An introduction to off-axis electron holography

The technique of off-axis electron holography is introduced and reviewed. The history of the topic is discussed briefly looking at the origin of electron holography and the reasons for its growth in recent years around the world. The formation and numerical reconstruction of the hologram is discussed in detail on a theoretical and practical level. The spread of holography is illustrated through a number of applications ranging from ultra high resolution studies of crystal structures, the imaging of magnetic and electric fields, the determination of sample composition and morphology and the use of holography for imaging biological specimens. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.