A New Cathodoluminescence System for Nanoscale Optics, Materials Science, and Geology

Abstract

Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy is a technique that can be used to unravel optical and material properties at the nanoscale. This article describes a novel CL detection system. The system sensitivity, the modularity, and the capability to perform angle-resolved CL imaging enable many new research directions. We introduce the technique and give a description of the setup as well as the different CL emission processes. Subsequently, we show a number of practical examples where the technique is used in the fields of nanophotonics, materials science, and geology.