Probing the Nucleation and Growth Kinetics of Bismuth Nanoparticles via In-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

The nucleation and growth mechanism of nanoparticles is an important theory,which can guide the preparation of nanomaterials.However,it is still lacking in direct observation on the details of the evolution of intermediate state structure during nucleation and growth.In this work,the evolution process of bismuth nanoparticles induced by electron beam was revealed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy(TEM)at atomic scale.The experimental results demonstrate that the size,stable surface and crystallographic defect have important influences on the growth of Bi nanoparticles.Two non-classical growth paths including single crystal growth and polycrystalline combined growth,as well as,corresponding layer-by-layer growth mechanism along{012}stable crystal plane of Bi nanoparticles with dodecahedron structure were revealed by in-situ TEM directly.These results provide important guidance and a new approach for in-depth understanding of the nucleation and growth kinetics of nanoparticles.

Ultrafast photoemission electron microscopy:A multidimensional probe of nonequilibrium physics

Exploring the realms of physics that extend beyond thermal equilibrium has emerged as a crucial branch of condensed matter physics research.It aims to unravel the intricate processes involving the excitations,interactions,and annihilations of quasi-and many-body particles,and ultimately to achieve the manipulation and engineering of exotic non-equilibrium quantum phases on the ultrasmall and ultrafast spatiotemporal scales.Given the inherent complexities arising from many-body dynamics,it therefore seeks a technique that has efficient and diverse detection degrees of freedom to study the underlying physics.By combining high-power femtosecond lasers with real-or momentum-space photoemission electron microscopy(PEEM),imaging excited state phenomena from multiple perspectives,including time,real space,energy,momentum,and spin,can be conveniently achieved,making it a unique technique in studying physics out of equilibrium.In this context,we overview the working principle and technical advances of the PEEM apparatus and the related laser systems,and survey key excited-state phenomena probed through this surface-sensitive methodology,including the ultrafast dynamics of electrons,excitons,plasmons,spins,etc.,in materials ranging from bulk and nano-structured metals and semiconductors to low-dimensional quantum materials.Through this review,one can further envision that time-resolved PEEM will open new avenues for investigating a variety of classical and quantum phenomena in a multidimensional parameter space,offering unprecedented and comprehensive insights into important questions in the field of condensed matter physics.

Capturing the non-equilibrium state in light–matter–free-electron interactions through ultrafast transmission electron microscopy

Ultrafast transmission electron microscope(UTEM) with the multimodality of time-resolved diffraction, imaging,and spectroscopy provides a unique platform to reveal the fundamental features associated with the interaction between free electrons and matter. In this review, we summarize the principles, instrumentation, and recent developments of the UTEM and its applications in capturing dynamic processes and non-equilibrium transient states. The combination of the transmission electron microscope with a femtosecond laser via the pump–probe method guarantees the high spatiotemporal resolution, allowing the investigation of the transient process in real, reciprocal and energy spaces. Ultrafast structural dynamics can be studied by diffraction and imaging methods, revealing the coherent acoustic phonon generation and photoinduced phase transition process. In the energy dimension, time-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy enables the examination of the intrinsic electronic dynamics of materials, while the photon-induced near-field electron microscopy extends the application of the UTEM to the imaging of optical near fields with high real-space resolution. It is noted that light–free-electron interactions have the ability to shape electron wave packets in both longitudinal and transverse directions, showing the potential application in the generation of attosecond electron pulses and vortex electron beams.

Revealing the microstructures of metal halide perovskite thin films via advancedtransmission electron microscopy

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are excellent semiconductors that have led to breakthroughs in applications in thinfilmsolar cells, detectors, and light-emitting diodes due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties and defect tolerance.However, the performance and stability of MHP-based devices are significantly influenced by their microstructures includingthe formation of defects, composition fluctuations, structural inhomogeneity, etc. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) is a powerful tool for direct observation of microstructure at the atomic-scale resolution and has been used to correlatethe microstructure and performance of MHP-based devices. In this review, we highlight the application of TEMtechniques in revealing the microstructures of MHP thin films at the atomic scale. The results provide critical understandingof the performance of MHP devices and guide the design of strategies for improving the performance and stability ofMHP devices.

Recent progress about transmission electron microscopy characterizations on lithium-ion batteries

With the rapid development of portable electronics,new energy vehicles,and smart grids,ion batteries are becoming one of the most widely used energy storage devices,while the safety concern of ion batteries has always been an urgent problem to be solved.To develop a safety-guaranteed battery,the characterization of the internal structure is indispensable,where electron microscopy plays a crucial role.Based on this,this paper summarizes the application of transmission electron microscopy(TEM)in battery safety,further concludes and analyzes the aspects of dendrite growth and solid electrolyte interface(SEI)formation that affect the safety of ion batteries,and emphasizes the importance of electron microscopy in battery safety research and the potential of these techniques to promote the future development of this field.These advanced electron microscopy techniques and their prospects are also discussed.

