I am preparing to purchase a sputter coater for Au/Pd SEM specimen preparation. I have narrowed the search to the VG-Scientific Polaron SC7620. My old Polaron E5100 is very tired.
I have located used Hummer VI, Fullam EMS-76M and Denton Desk II coaters for about $1000 less than new. Some of these include the pump. However, I have several dual stage mech pumps, so this is not an issue.
If anyone knows of a source for a good/recent used coater, I would appreciate knowing about it. Otherwise, I will go with a new one.
These are great stories and would make a wonderful collection, especially to hand out to students of EM. Yes, experience is a great way to learn but it's often best, and cheaper, to learn from some else's.
I heard that one years ago. Also one that supposedly happened at Univ. Wisconsin. Someone apparently cleaned a scope's internal parts in acetone and started pumping. Before it was fully pumped down, they turned on the filament. Bang! Nice story but could it possibly happen? I would think that any acetone residue would evaporate very quickly or is there some other phenomenon here relating to ratio of gases?
Damian Neuberger, Ph.D. Baxter Healthcare, Inc. WG3-2S P.O. Box 490 Round Lake, IL 60073 e-mail: damian_neuberger-at-baxter.co, Tel: 847-270-5888 Fax: 847-270-5897
} Is there any truth in the story I was told about a lab in London that } replaced the leaded glass on the microscope chamber with regular } glass? Apparently the mistake was discovered when all the film on the } shelf behind the operator become fogged! } } Paul Webster, Ph.D } House Ear Institute } 2100 West Third Street } Los Angeles, CA 90057 } phone:213 273 8026 } fax: 213 413 6739 } e-mail: pwebster-at-hei.org } http://www.hei.org/htm/aemi.htm
My story is not as much of a horror as it is embarassing. Several years back I received a package of samples from a regular client without any paper work describing what the samples were. This is not unusual since we frequently recieve unknowns. I proceeded to open the package and was abruptly assaulted with an extremely strong odor of bannanas. Apparantly one of the samples was a vial of concentrated bannana flavoring. It was months (almost a year) before the odor completely disappeared from my office, and I was cajoled about it frequently. I by the way, hate bannanas.............
Lou Solebello -----Original Message----- } From: L R MELSEN {lmelsen-at-emory.edu} To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Here is a "just off the press" example (but this does come up at least once a year):
I fielded a phone call from a distraught SEM lab manager who told me that some months ago he put Dow Corning fluid into his diffusion pump "to save money". And now that he has had an accident, the silicone fluid of course, has contaminated his system, so he was asking us, "what organic solvent will easily remove it."
He was especially upset when I told him that his EDS detector will see Si everywhere also, because they do a lot of analyses for Si!
I won't repeat what he told me when I tried to explain the reality of his situation......
But it does go to show that there are a lot of new people entering our profession, some with less training and experience with vacuum than others, so such stories are very well worth repeating.
But just out of curiosity, is there some "recommended procedure" for removing silicone fluid from the internal parts of a column, and also removing it from the window of an EDS detector? I presume one can always call in an outside service provider with experienced people but a lot of users out there just don't have the budget for something like that. But they do have a good supply of student manpower.
While we are on the subject of silicone, a few weeks ago a well known TEM user got me on the phone to say "hello" and commented that he had just placed an order for silicone grease and yes, he said, he was going to be using it on the o rings of his column. I told him I thought that he should be using other greases and his response was "don't listen to dogma, I thought you read the listserver!". Am I correct, namely that one should not be using silicone grease on the o rings of a column instrument?
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
I am enjoying the "horror stories" (don't we all enjoy hearing about someone else's stupid mistake) and thought I would share one from the "software" category.
I had just joined Northern Scientific (later Tracor Northern, now Noran) and was writing EDS software for our first computerized analyzer (the venerable NS-880) -- the year was 1972, and my software, like any of the stuff being produced in those years where we wrote software on paper tape for machines with 4K memories, just wasn't all that "user friendly", so it was not unusual to have to walk people through difficult command sequences. Then too, computers were pretty new to everyone and people sometimes made silly-sounding mistakes out of pure inexperience (one highly intelligent customer, when instructed to 'type a space', dutifully typed "A SPACE" on the keyboard). One particular customer, however, defied all attempts at instruction and had passed well beyond "complaining" into the realm of "abusive" and "insulting". He insisted that he was following the instructions to the letter, but that our miserable software consistently malfunctioned. We were unable to duplicate the problem and finally several of us drove a considerable distance to his lab to get to the bottom of this. We went through the operations with him watching intently and the software performed flawlessly, which he acknowledged. We then asked him to operate the software himself and midway through, observed that he was responding to one of the dialog questions with a decidedly inappropriate response. We had him back out of this and repeat it with the correct response and the software then ran perfectly. To which his response was to draw himself up and state with great authority and indignation: "but when you run it THE WAY I DO, it doesn't work!"
Question: Many years ago the museum bought an AO microscope with an Expostar Shutter control. It appears that the control box (model 1190) has been lost. Is there anyway to buy a replacement? Does the company still exist? Is the microscope manufactored under another name?
It is not "horror" story, but a sort of... Many years ago the colleague from friendly Lab visited me with great project. The idea was simply and beautiful. She argues that because the image in the scope (TEM) is green (green fluorescence of the screen), she wants to modify the sample (I forgot what, some protein, I believe) by red-fluorescent dye to be able to see on the screen of the electron microscope the "double-staining": red on the green background. No comments...
Sergey
} Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:17:56 -0500 } From: "anderron-at-us.ibm.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Operator Horror Stories } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Importance: Normal } X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on D01ML065/01/M/IBM(Release 5.0.2b (Intl)|18 } January 2000) at 30/03/2000 09:18:01 } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
Question: Many years ago the museum bought an AO microscope with an Expostar Shutter control. It appears that the control box (model 1190) has been lost. Is there anyway to buy a replacement? Does the company still exist? Is the microscope manufactored under another name?
Originally Posted by: george.bou-gharios-at-csc.mrc.ac.uk
I am writing to you in my capacity as secretary general of the XIth International Congress of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry which is held in YORK, UK 3-8 July 2000. The above mentioned Congress is Hosted by the Royal Microscopical Society (www.rms.org.uk) and n exciting programme has been put together which can be seen on
www.med.ic.ac.uk/external/ichc_2000/
Dr George Bou-Gharios Muscle Cell Biology Group MRC Clinical Sciences Centre Imperial College School of Medicine Hammersmith Hospital Du Cane Road London W12 0NN Tel: 0181-383 8261 Fax: 0181- 383 8264 email: george.bou-gharios-at-csc.mrc.ac.uk
Originally Posted by: shens-at-focus.ruca.ua.ac.be
Hi,
How we can experimentally measure the collection angle when working with GIF? In other words, how to measure magnification between the plane of negatives and the plane of GIF entrance? Using a CCD camera? But normally a CCD camera magnifies an image 20 times of that on a negative, so pictures become uncomparible.
