Coherent low-energy electron diffraction on individual nanometer sized objects
Elvira Steinwand1, Jean-Nicolas Longchamp, Hans-Werner Fink
1Physics Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Today's structural biology techniques require averaging over millions of molecules to obtain detailed structural information. Derivation of the molecular structure from a scattering experiment with just one single 3D-molecule imposes major challenges. Coherent and damage-free radiation is needed to ensure sufficient elastic scattering events before destroying the molecule and a means to solve the phase problem is wanted. We have devised such a scheme using coherent low-energy electrons shaped into a collimated beam by an electrostatic microlens. Initial experiments using a carbon nanotube sample demonstrate the feasibility of coherent low-energy electron diffraction on an individual nanometer-sized object.
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