SCIENCE HIGHLIGHT 7

Wavefront shaping, which involves the spatial and time-dependent control of the phase in coherent waves, has revolutionized a wide range of scientific fields, including astronomy, seismology and telecommunications. Recently, a team of scientists from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, one of the IMPRESS project partners, has presented an innovative phase plate for quantum wavefront shaping in electron microscopes.

Introducing the programmable phase plate
By leveraging techniques from photolithography and focused ion beam, the group of researchers has ingeniously developed a device that allows for precise wavefront shaping of electron waves. The newly developed 48-element programmable phase plate for coherent electron waves represents a significant leap forward in electron microscopy. This breakthrough promises to transform the field of electron microscopy by enabling unprecedented control over electron quantum states, inspiring the scientific community with its potential impact.

Diving into technical specifications
The results of this study have been published in the journal SciPost Physics. The authors explain that the phase plate was mounted on an aperture rod placed in the C2 plane of a transmission electron microscope operating in the 100-300 kV range. The device’s behavior was characterized using the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, demonstrating a phase sensitivity of 0.075 rad/mV at 300 kV and a phase resolution of approximately 3·10−3 π. These specifications underscore the phase plate’s exceptional ability to achieve high precision in manipulating electron waves, instilling confidence in its potential for scientific research.

Potential applications
This innovative phase plate opens up a myriad of exciting possibilities for electron microscopy. The ability to shape electron wavefronts with such precision could lead to significant advancements in various fields, including materials science, nanotechnology and quantum computing. The researchers have supported their findings with both simulated and experimental results, showcasing the practical applications of their work and igniting the imagination of the scientific community for future research.

The key themes discussed in the scientific paper include the following:

• Description and experimental characterization of the electrostatic phase plate.
• Application examples: Designer electron wavefronts; Object sampling with different wavefunctions; Adaptive optics; Phase programmed ptychography.
• Potential applications in materials science, nanotechnology and quantum computing.

“The development of this programmable phase plate is a significant step forward in electron microscopy. This innovative tool not only enhances our ability to manipulate electron quantum states but also aligns with broader research objectives, such as those of the IMPRESS project”, points out Johan Verbeeck, Research Scientist at EMAT and the Nano center of excellence of the University of Antwerp and IMPRESS Project Partner.

Publication details

SciPost Physics, 2023, 15, 223

Quantum wavefront shaping with a 48-element programmable phase plate for electrons

Chu-Ping Yu, Francisco Vega Ibañez, Armand Béché and Johan Verbeeck

doi: 10.21468/SciPostPhys.15.6.223

Read the scientific paper