360: Introduction to Electron Microscopy

Description

The primary focus of this course is to provide both the fundamental theory as well as hands on practice with the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy to study the structure of solids.

There are no prerequisites for this class beyond a basic knowledge of solid structures and typical defects. If you are not a Materials Science major, and have not had any prior exposure, I would strongly suggest that you borrow from the library an introductory text on materials science which explains about dislocations, grains, and a little about crystal structure.

Teaching Assistants:
Allen Guo, allenguo2025@u.northwestern.edu
Office Hours: TBA

Lecture Notes and Resources

1. Class overview
   
2. A set of visualizations and simulations for TEM and SEM
   
3. Some introductory information about applying TEM to biological samples
   
4. A link to code for Monte Carlo simulations for SEM which runs under windows, see also here
   
5. Links to some material on Fourier Transforms and FFT (Fast Fourier Transforms, the numerical form)
   
6. Notes on partial coherence
   
7. Diffraction patterns used in class
   
8. TEM images: here
   
9. SEM images, Courtesy of Natasha Erdman, JEOL
   
10. X-ray microanalysis images: here
    
11. EELS images: here
    
12. STEM images: here
    
13. Channeling slides: here
    
14. Sample prep slides: here
    

Homework

Homework is due Tuesdays at 5PM. Turn in either digitally by email to TAs or paper in person.

Homework #1 due April 11th
Homework #2 due April 18th
Homework #3 due April 25th
Homework #4 due May 2nd
Homework #5 due May 9th
Homework #6 due May 16th

Lab Outline

Lab reports are due by email to the TAs by 5PM on Friday the week after your lab. Each group should hand in one lab report for all members.

Lab Schedule:
TBA

Please read and sign the Safety Sheet and turn in to the TAs before your first lab.

Week of April 10: TEM Lab 1
Week of April 17: TEM Lab 2
Week of April 24: TEM Lab 3

Week of May 1: SEM Lab 4
Week of May 8: SEM Lab 5
Here are some condensed operation guides for the JEM2100F TEM, H3400 SEM, HD2300 STEM

Final Project

Project information here
Abstracts are due April 27th electronically to laurence.marks@gmail.com

Project Presentations: TBA

Last update: March 21 2023 (LDM)