Fast atom diffraction inside a molecular beam epitaxy chamber, a rich combination

Two aspects of the contribution of grazing incidence fast atom diffraction (GIFAD) to molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) are reviewed here: the ability of GIFAD to provide \emph{in-situ} a precise description of the atomic-scale surface topology, and its ability to follow larger-scale changes in surface roughness during layer-by-layer growth. Recent experimental and theoretical results obtained for the He atom beam incident along the highly corrugated $[ 1\bar{1}0 ]$ direction of the $\beta_{2}$(2$\times$4) reconstructed GaAs(001) surface are summarized and complemented by the measurements and calculations for the beam incidence along the weakly corrugated [010] direction where a periodicity twice smaller as expected is observed. The combination of the experiment, quantum scattering matrix calculations, and semiclassical analysis allows in this case to reveal structural characteristics of the surface. For the in situ measurements of GIFAD during molecular beam epitaxy of GaAs on GaAs surface we analyse the change in elastic and inelastic contributions in the scattered beam, and the variation of the diffraction pattern in polar angle scattering. This analysis outlines the robustness, the simplicity and the richness of the GIFAD as a technique to monitor the layer-by-layer epitaxial growth

Tailored photocleavable peptides: fragmentation and neutralization pathways in high vacuum

Photocleavable tags (PCTs) have the potential for excellent spatio-temporal control over the release of subunits of complex molecules. Here, we show that electrosprayed oligopeptides, functionalized by a tailored ortho -nitroarylether can undergo site-specific photo-activated cleavage under UV irradiation (266 nm) in high vacuum. The comparison of UV photodissociation (UVPD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) points to the thermal nature of the cleavage mechanism, a picture corroborated by the temperature dependence of the process. Two competing photodissociation pathways can be identified. In one case a phenolate anion is separated from a neutral zwitterion. In the other case a neutral phenol derivative leaves a negatively charged peptide behind. To understand the factors favoring one channel over the other, we investigate the influence of the peptide length, the nature of the phenolic group and the position of the nitro-group ( ortho vs. para ). The observed gas phase cleavage of a para -nitro benzylic ether markedly differs from the established behavior in solution

Research campaign: Macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO)

The objective of the proposed macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO) mission is to harness space for achieving long free-fall times, extreme vacuum, nano-gravity, and cryogenic temperatures to test the foundations of physics in macroscopic quantum experiments at the interface with gravity. Developing the necessary technologies, achieving the required sensitivities and providing the necessary isolation of macroscopic quantum systems from their environment will lay the path for developing novel quantum sensors. Earlier studies showed that the proposal is feasible but that several critical challenges remain, and key technologies need to be developed. Recent scientific and technological developments since the original proposal of MAQRO promise the potential for achieving additional science objectives. The proposed research campaign aims to advance the state of the art and to perform the first macroscopic quantum experiments in space. Experiments on the ground, in micro-gravity, and in space will drive the proposed research campaign during the current decade to enable the implementation of MAQRO within the subsequent decade

Inelastic diffraction of fast atoms on crystal surfaces a Lamb-Dicke regime in shallow atomic collisions

International audienceSynopsis Grazing incidence fast atom diffraction (GIFAD) uses keV atoms to investigate properties of crystal surfaces. It exists in two flavors; The elastic diffraction is identified by bright spots sitting on the Laue circle of energy conservation. We will focus on inelastic diffraction with a model where the surface atoms are quantum harmonic oscillators and where the successive collisions of the projectile take place in the Lamb-Dicke regime. The model explains observed lines shapes and predicts a drastic dependence of the energy loss ∆E ∝ θ 7

Refraction of Fast Ne Atoms in the Attractive Well of a LiF(001) Surface

International audienceNe atoms with energies up to 3 keV are diffracted under grazing angles of incidence from a LiF(001) surface. For a small momentum component of the incident beam perpendicular to the surface, we observe an increase of the elastic rainbow angle together with a broadening of the inelastic scattering profile. We interpret these two effects as the refraction of the atomic wave in the attractive part of the surface potential. We use a fast, rigorous dynamical diffraction calculation to find a projectile-surface potential model that enables a quantitative reproduction of the experimental data for up to ten diffraction orders. This allows us to extract an attractive potential well depth of 10.4 meV. Our results set a benchmark for more refined surface potential models which include the weak Van der Waals region, a long-standing challenge in the study of atom-surface interactions

Inelastic diffraction of fast atoms on crystal surfaces a Lamb-Dicke regime in shallow atomic collisions

International audienceSynopsis Grazing incidence fast atom diffraction (GIFAD) uses keV atoms to investigate properties of crystal surfaces. It exists in two flavors; The elastic diffraction is identified by bright spots sitting on the Laue circle of energy conservation. We will focus on inelastic diffraction with a model where the surface atoms are quantum harmonic oscillators and where the successive collisions of the projectile take place in the Lamb-Dicke regime. The model explains observed lines shapes and predicts a drastic dependence of the energy loss ∆E ∝ θ 7

Active correction of the tilt angle of the surface plane with respect to the rotation axis during azimuthal scan

International audienceA procedure to measure the residual tilt angle τ between a flat surface and the azimuthal rotation axis of the sample holder is described. When the incidence angle θ and readout of the azimuthal angle ϕ are controlled by motors, an active compensation mechanism can be implemented to reduce the effect of the tilt angle during azimuthal motion. After this correction, the effective angle of incidence is kept fixed, and only the small residual oscillation of the scattering plane remains

Diffraction of 80 eV hydrogen through suspended graphene

International audienc

Note: A large open ratio, time, and position sensitive detector for time of flight measurements in UHV

International audienceWe report on the construction of an UHV compatible 40 mm active diameter detector based on micro channel plates and assembled directly on the feed-throughs of a DN63CF flange. It is based on the charge division technique and uses a standard 2 inch Si wafer as a collector. The front end electronic is placed directly on the air side of the flange allowing excellent immunity to noise and a very good timing signal with reduced ringing. The important aberrations are corrected empirically providing an absolute positioning accuracy of 500 μm while a 150 μm resolution is measured in the center