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Transmission electron microscopy for materials science

Cécile Hébert and Duncan Alexander

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science. For an instrument operated by a single user, modern TEM provides an analytical platform with unsurpassed versatility, giving access to structural and chemical information from the micrometer to the sub-angstrom scale. In a thin, electron-transparent sample one can measure the crystallinity, grain structure, size, and defects, and the chemical composition. The crystal lattice can be imaged with atomic resolution, allowing observation of grain boundaries and interfaces. It is the only direct structural analysis method for studying nanoparticles.

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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science. For an instrument operated by a single user, modern TEM provides an analytical platform with unsurpassed versatility, giving access to structural and chemical information from the micrometer to the sub-angstrom scale. In a thin, electron-transparent sample one can measure the crystallinity, grain structure, size, and defects, and the chemical composition. The crystal lattice can be imaged with atomic resolution, allowing observation of grain boundaries and interfaces. It is the only direct structural analysis method for studying nanoparticles.

With this course you will gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between:

  • the optics and operation of the instrument;
  • the physics of electron-matter interactions;
  • insights into the materials properties of the sample.

This gives the background to:

  • identify TEM techniques suitable to solving specific scientific problems;
  • interpret TEM data presented in articles; appreciate the impact of technological advances that have, for instance, led to sub-angstrom resolution by aberration correction.

It can also be the basis for subsequent practical training on this remarkable instrument, and a stepping stone towards learning very advanced techniques with magical names like “dark field holography” or “angular resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy”.

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What's inside

Learning objective

You will be able to understand papers where tem has been used and have the necessary theoretical basis for taking a practical training on the tem.

Syllabus

Introduction (I)
Introduction (II)
Diffraction basics (I) - Ewald sphere, reciprocal lattice
Diffraction basics (II) - multi-beam, kinematical scattering
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the connection between the optics of the TEM, electron-matter interactions, and the properties of the sample
Gives learners a strong foundation in TEM techniques and their applications in materials science
Instructors Cécile Hébert and Duncan Alexander are recognized for their expertise in transmission electron microscopy
May require learners to take prerequisite courses or have extensive background knowledge in materials science
Covers the basics of TEM, which may not be sufficient for advanced learners seeking specialized knowledge

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Reviews summary

Deep theoretical basis for tem

According to students, this course offers an incredibly thorough theoretical foundation in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), preparing learners to interpret complex TEM data in scientific literature and serving as an excellent precursor to hands-on practical training. Reviewers frequently highlight the instructor's ability to clarify intricate concepts, making challenging topics like dynamical diffraction and Ewald sphere understandable. While the syllabus is well-structured and provides deep understanding of electron-matter interactions, some learners found the course to be highly theoretical, advising that a strong background in physics and crystallography is essential, as it is not suitable for beginners seeking immediate practical application.
Instructor excels at clarifying intricate topics.
"The instructor does a superb job of breaking down intricate concepts."
"The explanations of electron-matter interactions are precise and well-articulated."
"Even difficult topics like dynamical diffraction were explained very clearly."
Equips learners for research and practical training.
"It truly prepares you to interpret TEM data in research papers and is an excellent precursor to hands-on training."
"This course fills a critical gap for those who need a deep theoretical understanding before practical instrument use."
"I now feel much better equipped to understand and analyze TEM results presented in scientific articles."
Provides a deep understanding of TEM principles.
"This course offers an incredibly thorough theoretical foundation for understanding TEM."
"As a PhD student, I found this course invaluable for solidifying my knowledge of TEM."
"I gained a deep understanding of TEM, covering the optics and physics comprehensively."
Concentrates on theory, less on practical application.
"The course content is solid, but it's very theoretical. I was hoping for a bit more practical application or instrument operation specifics..."
"Too abstract and theoretical for my needs. I wanted to learn how to *use* a TEM, not just the underlying physics."
"I found it to be a strong academic overview, but don't expect a 'how-to' guide for operating the instrument."
Requires strong background in physics and crystallography.
"The course assumes a lot of prior knowledge. I struggled significantly with the advanced physics concepts without a strong background..."
"Prerequisite knowledge in solid-state physics is almost a must, which could be more explicitly stated."
"This course is definitely not for beginners in the field of materials science; it's quite advanced."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Transmission electron microscopy for materials science with these activities:
Read 'Transmission Electron Microscopy' by David B. Williams and C. Barry Carter
Gain a comprehensive understanding of TEM principles and applications by delving into this authoritative textbook.
View Transmission Electron Microscopy: A Textbook... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on diffraction and imaging techniques.
  • Review the sections on sample preparation and analysis.
Assist in a TEM Laboratory
Gain practical experience and contribute to research by volunteering in a TEM laboratory.
Browse courses on Hands-on Experience
Show steps
  • Contact a TEM laboratory and express your interest in volunteering.
  • Assist with sample preparation, imaging, and data analysis.
  • Observe and learn from experienced TEM users.
Form a TEM Study Group
Deepen your understanding and foster collaboration by forming a study group with fellow learners.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Identify other learners interested in TEM.
  • Establish regular meeting times and discussion topics.
  • Review course materials, discuss concepts, and share insights.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Phase Contrast Imaging
Enhance your ability to interpret TEM images by practicing phase contrast imaging techniques.
Show steps
  • Analyze simulated or experimental TEM images.
  • Identify and interpret phase contrast effects in the images.
  • Draw conclusions about the sample's structure and properties.
Image Grain Structures
Apply TEM imaging techniques to visualize and analyze the grain structures of a material sample, enhancing your ability to interpret TEM images.
Browse courses on Materials characterization
Show steps
  • Prepare a thin sample suitable for TEM imaging.
  • Capture high-resolution TEM images of the sample.
  • Analyze the images to identify and characterize grain structures.
Attend a TEM Workshop
Enhance your practical skills and knowledge by attending a TEM workshop led by experienced practitioners.
Browse courses on Hands-On Learning
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant TEM workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
  • Apply the knowledge and techniques learned to your own research.
Develop a TEM Training Module
Solidify your knowledge by creating a training module that explains TEM principles and applications.
Browse courses on Educational Resources
Show steps
  • Gather and organize relevant information on TEM.
  • Develop visual aids and interactive exercises to enhance learning.
  • Test and refine the module based on feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Transmission electron microscopy for materials science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Course image
Effort
5 to 6 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
Instructors
Cécile Hébert
Duncan Alexander
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the connection between the optics of the TEM, electron-matter interactions, and the properties of the sample
Gives learners a strong foundation in TEM techniques and their applications in materials science
Instructors Cécile Hébert and Duncan Alexander are recognized for their expertise in transmission electron microscopy
May require learners to take prerequisite courses or have extensive background knowledge in materials science
Covers the basics of TEM, which may not be sufficient for advanced learners seeking specialized knowledge
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