An easy method for measuring full, 3D resolved lattice strain tensor in nano-crystals
What is it about?
Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI) is a lensless X-ray imaging technique that allows measurement of the lattice displacement field in nano-crystals. By capturing multiple reflections from the same crystal, the full displacement vector field and hence strain tensor field in nano-crystals can be measured. Previously complicated alignment made these measurements impractical. Here we present an easy pre-alignment procedure, using micro-beam Laue diffraction, and demonstrate the use of multi-reflection BCDI for imaging of focussed ion beam milling induced strains in a gold nano-crystal.
Why is it important?
We present a straightforward procedure for aligning, performing and analysing multi-reflection Bragg coherent diffraction imaging measurements. Our new approach opens the door to routine full strain tensor imaging in nano-crystals with 10s of nm 3D spatial resolution. Access to the full strain tensor at this scale is essential for understanding structure-function relationships at the nano-scale.