Energy Transfer via Scattering of a Coherent Modulated Electron Beam

Abstract

The total inelastic cross section for the scattering of a coherent modulated electron beam, viewed as a single quantum state, is calculated. In addition to the conventional one-electron contribution, there is a many-electron interference contribution which, under proper conditions, can lead to a greatly enhanced cross section. Furthermore, the interference term has the property of selectively exciting the target at a sharply defined frequency which is determined by the modulator. The possible relevance of this interference effect to the Schwarz-Hora experiment and potential applications, such as in electron microscopy, are discussed.