Application of tri-colour photomultiplier technologies to enhance cathodoluminescence imaging

有许多与电子显微镜相关的电磁现象，它们都源于电子显微镜。 电子轰击样品材料。这些入射电子与电子和原子核相互作用， 研究的材料。其中的许多现象是：二次电子由入射位移 电子、背散射（或反射）电子、低水平X射线发射、透射电子、俄歇 电子和阴极发光（CL）。CL是本研究的目标现象，是光的发射 在可见光和近可见光范围内。本研究计划的目的是增强阴极射线发光 成像常规用于一些科学和工程学科;如地质年代学，蛋白质 识别、陶瓷、高科技制造和纳米结构。我们的研究建立在一个类似的 我们小组使用并行技术的项目，该项目的一些成果直接 适用因这项拟议中的研究涉及使用三色组装的微型光电倍增管 （PMT）以大大增强CL信号。信号强度将增加三倍或四倍， 三个或四个PMT来构建彩色图像。这项研究还利用了新的小尺寸 微型光电倍增管将它们移动到SEM的真空室内，更靠近样品发出的CL， 进一步增加了捕获的光量。最终，该项目将使研究人员和 加拿大公众不仅在增强化学和地球科学成像能力方面 应用，也用于医学和法医工程和科学。此外，该提案还包括 学生培训，并将建立学生与行业的联系。

There are numerous electromagnetic phenomenon associated with electron microscopy all derived from the bombardment of sample material by electrons. These incident electrons interact with the electrons and nuclei of the studied material. Among the many phenomenon are: secondary electrons displaced by the incident electrons, back scattered (or reflected) electrons, low-level x-ray emissions, transmitted electrons, auger electrons, and cathodoluminescence (CL). CL, the targeted phenomenon in this study, is the emission of light in the visible and near visible range. The aim of this research project is to enhance cathodoluminescence imaging used routinely in a number of scientific and engineering disciplines; such as geochronology, protein identification, ceramics, high-tech fabrication, and nanostructures. Our proposed research builds upon a similar project from our group using a parallel technology, and some of the outcomes from that project are directly applicable. This proposed research involves using a tri-colour assemblage of miniature photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to greatly enhance CL signals. Signal strength will be tripled or quadrupled by using an assemblage of three or four PMTs to construct a colour image. This research also capitalizes on the small size of the new mini-PMTs moving them inside the SEM's vacuum chamber, closer to the CL emitted by the sample thus further increases the amount of light captured. Ultimately, this project will benefit researchers and the Canadian public not only in terms of enhanced imaging capabilities for both chemical and geoscience applications but also for medical and forensic engineering and sciences. Additionally, this proposal includes student training and will establish student-industry linkages.