Single-molecule electron diffraction imaging with charge replacement

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel method for non-destructive single-molecule electron diffraction imaging using graphene as a charge replacement medium, assessing its potential for high-resolution molecular structure determination.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach leveraging graphene's conductivity to enable repeated, nondestructive electron diffraction imaging of single molecules.

Findings

Potential for high-resolution imaging demonstrated

Limits of resolution and particle size analyzed

Electron flux requirements assessed

Abstract

We investigate the possibility of non-destructive electron diffraction imaging of a single molecule to determine its structure. The molecular specimen will be held on a free-standing sheet of graphene. Due to the high conductivity of graphene, electrons lost by ionization would be rapidly replaced, enabling repeated nondestructive interrogation. Limits of resolution, maximum particle size and required electron flux are assessed.