Biprism electron interferometry with a single atom tip source.

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Coherent, monochromatic, and stable high-brightness sources are crucial for electron and ion matter wave experiments.
• Single atom tip (SAT) field emitters are identified as optimal sources meeting these demanding requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and analyze the performance of an iridium-covered W(111) SAT for electrons in a biprism interferometer.
• To characterize SAT emission and compare it with other emitter types.
• To present a novel fabrication method for electrostatic charged biprism wires.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a W(111) single atom tip (SAT) emitter covered with iridium.
• Performed experiments within a biprism interferometer setup.
• Characterized SAT emission using field electron and field ion microscopy.
• Developed a new method for fabricating electrostatic charged biprism wires.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated and analyzed the performance of the iridium-covered W(111) SAT in a biprism interferometer.
• Characterized SAT emission properties and compared them to other emitter types.
• Achieved well-defined source and biprism dimensions within a few nanometers.

Conclusions:

• The iridium-covered W(111) SAT is a high-performance source for matter wave experiments.
• The novel biprism fabrication method enables enhanced precision in interferometry.
• The developed setup has direct applications in ion interferometry and Aharonov-Bohm physics.