Dynamic Electron Imaging with Phase Retrieval

Quantifying the multiscale functionality of light-triggered hierarchically-structured assemblies represents a challenge in materials science underpinning the design of efficient next-generation optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and energy storage nanodevices. Critical to this challenge is the availability of new metrology and inspection tools which allow to probe the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of these materials, while interacting with light pulses, with quantitative contrast to all its components.

DECIPHER proposes to combine phase retrieval image reconstruction methods with the advances in pulsed electron source technology, to build a break-through microscope capable of directly visualizing the nanoscale dynamics of functionalized materials with fs-ps temporal resolution and -nm spatial resolution.

The proposal has three main objectives: (i) Construct a next-generation ultrafast electron diffraction imaging system. (ii) Implement cutting-edge phase retrieval methods to enable full-field quantitative imaging across length scales with sensitivity to heavy and light elements. (iii) Leverage these new methods to directly visualize light-activated functioning NP supracrystals, with unique sensitivity to their quantitative chemical/elemental composition and, simultaneously, to their 2D/3D topography.

This approach will enable the study of nanoscale dynamical behavior with unprecedented detail and provide vital feedback toward the design of energy-efficient, high-performance devices.