Tailoring electron beams with high-frequency self-assembled magnetic charged particle micro optics

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Traditional electromagnets are crucial for charged particle optics but are bulky, require cooling, and lack speed.
• Limitations include macroscopic size, slow field changes, and unsuitability for miniaturization and fast beam manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel on-chip micro-electromagnets for charged particle optics.
• To enable fast spatiotemporal modulation of charged particle beams.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional macroscopic electromagnets.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a self-assembling micro-origami process to create microsized magnetic devices.
• Fabricated on-chip micro-electromagnets capable of generating tunable magnetic fields.
• Demonstrated the generation of alternating magnetic fields up to ±100 mT at frequencies up to 100 MHz.

Main Results:

• Achieved on-chip micro-electromagnets with sufficient optical power for charged particle optics.
• Successfully generated alternating magnetic fields at high frequencies (up to 100 MHz).
• Demonstrated capability for fast electron beam modulation, including deflection, focusing, and wave front shaping.

Conclusions:

• Presented a new paradigm for charged particle optics using micro-electromagnets.
• These micro-devices are suitable for fast beam manipulation and miniaturized applications.
• The technology enables advanced functionalities like stroboscopic imaging through precise electron beam control.