Van der Waals colloquium by prof. Claus Ropers from MPI & Göttingen University (Germany) on "Coupling electrons and light in electron microscopy". Claus’ lab investigates ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics in solids, nanostructures and surfaces using transmission and diffraction electron microscopies.

Abstract:  Providing the most detailed views of atomic-scale structure and composition, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) serves as an indispensable tool for structural biology and materials science. Optical excitations in electron microscopy are accessible through spontaneous inelastic scattering of electrons, analysed in electron-energy loss and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. The stimulated variants of the underlying scattering processes become accessible through optical illumination of the sample.

In this talk, I will introduce basic principles and selected applications of inelastic electron-light scattering in electron microscopy. These include the nanoscale imaging of optical fields, the coherent control of the free-electron quantum state for spatial and temporal electron beam manipulation, such as the preparation of attosecond electron bunches. Moreover, recent progress in the coupling of electron beams to whispering gallery modes and integrated photonic resonators will be discussed, including the preparation and characterization of electron-photon pair states.

The Joan van der Waals colloquium is an ongoing bi-weekly lecture series, organized by LION. As all speakers are instructed to give an accessible lecture for everyone, these lectures aid in getting a broader view of physics. Each colloquium is preceded by an opening act: a PhD student or postdoc from LION and a different field than the invited speaker, to give a 10-min presentation. After the colloquium, there is a chance to meet your colleagues and participate in discussions at the borrel. More information can be found here.