High-speed imaging and quantitative analysis of nonequilibrium stochastic processes using atomic resolution electron microscopy

Chemical phenomena are inherently complex and stochastic, making them difficult to fully understand using conventional ensemble-averaged analytical methods. These methods primarily capture long-lived species and common structural features, limiting the study of transient intermediates and minute structural characteristics. In contrast, single-molecule time-resolved analysis using advanced microscopy techniques, particularly transmission electron microscopy, offers high spatial and temporal resolution to observe the nonequilibrium dynamics of molecules and their assemblies. This account discusses the authors’ research on developing transmission electron microscopy techniques to visualize intricate and transient interactions within molecular systems, enhancing the understanding of chemical phenomena at atomic and molecular levels.