Final Report Summary - COUNTATOMS (Counting Atoms in nanomaterials)
Modern technology is heading to smaller and smaller dimensions and the analysis of the structure and composition of these nanomaterials is more and more crucial for the development of new and better materials. This involves nano electronics, nano mechanics, catalytic materials, medical nanomaterials etc. For all these fields the knowledge of the atomic structure in 3 dimensions is of uttermost importance. Electron microscopy is the right technique to provide this information.
Within the present project we have, for the first time, been able to determine the position, the composition and even the valence of the individual atoms in nanostructured materials. This work involved developing a new methodology for data analysis (through statistical parameter estimation), preparing the best suited experimental set up and designing the correct analysis.
We can now offer to the scientific community a clear cut road map on how to obtain three dimensional information at an atomic scale through advanced electron microscopy. We continue in fine tuning the procedure to make it transparent and to a certain extend user friendly.
Within the present project we have, for the first time, been able to determine the position, the composition and even the valence of the individual atoms in nanostructured materials. This work involved developing a new methodology for data analysis (through statistical parameter estimation), preparing the best suited experimental set up and designing the correct analysis.
We can now offer to the scientific community a clear cut road map on how to obtain three dimensional information at an atomic scale through advanced electron microscopy. We continue in fine tuning the procedure to make it transparent and to a certain extend user friendly.