Insight into the World of Nanomaterials: Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons

Microscopy represents one of the major breakthroughs of modern science. Since the early 17th century, scientists have made use of microscopes to make visible what was until then inaccessible to the human eye. "For example, we can now "see" individual atoms using electron microscopes and examine them in detail. With the aid of microscopic research, we can therefore make better and better predictions about the macroscopic properties of materials." Ultrahigh-resolution electron microscopes allow unique insights to be acquired into the world of atoms. These insights are key to innovations, especially in materials research and nanotechnology, because the interplay of individual atoms determines the properties of materials and components. Materials research and nanotechnology, for their part, will be essential for responding to the most important questions of our global society: How can we have a sustainable future despite finite raw materials? How can we meet our energy needs in environment- friendly manner? How can we communicate and share knowledge in an energy-efficient way?