Quantifying Jahn-Teller distortion at the nanoscale with picometer accuracy using position averaged convergent beam electron diffraction

Abstract

Using position averaged convergent beam electron diffraction (PACBED) the Jahn-Teller distortion in LaMnO3 is quantitatively measured using a straightforward pattern-matching approach. The fit between experimental patterns and PACBED patterns simulated using the quantum excitation of phonons model allows a three-dimensional measure of octahedral distortion and rotation information from the near transmitted disk region with picometer precision. The effects of plasmon and other inelastic components on quantification using this method are investigated and discussed. The results provide an avenue for accurate local studies of the crystal structure origins of emergent physics in parallel with high-resolution annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging at interfaces and defects in quantum materials.