A Digital Micrograph Script for Detection of Astigmatism in TEM Images
A novel digital script offers fast, sensitive, and real-time detection and correction of objective lens astigmatism in Transmission Electron Microscopy, improving accuracy and reducing adjustment time.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is a technique used for capturing high resolution images of a wide range of materials including macromolecular complexes at near-atomic resolutions. Minimization of astigmatism of the objective lens is a critical task essential for high resolution TEM imaging. However, the most widely used method currently involves visually examining the roundness of a diffractogram (Thon rings) and simultaneously adjusting objective lens stigmators to make the Thon rings as circular as possible. The drawbacks to this method include limited sensitivity for small astigmatism and potential bias caused by the astigmatism of human eyes. Users can spend upwards to 30 minutes making adjustments.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a system and method that allows for fast and sensitive detection of astigmatism in TEM images. A digital micrograph script allows for such improvements in the readings of astigmatism and allows for real-time feedback to help guide the adjustment of objective lens stigmators and correct the astigmatism of the objective lens. In addition, the script automatically reports the critical imaging parameters by analyzing the Thon Rings. All of this can help improve the accuracy and resolution of TEM imaging.
Advantages:
-Fast, sensitive detection of astigmatism in TEM images
-Real-time feedback adjustment of objective lens
-Users rely on script versus visual examination
-Less bias than visual examination
-Works with existing systems
-Automatic report of the critical imaging parameters
Potential Applications:
-Analysis method in physical, chemical, and biological sciences
-Cancer research
-Virology
-Materials science
TRL: 6
Intellectual Property:
Provisional-Patent, 2016-11-10, United States
Keywords: Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM astigmatism detection, objective lens stigmators, Thon rings analysis, high resolution TEM imaging, digital micrograph script, real-time feedback, astigmatism correction, macromolecular complexes, materials science