Application of tri-colour photomultiplier technologies to enhance cathodoluminescence imaging

与电子显微镜相关的许多电磁现象都源于 电子对样品材料的轰击。这些入射电子与电子和原子核相互作用。 所研究的材料。在许多现象中有：二次电子因该事件而移位 电子，背向散射(或反射)电子，低水平x射线发射，传输电子，螺旋 电子和阴极发光(CL)。CL，本研究的目标现象，是光的发射 在可见和近可见范围内。这项研究项目的目的是增强阴极发光。 在许多科学和工程学科中常规使用的成像；例如地质年代学、蛋白质 身份识别、陶瓷、高科技制造和纳米结构。我们提出的研究建立在类似的 来自我们小组的项目，使用并行技术，该项目的一些结果直接 适用。这项拟议的研究涉及使用微型光电倍增管的三色组合 (PMTS)，以大大增强CL信号。信号强度将通过使用一组 三个或四个PMT以构建彩色图像。这项研究还利用了新的 微型PMT将它们移动到扫描电子显微镜的真空室内，更接近样品发出的CL，从而 进一步增加捕捉的光量。最终，这个项目将使研究人员和 加拿大公众不仅在化学和地球科学方面增强了成像能力 不仅是医学和法医工程和科学的应用。此外，这项提案还包括 培训学生，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.