positions when using an appropriate incoming electron dose under the optimal detector settings to detect light atoms.  
  Address Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium. Electronic address: sandra.vanaert@uantwerpen.be  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Wos 000386925500014 Publication Date 2016-07-26  
  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 6 Open Access  
  Notes The authors acknowledge financial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project fundings (G.0368.15, G.0369.15 and G.0374.13) and a postdoctoral research grant to A. De Backer. The research leading to these results has also received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013] under Grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2). The authors would also like to thank A. Rosenauer for providing access to the STEMsim software and Gerardo T. Martinez for fruitful discussions.; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843  
  Call Number c:irua:135337 c:irua:135337 Serial 4128  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Martinez, G.T.; Jones, L.; de Backer, A.; Béché, A.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Aert, S.; Nellist, P.D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Quantitative STEM normalisation : the importance of the electron flux Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 159 Issue 159 Pages 46-58  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has become widely used in quantitative studies based on the opportunity to directly compare experimental and simulated images. This comparison merely requires the experimental data to be normalised and expressed in units of fractional beam-current. However, inhomogeneities in the response of electron detectors can complicate this normalisation. The quantification procedure becomes both experiment and instrument specific, requiring new simulations for the particular response of each instrument's detector, and for every camera-length used. This not only impedes the comparison between different instruments and research groups, but can also be computationally very time consuming. Furthermore, not all image simulation methods allow for the inclusion of an inhomogeneous detector response. In this work, we propose an alternative method for normalising experimental data in order to compare these with simulations that consider a homogeneous detector response. To achieve this, we determine the electron flux distribution reaching the detector by means of a camera-length series or a so-called atomic column cross-section averaged convergent beam electron diffraction (XSACBED) pattern. The result is then used to determine the relative weighting of the detector response. Here we show that the results obtained by this new electron flux weighted (EFW) method are comparable to the currently used method, while considerably simplifying the needed simulation libraries. The proposed method also allows one to obtain a metric that describes the quality of the detector response in comparison with the ideal detector response.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000366220000006 Publication Date 2015-08-01  
  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 27 Open Access  
  Notes 246791 Countatoms; 278510 Vortex; 312483 Esteem2; Fwo G036815; G036915; G037413; G004413; esteem2ta ECASJO; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:127293 c:irua:127293UA @ admin @ c:irua:127293 Serial 2762  
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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 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.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Optimal experimental design for nano-particle atom-counting from high-resolution STEM images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 151 Issue 151 Pages 46-55  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In the present paper, the principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom-counting from high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR STEM) images. Binary and multiple hypothesis testing have been investigated in order to determine the limits to the precision with which the number of atoms in a projected atomic column can be estimated. The probability of error has been calculated when using STEM images, scattering cross-sections or peak intensities as a criterion to count atoms. Based on this analysis, we conclude that scattering cross-sections perform almost equally well as images and perform better than peak intensities. Furthermore, the optimal STEM detector design can be derived for atom-counting using the expression for the probability of error. We show that for very thin objects LAADF is optimal and that for thicker objects the optimal inner detector angle increases.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000351237800007 Publication Date 2014-11-11  
  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 24 Open Access  
  Notes 312483 Esteem2; Fwo G039311; G037413; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2015 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number c:irua:123926 c:irua:123926 Serial 2481  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Egoavil, R.; Gauquelin, N.; Martinez, G.T.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Verbeeck, J. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atomic resolution mapping of phonon excitations in STEM-EELS experiments Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 147 Issue Pages 1-7  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract Atomically resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy experiments are commonplace in modern aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopes. Energy resolution has also been increasing steadily with the continuous improvement of electron monochromators. Electronic excitations however are known to be delocalized due to the long range interaction of the charged accelerated electrons with the electrons in a sample. This has made several scientists question the value of combined high spatial and energy resolution for mapping interband transitions and possibly phonon excitation in crystals. In this paper we demonstrate experimentally that atomic resolution information is indeed available at very low energy losses around 100 meV expressed as a modulation of the broadening of the zero loss peak. Careful data analysis allows us to get a glimpse of what are likely phonon excitations with both an energy loss and gain part. These experiments confirm recent theoretical predictions on the strong localization of phonon excitations as opposed to electronic excitations and show that a combination of atomic resolution and recent developments in increased energy resolution will offer great benefit for mapping phonon modes in real space.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000343157400001 Publication Date 2014-05-29  
  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 22 Open Access  
  Notes 246102 IFOX; 278510 VORTEX; 246791 COUNTATOMS; Hercules; 312483 ESTEEM2; esteem2jra3 ECASJO; Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2014 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:118332UA @ admin @ c:irua:118332 Serial 177  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van den Broek, W.; Rosenauer, A.; Van Aert, S.; Sijbers, J.; van Dyck, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title A memory efficient method for fully three-dimensional object reconstruction with HAADF STEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 141 Issue Pages 22-31  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract The conventional approach to object reconstruction through electron tomography is to reduce the three-dimensional problem to a series of independent two-dimensional slice-by-slice reconstructions. However, at atomic resolution the image of a single atom extends over many such slices and incorporating this image as prior knowledge in tomography or depth sectioning therefore requires a fully three-dimensional treatment. Unfortunately, the size of the three-dimensional projection operator scales highly unfavorably with object size and readily exceeds the available computer memory. In this paper, it is shown that for incoherent image formation the memory requirement can be reduced to the fundamental lower limit of the object size, both for tomography and depth sectioning. Furthermore, it is shown through multislice calculations that high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy can be sufficiently incoherent for the reconstruction of single element nanocrystals, but that dynamical diffraction effects can cause classification problems if more than one element is present. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000335766600004 Publication Date 2014-03-22  
