Robust Local Thickness Estimation of Sub-Micrometer Specimen by 4D-STEM

A quantitative four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging technique (q4STEM) for local thickness estimation across amorphous specimen such as obtained by focused ion beam (FIB)-milling of lamellae for (cryo-)TEM analysis is presented. This study is based on measuring spatially resolved diffraction patterns to obtain the angular distribution of electron scattering, or the ratio of integrated virtual dark and bright field STEM signals, and their quantitative evaluation using Monte Carlo simulations. The method is independent of signal intensity calibrations and only requires knowledge of the detector geometry, which is invariant for a given instrument. This study demonstrates that the method yields robust thickness estimates for sub-micrometer amorphous specimen using both direct detection and light conversion 2D-STEM detectors in a coincident FIB-SEM and a conventional SEM. Due to its facile implementation and minimal dose reauirements, it is anticipated that this method will find applications for in situ thickness monitoring during lamella fabrication of beam-sensitive materials.

Automated summary

This study presents a quantitative four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging technique (q4STEM) for local thickness estimation across amorphous specimens. The method measures spatially resolved diffraction patterns and evaluates the angular distribution of electron scattering or the ratio of integrated virtual dark and bright field STEM signals using Monte Carlo simulations. The method is independent of signal intensity calibrations and only requires knowledge of the detector geometry. The results demonstrate that the method yields robust thickness estimates for sub-micrometer amorphous specimens in different detectors and instruments.