World's fastest microscope records brief events like electrons in motion
Physicists at the University of Arizona have developed the world's fastest electron microscope, capable of capturing events that last just one quintillionth of a second. This groundbreaking device, known as an "attomicroscope," can effectively freeze time to snap images of incredibly brief events. The development marks a significant advancement in the field of microscopy and opens up new possibilities for research in quantum physics, chemistry, and biology.
Attomicroscope: A leap in temporal resolution
The attomicroscope represents a significant leap in temporal resolution, previously limited to 43 attoseconds. This new device can capture images at an astounding speed of one attosecond, or one quintillionth of a second. To put this into perspective, there are as many attoseconds in one second as there are seconds in 31.7 billion years - more than twice the age of the universe.
Research of three Nobel laureates paved way for attomicroscope
The development of the attomicroscope was built on the groundbreaking work of Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L'Huilliere. This trio of scientists generated the first light pulses short enough to be measured in attoseconds, a feat that earned them the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics. Their pioneering research laid the foundation for this latest advancement in electron microscopy.
How does the attomicroscope work?
The attomicroscope operates by first firing a pulse of ultraviolet light into a photocathode, which then releases ultra-fast electrons. A laser pulse is split into two beams and sent into the electrons moving via the microscope. These beams arrive at slightly different times, creating a "gated" electron pulse that can image a sample.
Potential applications in various fields
The attomicroscope's ability to generate electron pulses lasting just a single attosecond has enabled scientists to observe ultrafast electron motion that was previously invisible. "For the first time, we can see pieces of the electron in motion," said Mohammed Hassan, an author of the study published in Science Advances. The latest breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for research in several fields.
