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Cathodoluminescence in the scanning transmission electron microscope
1Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-SudParis-Sud, CNRS-UMR 8502, Orsay 91405, France.
Ultramicroscopy
|March 26, 2017
Summary
Scanning transmission electron microscopy-cathodoluminescence (STEM-CL) advances optical materials analysis. This technique now reveals new physics in plasmonics and quantum emitters, overcoming previous limitations.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cathodoluminescence (CL) is crucial for studying material optical properties.
- Recent integration with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has unlocked advanced applications in plasmonics and quantum emitters.
- Previous limitations in technology and concepts restricted the full potential of CL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in STEM-CL that have overcome prior limitations.
- To highlight the new research avenues opened by modern STEM-CL techniques.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and applications of STEM-CL.
Main Methods:
- Introduction to various STEM-CL operating modes and instrumentation specifics.
- Investigation of coherent (plasmons) and incoherent (quantum emitters) optical excitations using STEM-CL.
- Detailed explanation of light production physics and experimental interpretation in STEM-CL.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of STEM-CL's success in analyzing plasmonics and quantum emitters.
- Identification of key technical and conceptual breakthroughs enabling modern STEM-CL.
- Comparison of STEM-CL with complementary techniques like SEM-CL, photoluminescence, and EELS.
Conclusions:
- Modern STEM-CL offers unprecedented capabilities for optical property investigation.
- The technique has significantly advanced the understanding of plasmonics and quantum emitters.
- STEM-CL is a powerful and versatile tool with broad applications in materials science.
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