Optical simulation of low-energy electron diffraction patterns

Abstract

An optical analog can be constructed for the diffraction of low-energy electrons from a single-crystal surface covered with a layer of adsorbed molecules. The project is of appropriate difficulty and duration for an undergraduate student project and the results can yield insight into current research problems. The optical simulation of low-energy electron diffraction patterns also makes an effective classroom demonstration for introducing the concept of the wave nature of particles.

Optical demonstration of crystallography and reciprocal space using laser diffraction from Au microdisc arrays

“…To carry out an experiment with Bragg diffraction using visible light, the crystal lattice spacing should be in the micrometre range. Optical experiments of diffraction for educational purposes have previously been reported using gratings (Burch et al, 1985;Logiurato et al, 2020), overhead projector films (Ferralis et al, 2004), microdisplays (Lehmann et al, 2019) and nanowire arrays (Hannibal Madsen et al, 2013). We used artificial arrays of Au microdiscs on silicon wafers, created with electron beam lithography (EBL).…”