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Momentum microscope
A momentum microscope reveals where electrons are located within materials and how they move.
Why it’s important
Anyone developing the information technologies of tomorrow must understand what electrons do. These tiny particles are constantly in motion. The way they behave in a crystal lattice influences key material properties, such as electrical conductivity, magnetism, and novel quantum effects.
How it works
The momentum microscope utilizes the photoelectric effect: when light shines on a material, electrons are released. The system detects these electrons. The measured values can be used to create a kind of map of electron movement within the material, containing information on electron properties such as momentum, spin, and orbitals, as well as spatial and temporal changes.
He knows his stuff
Dr. Christian Tusche from the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-6) has been driving the development of momentum microscopy for over ten years.
Dr. Tusche, is the Jülich microscope particularly special?
Yes, it’s unique. We developed it together with our mechanical workshop. You cannot buy it from any specialist company.
What sets it apart from previous systems?
It is significantly more powerful and provides even sharper images of electron states. It can even investigate ultrafast processes, such as those involved in the switching of electronic components.
How did you manage that?
With the help of a newly developed electron optics system. This means that the instrument does not require an electron accelerator or X-ray laser as a radiation source. A desktop-sized UV laser is sufficient.
This text is taken from the 1/26 issue of effzett. Copyright Portrait: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Bernd Nörig
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Last Modified: 20.08.2026