Characterization of local chemical ordering and deformation behavior in high entropy alloys by transmission electron microscopy

Short-range ordering(SRO)is one of the most important structural features of high entropy alloys(HEAs).However,the chemical and structural analyses of SROs are very difficult due to their small size,complexed compositions,and varied locations.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)as well as its aberration correction techniques are powerful for characterizing SROs in these compositionally complex alloys.In this short communication,we summarized recent progresses regarding characterization of SROs using TEM in the field of HEAs.By using advanced TEM techniques,not only the existence of SROs was confirmed,but also the effect of SROs on the deformation mechanism was clarified.Moreover,the perspective related to application of TEM techniques in HEAs are also discussed.

Recent progress on advanced transmission electron microscopy characterization for halide perovskite semiconductors

Halide perovskites are strategically important in the field of energy materials. Along with the rapid development of the materials and related devices, there is an urgent need to understand the structure–property relationship from nanoscale to atomic scale. Much effort has been made in the past few years to overcome the difficulty of imaging limited by electron dose,and to further extend the investigation towards operando conditions. This review is dedicated to recent studies of advanced transmission electron microscopy(TEM) characterizations for halide perovskites. The irradiation damage caused by the interaction of electron beams and perovskites under conventional imaging conditions are first summarized and discussed. Low-dose TEM is then discussed, including electron diffraction and emerging techniques for high-resolution TEM(HRTEM) imaging. Atomic-resolution imaging, defects identification and chemical mapping on halide perovskites are reviewed. Cryo-TEM for halide perovskites is discussed, since it can readily suppress irradiation damage and has been rapidly developed in the past few years. Finally, the applications of in-situ TEM in the degradation study of perovskites under environmental conditions such as heating,biasing, light illumination and humidity are reviewed. More applications of emerging TEM characterizations are foreseen in the coming future, unveiling the structural origin of halide perovskite’s unique properties and degradation mechanism under operando conditions, so to assist the design of a more efficient and robust energy material.

Mssbauer and electron microscopy study of martensitic transformations in an Fe-Mn-Mo alloy

The kinetic,morphological,crystallographic,and magnetic characteristics of thermally induced martensites in Fe-13.4wt% Mn-5.2wt%Mo alloy were investigated by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）,transmission electron microscopy（TEM）,and M（o｜¨）ssbauer spectroscopy.The experimental results reveal that two types of thermal-induced martensites,e（hcp） andα＇（bcc） martensites,are formed in the as-quenched condition,and these transformations have athermal characters.Mo addition to the Fe-Mn alloy does not change the coexistence ofεandα＇ martensites with the Mn content between 10wt%and 15wt%.Besides,M（o｜¨）ssbauer spectra reveal a paramagnetic character with a singlet for theγ（fcc） austenite andεmartensite phases and a ferromagnetic character with a broad sextet for theα＇ martensite phase. The volume fraction ofα＇ martensite forming in the quenched alloy is much more than that of theεmartensite.

Electron G-Factor Anomaly and the Charge Thickness

The electron g-factor relates the magnetic moment to the spin angular momentum. It was originally theoretically calculated to have a value of exactly 2. Experiments yielded a value of 2 plus a very small fraction, referred to as the g-factor anomaly. This anomaly has been calculated theoretically as a power series of the fine structure constant. This document shows that the anomaly is the result of the electron charge thickness. If the thickness were to be zero, g = 2 exactly, and there would be no anomaly. As the thickness increases, the anomaly increases. An equation relating the g-factor and the surface charge thickness is presented. The thickness is calculated to be 0.23% of the electron radius. The cause of the anomaly is very clear, but why is the charge thickness greater than zero? Using the model of the interior structure of the electron previously proposed by the author, it is shown that the non-zero thickness, and thus the g-factor anomaly, are due to the proposed positive charge at the electron center and compressibility of the electron material. The author’s previous publication proposes a theory for splitting the electron into three equal charges when subjected to a strong external magnetic field. That theory is revised in this document, and the result is an error reduced to 0.4% in the polar angle where the splits occur and a reduced magnetic field required to cause the splits.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Antennae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

