Methods and Devices for Modulation of a Beam of Electrically Charged Particles and Application Examples for the Practical Use of Such Devices

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and apparatus for modulating beams of electrically charged particles (such as electrons or ions) using laser-induced electromagnetic fields. By synchronizing particle pulses with a laser's period and employing special dielectric (non-conductive) structures (such as curved gratings, waveguide arrays, or ring resonators), these fields can selectively deflect, accelerate, decelerate, or otherwise manipulate the particle pulses on a very miniaturized, chip-compatible scale. This precise control enables the creation of ultrashort, phase-controlled pulses of electrons or ions, suitable for further beam shaping or energy filtering.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Miniaturized particle accelerators for scientific and medical use.
• Advanced electron or ion beam shaping for next-generation electron microscopes (e.g., producing attosecond pulses for time-resolved imaging).
• Precise energy filtering and selection of particle beams (e.g., for analytical instruments).
• Integration into chip-based devices for table-top accelerators or compact beam modulators.
• Creation of specialized beam optical elements (lenses, multipoles, phase plates) for electron/ion optics.
• Phase-contrast imaging techniques in transmission electron microscopy (especially for biological or soft-matter samples).
• Quantum interference or holography experiments with electrons or ions.
• Pump-probe experiments with extremely fine timing control in ultrafast science.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Dramatically reduces the size and complexity of traditional particle accelerators and beam modulators, potentially enabling chip-scale devices.
• Allows for synchronized, ultrashort pulses of charged particles with precise phase relation to laser fields, opening new realms for time-resolved experiments.
• Flexibility—can modulate, filter, split, or deflect particle beams using programmable, laser-driven structures instead of bulky electromagnetic elements.
• Rapid and electronic tuning of beam parameters (energy, phase, direction) using optical elements, enabling agile, versatile systems.
• Reduces energy consumption and equipment requirements compared to conventional macro-scale accelerators and beam manipulators.
• Facilitates new types of experiments and imaging methods, including quantum and ultrafast science, previously infeasible due to size or timing limitations.
• Allows integration with modern photonic and electronic manufacturing technologies, supporting high-volume, low-cost production.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for modulating a beam (1) of electrically charged particles, wherein pulses (46) of selected particles (6) having a prescribed velocity whose pulse train is in sync with the period duration (5') of a laser light (5) or a multiple integer thereof are singled out, and these pulses (46) are supplied to an evanescent electromagnetic field (23) that is produced by this laser light (5) or by a phase-correlated laser light at the same frequency (25) and that modulates the pulses (46) of the selected particles (6) for the desired purpose. The invention relates moreover to an apparatus for producing the pulses (46) of selected particles (6) that are selected by an evanescent electromagnetic field (23), produced by means of the laser (5), of a curved dielectric structure (4', 4'', 4''') by means of deflection and a screen (7) determining the pulse duration (6'). The invention also relates to a further apparatus (22) that, using the laser light (5, 25), produces an evanescent electromagnetic field (23) that modulates the pulses (46) of selected particles (6) for the respective purpose.