Speakers
Invited Speaker
Many energy and quantum materials require characterizations at a low temperature (T). Recent advancements in Cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-STEM) are opening new opportunities for related research areas. For example, exotic states in quantum materials usually only occur at low T and lithium metal. The solid electrolyte interphase layers in battery materials are susceptible to electron-irradiation-induced heating. The largest challenge for in situ cryogenic (cryo)-STEM is currently the limited thermal and mechanical stabilities of the stage, making atomic-resolution imaging at low/intermediate temperatures difficult. Achieving sufficient stability is more challenging for cryo-4D-STEM, where longer acquisition times are needed than STEM imaging using a conventional detector. Thanks to the recent efforts on holder development from several manufacturers, significant improvements have been made. In this presentation, I will summarize our assessments of three different cooling stages regarding their stability at the base and intermediate temperatures, accessible temperature ranges, and integrated additional in situ capabilities. Their applications in atomic resolution and 4D-STEM imaging for energy and quantum materials will be demonstrated using several model material systems.