Electron Detector for SEM

Agata Sakic developed photodiodes for electron microscopes. They can detect back-scattered and secondary electrons, both with high efficiency. They are very small and CMOS compatible – meaning they can be fabricated with existing technology. But their most important quality is their high sensitivity. 
"Our photodiodes are able to detect energies as low as 50 electron volts - which is a world record, as far as we know. As a result, the SEM-images have an increased depth of field and a higher resolution. The secret behind our success is a two-nanometers-thick boron layer that allows even very low-energy electrons to reach the photosensitive surface. It’s fascinating that we are able to deposit such an ultrathin layer, with amazing electric properties, in a reliable and reproducible way." 
The devices are now used in the latest SEMs of the FEI company.