Performing real-time non-invasive nanoscale microscopy on surfaces is essential to studies of plasmonics, electrochemistry and protein dynamics. Optical near-field electron microscopy (ONEM) is a...Show morePerforming real-time non-invasive nanoscale microscopy on surfaces is essential to studies of plasmonics, electrochemistry and protein dynamics. Optical near-field electron microscopy (ONEM) is a proposed imaging technique that achieves this by converting an optical near-field image to an electron image through a low-workfunction thin-film photocathode and imaging these electrons with the detection optics of a low-energy electron microscope (LEEM). In this thesis, we perform theory, sample fabrication and microscopy experiments as a stepping stone towards ONEM. We focus on photocathode properties and resolution considerations.Show less