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Nanotip-based photoelectron microgun for ultrafast LEED
Gero Storeck1, Simon Vogelgesang1, Murat Sivis1
14th Physical Institute - Solids and Nanostructures, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
Structural Dynamics (Melville, N.Y.)
|June 6, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a micrometer-scale electron gun for ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction (ULEED). This new device achieves 1.3 picosecond electron pulses, enabling advanced surface science studies.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ultrafast electron diffraction requires precise control over electron beam generation.
- Existing electron guns may lack the necessary temporal resolution for surface dynamics studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a micrometer-scale electron gun for ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction (ULEED).
- To achieve ultrashort electron pulses for probing surface phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication involved photolithography and focused-ion-beam nanostructuring.
- The gun utilizes a nanotip photocathode in Schottky geometry and an einzel lens for beam collimation.
- Characterization employed a transient electric field effect.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrashort electron pulses with a duration of 1.3 picoseconds.
- Operated the electron gun at an electron energy of 80 eV.
- Obtained initial diffraction images at 50 eV electron energy in a backscattering geometry.
Conclusions:
- The developed micrometer-scale electron gun is suitable for ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction.
- This technology opens new avenues for studying ultrafast surface dynamics.
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