Angle-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy

Abstract

We present a novel cathodoluminescence spectroscopy technique which combines a deep subwavelength excitation resolution with angle-resolved detection capabilities. The cathodoluminescence emission is collected by a paraboloid mirror (effective NA=0.96) and is projected onto a 2D CCD array. The azimuthal and polar emission pattern is directly deduced from the image. As proof of principle we use the technique to measure the angular distribution of transition radiation from a single crystalline gold surface under 30 keV electron irradiation. We find that the experiment matches very well with theory, illustrating the potential of this new technique for the characterization of photonic structures with deep subwavelength dimensions.