Combining moiré patterns and high resolution transmission electron microscopy for in-plane thin films thickness determination

This paper reports the coupling of HRTEM and moiré pattern observations, allowing the determination of the thickness ratio of two superimposed crystals. Pseudo-lattice fringes are observed using identical TEM experimental conditions as for observing moiré patterns. The pseudo-lattice spacing is first calculated in the dynamical theory framework in two beam conditions. This approach shows a linear behavior of the spacing as a function of the thickness ratio of the two crystals. The roles of sample crystallographic orientation and sample thickness on the thickness ratio determination are discussed from multi-beam simulations. Finally, the method is applied on a bimetallic CuAg core–shell nanoparticle of a known structure. It is demonstrated that for this particle, the thickness ratio of Cu and Ag can be determined with an error that results in a precision less than 0.75 nm on the Cu and Ag thicknesses. The advantages of the technique are the use of an in-plane sample configuration and a single HRTEM image.

Research Highlights
► Combining moiré pattern and high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
► Two crystals with suitable mutual orientation exhibit pseudo-lattice fringes.
► The pseudo-lattice spacing is related to the thickness ratio of the two crystals.
► The validity domain of this result is determined by simulation and analysis.