Quantum Electron Wavepacket Spectroscopy

Informations projet

QEWS

N° de convention de subvention: 101019932

DOI

10.3030/101019932

Date de signature de la CE 20 Juin 2021

Date de début 1 Octobre 2021

Date de fin 30 Septembre 2027

Financé au titre de

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Coût total

€ 2 495 485,00

Contribution de l’UE

€ 2 495 485,00

Coordonné par

STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN
Netherlands

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

Période du rapport: 2023-04-01 au 2024-09-30

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

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.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

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.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

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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