Methodologies for the preparation of soft materials using cryoFIB SEM

Debbie J. Stokes; Mike F. Hayles

doi:10.1117/12.821834

22 May 2009 Methodologies for the preparation of soft materials using cryoFIB SEM

Debbie J. Stokes, Mike F. Hayles

Proceedings Volume 7378, Scanning Microscopy 2009; 73780G (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821834
Event: SPIE Scanning Microscopy, 2009, Monterey, California, United States

Abstract

The recent advent of focused ion beam (FIB) technology in combination with the more familiar scanning electron microscope (SEM) is bringing new insights to the characterization of a range of bulk materials. Furthermore, the FIB SEM can be augmented by a cryo-preparation/transfer system, enabling both frozen and frozen-hydrated soft materials to be FIB-milled at low temperature. This provides an opportunity to perform in situ site-specific crosssectioning, and hence study the interior of a bulk material in two and three dimensions, and serves as an alternative to the freeze-fracturing techniques associated with conventional cryo-SEM. For soft materials in particular, the quality of FIB SEM results is dependent on correct preparation of the specimen's top surface, which is rather challenging for specimens at low temperature. We therefore demonstrate methods for 'cold deposition' of a protective, planarising surface layer on a cryo-prepared sample, enabling high-quality cross-sectioning and investigation of structures at the nano-scale.

Citation Download Citation

Debbie J. Stokes and Mike F. Hayles "Methodologies for the preparation of soft materials using cryoFIB SEM", Proc. SPIE 7378, Scanning Microscopy 2009, 73780G (22 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821834

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available