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Sub-phonon-period compression of electron pulses for atomic diffraction

Author

Listed:
  • A. Gliserin

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
    Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics)

  • M. Walbran

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
    Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics)

  • F. Krausz

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
    Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics)

  • P. Baum

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
    Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics)

Abstract

Visualizing the rearrangement of atoms in a wide range of molecular and condensed-matter systems requires resolving picometre displacements on a 10-fs timescale, which is achievable using pump–probe diffraction, given short enough pulses. Here we demonstrate the compression of single-electron pulses with a de Broglie wavelength of 0.08 ångström to a full-width at half-maximum duration of 28 fs or equivalently 12-fs root-mean square, substantially shorter than most phonon periods and molecular normal modes. Atomic resolution diffraction from a complex organic molecule is obtained with good signal-to-noise ratio within a data acquisition period of minutes. The electron-laser timing is found to be stable within 5 fs (s.d.) over several hours, allowing pump–probe diffraction at repetitive excitation. These measurements show the feasibility of laser-pump/electron-probe scans that can resolve the fastest atomic motions relevant in reversible condensed-matter transformations and organic chemistry.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Gliserin & M. Walbran & F. Krausz & P. Baum, 2015. "Sub-phonon-period compression of electron pulses for atomic diffraction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9723
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9723
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