Figure 5.

Theoretical calculations of topographical contrast enhancement of a weak-phase object using Hermite-Gaussian electron beams. (a, b) Simulated TEM images of an ordered array of Skyrmions (diameter of ∼50 nm, separation of 100 nm) obtained at the focus condition (zero defocus) with shaped electrons having (a) HG₁₀ and (b) HG₀₁ symmetries. The Hermite-Gaussian modulation of the electron wavepacket induced by the PELM is equivalent to the application of a Hilbert phase plate with the corresponding symmetry. (c) Quadratic average of the two images reported in panels (a) and (b), showing an enhanced local edge contrast of the array of Skyrmions. The field of view in all panels is 1.13 × 1.13 μm².