Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/microscopy
For anyone venturing into the intricate world of materials science, understanding the tools used to probe the nanoscale is paramount. The Coursera course, “Transmission electron microscopy for materials science,” offers a deep dive into one of the most powerful techniques available: TEM. This course is an absolute gem for those looking to grasp the fundamentals of TEM, enabling them to confidently read research papers that utilize this technology and build a solid theoretical foundation for future practical training.
The syllabus is meticulously structured, starting with a comprehensive introduction to the instrument itself, including its historical context and the essential building blocks of a TEM. It doesn’t shy away from the crucial details, dedicating time to review the lens aberrations that significantly impact TEM imaging. The journey continues by explaining how these components are assembled and exploring the various operating modes of the microscope.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the fascinating principles of electron diffraction. Week three introduces the Ewald sphere and reciprocal lattice, crucial concepts for understanding diffraction patterns. This is followed by an exploration of multi-beam diffraction and kinematical scattering, delving into how sample size and shape influence these interactions. The course then masterfully tackles dynamical effects, explaining how multiple elastic scattering impacts both diffraction patterns and TEM images. Concepts like thickness fringes and bend contours are explained with clarity, providing insights into how the internal structure and orientation of a sample influence the observed contrast.
Finally, the course culminates in a detailed exploration of phase contrast. This section is vital for understanding high-resolution TEM images, explaining the contrast transfer function and its application to both amorphous films and crystalline specimens. By the end of this course, learners will possess a robust theoretical understanding of TEM, making them well-prepared to interpret complex data and engage with advanced practical applications.
I highly recommend this course to undergraduate and graduate students in materials science, physics, and chemistry, as well as researchers and engineers who want to deepen their understanding of electron microscopy. It’s an investment that will undoubtedly enhance your ability to analyze and interpret materials at the atomic level.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/microscopy