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Multicolor cathodoluminescence imaging of single lanthanide nanoparticles
Sohaib Abdul Rehman1,2, Jeremy B Conway1,2, Amy Nichols1,2
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Nature Communications
|November 1, 2025
Summary
Researchers overcame a key challenge in cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy to achieve multicolor single-particle imaging. This breakthrough enables detailed nanoscale analysis of nanoparticles, advancing electron microscopy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy combines electron microscopy resolution with optical emission detection for nanoscale analysis.
- Achieving multicolor single-particle CL imaging is currently a significant technical challenge.
- Nonlocal signals from stray electrons limit CL imaging resolution and sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and mitigate limitations in CL imaging, specifically nonlocal signals.
- To demonstrate multicolor single-particle CL imaging of nanoparticles.
- To establish CL as a high-resolution, multicolor contrast mechanism for electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized lanthanide nanoparticles as a model system for CL imaging.
- Identified and mitigated nonlocal signal contributions caused by stray electrons.
- Developed methods for multicolor single-particle CL imaging down to 12 nm nanoparticle diameter.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated multicolor single-particle CL imaging of nanoparticles.
- Showed that CL brightness increases monotonically with nanoparticle diameter.
- Confirmed single-particle CL detection through multicolor imaging and size-dependent brightness.
Conclusions:
- Mitigating nonlocal excitations is critical for high-sensitivity CL imaging.
- Multicolor CL imaging and size-dependent brightness are key for validating single-particle detection.
- CL microscopy is a valuable tool for nanoscale photonic analysis, with demonstrated utility in biological samples.
