Modulation of Cathodoluminescence Emission by Interference with External Light

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Materials science
• Electron microscopy

Background:

• Spontaneous processes like cathodoluminescence are typically viewed as stochastic events.
• Free electrons interacting with matter can trigger light emission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interference between light and free-electron pulses in nanostructures.
• To demonstrate the modulation of cathodoluminescence by light-electron interaction.
• To explore the potential for manipulating ultrafast material responses.

Main Methods:

• First-principles theoretical calculations.
• Simulations under conditions relevant to ultrafast electron microscopes.
• Analysis of spectral distribution modulation in cathodoluminescence.

Main Results:

• Light and free-electron pulses can interfere when interacting with nanostructures.
• Cathodoluminescence spectral distribution is modulated by electron wave function.
• Cathodoluminescence can be canceled by phase-locked, spectrally modulated laser illumination.
• Demonstrated feasibility with realistic simulations.

Conclusions:

• Interference between light and electron excitations offers new control over ultrafast material dynamics.
• Combines spectral/temporal light selectivity with electron beam's atomic resolution.
• Opens avenues for advanced nanoscale material manipulation and characterization.