Elektronenbeschuss

Elektronenbeschuss, also known as electron bombardment, refers to the process where a beam of electrons is directed at a target material. This interaction can lead to a variety of effects depending on the energy of the electrons and the nature of the target. When electrons strike a solid surface, they can cause several phenomena. Secondary electrons can be emitted from the target, which is a principle used in scanning electron microscopy. The kinetic energy of the incident electrons can also be transferred to the target atoms, leading to heating, ionization, or even material sputtering. In some cases, the high energy electrons can induce chemical changes or damage within the target material.

Electron bombardment is a fundamental technique employed in various scientific and technological applications. It is crucial in electron beam lithography for patterning microelectronic circuits. In materials science, it's used for surface analysis techniques like Auger electron spectroscopy. Electron guns, which generate the electron beams, are core components in devices such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs), used in older televisions and monitors, and in electron microscopes. The controlled application of electron bombardment allows for precise manipulation and analysis of matter at a microscopic level.