Comment on 'Attosecond electron microscopy and diffraction'

TL;DR

This comment critically examines a recent claim of attosecond electron microscopy, highlighting inconsistencies and arguing that the reported data do not substantiate the original claims, instead indicating possible artifacts.

Contribution

The paper provides a detailed critique of the experimental claims, pointing out physical and technical flaws in the original study on attosecond electron microscopy.

Findings

Identifies inconsistencies in the experimental data

Argues the data do not demonstrate microscopy or proper gating

Suggests the results are likely interferometric artifacts

Abstract

A recent paper by Hui et al. (Ref. [1], Sci. Adv. 10, eadp5805 (2024)) claims the demonstration of 'Attosecond electron microscopy and diffraction' with laser-gated electron pulses. In this comment, we point out a series of physical and technical inconsistencies of the experiment and results. Beyond failing to show any microscopy, the reported concept does not produce properly gated electrons. Furthermore, the noise and signal levels of the presented data are statistically and quantitatively incompatible with the work's interpretation and attosecond dynamics in graphite. These inconsistencies render the claims and conclusions of Ref. [1] unsubstantiated and suggest that the data primarily show an interferometric artifact.