Theory and proposal for a quantum-degenerate electron source - eScholarship

We propose a pulsed electron source capable of a 6D brightness orders-of-magnitude greater than that of existing sources. It could deliver average current up to 0.5 pA and achieve an emittance approaching the quantum limit of one Compton wavelength in each spatial dimension. It could be employed to advantage in electron microscopy, inverse photo-emission, precision low-energy scattering experiments, and electron holography. This source could make possible pump-probe experiments with Angstrom spatial and sub-picosecond time resolution. Here we describe basic concepts of the source, including analysis of main issues that must be addressed for its successful construction and operation. We have begun an experiment to demonstrate its essential features.