Breakthrough in imaging 3D chemistry at nanometer res with electron tomography (opens in new tab)

Measuring the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of chemistry in nanoscale matter is a longstanding challenge. Here, high-resolution 3D chemical imaging is achieved near or below one-nanometer resolution. Multi-modal data fusion enables high-resolution chemical tomography often with 99% less dose by linking information encoded within both elastic (HAADF) and inelastic (EDX/EELS) signals. We thus demonstrate that sub-nanometer 3D resolution of chemistry is measurable for a broad class of geometrically and compositionally complex materials.

Explanation from the Chat:

> The paper does not explicitly state that they can "take pictures" of individual atoms. Instead, it focuses on the improved ability to map the chemical composition of materials at sub-nanometer resolution using a combination of electron tomography techniques. This means they can visualize the arrangement and types of atoms in three dimensions with very high precision, rather than imaging individual atoms directly. The advancements significantly enhance the detail and accuracy in studying materials at the nanoscale.

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