Sample interview questions: Explain the concept of laser-induced electron diffraction and its applications in atomic physics research.
Sample answer:
Laser-induced electron diffraction (LIED) is a technique that uses a laser to generate a collimated beam of electrons that can be used to study the structure of atoms and molecules. The laser is focused onto a sample, which causes the electrons in the sample to be excited and emitted. The emitted electrons are then diffracted by the atoms and molecules in the sample, and the resulting diffraction pattern can be used to determine the structure of the sample.
LIED has several advantages over other electron diffraction techniques. First, LIED can be used to generate a very collimated beam of electrons, which results in a high-resolution diffraction pattern. Second, LIED can be used to study samples that are not conductive, which is not possible with other electron diffraction techniques. Third, LIED can be used to study samples in a variety of environments, including vacuum, gas, and liquid.
LIED has been used to study a wide variety of atoms and molecules, including metals, semiconductors, and insulators. LIED has also been used to study the structure of surfaces, interfaces, and thin films.