Originally Posted by: george.bou-gharios-at-csc.mrc.ac.uk
I am writing to you in my capacity as secretary general of the XIth International Congress of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry which is held in YORK, UK 3-8 July 2000. The above mentioned Congress is Hosted by the Royal Microscopical Society (www.rms.org.uk) and n exciting programme has been put together which can be seen on
www.med.ic.ac.uk/external/ichc_2000/
Dr George Bou-Gharios Muscle Cell Biology Group MRC Clinical Sciences Centre Imperial College School of Medicine Hammersmith Hospital Du Cane Road London W12 0NN Tel: 0181-383 8261 Fax: 0181- 383 8264 email: george.bou-gharios-at-csc.mrc.ac.uk
In trying to adapt the SPAM filter last night to catch the latest porn site posting I accidently broke the software. Most messages got rejected after ~ 5 pm Chicago time. I will try to repost those messages , however, I may have missed a few. If you dont' see your posting by the end of the day, please resend it and accept my apology.
In trying to adapt the SPAM filter last night to catch the latest porn site posting I accidently broke the software. Most messages got rejected after ~ 5 pm Chicago time. I will try to repost those messages , however, I may have missed a few. If you dont' see your posting by the end of the day, please resend it and accept my apology.
Originally Posted by: shens-at-focus.ruca.ua.ac.be
Hi,
How we can experimentally measure the collection angle when working with GIF? In other words, how to measure magnification between the plane of negatives and the plane of GIF entrance? Using a CCD camera? But normally a CCD camera magnifies an image 20 times of that on a negative, so pictures become uncomparible.
It is not "horror" story, but a sort of... Many years ago the colleague from friendly Lab visited me with great project. The idea was simply and beautiful. She argues that because the image in the scope (TEM) is green (green fluorescence of the screen), she wants to modify the sample (I forgot what, some protein, I believe) by red-fluorescent dye to be able to see on the screen of the electron microscope the "double-staining": red on the green background. No comments...
Sergey
} Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:17:56 -0500 } From: "anderron-at-us.ibm.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Operator Horror Stories } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Importance: Normal } X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on D01ML065/01/M/IBM(Release 5.0.2b (Intl)|18 } January 2000) at 30/03/2000 09:18:01 } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
I would like to know why they use Argon in the metal coating devices. At our laboratory, we don't use Argon, we use air. What is the advantage of using Argon ? De Pauw Bart Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Morphology Salisburylaan 133 9820 Merelbeke Belgium Phone : 0032(0)9 264.77.19 Fax : 0032(0)9 264.77.90
I would like to know why they use Argon in the metal coating devices. At our laboratory, we don't use Argon, we use air. What is the advantage of using Argon ? De Pauw Bart Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Morphology Salisburylaan 133 9820 Merelbeke Belgium Phone : 0032(0)9 264.77.19 Fax : 0032(0)9 264.77.90
As further comment on the pressure testing of the Polaron ® CPD units, I have been asked to submit the following statement from David Cheshire, a Manufacturing Manager at VG Microtech, the manufacturers of the Polaron brand of critical point dryers: ================================================= We use an independent test facility that has amongst its credentials the following international approvals : NAMAS, UKAS, NATA. The test certificates issued by ERA are for each individual chamber and we have copies of all these. The test itself is a sustained 50% overpressure (2000 psi) for 1 minute. Obviously any leakage would lead to failure and non certification. In the past units have been overpressured to 2500 and 3000 psi.
I think it is highly unlikely that a "local dive shop" would have the facilities and wherewithal to support the standards imposed by the various associations.
Incidentally the window is not quartz but a far denser and tougher material specifically manufactured for high pressure use.
Best regards Dave Cheshire
Polaron Range Development Manager VG Microtech The Birches Industrial Estate, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex. RH19 1UB. UK. =================================================== I believe there was some concern about having this kind of testing, if it was to be done, in any kind of facility that was not certified according to the bodies mentioned in David's message.
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
As further comment on the pressure testing of the Polaron ® CPD units, I have been asked to submit the following statement from David Cheshire, a Manufacturing Manager at VG Microtech, the manufacturers of the Polaron brand of critical point dryers: ================================================= We use an independent test facility that has amongst its credentials the following international approvals : NAMAS, UKAS, NATA. The test certificates issued by ERA are for each individual chamber and we have copies of all these. The test itself is a sustained 50% overpressure (2000 psi) for 1 minute. Obviously any leakage would lead to failure and non certification. In the past units have been overpressured to 2500 and 3000 psi.
I think it is highly unlikely that a "local dive shop" would have the facilities and wherewithal to support the standards imposed by the various associations.
Incidentally the window is not quartz but a far denser and tougher material specifically manufactured for high pressure use.
Best regards Dave Cheshire
Polaron Range Development Manager VG Microtech The Birches Industrial Estate, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex. RH19 1UB. UK. =================================================== I believe there was some concern about having this kind of testing, if it was to be done, in any kind of facility that was not certified according to the bodies mentioned in David's message.
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
Hi there folks, just a line to let you know that the schedule of presentations for the IUMAS 2000 meeting to be held in Kona, Hawaii, July 9th-14th 2000, is on the Web at:
http://www.microanalysis.org/iumas2000/
Thanks.
Jfm.
--
Dr. John Mansfield CPhys MInstP North Campus Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory 417 SRB, University of Michigan 2455 Hayward, Ann Arbor MI 48109-2143 Phone: (734) 936-3352 FAX (734) 763-2282 Cellular Phone: (734) 358-7555 (Leaving a phone message at 936-3352 is preferable to 358-7555) Email: jfmjfm-at-engin.umich.edu URL: http://emalwww.engin.umich.edu/people/jfmjfm/jfmjfm.html Location: Lat. 42¡ 16' 48" Long. 83¡ 43' 48"
Hi there folks, just a line to let you know that the schedule of presentations for the IUMAS 2000 meeting to be held in Kona, Hawaii, July 9th-14th 2000, is on the Web at:
http://www.microanalysis.org/iumas2000/
Thanks.
Jfm.
--
Dr. John Mansfield CPhys MInstP North Campus Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory 417 SRB, University of Michigan 2455 Hayward, Ann Arbor MI 48109-2143 Phone: (734) 936-3352 FAX (734) 763-2282 Cellular Phone: (734) 358-7555 (Leaving a phone message at 936-3352 is preferable to 358-7555) Email: jfmjfm-at-engin.umich.edu URL: http://emalwww.engin.umich.edu/people/jfmjfm/jfmjfm.html Location: Lat. 42¡ 16' 48" Long. 83¡ 43' 48"
The problem with Ni grids is that Ni is a magnetic metal, and so Ni grids can give all kinds of trouble. We used to use them back in the early days when they were about all that was available, and when resolution of EMs wasn't so great; now-a-days they have lost their popularity.
