The Effect of Dynamical Scattering on Single-plane Phase Retrieval in Electron Ptychography

Segmented and pixelated detectors on scanning transmission electron microscopes enable the complex specimen transmission function to be reconstructed. Imaging the transmission function is key to interpreting the electric and magnetic properties of the specimen, and as such four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging techniques are crucial for our understanding of functional materials. Many of the algorithms used in the reconstruction of the transmission function rely on the multiplicative approximation and the (weak) phase object approximation, which are not valid for many materials, particularly at high resolution. Herein, we study the breakdown of simple phase imaging in thicker samples. We demonstrate the behavior of integrated center of mass imaging, single-side band ptychography, and Wigner distribution deconvolution over a thickness series of simulated GaN 4D-STEM datasets. We further give guidance as to the optimal focal conditions for obtaining a more interpretable dataset using these algorithms.

Automated summary

Segmented and pixelated detectors on scanning transmission electron microscopes are used to reconstruct the complex specimen transmission function. Four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) imaging techniques are crucial for understanding functional materials. Many algorithms used in the reconstruction of the transmission function are not valid for all materials and resolutions, and we study their breakdown in thicker samples.