arXiv subjects

A. Béché

Publications and source records attributed to A. Béché.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Overcoming contrast reversals in focused probe ptychography of thick materials: an optimal pipeline for efficiently determining local atomic structure in materials science

Ptychography provides highly efficient imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), but questions have remained over its applicability to strongly scattering samples such as those most commonly seen in materialsscience. Although contrast reversals can appear in ptychographic phase images as the projected potentials of the sample increase, we show here how these can be easily overcome by a small amount of defocus. The amount of defocus is small enough that it can exist naturally when focusing using the annular dark field (ADF) signal, but can also be adjusted post acquisition. The ptychographic images of strongly scattering materials are clearer at finite doses than other STEM techniques, and can better reveal light atomic columns within heavy lattices. In addition data for ptychography can now be collected simultaneously with the fastest of ADF scans. This combination of sensitivity and interpretability presents an ideal workflow for materials science.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2021

Reducing electron beam damage through alternative STEM scanning strategies. Part II -- Attempt towards an empirical model describing the damage process

In this second part of a series we attempt to construct an empirical model that can mimick all experimental observations made regarding the role of an alternative interleaved scan pattern in STEM imaging on the beam damage in a specific zeolite sample. We make use of a 2D diffusion model that describes the dissipation of the deposited beam energy in the sequence of probe positions that are visited during the scan pattern. The diffusion process allows for the concept of trying to outrun the beam damage by carefully tuning the dwell time and distance between consecutively visited probe positions. We add a non linear function to include a threshold effect and evaluate the accumulated damage in each part of the image as a function of scan pattern details. Together, these ingredients are able to describe qualitatively all aspects of the experimental data and provide us with a model that could guide a further optimisation towards even lower beam damage without lowering the applied electron dose. We deliberately remain vague on what is diffusing here which avoids introducing too many sample specific details. This provides hope that the model can be applied also in sample classes that were not yet studied in such great detail by adjusting higher level parameters: a sample dependent diffusion constant and damage threshold.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Theory and applications of free-electron vortex states

Both classical and quantum waves can form vortices: with helical phase fronts and azimuthal current densities. These features determine the intrinsic orbital angular momentum carried by localized vortex states. In the past 25 years, optical vortex beams have become an inherent part of modern optics, with many remarkable achievements and applications. In the past decade, it has been realized and demonstrated that such vortex beams or wavepackets can also appear in free electron waves, in particular, in electron microscopy. Interest in free-electron vortex states quickly spread over different areas of physics: from basic aspects of quantum mechanics, via applications for fine probing of matter (including individual atoms), to high-energy particle collision and radiation processes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of theoretical and experimental studies in this emerging field of research. We describe the main properties of electron vortex states, experimental achievements and possible applications within transmission electron microscopy, as well as the possible role of vortex electrons in relativistic and high-energy processes. We aim to provide a balanced description including a pedagogical introduction, solid theoretical basis, and a wide range of practical details. Special attention is paid to translate theoretical insights into suggestions for future experiments, in electron microscopy and beyond, in any situation where free electrons occur.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Symmetry-constrained electron vortex propagation

Electron vortex beams hold great promise for development in transmission electron microscopy, but have yet to be widely adopted. This is partly due to the complex set of interactions that occur between a beam carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) and a sample. Herein, the system is simplified to focus on the interaction between geometrical symmetries, OAM and topology. We present multiple simulations, alongside experimental data to study the behaviour of a variety of electron vortex beams after interacting with apertures of different symmetries, and investigate the effect on their OAM and vortex structure, both in the far-field and under free-space propagation.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Magnetic monopole field exposed by electrons

Magnetic monopoles have provided a rich field of study, leading to a wide area of research in particle physics, solid state physics, ultra-cold gases, superconductors, cosmology, and gauge theory. So far, no true magnetic monopoles were found experimentally. Using the Aharonov-Bohm effect, one of the central results of quantum physics, shows however, that an effective monopole field can be produced. Understanding the effects of such a monopole field on its surroundings is crucial to its observation and provides a better grasp of fundamental physical theory. We realize the diffraction of fast electrons at a magnetic monopole field generated by a nanoscopic magnetized ferromagnetic needle. Previous studies have been limited to theoretical semiclassical optical calculations of the motion of electrons in such a monopole field. Solid state systems like the recently studied 'spin ice' provide a constrained system to study similar fields, but make it impossible to separate the monopole from the material. Free space diffraction helps to understand the dynamics of the electron-monopole system without the complexity of a solid state system. The use of a simple object such as a magnetized needle will allow various areas of physics to use the general dynamical effects of monopole fields without requiring a monopole particle or specific solids which have internal monopole-like properties. The experiment performed here shows that even without a true magnetic monopole particle, the theoretical background on monopoles serves as a basis for experiments and can be applied to efficiently create electron vortices. Various predictions about angular momentum and general field effects can readily be studied using the available equipment. This realization provides insights for the scientific community on how to detect magnetic monopoles in high energy collisions, cosmological processes, or novel materials.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Quantitative measurement of orbital angular momentum in electron microscopy

Electron vortex beams have been predicted to enable atomic scale magnetic information measurement, via transfer of orbital angular momentum. Research so far has focussed on developing production techniques and applications of these beams. However, methods to measure the outgoing orbital angular momentum distribution are also a crucial requirement towards this goal. Here, we use a method to obtain the orbital angular momentum decomposition of an electron beam, using a multi-pinhole interferometer. We demonstrate both its ability to accurately measure orbital angular momentum distribution, and its experimental limitations when used in a transmission electron microscope.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Exploiting lens aberrations to create electron vortex beams

A model for a new electron vortex beam production method is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The technique calls on the controlled manipulation of the degrees of freedom of the lens aberrations to achieve a helical phase front. These degrees of freedom are accessible by using the corrector lenses of a transmission electron microscope. The vortex beam is produced through a particular alignment of these lenses into a specifically designed astigmatic state and applying an annular aperture in the condensor plane. Experimental results are found to be in good agreement with simulations.

physics.optics↗