Locally Time Resolved 4D-STEM

Dynamical processes occurring at the atomic, nano, and meso scale are crucial to the applications of many different materials. Current tools for studying the dynamics of atomic motion are optimized for revealing “fast” and spatially homogeneous dynamics. However, for many materials “slow” and spatially inhomogeneous dynamics are dictating their properties. These materials include relaxor ferroelectric materials (relaxors) used in sensors and other advanced electronics, glassy materials used in construction and electronics, as well as battery materials.  

Here, I present a novel approach – named Locally Time Resolved 4D-STEM (LTR-4D-STEM) – able to elucidate the nature of “slow” atomic-level dynamics at hitherto unattainable nanometer spatial resolution. This new methodology will enable exhaustive studies of the often spatially inhomogeneous dynamical property-defining processes of functional materials and thus facilitate the answer of some of the remaining enigmas of materials science.