Abstract: A method for detecting an element in a sample using a transmission electron microscope to measure a first image of the intensities of the sample at an energy loss in the range of the element signal. The background at various points is determined in a comparator sample which does not contain the element intensity. Energy loss is determined at the front of the element signal, and an energy loss is determined in the range of the element signal. From these values an approximation function is calculated so that an image of the pure element-specific intensities can be calculated.