In a groundbreaking collaborative effort, a research team from Japan, consisting of experts from Hitachi, Ltd., Kyushu University, RIKEN, and HREM Research Inc., has achieved a significant breakthrough in the observation of magnetic fields at incredibly small scales. This achievement has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including electronic devices, catalysis, transportation, and energy generation.
One of the critical factors that dictate a crystalline material’s properties is the arrangement of atoms and the behavior of electrons. Understanding the orientation and strength of magnetic fields, especially at the interface between different atomic layers or materials, can help explain many unique physical phenomena. Prior to this groundbreaking research, the maximum resolution for observing magnetic fields at atomic layers was limited to around 0.67 nm. However, the team managed to push this limit further by addressing key limitations in Hitachi’s holography electron microscope.
The research team developed a system to automate the control and tuning of the imaging device, significantly increasing the speed of data acquisition. By performing specific averaging operations with the acquired images, they were able to minimize noise and obtain clearer images containing distinct electric and magnetic field data. Additionally, they addressed the challenge of correcting for minute defocusing, which caused aberrations in the images. By implementing a technique to correct for defocusing due to minor focus shifts, they were able to achieve images free of residual aberrations, making the positions and phases of atoms easily discernible along with the magnetic field.
Through their innovative approach, the team managed to observe the magnetic fields of Ba2FeMoO6, a layered crystalline material, at an unprecedented resolution of 0.47 nm. By comparing their experimental results with simulations, they confirmed that they had surpassed the previous record. This breakthrough opens doors to direct observations of magnetic lattices in specific areas, such as interfaces and grain boundaries, in various materials and devices.
The research team expects that this remarkable achievement will help solve numerous scientific and technological challenges. The atomic-resolution holography electron microscope developed through this research is anticipated to be utilized by various parties, leading to advancements in fundamental physics and next-generation devices. Ultimately, this innovation could contribute to the development of high-performance magnets and highly functional materials essential for decarbonization and energy-saving efforts, paving the way for a carbon-neutral society.
The research team’s breakthrough in observing magnetic fields at atomic levels marks a significant advancement with far-reaching implications for various fields. This achievement not only unlocks new possibilities for understanding magnetic phenomena but also holds promise for driving innovations that could shape the future of materials science and technology.