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
The problem with Ni grids is that Ni is a magnetic metal, and so Ni grids can give all kinds of trouble. We used to use them back in the early days when they were about all that was available, and when resolution of EMs wasn't so great; now-a-days they have lost their popularity.
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
I would like to know whether the ratio of plastidic to extraplastidic membranes changes in roots of Arabidopsis or any other plant in response to phosphate starvation. Does anyone know of a TEM ultrastructural morphometric analysis or any other type of analysis towards this end?
Thanks, Christoph Benning
Christoph Benning
Assistant Professor Dept. of Biochemistry Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1319 USA
I would like to know whether the ratio of plastidic to extraplastidic membranes changes in roots of Arabidopsis or any other plant in response to phosphate starvation. Does anyone know of a TEM ultrastructural morphometric analysis or any other type of analysis towards this end?
Thanks, Christoph Benning
Christoph Benning
Assistant Professor Dept. of Biochemistry Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1319 USA
I had one faculty operator several years ago who after a SINGLE lesson on the Phillips 200, decided to come back late at night and look some more. After taking some images, he couldn't get the door to the camera chamber off, since he had failed to vent it. After rummaging through the lab, he found a large screwdriver and commenced to pry the camera door off, unconcerned about the marks and gouges that he was putting in the brass. Needless to say, when the vacuum was finally broken, the mercury diffusion pump became very unhappy. Eventually we were able to replace the instrument and the user finally left after being denied tenure.
W. L. Steffens, Ph.D Dept. of Pathology University of Georgia
He needs a source of plastic slides and/or film which can be machined and which do not fluoresce. Anybody have any ideas? Contact me offline.
Many thanks Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118 PH: (413)746-6931 FX: (413)746-9311 email: mme-at-map.com Visit our web site {http://www.MME-Microscopy.com/education} ******************************************************
He needs a source of plastic slides and/or film which can be machined and which do not fluoresce. Anybody have any ideas? Contact me offline.
Many thanks Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118 PH: (413)746-6931 FX: (413)746-9311 email: mme-at-map.com Visit our web site {http://www.MME-Microscopy.com/education} ******************************************************
I had one faculty operator several years ago who after a SINGLE lesson on the Phillips 200, decided to come back late at night and look some more. After taking some images, he couldn't get the door to the camera chamber off, since he had failed to vent it. After rummaging through the lab, he found a large screwdriver and commenced to pry the camera door off, unconcerned about the marks and gouges that he was putting in the brass. Needless to say, when the vacuum was finally broken, the mercury diffusion pump became very unhappy. Eventually we were able to replace the instrument and the user finally left after being denied tenure.
W. L. Steffens, Ph.D Dept. of Pathology University of Georgia
} ---------- } From: Springett, Margaret J. } Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 11:04 AM } To: 'springett.margaret-at-mayo.edu' } Subject: nickel grids } } I do an extensive amount of immunolabeling, and nickel grids are } economical, } but two factors need to be considered on a daily basis. The fact that } they } are magnetic can be an advantage as well as a detriment. Their magnetic } quality allows one to rinse grids floating on a bubble with a magnetic } stir } plate, this has been demonstrated in Dr. Bendyan's workshops on } goldlabeling } techniques. When trying to retreive a stubborn grid out of a grid box, a } magnetic tweezer is "heaven sent". Now about magnetic grids in the scope, } if you stigmate the scope after fine-focusing, your micrograph will be } focused. I have used these techniques to produce excellent micrographs of } caveolae at better than 100K magnification. For our use gold grids are } too } expensive, so "work around methods" with nickel grids are necessary. } Marge } } Margaret Springett IEM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility Mayo Foundation and Clinic Rochester, MN 55905
} ---------- } From: Springett, Margaret J. } Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 11:04 AM } To: 'springett.margaret-at-mayo.edu' } Subject: nickel grids } } I do an extensive amount of immunolabeling, and nickel grids are } economical, } but two factors need to be considered on a daily basis. The fact that } they } are magnetic can be an advantage as well as a detriment. Their magnetic } quality allows one to rinse grids floating on a bubble with a magnetic } stir } plate, this has been demonstrated in Dr. Bendyan's workshops on } goldlabeling } techniques. When trying to retreive a stubborn grid out of a grid box, a } magnetic tweezer is "heaven sent". Now about magnetic grids in the scope, } if you stigmate the scope after fine-focusing, your micrograph will be } focused. I have used these techniques to produce excellent micrographs of } caveolae at better than 100K magnification. For our use gold grids are } too } expensive, so "work around methods" with nickel grids are necessary. } Marge } } Margaret Springett IEM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility Mayo Foundation and Clinic Rochester, MN 55905
We once had a student twist the condenser control knob off a TEM. When asked to turn the knob clockwise, he just kept turning, until he handed me the knob.
William McManus Supervisor Electron Microscopy Facility Department of Biology Utah State University Logan UT 84322-5305
billEMac-at-cc.usu.edu 435-797-1920
-----Original Message----- } From: Nestor J. Zaluzec [mailto:zaluzec-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 7:02 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Originally posted by: sryazant-at-ucla.edu
It is not "horror" story, but a sort of... Many years ago the colleague from friendly Lab visited me with great project. The idea was simply and beautiful. She argues that because the image in the scope (TEM) is green (green fluorescence of the screen), she wants to modify the sample (I forgot what, some protein, I believe) by red-fluorescent dye to be able to see on the screen of the electron microscope the "double-staining": red on the green background. No comments...
Sergey
} Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:17:56 -0500 } From: "anderron-at-us.ibm.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Operator Horror Stories } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Importance: Normal } X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on D01ML065/01/M/IBM(Release 5.0.2b (Intl)|18 } January 2000) at 30/03/2000 09:18:01 } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
We once had a student twist the condenser control knob off a TEM. When asked to turn the knob clockwise, he just kept turning, until he handed me the knob.
William McManus Supervisor Electron Microscopy Facility Department of Biology Utah State University Logan UT 84322-5305
billEMac-at-cc.usu.edu 435-797-1920
-----Original Message----- } From: Nestor J. Zaluzec [mailto:zaluzec-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 7:02 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Originally posted by: sryazant-at-ucla.edu
It is not "horror" story, but a sort of... Many years ago the colleague from friendly Lab visited me with great project. The idea was simply and beautiful. She argues that because the image in the scope (TEM) is green (green fluorescence of the screen), she wants to modify the sample (I forgot what, some protein, I believe) by red-fluorescent dye to be able to see on the screen of the electron microscope the "double-staining": red on the green background. No comments...
