  Intensities in high-resolution phase-contrast images from electron
microscopes build up discretely in time by detecting single electrons. A wave
description of pulse-like coherent-inelastic interaction of an electron with
matter is detailed and verified. In perspective, the interaction time of any
matter wave compares with the lifetime of a virtual particle of any elemental
interaction, suggesting the present concept of coherent-inelastic interactions
of matter waves might be generalizable.
