ULTRAFAST ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
2025.03.03

Ultrafast Electron Microscope (UEM) is an advanced microscopic imaging technology that combines femtosecond laser technology with traditional electron microscopy. Its key feature lies in using femtosecond laser pulses to excite samples, while capturing ultrafast electronic fluctuations within the samples through electron microscopy. This enables UEM to achieve ultra-high temporal resolution observation of materials or biological samples, revealing dynamic changes at extremely short time scales and providing unprecedented insights for scientific research.

In UEM technology, the application of femtosecond lasers is crucial. Firstly, femtosecond laser pulses are used to excite samples, and their extremely short pulse duration (typically a few to tens of femtoseconds) can trigger ultrafast dynamic processes within the samples, such as electron redistribution and instantaneous molecular structural changes. Secondly, by precisely controlling the timing and energy of laser pulses, scientists can finely tune the excitation states of samples. This allows UEM to capture detailed electronic behaviors at different time points, enabling high temporal resolution observation of dynamic processes.

In the field of materials science, UEM finds extensive applications. It can be used to observe the structural dynamics of nanomaterials following excitation by laser pulses. This capability is essential for understanding and investigating the mechanisms behind changes in the physical properties of materials, such as conductivity, magnetism, and optical characteristics. In the field of chemistry, UEM can reveal intermediate states in chemical reactions, aiding scientists in comprehending complex chemical processes at a deeper level.
 

Figure 1: UEM System without Laser


In biological applications, the role of UEM (Ultrafast Electron Microscope) is equally significant. It can be used to study the dynamic changes of biomacromolecules and internal cell structures under laser excitation. Such observations help unveil the microscopic mechanisms of life processes, such as protein folding and dynamic changes of organelles.

The role of femtosecond lasers in UEM technology is not limited to serving as an excitation source; it is also crucial for achieving ultra-high temporal resolution observations. The high controllability and precision of femtosecond lasers endow UEM with great flexibility and repeatability in experiments. By using femtosecond lasers, scientists can "freeze" and observe the dynamic processes of materials or biological samples on extremely short time scales.

Moreover, UEM possesses the advantage of high spatial resolution, providing detailed information about the structure of samples. The combination of high temporal and spatial resolution offers UEM a unique perspective for studying various materials and biological systems, especially for capturing ultrafast processes that traditional electron microscopes cannot detect.

As femtosecond laser technology continues to advance, the application scope of UEM will expand further. This opens up new possibilities for research in materials science, biology, and related interdisciplinary fields. From the dynamic nanostructures of materials to the functional changes of biomacromolecules, UEM can provide unique insights, pushing the boundaries of scientific research. In the future, with ongoing technological progress and deeper applications, UEM is expected to play an increasingly vital role in both scientific research and practical applications.

References:

Xuewen Fu et al. "Direct visualization of electromagnetic wave dynamics by laser-free ultrafast electron microscopy." Science Advances, 6 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abc3456.
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