We propose a Zernike phase contrast electron microscope that uses an intense laser focus to convert a phase image into a visible image. We present the relativistic quantum theory of the phase shift caused by the laser-electron-interaction, study resonant cavities for enhancing the laser intensity, and discuss applications in biology, soft materials science, and atomic and molecular physics.
@article{arxiv.1002.4237,
title = {Design of an electron microscope phase plate using a focused continuous-wave laser},
author = {Holger Mueller and Jian Jin and Radostin Danev and John Spence and Howard Padmore and Robert M. Glaeser},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1002.4237},
year = {2010}
}