Nanophotonics with the scanning electron microscope

Physical size and power consumption are both increasingly important issues in increasing the data throughput of future optical interconnects, switches and ultimately even optical memory elements. In this respect, phase-change memories have proven to be strong candidates, with data recording done by switching the material between amorphous and crystalline phases, much in line with today's DVD/DVR technology. However, polymorphic systems exist in which crystalline-to-crystalline transitions can provide for higher-base logics as well. In particular, by coding each distinct optical characteristic by a unique label, the different optical cross-sections of absorption and scattering of the crystalline phases of a single nanoparticle can be used as a logical element

A Scanning Electron Microscope for Ultracold Atoms

We propose a new technique for the detection of single atoms in ultracold quantum gases. The technique is based on scanning electron microscopy and employs the electron impact ionization of trapped atoms with a focussed electron probe. Subsequent detection of the resulting ions allows for the reconstruction of the atoms position. This technique is expected to achieve a much better spatial resolution compared to any optical detection method. In combination with the sensitivity to single atoms, it makes new in situ measurements of atomic correlations possible. The detection principle is also well suited for the addressing of individual sites in optical lattices.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

A scanning electron microscopy study of the macro-crystalline structure of 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridine

The compound, 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridine, was synthesized in the laboratory; an introductory level electron microscopy study of the macro-crystalline structure was conducted using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structure of these crystals was compared with the macrostructure of the crystal of 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridinium bromide, the hydrobromic salt of the compound which was also synthesized in the laboratory. A scanning electron microscopy crystal study was combined with a study of the principle of the electron microscope

Development of a scanning electron mirror microscope

Scanning electron mirrors microscope design and developmen

Flexible high-voltage supply for experimental electron microscope

Scanning microscope uses a field-emission tip for the electron source, an electron gun that simultaneously accelerates and focuses electrons from the source, and one auxiliary lens to produce a final probe size at the specimen on the order of angstroms

Cathodoluminescence studies of phosphors in a scanning electron microscope

Cathodoluminescence studies are reported of phosphors in a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). A number of phosphor materials have been studied and exhibited a pronounced comet-like structure at high scan rates, because the particle continued to emit light after the beam had moved onto subsequent pixels. Image analysis has been used to study the loss of brightness along the tail and hence to determine the decay time of the materials. This technique provides a simple and convenient way to study the decay times of individual particles

Dynamic-scanning-electron-microscope study of friction and wear

A friction and wear apparatus was built into a real time scanning electron microscope (SEM). The apparatus and SEM comprise a system which provides the capability of performing dynamic friction and wear experiments in situ. When the system is used in conjunction with dispersive X-ray analysis, a wide range of information on the wearing process can be obtained. The type of wear and variation with speed, load, and time can be investigated. The source, size, and distribution of wear particles can be determined and metallic transferal observed. Some typical results obtained with aluminum, copper, and iron specimens are given

Drug Distribution and Stent Retention of Drug Eluting Stents

In this paper the examinations of drug eluting coronary stents are shown, such as the morphology of the coatings before expansion, drug distribution, the methodology and the value of stent retention. Surface qualities of drug coatings were examined with stereo-microscope, metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope. Examinations with confocal microscope show drug distribution in the coatings. Stent retention is a very important property of the stent system. Stent retention is a force, needed to the stent slip down from the balloon. Three drug eluting coronary stents were tested with our method

The application of the scanning electron microscope to studies of current multiplication, avalanche breakdown and thermal runaway. Part 2 - General studies, mainly non-thermal

Scanning electron microscope applications in study of current multiplication, avalanche breakdown, and thermal runaway - Nonthermal effects in Read diode

Persistence pays off: Sir Charles Oatley and the scanning electron microscope

Shortly after World War II, Sir Charles Oatley initiated research at the Cambridge University engineering laboratories on what has evolved into the modern scanning electron microscope. While much of the research was actually conducted by research students under Oatley's supervision, he continually provided ideas, resources, and encouragement. He then was instrumental in having this instrument commercialized. His students often continued in the field for some time, making contributions both to the instrument and to its applications that led to improved performance and wider acceptance. This article attempts to capture some of the accomplishments of Sir Charles Oatley as seen by those who worked closely with him. The author believes that Sir Charles deserves the title: "Father of the Modern Scanning Electron Microscope.