TEM analysis of superconducting Pd doped Bi$_2$Se$_3$

We investigate the material properties of Bi$_2$Se$_3$ doped with Pd via thermal annealing, which can be used to induce localized superconductivity$^1$. We utilize a transmission electron microscope and combine electron diffraction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping to better understand how the Pd extends into the Bi$_2$Se$_3$ as well as to reveal the atomic composition of both the Pd-doped and the intact Bi$_2$Se$_3$ regions. The results show a high concentration of Pd entering the nanostructures, exceeding atomic ratios of dopants (for example Cu) found to induce superconductivity in the more commonly measured Cu-doped Bi2Se3(Cu$_x$Bi$_2$Se$_3$). 1. J. T. Mlack et. al. "Patterning superconductivity in a topological insulator", arXiv:1610.08642 [cond-mat.mes-hall]