Ultrafast electron dynamics of electron-irradiated graphene

TL;DR

This study uses first-principles simulations to compare classical and quantum descriptions of electron irradiation effects on graphene, revealing energy-dependent differences in backscattered electron yields.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the quantum versus classical behavior of electron-graphene interactions at different energies, guiding experimental and technological applications.

Findings

Significant differences in backscattered electron yields at around 400 eV.

Quantum effects diminish at incident energies above 600 eV.

Guidance for selecting appropriate electron descriptions based on energy regimes.

Abstract

Electron irradiation is essential for materials characterization and modification, though the fundamental interactions between incident electrons and host materials remain under investigation. Here, we employ first-principles simulations to study electron dynamics under external electron irradiation. We quantify differences in key observables, including kinetic energy loss, secondary electron emission, and backscattered electrons, between classical and quantum mechanical descriptions of the incident electron. Around 400 eV incident energy, we identify significant differences in backscattered electron yields between classical point-charge and quantum wave-packet descriptions, whereas the quantum-mechanical effects diminish at incident energies above 600 eV. These differences highlight the critical importance of quantum effects in electron irradiation phenomena that occur in a specific energy range of the incident electron. Our results provide clear guidance for selecting appropriate incident, electron descriptions based on kinetic-energy regimes, identify a targeted experimental window for isolating quantum-only backscattering, and enable the rational design of 2D materials for nanofabrication and high-resolution electron-beam technologies.