Application of the beam propagation method to the image formation theory in transmission electron microscopy

The so-called Beam Propagation Method (BPM), a proven powerful mathematical tool originally developed for fiber optics, has been adapted to electron optics, specifically for the transmission Electron Microscopy image formation theory. First, a review of the mathematical basis of BPM is presented, followed by a full description of how it can be adapted to electron propagation and image formation. Finally, the actual application to general scattering objects as well as some practical uses, are discussed.