A single-projection three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm for scanning transmission electron microscopy data

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel single-projection 3D reconstruction algorithm for 4D-STEM data, enabling detailed visualization of nanostructures from a single view, with applications demonstrated on complex oxide heterostructures.

Contribution

The paper presents a new reconstruction method that simplifies 3D imaging in electron microscopy by using a single projection, improving efficiency over existing multi-projection techniques.

Findings

Pb-Ir atomic columns are visible in the reconstructed volume.

The approach is effective with data from a single view.

Compared favorably to DPC-STEM and multislice ptychography.

Abstract

Increasing interest in three-dimensional nanostructures adds impetus to electron microscopy techniques capable of imaging at or below the nanoscale in three dimensions. We present a reconstruction algorithm that takes as input a focal series of four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) data. We apply the approach to a lead iridate, Pb$_2$Ir$_2$O$_7$, and yttrium-stabilized zirconia,Y$_{0.095}$Zr$_{0.905}$O$_2$ , heterostructure from data acquired with the specimen in a single plan-view orientation, with the epitaxial layers stacked along the beam direction. We demonstrate that Pb-Ir atomic columns are visible in the uppermost layers of the reconstructed volume. We compare this approach to the alternative techniques of depth sectioning using differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (DPC-STEM) and multislice ptychographic reconstruction.