Materials Problems and Approaches for TEM and TEM/STEM Analyses - Sample Preparation Topic for Transmission Electron Microscopy - page 62

growth mechanism, environment of use, aging, etc.). Finally, the results of other
analyses done beforehand must be combined. Once all the data are brought together,
characterization using transmission electron microscopy can begin. Table 4.3 shows
one recommended approach.
Regardless of the observation or analysis techniques used to approach a spe-
cific materials problem, the interpretation of the results must take some important

Table 4.3 Different observation scales to be used before beginning preparation of the TEM sample

Observation of the Material at Different Scales

Receipt of the Material

History, Function,
Material Problems

Macroscopic Observations

Resolution: mm

Type of Material, Physical State,
Electrical Properties, Hardness, etc.

Optical-Microscope Observations

Resolution:
200 nm- 1 µm

Monocrystalline Polycrystalline, Textured, Amorphous

Resolution: 1 nm-5 nm

SEM Observations

Topography, Morphology
Chemical Analysis of Phases

Sample
Preparation
Orientation

Technique
Selection

Technique
Selection

Point Resolution:
0.07 nm-0.2 nm TEM Observations

Atomic Structure, Crystal
Defects, Composition, and
Chemical Bonds

Structure, Relations between Different
Phases, Defects, Chemical Composition, etc.