Quantum Electron Wavepacket Spectroscopy

Projektinformationen

QEWS

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101019932

DOI

10.3030/101019932

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 20 Juni 2021

Startdatum 1 Oktober 2021

Enddatum 30 September 2027

Finanziert unter

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Gesamtkosten

€ 2 495 485,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 2 495 485,00

Koordiniert durch

STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - QEWS (Quantum Electron Wavepacket Spectroscopy)

Berichtszeitraum: 2023-04-01 bis 2024-09-30

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

In this ERC project we develop a new prototype instrument for Photon-Induced Near-Field Electron Microscopy (PINEM) using a scanning electron microscope. In PINEM the interaction with high-energy electrons and intense laser fields is used to study the nanoscale spatial distribution of the light fields. Vice, versa, the electron-light interaction can be used to modify the properties of the electron itself. The project aims to create tailored light fields to create quantum-mechanical wavepackets with tailored distributions in space and time. The new prototype instrument can be used to explore novel forms of ultrafast, nanoscale optical spectroscopy that can fiend applications in photovoltaics, photonic integrated circuits, sensors, and more.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

In the first half of the project, we have constructed the first version of the prototype instrument, combining a scanning electron microscope (SEM) system with light detection (cathodoluminescence, CL) and a light incoupling system that is designed for optimum coupling between the electron beam and the laser-driven optical near field to create the PINEM effect. We developed a light and electron detection and alignment system in the SEM so that the spatial and temporal overlap of laser and electron beams can be optimized. We developed a retarding-field electron energy analyzer (RFA) and integrated it in the SEM/CL chamber so that the energy gain spectrum can be measured. We have developed and tested several metamaterials geometries to optimize the coupling between electrons and light fields.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

These are all breakthroughs advancing the research field significantly beyond the state of the art. The development of the new fiber/light-collection platform was completely unplanned. The expansion of the retarding field analyzer to energies above 10 keV makes it suitable for a wide range for applications in scanning electron microscopy.

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