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Development of a high brightness ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope based on a laser-driven cold field
F Houdellier1, G M Caruso1, S Weber1
1CEMES-CNRS, Université de Toulouse, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France.
Ultramicroscopy
|January 8, 2018
Summary
We developed a new ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope (UTEM) with record-breaking brightness. This advanced instrument utilizes femtosecond laser pulses for high-resolution imaging, diffraction, spectroscopy, and electron holography.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscopes (UTEMs) enable the study of dynamic processes at the nanoscale.
- Existing UTEMs face limitations in probe properties like brightness and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel UTEM with enhanced performance characteristics.
- To demonstrate the capabilities of the new UTEM for advanced imaging and analysis.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a cold field emission source with femtosecond laser triggering.
- Precise focusing of laser pulses near the cathode for controlled electron emission.
- Quantitative characterization of electron probe properties (brightness, angular current density, stability).
Main Results:
- Achieved the highest reported brightness for a UTEM.
- Demonstrated successful imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy with ultrashort electron pulses.
- Successfully performed off-axis electron holography using ultrashort pulses.
Conclusions:
- The developed UTEM offers unprecedented performance for ultrafast electron microscopy.
- This instrument opens new avenues for investigating ultrafast phenomena in materials and chemistry.
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