  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 6 Open Access  
  Notes ResearchFoundationFlanders(FWO;G.0393.11; G.0064.10;andG.0374.13); European Union Seventh Frame- workProgramme [FP7/2007-2013]under Grant agreement no. 312483 (ESTEEM2).; esteem2jra2; esteem2jra4 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2014 IF: 2.436  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:117650 Serial 1992  
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Author Dunin-Borkowski, R.E.; Lichte, H.; Tillmann, K.; Van Aert, S.; Van Tendeloo, G. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Introduction to a special issue in honour of W. Owen Saxton, David J. Smith and Dirk Van Dyck on the occasion of their 65th birthdays Type Editorial
  Year 2013 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 134 Issue Pages 1-1  
  Keywords Editorial; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Elsevier science bv Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000324474900001 Publication Date 2013-07-24  
  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  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2013 IF: 2.745  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109917 Serial 1721  
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Author Wang, A.; Turner, S.; Van Aert, S.; van Dyck, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title An alternative approach to determine attainable resolution directly from HREM images Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 133 Issue Pages 50-61  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract The concept of resolution in high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) is the power to resolve neighboring atoms. Since the resolution is related to the width of the point spread function of the microscope, it could in principle be determined from the image of a point object. However, in electron microscopy there are no ideal point objects. The smallest object is an individual atom. If the width of an atom is much smaller than the resolution of the microscope, this atom can still be considered as a point object. As the resolution of the microscope enters the sub-Å regime, information about the microscope is strongly entangled with the information about the atoms in HREM images. Therefore, we need to find an alternative method to determine the resolution in an object-independent way. In this work we propose to use the image wave of a crystalline object in zone axis orientation. Under this condition, the atoms of a column act as small lenses so that the electron beam channels through the atom column periodically. Because of this focusing, the image wave of the column can be much more peaked than the constituting atoms and can thus be a much more sensitive probe to measure the resolution. Our approach is to use the peakiness of the image wave of the atom column to determine the resolution. We will show that the resolution can be directly linked to the total curvature of the atom column wave. Moreover, we can then directly obtain the resolution of the microscope given that the contribution from the object is known, which is related to the bounding energy of the atom. The method is applied on an experimental CaTiO3 image wave.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000324471800007 Publication Date 2013-05-23  
  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 2.843 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes FWO; Hercules; Esteem2; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2013 IF: 2.745  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109919 Serial 90  
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Author de Backer, A.; Martinez, G.T.; Rosenauer, A.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Atom counting in HAADF STEM using a statistical model-based approach : methodology, possibilities, and inherent limitations Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 134 Issue Pages 23-33  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract In the present paper, a statistical model-based method to count the number of atoms of monotype crystalline nanostructures from high resolution high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images is discussed in detail together with a thorough study on the possibilities and inherent limitations. In order to count the number of atoms, it is assumed that the total scattered intensity scales with the number of atoms per atom column. These intensities are quantitatively determined using model-based statistical parameter estimation theory. The distribution describing the probability that intensity values are generated by atomic columns containing a specific number of atoms is inferred on the basis of the experimental scattered intensities. Finally, the number of atoms per atom column is quantified using this estimated probability distribution. The number of atom columns available in the observed STEM image, the number of components in the estimated probability distribution, the width of the components of the probability distribution, and the typical shape of a criterion to assess the number of components in the probability distribution directly affect the accuracy and precision with which the number of atoms in a particular atom column can be estimated. It is shown that single atom sensitivity is feasible taking the latter aspects into consideration.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000324474900005 Publication Date 2013-05-17  
  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 48 Open Access  
  Notes FWO; Esteem2; FP 2007-2013; esteem2_jra2 Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2013 IF: 2.745  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:109916 Serial 162  
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Author de Backer, A.; Van Aert, S.; van Dyck, D. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title High precision measurements of atom column positions using model-based exit wave reconstruction Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 111 Issue 9/10 Pages 1475-1482  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In this paper, it has been investigated how to measure atom column positions as accurately and precisely as possible using a focal series of images. In theory, it is expected that the precision would considerably improve using a maximum likelihood estimator based on the full series of focal images. As such, the theoretical lower bound on the variances of the unknown atom column positions can be attained. However, this approach is numerically demanding. Therefore, maximum likelihood estimation has been compared with the results obtained by fitting a model to a reconstructed exit wave rather than to the full series of focal images. Hence, a real space model-based exit wave reconstruction technique based on the channelling theory is introduced. Simulations show that the reconstructed complex exit wave contains the same amount of information concerning the atom column positions as the full series of focal images. Only for thin samples, which act as weak phase objects, this information can be retrieved from the phase of the reconstructed complex exit wave.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Amsterdam Editor  
  Language Wos 000300461200004 Publication Date 2011-07-28  
  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 8 Open Access  
  Notes Fwo Approved Most recent IF: 2.843; 2011 IF: 2.471  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:91879 Serial 1438  
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