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.

Abstract: The trapping of positrons at the surface of a material can be exploited to study quite selectively the surface properties of the latter by means of positron annihilation spectroscopy techniques. To support these, it is desirable to be able to theoretically predict the existence of such positronic surface states and to describe their annihilation characteristics with core or valence surface electrons in a reliable way. Here, we build on the well-developed first-principles techniques for the study of positrons in bulk solids as well as on previous models for surfaces, and investigate two schemes that can improve the theoretical description of the interaction of positrons with surfaces. One is based on supplementing the local-density correlation potential with the corrugated image potential at the surface, and the other is based on the weighted-density approximation to correlation. We discuss our results for topological insulators, graphene layers, and quantum dots, with emphasis on the information that can be directly related to experiment. We also discuss some open theoretical problems that should be addressed by future research.

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.

Abstract: In this paper, an overview is given of modeling investigations carried out in our research group for a better understanding of plasmas used for medical, environmental and nano applications. The focus is both on modeling the plasma chemistry and the plasma-surface interactions. The plasma chemistry provides the densities and fluxes of the important plasma species. This information can be used as input when modeling the plasma-surface interactions. The combination of plasma simulations and plasma – surface interaction simulations provides a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes for these applications.

Abstract: The interplay between two types of spin-spin exchange interaction (namely of the electron with the Mn-ions and the Mn-ions with each other) that are governed by the positions of the Mn-ions and the magnetic field is studied in the case of a Mn-ion doped CdTe quantum dot. We investigate the formation of different magnetic phases and the existence of frustrated magnetic states due to the dominant contribution of the Mn-Mn energy.

Abstract: We studied the optical Aharonov-Bohm effect for an exciton in a semiconductor quantum ring. A perpendicular electric field applied to a quantum ring with large height, is able to tune the exciton ground state energy such that it exhibits a weak observable Aharonov-Bohm oscillations. This Aharonov-Bohm effect is tunable in strength and period.

Abstract: We introduce a new method to measure structure factors from parallel beam electron diffraction (PBED) patterns. Bloch wave refinement routines were developed which can minimise the difference between simulated and experimental Bragg intensities via variation of structure factors, Debye parameters, specimen thickness and -orientation. Due to plane wave illumination, the PBED refinement is highly efficient not only in computational respect, but also concerning the experimental effort since energy filtering is shown to have no significant effect on the refinement results. The PBED method was applied to simulated GaAs diffraction patterns to derive systematic errors and rules for the identification of plausible refinement results. The evaluation of experimental GaAs PBED patterns yields a 200 X-ray structure factor of -6.33±0.14. Additionally, we obtained -6.35±0.13 from two-dimensional convergent beam electron diffraction refinements. Both results confirm density functional theory calculations published by Rosenauer et al. and indicate the inaccuracy of isolated atom scattering data, which is crucial e.g. for the composition evaluation by lattice fringe analysis.

Abstract: Iron mineral containing sensory dendrites in the inner lining of the upper beak of homing pigeons [1] and various bird species [2] are the first candidate structures for an avian magnetic field receptor. A new concept of magnetoreception [3, 4] is based on detailed ultra-structural optical and electron microscopy analyses in combination with synchrotron radiation microscopic X-ray fluorescence analysis (micro-XRF) and microscopic X-ray absorption near edge structures (micro-XANES). Several behavioral experiments [5, 6] and first mathematical simulations [6] affirm our avian magnetoreceptor model. The iron minerals inside the dendrites are housed in three different subcellular compartments (bullets, platelets, vesicles), which could be clearly resolved and identified by electron microscopy on ultrathin sections [1, 3]. Micro-XRF and micro-XANES data obtained at HASYLAB beamline L added information about the elemental distribution and Fe speciation [3], but are averaged over the complete dendrite due to limited spatial resolution. Here we present recently performed micro-XRF maps with sub-micrometer resolution (ESRF ID21), which reveal for the first time subcellular structural information from almost bulk-like dendrite sample material. Due to the thickness of 30 μm the microarchitecture of the dendrites can be considered as undisturbed and artefacts introduced by sectioning might be widely reduced.

Abstract: Electrochemistry offers highly flexible routes to fabrication of a wide variety of mesostructures, including three-dimensional (3D) crystallites, thin films and nanowires. Using this method we have grown various 3D superconducting Pb mesostructures with vastly different morphologies. We present here results on a truncated(half)-icosahedron with a hexagonal base and a tripod structure with a triangular base. Using Hall probe magnetometry we have obtained magnetisation curves for these structures at several temperatures and see evidence of geometry-driven flux entry and exit as well as flux trapping caused by specific sample geometries. We also observe behaviour that we interpret in terms of the formation of giant vortices, bearing in mind that bulk Pb is a type-I superconducting material.

Abstract: We have used high resolution Hall probe microscopy to image vortex-antivortex (V-AV) 'molecules' induced in superconducting Pb films by the stray fields from square arrays of ferromagnetic Co/Pt dots. We have directly observed spontaneous V-AV pairs and studied how they interact with added 'free' (anti)fluxons in an applied magnetic field. We observe a rich variety of subtle phenomena arising from competing symmetries in our system which can either drive added antivortices to join AV shells around nanomagnets or stabilise the translationally symmetric AV lattice between the dots. Added vortices annihilate AV shells, leading eventually to a stable 'nulling' state with no free fluxons, which should exhibit a strongly (field-)enhanced critical current. At higher densities we actually observe vortex shells around the magnets, stabilised by the asymmetric anti-pinning potential. Our experimental findings are in good agreement with Ginzburg-Landau calculations.

Abstract: Merged, or giant, multi-quanta vortices (GVs) appear in very small superconductors near the superconducting transition due to strong confinement of magnetic flux. Here we present evidence for a new, pinning-related, mechanism for vortex merger. Using Bitter decoration to visualise vortices in small Nb disks, we show that confinement in combination with strong disorder causes individual vortices to merge into clusters/GVs well below Tc and Hc2, in contrast to well-defined shells of individual vortices found in the absence of pinning.

Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations using the Brenner potential have been performed to investigate reaction mechanisms of various hydrocarbon radicals with low kinetic energies on amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) surfaces and to simulate thin a-C:H film growth. Experimental data from an expanding thermal plasma setup were used as input for the simulations. The hydrocarbon reaction mechanisms were studied both during growth of the films and on a set of surface sites specific for a-C:H surfaces. Thin film growth was studied using experimentally detected growth species. It is found that the reaction mechanisms and sticking coefficients are dependent on the specific surface sites, and the structural properties of the growth radicals. Furthermore, it is found that thin a-C:H films can be densified using an additional H-flux towards the substrate.

Abstract: Certain crystals, consisting of molecules with unusually large spin, exhibit macroscopically observable signatures of quantum tunneling, when a slowly varying external magnetic field is applied parallel to the easy axis of the crystal. Recently it has been observed that jumps in the magnetization are sometimes accompanied by the emission of infrared radiation. We discuss the connection of the tunneling with the electromagnetic transition, and we address the questions: to what extent can the radiation be considered as a collective, superradiant emission, and what is the role played by the cavity in the experiments? Our conclusion is that among the reported experimental coditions the radiation is not superradidance, but rather a maserlike effect.