Interlacing in Atomic Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

Microsc Microanal. 2023 Jul 25;29(4):1373-1379. doi: 10.1093/micmic/ozad056.

Abstract

Fast frame rates are desirable in scanning transmission electron microscopy for a number of reasons: controlling electron beam dose, capturing in situ events, or reducing the appearance of scan distortions. While several strategies exist for increasing frame rates, many impact image quality or require investment in advanced scan hardware. Here, we present an interlaced imaging approach to achieve minimal loss of image quality with faster frame rates that can be implemented on many existing scan controllers. We further demonstrate that our interlacing approach provides the best possible strain precision for a given electron dose compared with other contemporary approaches.

Keywords: high frame-rate STEM; interlacing; scanning transmission electron microscopy; strain precision.