Real-time observation of spherical aberration-free phase image using high-speed image processing CCD video camera.

Spherical aberration-free phase images have been observed at a time resolution of 1/30 s for the first time by using a defocus-image modulation processing electron microscope (DIMP-EM) combined with a newly developed high-speed image processing CCD video camera. In a profile image of the Au (011) crystal surface, no extra interference fringes were observed outside the crystal region, which clearly demonstrates successful correction of spherical aberration in real-time. The novel real-time DIMP-EM enabled the dynamic observation of surface and interface phenomena at an atomic level.