Probing Physical Properties of Confined Fluids within Individual Nanobubbles

Spatially resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has been used to investigate a He fluidic phase in nanobubbles embedded in a metallic Pd₉₀Pt₁₀ matrix. Using the 1s→2p excitation of the He atoms, maps of the He density and pressure in bubbles of different diameters have been realized, to provide an indication of the bubble formation mechanism. Detailed local variations of the He K-line characteristics have been measured and interpreted as modifications of the electromagnetic properties of the He atom close to a metallic interface, which affects a correct estimation of the densities within the smallest bubbles.