The morphology of antennae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza was observed with a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that both male and female were fourteen segmented, the male was approximately 2000 μm and the female was 1050μm. Six types of sensillae on the antenna were observed, viz. chaetica （Ch）, trichoidea （Tr）, basiconica （Ba）, cavity （Ca）, styloid （St） and circumfila （Ci） on the antennae of A. aphidimyza. Sensillae Ch had a long external-process, with a base surrounded by membranous sockets and a length of about 67.5 μm. Sensillae Tr were distally curved and inserted into a depression, 61.0μm long. Sensillae Ba were peg-like and 4.7μm long on the antennae. Sensillae Ca were pit-like in appearance and the diameter of the pit was 1.2μm. Sensilla St was found on the second sub-segment flagellum of the male antennae. The length of the sensilla was about 21 μm and the diameter was 1.5μm. The circurnfila, which are a unique type of sensilla found only on cecidomyiid antennae, formed loops around each of the antennal sub-segments, and were attached to the surface by a series of stalks. Sensilla St was only present on male antenna. The number of Ba and Tr was almost the same in both sexes. There were more Sensilla Ca on the male antenna than on the female, while there was more Ch on the female.

Unveiling localized electronic properties of ReS2 thin layers at nanoscale using Kelvin force probe microscopy combined with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Electronic properties of two-dimensional(2D) materials can be strongly modulated by localized strain. The typical spatial resolution of conventional Kelvin probe force microscopy(KPFM) is usually limited in a few hundreds of nanometers, and it is difficult to characterize localized electronic properties of 2D materials at nanoscales. Herein, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(TERS) is proposed to combine with KPFM to break this restriction. TERS scan is conducted on ReS2bubbles deposited on a rough Au thin film to obtain strain distribution by using the Raman peak shift. The localized contact potential difference(CPD) is inversely calculated with a higher spatial resolution by using strain measured by TERS and CPD-strain working curve obtained using conventional KPFM and atomic force microscopy. This method enhances the spatial resolution of CPD measurements and can be potentially used to characterize localized electronic properties of 2D materials.

Application of electron microscopy in gastroenterology

Electron microscopy has long been used in research in the fields of life sciences and materials sciences.Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)analyses have also been performed in the field of gastroenterology.Electron microscopy and EDX enable(1)Observation of ultrastructural differences in esophageal epithelial cells in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis;(2)Detection of lanthanum deposition in the stomach and duodenum;(3)Ultrastructural and elemental analyses of enteroliths and bezoars;(4)Detection and characterization of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract;(5)Diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation;and(6)Analysis of gold nanoparticles potentially used in endoscopic photodynamic therapy.This review aims to foster a better understanding of electron microscopy applications by reviewing relevant clinical studies,basic research findings,and the state of current research carried out in gastroenterology science.

Femtosecond Time-Resolved Spectroscopic Photoemission Electron Microscopy for Probing Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in Heterojunctions

The fast developing semiconductor industry is pushing to shrink and speed up transistors. This trend requires us to understand carrier dynamics in semiconductor heterojunctions with both high spatial and temporal resolutions. Recently, we have successfully set up a timeresolved photoemission electron microscopy (TR-PEEM), which integrates the spectroscopic technique to measure electron densities at specific energy levels in space. This instrument provides us an unprecedented access to the evolution of electrons in terms of spatial location, time resolution, and energy, representing a new type of 4D spectro-microscopy. Here in this work, we present measurements of semiconductor performance with a time resolution of 184 fs, electron kinetic energy resolution of 150 meV, and spatial resolution of about 150 nm or better. We obtained time-resolved micro-area photoelectron spectra and energy-resolved TR-PEEM images on the Pb island on Si(111). These experimental results suggest that this instrument has the potential to be a powerful tool for investigating the carrier dynamics in various heterojunctions, which will deepen our understanding of semiconductor properties in the submicron/nanometer spatial scales and ultrafast time scales.

Scanning Electron Acoustic Microscopy of GaInAsSb by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Scanning electron acoustic microscopy (SEAM) is a new technique for imasing and characterization ofthermal, elastic and pyroelectric property variations on a microscale resolution. The signal generation mechanisms and the application of scanning electron acoustic microscopy in GalnAsSb alloy grown by MOCVD wereinvestigated. Defects below the surface of GalnAsSb alloy were found by SEAM images and cathodelumi-nescence. The results show that electronacoustic imaging has its own features over secondary electron imag-ing.

