The realization of atomic resolution with the electron microscope

The high-resolution electron microscope has evolved into a sophisticated instrument that is capable of routinely providing quantitative structural information on the atomic scale. Applications of atomic-resolution imaging can now be found in many scientific fields, and its impact on the knowledge and understanding of atomistic processes has been profound. Better control over instrumental parameters, enhanced reliability of signal recording, and novel methods for imaging and data processing are areas of highly active, ongoing research. Agreement over reliability factors, serious discrepancies in absolute contrast levels, and inversion of crystal scattering are identified as unresolved issues requiring further attention.