TEM calibration standard, lattice plane resolution, single crystal gold foil

Resolution, image quality, magnification and instrument stability in high performance TEMs can be checked by imaging the 0.204nm, 0.143nm and 0.104nm planar spacings in these specially prepared gold crystals. The tests are particularly recommended if height adjustments are made on the TEM specimen stage. The gold foil is mounted on a standard 3mm gold TEM grid.
The approximately 11nm thick evaporated gold is induced to grow in a (100) orientation. This gives lattice plane spacings of 0.204nm for the (200) planes and 0.143nm for the (220) planes. If the crystal thickness happens to be suitable, and if the objective aperture is large enough to accept the required diffraction beams, a spacing of 0.102nm can be imaged with a suitable focal setting. This specimen thus provides a valuable test for the best microscopes in service.

User notes for orientated gold crystal lattice on 3mm grid, for TEM, S646.