Sub-picometer sensitivity and effect of anisotropic atomic vibrations on Ti L2,3-edge spectrum of SrTiO3

Abstract

The effect of temperature on the electron energy-loss Ti L2,3-edge spectrum of SrTiO3 was ascertained using monochromated scanning transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the spectrum is sensitive to structural changes involving volume expansion on the sub-picometer level, and the sensitivity is superior to that obtainable using conventional electron microscopy. Experimental spectra could be accurately reproduced by multiplet calculations that incorporated anisotropic atomic vibrations of oxygen atoms. This spectral technique could represent a powerful tool for investigating infinitesimal structural changes and atomic vibrations at local regions, such as interfaces.