Fast, robust, and accurate determination of transmission electron microscopy contrast transfer function

J Struct Biol. 2007 Nov;160(2):249-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jsb.2007.08.013. Epub 2007 Aug 29.

Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy, as most imaging devices, introduces optical aberrations that in the case of thin specimens are usually modeled in Fourier space by the so-called contrast transfer function (CTF). Accurate determination of the CTF is crucial for its posterior correction. Furthermore, the CTF estimation must be fast and robust if high-throughput three-dimensional electron microscopy (3DEM) studies are to be carried out. In this paper we present a robust algorithm that fits a theoretical CTF model to the power spectrum density (PSD) measured on a specific micrograph or micrograph area. Our algorithm is capable of estimating the envelope of the CTF which is absolutely needed for the correction of the CTF amplitude changes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Astigmatism / diagnosis*
  • Equipment Design
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / methods*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Normal Distribution
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software
  • Time Factors