Local thermal conductivity of polycrystalline AlN ceramics measured by scanning thermal microscopy and complementary scanning electron microscopy techniques

The local thermal conductivity of polycrystalline aluminum nitride （A1N） ceramics is measured and imaged by using a scanning thermal microscope （SThM） and complementary scanning electron microscope （SEM） based techniques at room temperature. The quantitative thermal conductivity for the A1N sample is gained by using a SThM with a spatial resolution of sub-micrometer scale through using the 3w method. A thermal conductivity of 308 W/m-K within grains corresponding to that of high-purity single crystal A1N is obtained. The slight differences in thermal conduction between the adjacent grains are found to result from crystallographic misorientations, as demonstrated in the electron backscattered diffraction. A much lower thermal conductivity at the grain boundary is due to impurities and defects enriched in these sites, as indicated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

18,X,Y aneuploidies and transmission electron microscopy studies in spermatozoa from five carriers of different reciprocal translocations

We analysed ejaculated spermatozoa from five infertile men with different balanced reciprocal translocations to contribute to the study of meiotic segregation of chromosomes 18, X and Y and also to evaluate sperm morphology by transmission electron microscopy （TEM） analysis. Conventional lymphocyte karyotype analyses highlighted dif- ferent reciprocal balanced translocations： t（12; 13）, t（4;9）, t（X;8）, t（8; 10） and t（3; 16）. Semen analysis was performed by light and TEM. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed directly on sperm nuclei using centromeric probes for chromosomes 18, X and Y. The carriers of the balanced reciprocal translocations considered in the present study showed a very similar pattern of sperm pathologies： diffused presence of apoptosis and immaturity. All patients showed meiotic segregation derangements, highlighted by the presence of sperm diploidies and sex chromosome disomies particularly related to the failure of the first meiotic division. However, an increased incidence of chromosome 18 aneuploidy was detected in spermatozoa from t（X;8） and t（8;10） carriers. We have also reported values from sex chromosomes such as t（X;8）, although the X chromosome was involved in translocation. Since patients with reciprocal translocations and spermatogenetic impairment are candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, the study of sperm parameters, and particularly of the level of aneuploidy rates, would provide better information for couples at risk and would contribute to the data in the literature for a better understanding of the effects of chromosomal rearrangement on the whole meiotic process and, in particular, on chromosomes not involved in translocation.

A transmission electron microscopy study of the diversity of Candida albicans cells induced by Euphorbia hirta L.leaf extract in vitro

Objective:To determine the major changes in the microstructure of Candida albicans(C. albicans) after treatment with Euphorbia hirta(E.hirta) L.leaf extract.Methods:Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the ultrastructural changes caused by E.hirta extract on C. albicans cells al various exposure time.Results:It was found that the main abnormalities were the alterations in morphology,lysis and complete collapse of the yeast cells after 36 h of exposure to the extract.Whereas the control cultures showed a typical morphology of Candida with a uniform central density,typically structured nucleus,and a cytoplasm with several elements of endomembrane system and enveloped by a regular,intact cell wall.Conclusions:The significant antifungal activity shown by this methanol extract of E.hirta L.suggests its potential against infections caused by C.albicans.The extract may be developed as an anticandidal agent.

Use of electron microscopy on microstructure characterization of high chromium cast irons

The physical metallurgy underlying the development of cast microstructures in abrasion resistant high chromium cast irons, and their structural modification by thermal treatments is relatively complex. Structural characterisation via electron microscopy therefore has a key role to play in furthering our understanding of the phase transformations that control the microstructures and hence the service performances of these irons as wear parts. This paper shows how both scanning and especially transmission electron microscopy can provide valuable information on the nature of eutectic and secondary carbides and on the matrix structures in these irons. Particular attention is given to current characterisation research on conventionally cast 30%Cr irons that are used for applications involving corrosive wear e.g. slurry pumps and on a semi-solid cast 27%Cr iron that has a potential for applications in industry.

L-carnitine alleviates sciatic nerve crush injury in rats:functional and electron microscopy assessments

Several studies have demonstrated that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on injured sciatic nerve of rats with diabetes mellitus. It is hypothesized that L-carnitine exhibits neuro-protective effects on injured sciatic nerve of rats. Rat sciatic nerve was crush injured by a forceps and exhibited degenerative changes. After intragastric administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg L-carnitine for 30 days, axon area, myelin sheath area, axon diameter, myelin sheath diameter, and numerical density of the myelinated axons of injured sciatic nerve were similar to normal, and the function of injured sciatic nerve also improved signiifcantly. These ifndings suggest that L-carnitine exhibits neuroprotective effects on sciatic nerve crush injury in rats.

CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS BY ANALYTICAL ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

The analytical electron microscopy has been used to characterize the morphology,structure and composition of the nanostructured material of Sn- Bi alloy prepared by a modified electrohydrodynamic technique. The electron diffraction pattern and the corresponding contrast image for the discrete particles with a diameter smaller than 4 nm have been obtained.It is shown that the nanocrystalline Sn-Bi alloy particles comprise a single crystal of Bi-containing β-Sn solid solution or of Sn-containing Bi solid solution. A direct preparation procedure of the samples during the electrohydrodynamic rapid solidification process has been developed for electron microscopic observation.