Single-molecule electron diffraction imaging with charge replacement

Abstract

We investigate the possibility of nondestructive electron diffraction imaging of a single molecule to determine its structure. The molecular specimen will be held on a free-standing sheet of graphene. Due to the high conductivity of graphene, electrons lost by ionization would be rapidly replaced, enabling repeated nondestructive interrogation. Limits of resolution, maximum particle size and required electron flux are assessed. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.