Nanosecond laser-driven reflection high energy electron diffraction system providing digital imaging in real time

Abstract
High current densities of 1940 A/cm2 have been produced by a Cu/Be alloy photocathode, activated by 355 nm Q‐switched laser pulses. The transient photocurrent, 7 ns full width, is utilized for the development of a pulsed reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) system. Digital imaging and storage of single shot, two‐dimensional diffraction patterns are achieved in real time with good spatial and intensity resolution.