Single-Pixel Imaging in Space and Time with Optically-Modulated Free Electrons

Abstract: Single-pixel imaging, originally developed in light optics, facilitates fast three-dimensional sample reconstruction, as well as probing with light wavelengths undetectable by conventional multi-pixel detectors. However, the spatial resolution of optics-based single-pixel microscopy is limited by diffraction to hundreds of nanometers. Here, we propose an implementation of single-pixel imaging relying on attainable modifications of currently available ultrafast electron microscopes in which optically-modulated electrons are used instead of photons to achieve sub-nanometer spatially- and temporally-resolved single-pixel imaging. We simulate electron beam profiles generated by interaction with the optical field produced by an externally programable spatial light modulator and demonstrate the feasibility of the method by showing that the sample image and its temporal evolution can be reconstructed using realistic imperfect illumination patterns. Electron single-pixel imaging holds strong potential for application in low-dose probing of beam-sensitive biological and molecular samples, including rapid screening during in-situ experiments.