Quantum Klystron

Coherent manipulation of quantum systems with precisely controlled electromagnetic fields, such as laser or microwave pulses, is one of the key elements of quantum optics and quantum technologies. The spatial resolution is generally limited by diffraction (cm for microwaves to hundreds of nm for optical frequencies), which has been partially met by elaborate strategies such as utilizing sub- wavelength antennas and tuneable resonance frequencies. Spatial resolution on the nano-scale is generically achieved in electron microscopy due to the small deBroglie wavelength of electrons, enabling the measurement of atomic and electronic properties of materials with precision down to the atomic scale. For this project, we plan to harness the advantages of electron optics for applications in quantum technologies. We propose to employ a spatially modulated electron beam as an alternative method of coherent manipulation of quantum systems. This project will give the first example for coherent manipulation of quantum systems with free-space electron beams. It provides a pathway towards electron-mediated delivery of spatially and spectrally selective electromagnetic fields for quantum control on the nano-scale.