Simultaneous mapping of EMCD signals and crystal orientations in a transmission electron microscope

• When magnetic properties are analysed in a transmission electron microscope using the technique of electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD), one of the critical parameters is the sample orientation. Since small orientation changes can have a strong impact on the measurement of the EMCD signal and such measurements need two separate measurements of conjugate EELS spectra, it is experimentally non-trivial to measure the EMCD signal as a function of sample orientation. Here, we have developed a methodology to simultaneously map the quantitative EMCD signals and the local orientation of the crystal. We analyse, both experimentally and by simulations, how the measured magnetic signals evolve with a change in the crystal tilt. Based on this analysis, we establish an accurate relationship between the crystal orientations and the EMCD signals. Our results demonstrate that a small variation in crystal tilt can significantly alter the strength of the EMCD signal. From an optimisation of the crystal orientation, we obtain quantitative EMCD measurements.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Nanoteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Nano-technology (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)