Using Electron Vortex Beams to Spin Nanoparticles

Electron beams can possess a property known as orbital angular momentum (OAM). Theory suggests that such beams, known as electron vortex beams, are able to transfer this property of orbital angular momentum to matter, causing the matter to rotate. Observing this transfer of OAM to particles in solution is difficult due to the necessity of imaging the particles through a liquid and the random movement of particles in the solution. Initial findings, observations and a discussion of ways to help eliminate variables while observing OAM transfer are reported