Scattering and Interferometry of Electrons with Structured Phase

Advances in electron sources, electron optics, and detectors enable quantum-inspired measurements with electrons. We use nanoscale diffraction holograms with bright electron sources and single-electron sensitive cameras to conduct experiments in free electron matter wave interferometry. We are using this interferometer to demonstrate quantum interrogation (also known as “interaction-free” measurement) inside an electron microscope, which can theoretically reduce the dose required to image sensitive specimens or enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of electron spectroscopy. We are also using the holograms to prepare electron wavefunctions with structured phase and investigating how this can play a role in inelastic collisions. We use structured electron probes to investigate the phase and chirality of excitations induced by the scattering electron.