Guiding of low-energy electrons by highly ordered Al2O3 nanocapillaries

We report an experimental study of guided transmission of low-energy (200-350 eV) electrons through highly ordered Al2O3 nanocapillaries with large aspect ratio (140 nm diameter and 15 mu m length). The nanochannel array was prepared using self-ordering phenomena during a two-step anodization process of a high-purity aluminum foil. The experimental results clearly show the existence of the guiding effect, as found for highly charged ions. The guiding of the electron beam was observed for tilt angles up to 12 degrees. As seen for highly charged ions, the guiding efficiency increases with decreasing electron incident energy. The transmission efficiency appeared to be significantly lower than observed for highly charged ions and, moreover, the intensity of transmitted electrons significantly decreases with decreasing impact energy