Sergey
} Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:17:56 -0500 } From: "anderron-at-us.ibm.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Operator Horror Stories } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Importance: Normal } X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on D01ML065/01/M/IBM(Release 5.0.2b (Intl)|18 } January 2000) at 30/03/2000 09:18:01 } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
We get our Ni/holey carbon films from SPI, at http://www.2spi.com/. They will prepare excellent holey carbon films on just about any available grid material (for a price of course...).
Larry
} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Dr. Lawrence F. Allard Senior Research Staff Member High Temperature Materials Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory 1 Bethel Valley Road Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 PO Box 2008 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064
We get our Ni/holey carbon films from SPI, at http://www.2spi.com/. They will prepare excellent holey carbon films on just about any available grid material (for a price of course...).
Larry
} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Dr. Lawrence F. Allard Senior Research Staff Member High Temperature Materials Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory 1 Bethel Valley Road Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 PO Box 2008 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064
Nestor J. Zaluzec wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------.} } Originally posted by: willem.erasmus-at-sasol.com } } Dear fellow microscopists } } Does anybody know where I can purchase Ni TEM grids with a holey carbon film } ? I can find plenty of copper grids, but the Ni grids seem to be hard to } find. } } Thanks } W. Erasmus } } Willem Erasmus } Snr. Scientist, Basic Catalysis Research } Sasol Technology } Tel : +27 +16 9603954 } Fax : +27 +16 9602826 } E-mail : willem.erasmus-at-sasol.com
We at Ladd Reseach can supply you with these, as would most of the other supply houses that make their own holey film. Please let us know what size mesh you want and a quantity and we can quote you.
Debbie Sicard Sales Manager
Disclaimer: Ladd Research is a vendor that sells EM supplies. --
LADD RESEARCH 131 Dorset Lane Williston, VT 05495 USA
TEL 1-800-451-3406 (US) or 1-802-878-6711 (anywhere) FAX 1-802-878-8074 e-mail ladres-at-worldnet.att.net web site http://www.ladd.cc
Nestor J. Zaluzec wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------.} } Originally posted by: willem.erasmus-at-sasol.com } } Dear fellow microscopists } } Does anybody know where I can purchase Ni TEM grids with a holey carbon film } ? I can find plenty of copper grids, but the Ni grids seem to be hard to } find. } } Thanks } W. Erasmus } } Willem Erasmus } Snr. Scientist, Basic Catalysis Research } Sasol Technology } Tel : +27 +16 9603954 } Fax : +27 +16 9602826 } E-mail : willem.erasmus-at-sasol.com
We at Ladd Reseach can supply you with these, as would most of the other supply houses that make their own holey film. Please let us know what size mesh you want and a quantity and we can quote you.
Debbie Sicard Sales Manager
Disclaimer: Ladd Research is a vendor that sells EM supplies. --
LADD RESEARCH 131 Dorset Lane Williston, VT 05495 USA
TEL 1-800-451-3406 (US) or 1-802-878-6711 (anywhere) FAX 1-802-878-8074 e-mail ladres-at-worldnet.att.net web site http://www.ladd.cc
I am currently using the peroxidase/DAB pre-embedding method for localization of a novel extracellular matrix protein. I am using 40 micron vibratome sections. While my results give some extracellular labelling, most of the labelling is associated with dendritic microtubules. Has anyone experienced non-specific labelling of microtubules?
I am currently using the peroxidase/DAB pre-embedding method for localization of a novel extracellular matrix protein. I am using 40 micron vibratome sections. While my results give some extracellular labelling, most of the labelling is associated with dendritic microtubules. Has anyone experienced non-specific labelling of microtubules?
W. Erasmus asked: ================================================ Does anybody know where I can purchase Ni TEM grids with a holey carbon film ? I can find plenty of copper grids, but the Ni grids seem to be hard to find. ================================================= Some times the coating of Ni grids is a bit more difficult than the coating of copper grids. This translates to somewhat lower yields and sometimes higher prices. However, SPI Supplies regularly produces custom coated Ni grids on whatever mesh and grid the customer specifies and at only a slight price premium over copper.
Contact me off line for details or visit our webpage URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/grids/cusctgrd.html
Some of the other major suppliers of consumables also will coat Ni grids, or at least that is my understanding.
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
W. Erasmus asked: ================================================ Does anybody know where I can purchase Ni TEM grids with a holey carbon film ? I can find plenty of copper grids, but the Ni grids seem to be hard to find. ================================================= Some times the coating of Ni grids is a bit more difficult than the coating of copper grids. This translates to somewhat lower yields and sometimes higher prices. However, SPI Supplies regularly produces custom coated Ni grids on whatever mesh and grid the customer specifies and at only a slight price premium over copper.
Contact me off line for details or visit our webpage URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/grids/cusctgrd.html
Some of the other major suppliers of consumables also will coat Ni grids, or at least that is my understanding.
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
One day a user of our TEM complained that she could see the beam with the specimen out, but as soon as she put in a grid the screen went black. After playing with it awhile and ruling out magnetism or something on the grid holder, I decided that there must be some small magnetic particle in the stage area that was being pushed around by the grid holder. Of course the service technician I got by phone wanted me to begin taking the column apart from the gun on down, but I grew impatient with this and soon went straight for the stage. I figured I would be looking for some small metal sliver. Imagine my surprise when I found an entire plastic pipettortip lying across the bore through the anticontamination plate in the column! It seems the previous user had been using these tips as forceps covers, and mysteriously lost one the day before. It had gone into the column through the airlock with her grid, not impossible with the Zeiss 10 top-loading system. Although not the only strange thing I have found in that microscope's column, at about an inch and a half long it is the largest.
Aloha, Tina **************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
One day a user of our TEM complained that she could see the beam with the specimen out, but as soon as she put in a grid the screen went black. After playing with it awhile and ruling out magnetism or something on the grid holder, I decided that there must be some small magnetic particle in the stage area that was being pushed around by the grid holder. Of course the service technician I got by phone wanted me to begin taking the column apart from the gun on down, but I grew impatient with this and soon went straight for the stage. I figured I would be looking for some small metal sliver. Imagine my surprise when I found an entire plastic pipettortip lying across the bore through the anticontamination plate in the column! It seems the previous user had been using these tips as forceps covers, and mysteriously lost one the day before. It had gone into the column through the airlock with her grid, not impossible with the Zeiss 10 top-loading system. Although not the only strange thing I have found in that microscope's column, at about an inch and a half long it is the largest.
Aloha, Tina **************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
Microscpy Core Managers, Are there any EM/Confocal Microscope facilities within academia that are running in the black or at least breaking even without a subsidy. If so what are your rates and overhead, are your salaries included? Also are there any companies or facilities that do tele-microscopy? All info will be shared with the listserver, unless confidentiality is requested. Thank You.
Michael Delannoy Basic Science Microscopy Facility JHMI
Microscpy Core Managers, Are there any EM/Confocal Microscope facilities within academia that are running in the black or at least breaking even without a subsidy. If so what are your rates and overhead, are your salaries included? Also are there any companies or facilities that do tele-microscopy? All info will be shared with the listserver, unless confidentiality is requested. Thank You.
