Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscopy

Sponsor
Integrated Dynamic Electron Solutions
Year
2014 – 2015
Advisor
  • Peter N Saeta
Team
Jessica Iwamoto (’16)
Paul Jolly (’16)
Kirklann Lau (’16)
Ashuka Xue (’16)
Zeph Arvanitis (’15)
Allison Mis (’15)
Jacqueline L. Ong (’15)

Integrated Dynamic Electron Solutions manufactures dynamic transmission electron microscopes that observe samples at high spatial and temporal reso- lution by using a pulsed laser and a high-voltage electron beam. Currently, it is extremely difficult to align the excitation laser pulse with the electron beam inside the microscope. The goal of this project is to develop a method to mon- itor alignment of the two beams to roughly 10-μm resolution and to measure the spatial profile and intensity of the laser pulse at the sample plane. To this end, the Harvey Mudd College Clinic team created two design alternatives: the sensor-in-vacuum design and the borescope-phosphor design. The first design uses a sensor directly in the beam path to image the beams, while the second design uses a borescope to image the glow of a phosphor excited by the beams. The team pursued both designs and tabled the sensor-in-vacuum design given the time constraint of the project. The team further pursued the borescope- phosphor design and, after thorough testing, made a final prototype that successfully images a laser profile.

The Physics Clinic program presents opportunities for students to work on practical projects relevant to industrial work. Students work on teams of 3–5 on a sponsored research or development project.