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Stable ultrafast graphene hot-electron source on optical fiber

Author

Listed:
  • Guangjie Yao

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

  • Hao Hong

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

  • Xu Zhou

    (South China Normal University)

  • Kaifeng Lin

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

  • Huazhan Liu

    (Peking University)

  • Yilong You

    (Peking University)

  • Chang Liu

    (Peking University)

  • Ke Chen

    (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology)

  • Chi Li

    (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology)

  • Jianbo Yin

    (Peking University)

  • Zhujun Wang

    (Shanghai Tech University)

  • Xuewen Fu

    (Nankai University)

  • Qing Dai

    (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology)

  • Dapeng Yu

    (Peking University
    Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering)

  • Kaihui Liu

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

Abstract

A stable and durable ultrafast electron source is highly desirable for sophisticated vacuum electron technologies. However, free-space excitations based on ultrahigh-power or deep-ultraviolet pulsed lasers usually cause cathode material damage and mechanical vibration even under ultrahigh vacuum. In this work, we present a compact ultrafast electron source consisting of graphene integrated on an optical fiber, taking advantage of the ultrafast hot-electron emission from graphene and well-defined single-mode excitation from the optical fiber. With mild excitation (~1 GW/cm2, infrared laser), an ultrashort electron pulse (width of ~ 80 fs) with high stability (fluctuation ≤±0.5% in 8 hours) and longevity (T90 > 500 hours) can be generated even under relatively high ambient pressure (up to 100 Pa). This compact source has been facilely integrated into a commercial electron microscope for time-resolved imaging and spectroscopy. Our graphene optical fiber-based ultrafast electron source offers a promising solution to support the development of vacuum electron instruments.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangjie Yao & Hao Hong & Xu Zhou & Kaifeng Lin & Huazhan Liu & Yilong You & Chang Liu & Ke Chen & Chi Li & Jianbo Yin & Zhujun Wang & Xuewen Fu & Qing Dai & Dapeng Yu & Kaihui Liu, 2025. "Stable ultrafast graphene hot-electron source on optical fiber," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-7, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60915-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60915-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Michael Krüger & Markus Schenk & Peter Hommelhoff, 2011. "Attosecond control of electrons emitted from a nanoscale metal tip," Nature, Nature, vol. 475(7354), pages 78-81, July.
    3. David Nabben & Joel Kuttruff & Levin Stolz & Andrey Ryabov & Peter Baum, 2023. "Attosecond electron microscopy of sub-cycle optical dynamics," Nature, Nature, vol. 619(7968), pages 63-67, July.
    4. M. Merano & S. Sonderegger & A. Crottini & S. Collin & P. Renucci & E. Pelucchi & A. Malko & M. H. Baier & E. Kapon & B. Deveaud & J.-D. Ganière, 2005. "Probing carrier dynamics in nanostructures by picosecond cathodoluminescence," Nature, Nature, vol. 438(7067), pages 479-482, November.
    5. Zoltán Mics & Klaas-Jan Tielrooij & Khaled Parvez & Søren A. Jensen & Ivan Ivanov & Xinliang Feng & Klaus Müllen & Mischa Bonn & Dmitry Turchinovich, 2015. "Thermodynamic picture of ultrafast charge transport in graphene," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, November.
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