Michael Delannoy Basic Science Microscopy Facility JHMI
Many, many years ago... I was asked to evaluate particle size of a powder. The powder was dried sludge from a radioactive waste storage tank. My downfall was permitting a co-worker to prepare the sample. When I received it, rather than a thin layer on carbon tape, it was caked on. Furthermore, the powder turned out to be sub-micron in size and almost pure Sr-90! Static and air currents began to spread contamination, even before I got it in the chamber. I quickly left the area before I became "hot" too.
I did finish the exam... In anti-contamination dress with a full face respirator at the console!
The job took a few hours. It took two weeks for me and my service engineer to disassemble the SEM, clean (and the room) it to reasonable levels and reassemble. The vacuum system was rather "warm" from that time on... Nevermore! Nevermore!
Moral: Always insist on making input and final approval if someone else wants to prepare your samples.
Many, many years ago... I was asked to evaluate particle size of a powder. The powder was dried sludge from a radioactive waste storage tank. My downfall was permitting a co-worker to prepare the sample. When I received it, rather than a thin layer on carbon tape, it was caked on. Furthermore, the powder turned out to be sub-micron in size and almost pure Sr-90! Static and air currents began to spread contamination, even before I got it in the chamber. I quickly left the area before I became "hot" too.
I did finish the exam... In anti-contamination dress with a full face respirator at the console!
The job took a few hours. It took two weeks for me and my service engineer to disassemble the SEM, clean (and the room) it to reasonable levels and reassemble. The vacuum system was rather "warm" from that time on... Nevermore! Nevermore!
Moral: Always insist on making input and final approval if someone else wants to prepare your samples.
This is my second go around with this, I got the Nestor porno bump this morning.
I had a student using my JEOL 100 CX II; loading and looking around went well. When she went to remove the holder she got half way out and yanked it toward her. This action put a 70 degree bend in the holder. I could never get the Z height to behave after that for some odd reason.
The other disaster was with my Philips 300, complete with Mercury Dif pump at that time. I needed to do some anode cleaning, so without deflating the air table I got on the console finished my work and got off. When the scope lurched to the right it dumped the contents of the mercury pump into the oil pump. This sent a cloud of mercury up the column creating an alloy wherever it went.
Believe it or not the scope is in fine working order with not a trace of mercury left in in the column. How did I do it? If you can figure it out I will send the winner a Lucent/Bell Labs brief case...at my cost of course.
John Grazul Lucent Technologies
"W. L. Steffens" wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } I had one faculty operator several years ago who after a SINGLE lesson } on the Phillips 200, decided to come back late at night and look some } more. After taking some images, he couldn't get the door to the camera } chamber off, since he had failed to vent it. After rummaging through } the lab, he found a large screwdriver and commenced to pry the camera } door off, unconcerned about the marks and gouges that he was putting in } the brass. Needless to say, when the vacuum was finally broken, the } mercury diffusion pump became very unhappy. Eventually we were able to } replace the instrument and the user finally left after being denied } tenure. } } W. L. Steffens, Ph.D } Dept. of Pathology } University of Georgia
This is my second go around with this, I got the Nestor porno bump this morning.
I had a student using my JEOL 100 CX II; loading and looking around went well. When she went to remove the holder she got half way out and yanked it toward her. This action put a 70 degree bend in the holder. I could never get the Z height to behave after that for some odd reason.
The other disaster was with my Philips 300, complete with Mercury Dif pump at that time. I needed to do some anode cleaning, so without deflating the air table I got on the console finished my work and got off. When the scope lurched to the right it dumped the contents of the mercury pump into the oil pump. This sent a cloud of mercury up the column creating an alloy wherever it went.
Believe it or not the scope is in fine working order with not a trace of mercury left in in the column. How did I do it? If you can figure it out I will send the winner a Lucent/Bell Labs brief case...at my cost of course.
John Grazul Lucent Technologies
"W. L. Steffens" wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } I had one faculty operator several years ago who after a SINGLE lesson } on the Phillips 200, decided to come back late at night and look some } more. After taking some images, he couldn't get the door to the camera } chamber off, since he had failed to vent it. After rummaging through } the lab, he found a large screwdriver and commenced to pry the camera } door off, unconcerned about the marks and gouges that he was putting in } the brass. Needless to say, when the vacuum was finally broken, the } mercury diffusion pump became very unhappy. Eventually we were able to } replace the instrument and the user finally left after being denied } tenure. } } W. L. Steffens, Ph.D } Dept. of Pathology } University of Georgia
Once, over a decade back, I was working EM and Med Tech at the same time at a local hospital..
We had a CAP inspection, the officers were from another hospital in the state.
The question I was expected to reason and answer with a straight face was:
* What other protective measures besides standing behind a lead wall do you take when you put the glass slide into the TEM, to protect yourself from the flying electrons???
seriously!
I was rather stunned, and started looking from the wall socket to him and back, but he didn't catch the connection.
I then tried to tactfully explain that vacuum was required, and that we really didn't need that extra protection!
It was explained to me that he did too know all about EM because he had a one day workshop.
Web Pages: Lab Page http://treefrog.cvm.uiuc.edu Centeral States Microscopy Page http://treefrog.cvm.uiuc.edu/csmms Personal Home Page http://treefrog.cvm.uiuc.edu/lam
Once, over a decade back, I was working EM and Med Tech at the same time at a local hospital..
We had a CAP inspection, the officers were from another hospital in the state.
The question I was expected to reason and answer with a straight face was:
* What other protective measures besides standing behind a lead wall do you take when you put the glass slide into the TEM, to protect yourself from the flying electrons???
seriously!
I was rather stunned, and started looking from the wall socket to him and back, but he didn't catch the connection.
I then tried to tactfully explain that vacuum was required, and that we really didn't need that extra protection!
It was explained to me that he did too know all about EM because he had a one day workshop.
Web Pages: Lab Page http://treefrog.cvm.uiuc.edu Centeral States Microscopy Page http://treefrog.cvm.uiuc.edu/csmms Personal Home Page http://treefrog.cvm.uiuc.edu/lam
} We once had an operator on our JEOL 840A SEM complain about her } sample moving. Her sample was samples of vacuum grease she had gold } coated and was attempting to image in the SEM. When the electron } beam heated the grease it cracked up the gold coating and charged. } She was using the SEM to look for silicon in various greases. I } suggested she use a different technique so we did not end up with } vaporized grease inside the SEM.
David R. Hull NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field Advanced Metallics Branch Mail Stop 49-1 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135
} We once had an operator on our JEOL 840A SEM complain about her } sample moving. Her sample was samples of vacuum grease she had gold } coated and was attempting to image in the SEM. When the electron } beam heated the grease it cracked up the gold coating and charged. } She was using the SEM to look for silicon in various greases. I } suggested she use a different technique so we did not end up with } vaporized grease inside the SEM.
