Spatial reconstruction parameters for the atom probe analysis of common minerals (version 2)

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Data description: Well defined reconstruction parameters are essential to quantify the size, shape and distribution of nanoscale features in atom probe tomography (APT) datasets. However, the reconstruction parameters of many minerals are difficult to estimate because intrinsic spatial markers, such as crystallographic planes, are not usually present within the datasets themselves. Using transmission and/or scanning electron microscopy imaging of needle-shaped specimens before and after atom probe analysis, we test various approaches to provide best-fit reconstruction parameters for voltage-based APT reconstructions. The results demonstrate that the length measurement of evaporated material, constrained by overlaying pre- and post-analysis images, yields more consistent reconstruction parameters than the measurement of final tip radius. Using this approach, we provide standardized parameters that may be used in APT reconstructions of minerals. The adoption of standardised reconstruction parameters by the geoscience APT community will alleviate potential problems in the measurement of nanoscale features (e.g. clusters, interfaces) caused by the use of inappropriate parameters.

Number of files and types: 1 table (.xlsx), 1 pdf

Keywords: Atom Probe Tomography; Nanoscale; 3D; reconstruction parameters; Minerals

This is the updated August 2022 dataset version, which includes new APT reconstruction parameters of sphalerite and corundum as well as 2 jpg images of supporting information.