DiffTools: Electron diffraction software tools for DigitalMicrograph™

Abstract

A suite of software tools (DiffTools) has been developed for DigitalMicrograph--a software platform widely used in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) laboratories world-wide. These tools include capabilities for calibration, center determination, rotational averaging with automatic peak location, pattern spot spacing and interspot angle determination, rotation and inset of a pattern into an image, pattern intensity inversion and enhancement, and calculation of basic crystallographic data. The implementation and application of these tools to experimental diffraction patterns is illustrated and measurement of d-spacings with an accuracy of 0.63% or better is demonstrated. These tools, which are freely available via the Internet, enable users to rapidly and efficiently process selected area electron diffraction patterns. This can be performed entirely within the DigitalMicrograph environment using familiar menu-based commands and user-friendly dialog-based scripts.