Prospects for versatile phase manipulation in the TEM: beyond aberration correction

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of a versatile phase manipulation device in transmission electron microscopy, enabling advanced control over electron wave phases for improved imaging and new applications.

Contribution

It explores the concept of a fully controllable phase plate in TEM, inspired by optical spatial light modulators, and discusses its potential benefits and methods.

Findings

Current techniques allow crafting specific electron wave classes.

A hypothetical versatile phase modulator could revolutionize TEM capabilities.

Potential applications include enhanced imaging and novel electron wave manipulations.

Abstract

In this paper we explore the desirability of a transmission electron microscope in which the phase of the electron wave can be freely controlled. We discuss different existing methods to manipulate the phase of the electron wave and their limitations. We show how with the help of current techniques the electron wave can already be crafted into specific classes of waves each having their own peculiar properties. Assuming a versatile phase modulation device is feasible, we explore possible benefits and methods that could come into existence borrowing from light optics where so-called spatial light modulators provide programmable phase plates for quite some time now. We demonstrate that a fully controllable phase plate building on Harald Rose's legacy in aberration correction and electron optics in general would open an exciting field of research and applications.