In electron microscopy, the pursuit of atomic-scale resolution for imaging biological 1 samples and soft-matter systems 2 is perpetually constrained by beam-induced sample degredation. While classical approaches attempt to optimize the trade-off between dose efficiency and image quality, they remain fundamentally limited by the physical interactions between electrons and the sample. Quantum technologies, however, present a transformative opportunity by enhancing information extraction per electron without increasing exposure 3, thereby breaking through classical constraints. In this work, we integrate for the first time a trapped-ion qubit into a transmission electron microscope, leveraging the strong Coulomb interaction between swift electrons and Ca⁺ ions 4, along with the precise control and readout capabilities of trapped Ca⁺ ions 5. By harnessing quantum coherence and controlled interactions, this hybrid approach seeks to advance the capabilities of low-dose imaging, improving the analysis of radiation-sensitive samples while minimizing damage. For this purpose, we customize a transmission electron microscope to provide the required ultra-high-vacuum integrity and adapt the Ca⁺ trap design, including laser cooling and state readout/manipulation, to the geometric constraints of the microscope’s pole-piece gap.
Hornof et al. (Thu,) studied this question.