Seeing the atoms more clearly: STEM imaging from the Crewe era to today

This review covers the development of scanning transmission electron microscopy from the innovations of Albert Crewe to the two-dimensional spectrum imaging in the era of aberration correction. It traces the key events along the path, the first atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging of individual atoms, the realization of incoherent imaging in crystals and the role of dynamical diffraction, simultaneous, atomic resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, and finally the tremendous impact of the successful correction of lens aberrations, not just in terms of resolution but also in single atom sensitivity.

► We review the development of scanning transmission electron microscopy.
► We discuss the innovations of Albert Crewe in the first field emission STEM.
► We discuss use of the high angle annular detector for materials science.
► We discuss atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging and EELS.
► We discuss the benefits of aberration correction.