David R. Hull NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field Advanced Metallics Branch Mail Stop 49-1 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135
It seems everyone has one of these. I had a person who one day complained of a burning smell while she was at the scope. I went to investigate and when I arrived in the room there was no smell... burning or otherwise. Several more times that session she came and got me to investigate this burning smell in the TEM room. This continued for a couple of sessions. I did go and investigate because after all, who wants their TEM on fire? I honestly didn't know what to do about it and was beginning to seriously question her sanity. Finally she convinced me to sit with her while she operated the scope and sure enough there was this faint smell of something burning! I jumped up and tried to find it, but it had gone away. So...she sat down again and began to work and the smell, like plastic kitchenware burning in a dishwasher, came back. Again I jump up and look around....to no avail! I was curious now. The burning smell only happens when she is sitting at the scope. Not being a big believer in spontaneous combustion, there had to be an answer! There was. As part of the TEM course I take the kick panel off the Zeiss 10 to show the students the guts of the vacuum system. The kick panel is right below the desk area where you sit up to the microscope. What she was doing was placing her tennis shoe on the heater of the diffusion pump and the plastic/rubber would melt and burn a bit -- just enough to give the room a burning smell. She never did notice her foot getting warm. When I pointed it out she did admit that her shoe was warm and had some ugly scars on it to boot! She never returned after that semester - I guess that she had enough of EM! Now I carefully point out the hazard and replace the cover quickly when we are finished with the class.
-- ================================================================== Greg Strout Electron Microscopist, University of Oklahoma WWW Virtual Library for Microscopy: http://www.ou.edu/research/electron/www-vl/ e-mail: gstrout-at-ou.edu Opinions expressed herein are mine and not necessarily those of the University of Oklahoma ==================================================================
It seems everyone has one of these. I had a person who one day complained of a burning smell while she was at the scope. I went to investigate and when I arrived in the room there was no smell... burning or otherwise. Several more times that session she came and got me to investigate this burning smell in the TEM room. This continued for a couple of sessions. I did go and investigate because after all, who wants their TEM on fire? I honestly didn't know what to do about it and was beginning to seriously question her sanity. Finally she convinced me to sit with her while she operated the scope and sure enough there was this faint smell of something burning! I jumped up and tried to find it, but it had gone away. So...she sat down again and began to work and the smell, like plastic kitchenware burning in a dishwasher, came back. Again I jump up and look around....to no avail! I was curious now. The burning smell only happens when she is sitting at the scope. Not being a big believer in spontaneous combustion, there had to be an answer! There was. As part of the TEM course I take the kick panel off the Zeiss 10 to show the students the guts of the vacuum system. The kick panel is right below the desk area where you sit up to the microscope. What she was doing was placing her tennis shoe on the heater of the diffusion pump and the plastic/rubber would melt and burn a bit -- just enough to give the room a burning smell. She never did notice her foot getting warm. When I pointed it out she did admit that her shoe was warm and had some ugly scars on it to boot! She never returned after that semester - I guess that she had enough of EM! Now I carefully point out the hazard and replace the cover quickly when we are finished with the class.
-- ================================================================== Greg Strout Electron Microscopist, University of Oklahoma WWW Virtual Library for Microscopy: http://www.ou.edu/research/electron/www-vl/ e-mail: gstrout-at-ou.edu Opinions expressed herein are mine and not necessarily those of the University of Oklahoma ==================================================================
Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences
An opening is available immediately for a scientist specializing in macromolecular microscopy at Purdue University. The successful candidate would be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the high-resolution electron microscopy facility, training new users, and assisting outside visitors with data collection and analysis. He/she would also be expected to work with the cryoEM groups in the department at planning and implementing the future directions of the facility, including the development of new technologies for improved specimen preservation, data collection, and analysis. The ideal candidate should complement the existing strengths represented in the department and pursue independent research funding.
The Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue provides a rich intellectual environment as well as outstanding modern scientific facilities including Philips EM420, CM200-FEG, and CM300-FEG electron cryo-microscopes. Purdue University is home to over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff, and is located in West Lafayette, Indiana - approximately 1 hour northwest of Indianapolis and 2.5 hours southeast of Chicago. The area affords the advantages associated with a major university, while providing an affordable and attractive `small town' environment in which to live.
Requirements for this position include a Ph.D. in biophysics or one of the related sciences, a minimum of 5 years post-doctoral work experience in electron cryo-microscopy of biological molecules, and a proven ability to work well with others. Preference will be given to candidates who have successfully developed new technologies and methodologies for high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy. Salary will be commensurate with experience and includes full benefits.
Interested individuals should send their resume, relevant reprints, a statement of research interests and career goals, and provide contact information (name/phone/e-mail) for three individuals who have agreed to serve as references to:
Dr. Timothy S. Baker (tsb-at-bragg.bio.purdue.edu)
and/or
Dr. Amy McGough (amcgough-at-bcm.tmc.edu)
Department of Biological Sciences Lilly Hall of Life Science Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392
Purdue is an equal access/equal opportunity university.
Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences
An opening is available immediately for a scientist specializing in macromolecular microscopy at Purdue University. The successful candidate would be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the high-resolution electron microscopy facility, training new users, and assisting outside visitors with data collection and analysis. He/she would also be expected to work with the cryoEM groups in the department at planning and implementing the future directions of the facility, including the development of new technologies for improved specimen preservation, data collection, and analysis. The ideal candidate should complement the existing strengths represented in the department and pursue independent research funding.
The Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue provides a rich intellectual environment as well as outstanding modern scientific facilities including Philips EM420, CM200-FEG, and CM300-FEG electron cryo-microscopes. Purdue University is home to over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff, and is located in West Lafayette, Indiana - approximately 1 hour northwest of Indianapolis and 2.5 hours southeast of Chicago. The area affords the advantages associated with a major university, while providing an affordable and attractive `small town' environment in which to live.
Requirements for this position include a Ph.D. in biophysics or one of the related sciences, a minimum of 5 years post-doctoral work experience in electron cryo-microscopy of biological molecules, and a proven ability to work well with others. Preference will be given to candidates who have successfully developed new technologies and methodologies for high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy. Salary will be commensurate with experience and includes full benefits.
Interested individuals should send their resume, relevant reprints, a statement of research interests and career goals, and provide contact information (name/phone/e-mail) for three individuals who have agreed to serve as references to:
Dr. Timothy S. Baker (tsb-at-bragg.bio.purdue.edu)
and/or
Dr. Amy McGough (amcgough-at-bcm.tmc.edu)
Department of Biological Sciences Lilly Hall of Life Science Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392
Purdue is an equal access/equal opportunity university.
Bart, I believe Argon is used because it is a larger molecule and sputters the metal more efficiently. I also use air with no problem. Possibly the amount of metal sputtered is slightly less per unit time. John Hunt
On Fri, 31 Mar 2000, Nestor J. Zaluzec wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } Originally posted by: bart.depauw-at-rug.ac.be } } } Hello, } } I would like to know why they use Argon in the metal coating devices. At } our laboratory, we don't use Argon, we use air. What is the advantage of } using Argon ? } De Pauw Bart } Faculty of Veterinary Medicine } Morphology } Salisburylaan 133 } 9820 Merelbeke } Belgium } Phone : 0032(0)9 264.77.19 } Fax : 0032(0)9 264.77.90 } } }
Many years ago we had a Siemens EM-101. This was a relatively new microscope and beautifully machined with German precision. The camera chamber was a work of art. Each film plate (we used glass back then) was encased in it's own light-tight cassette. The camera would move a film cassette into position for exposure and pull off the cassette cover. The operator would then expose the film and move the casette into a drop box. The cassette cover would be pushed closed in the process. This camera worked almost flawlessly. On occassion, an operator, when loading the camera, would put the cassettes in on an angle. When you went to take the first image, the cassette would jam and not move into position. All that was necessary to unjam was to break vacuum, giggle the cassette with your hand to straighten it and then repump the camera chamber and get back to work...a 10 minute process as most. We had one operator who thought she knew it all. She was working on the microscope one evening and the camera jammed. Her solution was to take out the camera and take it apart...screw by screw and spring by spring. She ended up with an incredible heap of parts and of course had no clue as to how to put it back together. Neither did the Siemens service engineers. They had never seen one apart! They had to find another camera (not easy in those days with relatively few of these instruments around), take it apart..carefully marking where each piece came from...and then reassembled each camera simultaneously. It took hours!! Moral of the story...NO ONE fixed ANYTHING without permission of the lab personnel!!
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057
Bart, I believe Argon is used because it is a larger molecule and sputters the metal more efficiently. I also use air with no problem. Possibly the amount of metal sputtered is slightly less per unit time. John Hunt
On Fri, 31 Mar 2000, Nestor J. Zaluzec wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } Originally posted by: bart.depauw-at-rug.ac.be } } } Hello, } } I would like to know why they use Argon in the metal coating devices. At } our laboratory, we don't use Argon, we use air. What is the advantage of } using Argon ? } De Pauw Bart } Faculty of Veterinary Medicine } Morphology } Salisburylaan 133 } 9820 Merelbeke } Belgium } Phone : 0032(0)9 264.77.19 } Fax : 0032(0)9 264.77.90 } } }
Many years ago we had a Siemens EM-101. This was a relatively new microscope and beautifully machined with German precision. The camera chamber was a work of art. Each film plate (we used glass back then) was encased in it's own light-tight cassette. The camera would move a film cassette into position for exposure and pull off the cassette cover. The operator would then expose the film and move the casette into a drop box. The cassette cover would be pushed closed in the process. This camera worked almost flawlessly. On occassion, an operator, when loading the camera, would put the cassettes in on an angle. When you went to take the first image, the cassette would jam and not move into position. All that was necessary to unjam was to break vacuum, giggle the cassette with your hand to straighten it and then repump the camera chamber and get back to work...a 10 minute process as most. We had one operator who thought she knew it all. She was working on the microscope one evening and the camera jammed. Her solution was to take out the camera and take it apart...screw by screw and spring by spring. She ended up with an incredible heap of parts and of course had no clue as to how to put it back together. Neither did the Siemens service engineers. They had never seen one apart! They had to find another camera (not easy in those days with relatively few of these instruments around), take it apart..carefully marking where each piece came from...and then reassembled each camera simultaneously. It took hours!! Moral of the story...NO ONE fixed ANYTHING without permission of the lab personnel!!
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057
Air contains water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide all of which can be broken down in the plasma generated in a sputter coater and gve rise to nasty active species which can damage delicate samples. Argon is used because of its relative high atomic number and this ensures there is multiple scattering of the sputtered metal. There is a Zenon sputter coater on the market which should sputter even better but I have no experience with it. Come to the Lehigh Short Course(contact {slc6-at-lehigh.edu) and we will tell you all about it.
Air contains water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide all of which can be broken down in the plasma generated in a sputter coater and gve rise to nasty active species which can damage delicate samples. Argon is used because of its relative high atomic number and this ensures there is multiple scattering of the sputtered metal. There is a Zenon sputter coater on the market which should sputter even better but I have no experience with it. Come to the Lehigh Short Course(contact {slc6-at-lehigh.edu) and we will tell you all about it.
I am preparing to purchase a sputter coater for Au/Pd SEM specimen preparation. I have narrowed the search to the VG-Scientific Polaron SC7620. My old Polaron E5100 is very tired.
I have located used Hummer VI, Fullam EMS-76M and Denton Desk II coaters for about $1000 less than new. Some of these include the pump. However, I have several dual stage mech pumps, so this is not an issue.
If anyone knows of a source for a good/recent used coater, I would appreciate knowing about it. Otherwise, I will go with a new one.
I am preparing to purchase a sputter coater for Au/Pd SEM specimen preparation. I have narrowed the search to the VG-Scientific Polaron SC7620. My old Polaron E5100 is very tired.
I have located used Hummer VI, Fullam EMS-76M and Denton Desk II coaters for about $1000 less than new. Some of these include the pump. However, I have several dual stage mech pumps, so this is not an issue.
If anyone knows of a source for a good/recent used coater, I would appreciate knowing about it. Otherwise, I will go with a new one.
I appreciate the comments by David Cheshire. Perhaps he could elaborate why a place (not necessarily a Dive Shop) certified for the testing of diving cylinders and regulators could not cope with a CPD? Is the implication that these testing places can not be trusted (sorry divers), or that a CPD is more complex than other equipment, or, horror, could these places be cheaper to get a CPD tested. and certified. Surely, hydrostatic testing is rather similar and certification and the relevant legislation would be for pressure vessels and not just for CPD.
I still believe that testing of CPD is counter-productive, but if required by legislation, then there is no option available.
I believe that CPD windows used to be quartz. This may well have changed and some manufacturers may now use other material e.g."bullet proof glass", which of course is a plastic. David Cheshire would have been more helpful to devulge which material is used. This would be of great interest because some people have used organic solvents as an intermediate fluid. In that case it would be important to know what solvents affect this "far denser and tougher material". Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
-----Original Message----- Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2000 12:03 AM To: MICROSCOPY BB
A couple of suggestions that may help your collogue and others in regards to ovens. Please note that PST sells ovens, but not to North America (wrong volts, costly shipping).
