Thursday, 3 February 2011

Following a successful 2011 ARC LEIF bid, CMCA will acquire cryo-SEM capabilities this coming year, to provide improved imaging capabililties for hydrated and beam sensitive samples.  Marilyn Carey from Gatan UK will present information on cryo-SEM techniques for those wanting to know more about cryo-SEM or SEM in general, illustrated with some fantastic images.

The high vacuum present in a SEM is a highly invasive environment for hydrated, low melting point and volatile specimens.  Specimens of this type when placed into the SEM chamber readily collapse, providing little or no cryo-fixation.  Such samples remain as close as possible to their natural state in the high vacuum of the SEM and allow their examination under the electron beam.

In addition, cryo-fixed samples can be fractured to expose internal microstructure and etched to enhance micro-structural detail, providing further information.  To improve resolution further, samples may also be coated prior to imaging.  The technique can be applied to a large range of samples with regards to both biological and materials applications.

The technique is simple and quick to undertake and provides high resolution data of value.

WHEN: Tuesday 15 February - 11.00am - 12.00noon

WHERE: CMCA Seminar Room, Level 1, Physics Building

CONTACT: Dana Crisan (Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis) (+61 8) 6488 2770

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Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis