Angle-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new cathodoluminescence spectroscopy method that achieves high spatial and angular resolution, enabling detailed analysis of light emission patterns from nanostructures with potential applications in photonics.

Contribution

A novel angle-resolved cathodoluminescence technique combining subwavelength excitation with direct emission pattern measurement.

Findings

Accurate measurement of angular emission patterns from a gold surface.

Excellent agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions.

Demonstration of deep subwavelength resolution in cathodoluminescence spectroscopy.

Abstract

We present a novel cathodoluminescence spectroscopy technique which combines a deep subwavelength excitation resolution with angle-resolved detection capabilities. The cathodoluminescence emission is collected by a paraboloid mirror (effective NA=0.96) and is projected onto a 2D CCD array. The azimuthal and polar emission pattern is directly deduced from the image. As proof of principle we use the technique to measure the angular distribution of transition radiation from a single crystalline gold surface under 30 keV electron irradiation. We find that the experiment matches very well with theory, illustrating the potential of this new technique for the characterization of photonic structures with deep subwavelength dimensions.