Machine Design
  • Resources
  • Members
  • Directory
  • Webinars
  • WISE
  • CAD Models
  • Advertise
    • Search
  • 3D Printing & CAD
  • AUTOMATION & IIOT
  • Robotics
  • Motion Systems
  • Materials
  • Video
  • Data Sheets
  • Topics
    Industry Markets3D Printing & CADAutomation & IIoTFastening & JoiningMaterialsMechanical & Motion Systems Medical DesignRobotics
    Resources
    Machine Design ResourcesWISE (Workers in Science & Engineering)Company DirectorySearch Data SheetsContributeDigital Edition ArchivesCSIA Exchange
    Members
    ContentBenefitsSubscribe
    Advertise
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    1. News

    Tracking electrons inside quantum dots

    Jan. 12, 2006
    Nanotechnology could help bring such advances as quantum computing, ultradense data storage, and quantum cryptography.
    Staff

    But even the most sophisticated methods for exploring material properties and dynamics falter when applied at the nanoscale. Current techniques either have good spatial resolution or an ultrafast time resolution, but not both.

    Now a machine from researchers at the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) in France can track electrons moving inside a single nanoobject, at a time scale of just 10 picoseconds and at a spatial resolution of 50 nm.

    How? They replace the electron-gun filament on an offtheshelf electron microscope with a 20-nm-thick gold photocathode. An ultraviolet mode-locked laser illuminates the gold, generating an electron beam that pulses at 80 MHz. Each pulse contains fewer than 10 electrons. The electrons excite the sample, causing it to emit light.

    Spectroscopic information is collected and analyzed to recreate the surface morphology and to trace the path electrons follow through the sample.

    The researchers tested their machine on 2- m-high pyramidal quantum dots. When the electron beam impacts the pyramid, the electrons diffuse towards the closest nanostructure. From there, diffusion continues until electrons reach their lowest energy state, in this case, at the quantum dot topping the pyramid.

    The wide energy range of the electron beam can excite materials that won't luminesce with laser techniques, explains researcher Deveaud-Pledran.

    "With a laser, you can't get a short enough wavelength to excite diamond or silicon, for example. This machine will."

    Continue Reading

    Custom Machine Builder Develops Automation Solution That Increases Production Capacity Four-Fold

    5 for Friday: The Power of Collaboration; a Collaboration Around Power; and the Cost of Designing for Reliability

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Schmersal Product Demo: SLC BLE

    Oct. 31, 2023

    Safety Light Curtain Alignment 101

    Oct. 31, 2023

    Schmersal on Machine Safety: Manual Reset

    Oct. 31, 2023

    Please update your browser

    Oct. 31, 2023

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    New

    Custom Machine Builder Develops Automation Solution That Increases Production Capacity Four-Fold

    The Future of Connected Worker Technology and Its Impact on Industrial Training

    Brushed vs Brushless Motors: Which is Best for your Application?

    Most Read

    Cobots Double Weld Grinding Efficiency Without Replacing Human Know-How

    Brushed vs Brushless Motors: Which is Best for your Application?

    How Much Should a Bolted Joint be Tightened?

    Sponsored

    Industrial Foot Switches

    Capacitive Sensors

    The Difference Between Screw Clamp and Spring Clamp DIN Rail Terminal Blocks

    Machine Design
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo