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Transmission electron microscopy for materials science

Approx. 46 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to microscopy, including basic techniques and applications in biology and materials science.

Key Learning Points

Learn the fundamentals of microscopy, including light microscopy, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy
Explore advanced topics such as super-resolution microscopy and correlative microscopy
Gain practical skills in sample preparation and image analysis

Learning Outcomes

Understand the fundamentals of microscopy
Gain practical skills in sample preparation and image analysis
Be able to apply microscopy techniques to solve scientific problems

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology or materials science
Access to a microscope for practical exercises

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Interactive exercises

Similar Courses

Introduction to Electron Microscopy
Confocal Microscopy

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Dr. Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz
Dr. Eric Betzig

Related Books

Description

Learn about the fundamentals of transmission electron microscopy in materials sciences: you will be able to understand papers where TEM has been used and have the necessary theoretical basis for taking a practical training on the TEM.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science. For an instrument operated by a single user, modern TEM provides an analytical platform with unsurpassed versatility, giving access to structural and chemical information from the micrometer to the sub-angstrom scale. In a thin, electron-transparent sample one can measure the crystallinity, grain structure, size, and defects, and the chemical composition. The crystal lattice can be imaged with atomic resolution, allowing observation of grain boundaries and interfaces. It is the only direct structural analysis method for studying nanoparticles. With this course you will gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between: - the optics and operation of the instrument; - the physics of electron-matter interactions; - insights into the materials properties of the sample. This gives the background to: - identify TEM techniques suitable to solving specific scientific problems; - interpret TEM data presented in articles; appreciate the impact of technological advances that have, for instance, led to sub-angstrom resolution by aberration correction. It can also be the basis for subsequent practical training on this remarkable instrument, and a stepping stone towards learning very advanced techniques with magical names like “dark field holography” or “angular resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy”. Recommended background: Basics of crystallography and diffraction, college optics (construction of ray diagrams) are absolutely mandatory prerequisites; Fourier optics, more advanced crystallography and solid state physics are of great advantage.

Knowledge

You will be able to understand papers where TEM has been used and have the necessary theoretical basis for taking a practical training on the TEM.

Outline

Introduction
Welcome from the teacher
Introduction: the instrument - I. History and building blocks
Reminders! Ray Diagrams.
Lens aberrations
Welcome
Discussion forums
Grading policy and certificate
External resources
Where to get help
Week 1 introduction
Section 1.1
Exercises for lesson 1.1
Further resources
Section 1.2
Exercises for lesson 1.2
Awareness Quiz 1.1
Control Quiz 1.1
Awareness Quiz
Control Quiz 1.2

Introduction (II)
The instrument - II: description of the 3 main blocks
Quiz-video: 3-lens condenser system
Bragg's Law
TEM in operation
Week 2 introduction
Section 2.1
Exercises for lesson 2.1
Section 2.2
Exercises for lesson 2.2
Awareness Quiz 2.1
Control Quiz 2.1
Awareness Quiz 2.2
Control Quiz 2.2

Diffraction basics (I): Ewald sphere / Reciprocal lattice
3.1: 2-beam electron diffraction
Reciprocal lattice
Ewald sphere construction
Week 3 introduction
Section 3.1
Note on Miller indices (h k l)
Exercises for Lesson 3.1
Section 3.2
Exercises for Lesson 3.2
Section 3.3
Exercises for Lesson 3.3
Awareness Quiz 3.1
Control Quiz 3.1
Awareness Quiz 3.2
Control Quiz 3.2
Awareness Quiz 3.3
Control Quiz 3.3

Diffraction basics (II): Multi-beam / Kinematical scattering
Multiple beam scattering
Shape effects on reciprocal lattice
Deviation from Bragg scattering
Week 4 introduction
Section 4.1
Exercises for Lesson 4.1
Section 4.2
Exercises for Lesson 4.2
Section 4.3
References
Exercises for lesson 4.3
Awareness Quiz 4.1
Control quiz 4.1
Awareness Quiz 4.2
Control Quiz 4.2
Control Quiz 4.3

Diffraction and imaging: Dynamical effects (I)
Dynamical scattering
Addendum: Notations for dynamical scattering
Thickness fringes
Week 5 introduction
Section 5.1
Exercises for Lesson 5.1
Section 5.2
Exercises for Lesson 5.2
Control Quiz 5.1
Control Quiz 5.2

Diffraction and imaging: Dynamical effects (II)
Bend contours
Double diffraction
Week 6 introduction
Section 6.1
Exercises for Lesson 6.1
Section 6.2
Exercises for Lesson 6.2
Control Quiz 6.1
Control Quiz 6.2

Phase contrast (I)
Introduction
Contrast Transfer Function
Weak phase object approximation
Week 7 introduction
Section 7.1
Exercises for week 7.1
section 7.2
Exercises for week 7.2
Awareness quiz.
Control Quiz 7.1
Control Quiz 7.2

Phase contrast (II)
Phase Contrast Transfer Function
HRTEM
Conclusion
Week 8 introduction
Section 8.1
Installation of JEMS student edition
Exercises for week 8
Copy of Section 8.1
Exercises
Awareness Quiz
Control Quiz 8.1
Control Quiz 8.2

Summary of User Reviews

The Microscopy course on Coursera has received positive reviews from users. Many users found the course to be informative and engaging.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course content and lectures were well-structured and easy to follow.

Pros from User Reviews

In-depth coverage of microscopy techniques and concepts
Engaging lectures and interactive quizzes
Access to high-quality microscopy images and videos
Flexible schedule allows users to learn at their own pace

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic and lacking in advanced material
Limited interaction with course instructors and other learners
Occasional technical issues with the course platform
No hands-on experience with microscopy equipment
No certificate of completion for free users

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