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Author de Backer, A. url  openurl
  Title Quantitative atomic resolution electron microscopy using advanced statistical techniques Type Doctoral thesis
  Year 2015 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Doctoral thesis; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Antwerpen Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 0000-00-00  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited (up) Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:125636 Serial 2747  
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 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 (up) Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:129198 Serial 4506  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Goris, B.; De Beenhouwer, J.; de Backer, A.; Zanaga, D.; Batenburg, J.; Sanchez-Iglesias, A.; Liz-Marzan, L.; Van Aert, S.; Sijbers, J.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Bals, S. doi  openurl
  Title Investigating lattice strain in Au nanodecahedrons Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2016 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages 11-12  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2016-12-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 978-3-527-80846-5 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited (up) Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:145813 Serial 5144  
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 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 (up) 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 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 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 (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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 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 (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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 (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Fatermans, J.; de Backer, A.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Atom column detection 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 177-214  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract By combining statistical parameter estimation and model-order selection using a Bayesian framework, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability rule is proposed in this chapter as an objective and quantitative method to detect atom columns from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) images. The validity and usefulness of this approach is demonstrated to both simulated and experimental annular dark-field (ADF) STEM images, but also to simultaneously acquired annular bright-field (ABF) and ADF STEM image data.  
  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 (up) 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:177531 Serial 6775  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Atom counting 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 91-144  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In this chapter, a statistical model-based method to count the number of atoms of monotype crystalline nanostructures from high-resolution annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images is discussed in detail together with a thorough study on the possibilities and inherent limitations. We show that this method can be applied to nanocrystals of arbitrary shape, size, and atom type. The validity of the atom-counting results is confirmed by means of detailed image simulations and it is shown that the high sensitivity of our method enables us to count atoms with single atom sensitivity.  
  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 (up) 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:177529 Serial 6776  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Efficient fitting algorithm 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 73-90  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  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 neighboring columns, enabling the analysis of a large field of view. To provide end-users with this well-established quantification method, a user friendly program, StatSTEM, is developed which is freely available under a GNU public license. In this chapter, this efficient algorithm is applied to three different nanostructures for which the analysis of a large field of view is required.  
  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 (up) 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:177528 Serial 6778  
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 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 (up) 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 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 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 (up) 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 de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Introduction 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 1-28  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract  
  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 (up) 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:177525 Serial 6784  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Optimal experiment design for nanoparticle atom counting from ADF STEM images 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 145-175  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In this chapter, the principles of detection theory are used to quantify the probability of error for atom counting from high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) 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 of the probability of error. We show that for very thin objects the low-angle annular dark-field (LAADF) regime is optimal and that for thicker objects the optimal inner detector angle increases.  
  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 (up) 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:177530 Serial 6785  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author de Backer, A.; Fatermans, J.; den Dekker, A.J.; Van Aert, S. pdf  doi
isbn  openurl
  Title Statistical parameter estimation theory : principles and simulation studies 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 29-72  
  Keywords H2 Book chapter; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract In this chapter, the principles of statistical parameter estimation theory for a quantitative analysis of atomic-resolution electron microscopy images are introduced. Within this framework, electron microscopy images are described by a parametric statistical model. Here, parametric models are introduced for different types of electron microscopy images: reconstructed exit waves, annular dark-field (ADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images, and simultaneously acquired ADF and annular bright-field (ABF) STEM images. Furthermore, the Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is introduced, i.e. a theoretical lower bound on the variance of any unbiased estimator. This CRLB is used to quantify the precision of the structure parameters of interest, such as the atomic column positions and the integrated atomic column intensities.  
  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 (up) 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:177527 Serial 6788  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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 (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
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 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 (up) 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  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De wael, A.; De Backer, A.; Yu, C.-P.; Sentürk, D.G.; Lobato, I.; Faes, C.; Van Aert, S. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Three Approaches for Representing the Statistical Uncertainty on Atom-Counting Results in Quantitative ADF STEM Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Microscopy and microanalysis Abbreviated Journal Microsc Microanal  
  Volume Issue Pages 1-9  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)  
  Abstract A decade ago, a statistics-based method was introduced to count the number of atoms from annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images. In the past years, this method was successfully applied to nanocrystals of arbitrary shape, size, and composition (and its high accuracy and precision has been demonstrated). However, the counting results obtained from this statistical framework are so far presented without a visualization of the actual uncertainty about this estimate. In this paper, we present three approaches that can be used to represent counting results together with their statistical error, and discuss which approach is most suited for further use based on simulations and an experimental ADF STEM image.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000854930500001 Publication Date 2022-09-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1431-9276 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 2.8 Times cited (up) 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. The authors are grateful to L.M. Liz-Marzán (CIC biomaGUNE and Ikerbasque) for providing the samples. esteem3reported; esteem3jra Approved Most recent IF: 2.8  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:190585 Serial 7119  
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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 (up) 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 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 (up) 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 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 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 (up) 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  
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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 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 (up) 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 Şentürk, D.G.; De Backer, A.; Van Aert, S. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Element specific atom counting for heterogeneous nanostructures: Combining multiple ADF STEM images for simultaneous thickness and composition determination Type A1 Journal Article
  Year 2024 Publication Ultramicroscopy Abbreviated Journal Ultramicroscopy  
  Volume 259 Issue Pages 113941  
  Keywords A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;  
  Abstract In this paper, a methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in heterogeneous nanoparticles based on the combination of multiple annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF STEM) images. The different non-overlapping annular detector collection regions are selected based on the principles of optimal statistical experiment design for the atom-counting problem. To count the number of atoms, the total intensities of scattered electrons for each atomic column, the so-called scattering cross-sections, are simultaneously compared with simulated library values for the different detector regions by minimising the squared differences. The performance of the method is evaluated for simulated Ni@Pt and Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles. Our approach turns out to be a dose efficient alternative for the investigation of beam-sensitive heterogeneous materials as compared to the combination of ADF STEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2024-02-19  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0304-3991 ISBN Additional Links  
  Impact Factor 2.2 Times cited (up) 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 (G.0346.21N, GOA7723N, 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 @ Serial 8996  
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 program for accurate and precise model-based quantification of atomic resolution electron microscopy images Type P1 Proceeding
  Year 2017 Publication Journal of physics : conference series T2 – Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group Conference 2017 (EMAG2017), 3-6 July 2017, Manchester, UK Abbreviated Journal J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.  
  Volume 902 Issue Pages 012013  
  Keywords P1 Proceeding; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab  
  Abstract An efficient model-based estimation algorithm is introduced in order 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 the 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, is investigated. The highest attainable precision is reached even for low dose images. Furthermore, advantages of the model- based approach taking into account overlap between neighbouring columns are highlighted. 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 000416370700013 Publication Date 2017-10-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1742-6588 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited (up) 1 Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes The authors acknowledge nancial support from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Belgium) through project funding (G.0374.13N, G.0368.15N, G.0369.15N, WO.010.16N) and a PhD 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. Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number EMAT @ emat @c:irua:147188 Serial 4764  
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 (up) 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  
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 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 (up) 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 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 (up) 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 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 (up) 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 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 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 (up) 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  
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 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.  
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  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 (up) 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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