Prospects for lithium imaging using annular bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy: A theoretical study

► Optimum conditions to image Li columns in Li-bearing materials with ABF are explored. ► Higher accelerating voltages give better contrast at a given resolution. ► Aperture size must compromise between resolution and good coupling to the column. ► Samples with small along-column interatomic spacing between Li atoms are best. ► The trends observed are consistent with prediction based on the s-state model.