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Updated: Jul 28, 2025
05:33
Light-Induced In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy for Observation of the Liquid-Soft Matter Interaction
Published on: July 26, 2022
2.2K
Focused light introduction into transmission electron microscope via parabolic mirror
Yoshikazu Adachi1, Naoki Yamamoto1, Takumi Sannomiya1
1School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midoriku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan.
Ultramicroscopy
|May 28, 2023
Summary
A new light optics system precisely aligns light and electron beams in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). This enables simultaneous optical and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy for detailed material analysis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Precise co-localization of light and electron beams is crucial for advanced microscopy techniques.
- Existing methods for aligning optical and electron probes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) can be challenging and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel light optics system for precise alignment of a focused light beam with the electron beam in STEM.
- To enable simultaneous optical and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy at the same sample location.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a novel light optics system with a parabolic mirror into a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM).
- Evaluation of light beam position and focus using angular distribution imaging of transmitted light.
- Comparison of light images with electron micrographs for accurate alignment.
- Confirmation of focused light spot size using light Ronchigram and laser ablation experiments.
Main Results:
- Accurate co-alignment of light and electron beam irradiation positions was achieved.
- Focused light spot size was confirmed to be within a few microns.
- Targeted laser ablation demonstrated precise spatial control without damaging surrounding areas.
- The system successfully integrated a halogen lamp for optical spectroscopy.
Conclusions:
- The developed light optics system offers precise co-localization of light and electron beams in STEM.
- This enables spatially resolved optical and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy for comprehensive material characterization.
- The system provides a valuable tool for advanced nanoscale optical and electronic property investigations.
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