Subcycle optical microscopy with Angstrom-scale resolution

F. Schiegl; T. Siday; J. Hayes; P. Menden; V. Bergbauer; S. Nerreter; S. Lingl; J. Wilhelm; M. A. Huber; Y. A. Gerasimenko; R. Huber

doi:10.1117/12.3029407

1 October 2024 Subcycle optical microscopy with Angstrom-scale resolution

F. Schiegl, T. Siday, J. Hayes, P. Menden, V. Bergbauer, S. Nerreter, S. Lingl, J. Wilhelm, M. A. Huber, Y. A. Gerasimenko, R. Huber

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13141, Terahertz Emitters, Receivers, and Applications XV; 131410D (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3029407
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2024, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We introduce a novel contrast mechanism in near-field microscopy which allows for all-optical atomic-scale microscopy with subcycle temporal resolution. To this end, we combine near-field microscopy with ultrahigh vacuum, low temperatures and sub-nanometer tip tapping amplitudes. On these scales, a surprisingly efficient non-classical near-field response occurs, which follows the vector potential of light and is strictly confined to atomic length scales. This ultrafast signal features an optical phase delay of ~π/2 and facilitates tracking of tunnelling dynamics. Our method reveals nanoscale defects and captures current transients on semiconducting van-der-Waals materials with subcycle sampling, allowing us to record the quantum flow of electrons in conductive and insulating quantum materials at ultimate spatiotemporal scales.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

F. Schiegl, T. Siday, J. Hayes, P. Menden, V. Bergbauer, S. Nerreter, S. Lingl, J. Wilhelm, M. A. Huber, Y. A. Gerasimenko, and R. Huber "Subcycle optical microscopy with Angstrom-scale resolution", Proc. SPIE 13141, Terahertz Emitters, Receivers, and Applications XV, 131410D (1 October 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3029407

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