Fig. 4: Structure of the precipitate and the precipitate/matrix interface.

a–c High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image of the precipitate #2, electron diffraction pattern of its interface with the matrix, and atomic structure model of the interface constructed based on the mutual orientation, respectively. d–f Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image of the precipitate #3, electron diffraction pattern of its interface with the matrix, and atomic structure model of the interface constructed based on the mutual orientation, respectively. Note that, in panel e, the precipitate was not oriented exactly on the [100] zone axis but tilted 7.6° away from the zone axis (Supplementary Fig. 5); as such, the diffraction spot of the (010) plane is invisible; the diffraction spot of the (001) in panel e is a forbidden reflection visible due to double diffraction. Insets in panels a, d are corresponding projection view of the Ti₂CS atomic models and simulated HRTEM images. Scale bar in a, d, 1 nm, in b, e 5 nm⁻¹.