The electron microscope: an application of the quantum theory
Definition
The electron microscope differs from the optical microscope by the fact that it uses a beam of electrons to obtain an enlarged image of the sample. It makes it possible to magnify something up to five million times instead of two thousand times as with an optical microscope (which relies on light).
Construction
Based on Louis de Broglie’s wave theory, Ernst Ruska (who is awarded the Nobel Prize in 1986) builds the first electron microscope in 1932.
As early as 1933, Ladislas Marton, a Hungarian colleague and an assistant to Prof. Émile Henriot at ULB, wishes to improve this new instrument.
Ladislas Marton wishes to use the electron microscope in the field of biology in order to magnify organic elements.
Recognition
Ladislas Marton’s pioneering work is recognized by several experts: Robert Potter, Charles Fabry, Ernst Ruska, Joachim Frank.
Subsidy application
On 24 April 1933, on the advice of Émile Henriot and Édouard Herzen, Ladislas Marton applies to the IIPS for an exceptional subsidy.
Charles Lefébure, the secretary of the Administrative Committee, asks for the opinion of the Scientific Committee, among which Albert Einstein, Peter Debye and Owen Richardson.
Ladislas Marton is awarded 12,000 Belgian francs in 1933 (i.e. about 451,000 Belgian francs or 11,180 euros in 2017) and 18,000 Belgian francs in 1937 (i.e. about 648,900 Belgian francs or 16,000 euros in 2017).
