Embedded Files
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
The SEM captures detailed surface images of organic and inorganic samples. This process is done by spraying the sample with electrons from an electron gun. Some secondary electrons, released by the sample after excitation, bounce back to be read by a detector. The results are processed and an image raster is developed. The raster is interpreted by the software and an image is created from the electron data. The resolution can be as high as .2Nm. Objects can be magnified up to 15000X.
Sample Preparation
Sample Preparation
Tissue Fixation
Tissue Fixation
Paraformaldehyde is used to preserve the tissue by deactivating proteolytic enzymes and strengthening the structure of the sample. This enables the sample to be stored for long periods of time without worry of decay.
Tissue Drying
Tissue Drying
The sample is dehydrated using ethanol and HMDS to remove water and retain the structure's shape. Without this step, the sample will crumple due to surface tension.
Sputter Coating
Sputter Coating
Showers the sample in Palladium ions to enable the sample to be visioned by the SEM.
Paper from the 1800s (1866-1894).
Uses
Uses
The SNE-4500 gives students the ability to understand the morphology of a given microscopic structure. The SEM is also able to provide elemental analysis, which has various applications from physics and chemistry to geology and art.
Page updated
Report abuse