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Chiral dichroism in the transmission electron microscope

Objective

Powerful methods for characterizing and testing magnetic materials are based on X- ray magnetic linear or circular dichroism (XMLD and XMCD) observed in X-ray absorption near edge structures (XANES). The similarities between XANES and energy loss near edge structures (ELNES) in the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) have long been recognised, and attempts to "export" XMLD to the electron microscope were successful. Whereas linear magnetic dichroism has been measured in the TEM it is believed that XMCD c annot be done with electrons. A recent discovery convinced us that this is not true. By a sophisticated experimental setup circular dichroism should be observable in a TEM equipped with an energy spectrometer or energy filter. The expected results of the p roject are a) the experimental verification of a predicted phenomenon in electron scattering; and b) a new method for the characterization of materials, thus pushing European technology in the growing field of spintronics. It will complement the XMCD appli cations at synchrotrons and provide new insights for physics and materials science.

Call for proposal

FP6-2003-NEST-A
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Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
EU contribution
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Address
Karlsplatz 13
WIEN
Austria

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Participants (4)