Cover Image

Improving fabrication and application of zach phase plates for phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy

Zach phase plates (PPs) are promising devices to enhance phase contrast in transmission electron microscopy. The Zach PP shifts the phase of the zero-order beam by a strongly localized inhomogeneous electrostatic potential in the back focal plane of the objective lens. We present substantial improve...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hettler, Simon Josef (Author) , Frindt, Nicole (Author) , Schröder, Rasmus R. (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 2012
In: Microscopy and microanalysis
Year: 2012, Volume: 18, Issue: 5, Pages: 1010-1015$h6
ISSN:1435-8115
DOI:10.1017/S1431927612001560
Online Access:Verlag, Volltext: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1431927612001560
Verlag, Volltext: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/microscopy-and-microanalysis/article/Improving-fabrication-and-application-of-zach-phase-plates-for-phasecontrast-transmission-electron-microscopy/6D5FB65D7A881D12EB622B03DFD17733
Get full text
Author Notes:Simon Hettler, Björn Gamm, Manuel Dries, Nicole Frindt, Rasmus R. Schröder and Dagmar Gerthsen
Description
Summary:Zach phase plates (PPs) are promising devices to enhance phase contrast in transmission electron microscopy. The Zach PP shifts the phase of the zero-order beam by a strongly localized inhomogeneous electrostatic potential in the back focal plane of the objective lens. We present substantial improvements of the Zach PP, which overcome previous limitations. The implementation of a microstructured heating device significantly reduces contamination and charging of the PP structure and extends its lifetime. An improved production process allows fabricating PPs with reduced dimensions resulting in lower cut-on frequencies as revealed by simulations of the electrostatic potential. Phase contrast with inversion of PbSe nanoparticles is demonstrated in a standard transmission electron microscope with LaB6 cathode by applying different voltages.
Item Description:Gesehen am 14.06.2018
Published online: 12 October 2012
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1435-8115
DOI:10.1017/S1431927612001560

Similar Items