Photoabsorption microscopy using electron analysis

Stanford researchers have developed a patented microscopy method which can provide chemical identification of molecular structures with radiation spectroscopy at nanometer or near-atomic scales, which is one of the most challenging problems in microscopy. This method combines the high spectroscopic selectivity of photo-excitation with nanometer-scale spatial resolution of electron beams. As a more general approach for characterizing materials, this technology relies on inherent light absorption, without requiring subsequent fluorescence, luminescence or any specific modification of the sample. This will likely open new opportunities in fields such as surface chemistry, biomolecular imaging, and quantum materials.

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Image Credit- 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03993