Prospects for electron imaging with ultrafast time resolution

Many pivotal aspects of material science, biomechanics, and chemistry would benefit from nanometer imaging with ultrafast time resolution. Here the authors demonstrate the feasibility of short-pulse electron imaging with 10nm∕10ps spatiotemporal resolution, sufficient to characterize phenomena that propagate at the speed of sound in materials (1–10km∕s) without smearing. The authors outline resolution-degrading effects that occur at high current density followed by strategies to mitigate these effects. Finally, the authors present a model electron imaging system that achieves 10nm∕10ps spatiotemporal resolution.