World’s First Observation of Magnetic Fields of Individual Lattice Planes Achieved Using Hitachi’s Atomic-Resolution Holography Electron Microscope: July 4, 2024

Historical Context and Significance

On July 4, 2024, Hitachi, Ltd., in collaboration with Kyushu University, RIKEN, and HREM Research Inc., announced a groundbreaking achievement in the field of materials science and electron microscopy. For the first time, researchers successfully observed magnetic fields at the level of individual lattice planes using Hitachi’s advanced atomic-resolution holography electron microscope. This milestone was reached with the support of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS).

Technological Advancements

The achievement was made possible by developing a technology that enhances the precision of electron holography and automates post-image-capture focus correction. This allows for the observation of magnetic fields at the atomic-layer level, particularly at the interfaces between different materials. Such interfaces significantly influence the physical properties of materials, including those used in electronic devices.

Implications for Future Research and Development

This technological breakthrough is expected to advance fundamental science by providing deeper insights into magnetic phenomena at the atomic level. It also holds promise for the development of high-performance magnets and energy-efficient materials, which are crucial for achieving a carbon-neutral society. The research findings were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature on July 4, 2024.

Background of the Research

The need for ultra-high-resolution observation of matter at the atomic level has been a long-standing challenge in the development of electronic devices and motors used in various applications, from mobile phones to power plants. Since 1966, Hitachi has been pioneering the development of holography electron microscopes. In 2014, with the support of the FIRST program, Hitachi developed an atomic-resolution holography electron microscope. By 2017, Hitachi and RIKEN achieved a resolution of less than 1 nm, enabling the observation of magnetic fields in a few atomic layers.

Key Features of the Developed Technology

1. Automated Image Acquisition: The new technology allows for the automated acquisition of over 10,000 high-resolution images in about 8.5 hours, significantly improving the precision of electron holography.
2. Digital Aberration Correction: An original algorithm was developed to automatically correct minute defocusing in the observed data, enhancing the resolution to 0.47 nm.

Applications and Future Prospects

The developed technology was successfully applied to observe magnetic materials with varying magnetic field strengths and directions at the atomic layer level. This capability is expected to accelerate the development of highly functional materials and energy-saving devices, contributing to a carbon-neutral society. The atomic-resolution holography electron microscope will be made available to various research institutions, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT).

Summary in Bullet Points

• Achievement: First observation of magnetic fields at the level of individual lattice planes.
• Technology: Hitachi’s atomic-resolution holography electron microscope.
• Collaborators: Kyushu University, RIKEN, HREM Research Inc., AIST, NIMS.
• Publication: Research published in Nature on July 4, 2024.
• Historical Context: Builds on decades of electron microscopy advancements since 1966.
• Key Features:
  • Automated acquisition of over 10,000 high-resolution images.
  • Digital aberration correction for minute defocusing.
• Resolution: Achieved a resolution of 0.47 nm.
• Applications: Development of high-performance magnets, energy-efficient materials, and devices.
• Future Prospects: Contributing to a carbon-neutral society and advancing fundamental science.

For more information, visit Hitachi’s official website.