For resin curing most people purchase the cheapest oven type, which relies on convection currents to achieve reasonably even temperatures. Fan forced and jacketed ovens have greater temperature uniformity within the chamber. (See diagrams of oven types in our online: Home} Contents} E3} "click here" link) Its wise to place specimens always in a similar position within the chamber.
A thermostat control the heating elements and commonly they switch within 1.5 degree C. Metals absorb heat faster and conduct heat faster into specimens. It is quite possible to part-melt polyethylene capsules where they are in contact with metal. The simple solution is to place the specimens on a piece of wood or thick cardboard.
The offending oven may have a thermostat that switches to its own strange rhythm. More likely though, it has an unacceptably wide range when turning the element on and off. A possible solution to this problem is to enclose the specimen in an insulating box within the oven. This should cause the highs and lows to be leveled. That insulating box could be a small lid-less cardbox, upended over the specimen and its insulating support.
Uneven polymerisation is often due to varying times within the oven. An easy solution is a "lamplighter" timer. Plug the oven into this 24 hour timer and adjust the timer to come on at say 5 pm and switch off at 8 am. Specimen can be placed in the oven at any time and removed any time during the next day and cure for the same number of hours. Fewer fumes within the lab is another benefit. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Friday, March 31, 2000 4:02 AM, Paula Allan-Wojtas [SMTP:ALLANWOJTASP-at-EM.AGR.CA] wrote: } } } Hi, All, } } I am posting a message for a colleague who does not subscribe to this list. } } He is looking for small embedding oven which can polymerize resins in the } range of 40?-70?C, but which has a very precise temperature control (holds } the temperature well, with very little fluctuation during polymerization). He } is having problems with the oven he presently has because the temperature is } not controlled well enough, and he is getting uneven polymerization. } } Another condition is that he is in the middle of a project and needs the oven } right away. He had an oven in mind, but it could not be delivered for 6 } weeks!!! } } Any suggestions from users or vendors are welcome. Please contact me offline, } and I'll forward the replies to my colleague. } } Thanks again for all your help. } } Paula. } } Paula Allan-Wojtas } Research Scientist, Food Microstructure } Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada } Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre } Kentville, Nova Scotia Canada B4N 1J5 } } Tel: (902) 679-5566 } FAX: (902) 679-2311 } } email: allanwojtasp-at-em.agr.ca }
These are great stories and would make a wonderful collection, especially to hand out to students of EM. Yes, experience is a great way to learn but it's often best, and cheaper, to learn from some else's.
Here is a "just off the press" example (but this does come up at least once a year):
I fielded a phone call from a distraught SEM lab manager who told me that some months ago he put Dow Corning fluid into his diffusion pump "to save money". And now that he has had an accident, the silicone fluid of course, has contaminated his system, so he was asking us, "what organic solvent will easily remove it."
He was especially upset when I told him that his EDS detector will see Si everywhere also, because they do a lot of analyses for Si!
I won't repeat what he told me when I tried to explain the reality of his situation......
But it does go to show that there are a lot of new people entering our profession, some with less training and experience with vacuum than others, so such stories are very well worth repeating.
But just out of curiosity, is there some "recommended procedure" for removing silicone fluid from the internal parts of a column, and also removing it from the window of an EDS detector? I presume one can always call in an outside service provider with experienced people but a lot of users out there just don't have the budget for something like that. But they do have a good supply of student manpower.
While we are on the subject of silicone, a few weeks ago a well known TEM user got me on the phone to say "hello" and commented that he had just placed an order for silicone grease and yes, he said, he was going to be using it on the o rings of his column. I told him I thought that he should be using other greases and his response was "don't listen to dogma, I thought you read the listserver!". Am I correct, namely that one should not be using silicone grease on the o rings of a column instrument?
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
My story is not as much of a horror as it is embarassing. Several years back I received a package of samples from a regular client without any paper work describing what the samples were. This is not unusual since we frequently recieve unknowns. I proceeded to open the package and was abruptly assaulted with an extremely strong odor of bannanas. Apparantly one of the samples was a vial of concentrated bannana flavoring. It was months (almost a year) before the odor completely disappeared from my office, and I was cajoled about it frequently. I by the way, hate bannanas.............
Lou Solebello -----Original Message----- } From: L R MELSEN {lmelsen-at-emory.edu} To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
These are great stories and would make a wonderful collection, especially to hand out to students of EM. Yes, experience is a great way to learn but it's often best, and cheaper, to learn from some else's.
Here is a "just off the press" example (but this does come up at least once a year):
I fielded a phone call from a distraught SEM lab manager who told me that some months ago he put Dow Corning fluid into his diffusion pump "to save money". And now that he has had an accident, the silicone fluid of course, has contaminated his system, so he was asking us, "what organic solvent will easily remove it."
He was especially upset when I told him that his EDS detector will see Si everywhere also, because they do a lot of analyses for Si!
I won't repeat what he told me when I tried to explain the reality of his situation......
But it does go to show that there are a lot of new people entering our profession, some with less training and experience with vacuum than others, so such stories are very well worth repeating.
But just out of curiosity, is there some "recommended procedure" for removing silicone fluid from the internal parts of a column, and also removing it from the window of an EDS detector? I presume one can always call in an outside service provider with experienced people but a lot of users out there just don't have the budget for something like that. But they do have a good supply of student manpower.
While we are on the subject of silicone, a few weeks ago a well known TEM user got me on the phone to say "hello" and commented that he had just placed an order for silicone grease and yes, he said, he was going to be using it on the o rings of his column. I told him I thought that he should be using other greases and his response was "don't listen to dogma, I thought you read the listserver!". Am I correct, namely that one should not be using silicone grease on the o rings of a column instrument?
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
My story is not as much of a horror as it is embarassing. Several years back I received a package of samples from a regular client without any paper work describing what the samples were. This is not unusual since we frequently recieve unknowns. I proceeded to open the package and was abruptly assaulted with an extremely strong odor of bannanas. Apparantly one of the samples was a vial of concentrated bannana flavoring. It was months (almost a year) before the odor completely disappeared from my office, and I was cajoled about it frequently. I by the way, hate bannanas.............
Lou Solebello -----Original Message----- } From: L R MELSEN {lmelsen-at-emory.edu} To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
I am enjoying the "horror stories" (don't we all enjoy hearing about someone else's stupid mistake) and thought I would share one from the "software" category.
I had just joined Northern Scientific (later Tracor Northern, now Noran) and was writing EDS software for our first computerized analyzer (the venerable NS-880) -- the year was 1972, and my software, like any of the stuff being produced in those years where we wrote software on paper tape for machines with 4K memories, just wasn't all that "user friendly", so it was not unusual to have to walk people through difficult command sequences. Then too, computers were pretty new to everyone and people sometimes made silly-sounding mistakes out of pure inexperience (one highly intelligent customer, when instructed to 'type a space', dutifully typed "A SPACE" on the keyboard). One particular customer, however, defied all attempts at instruction and had passed well beyond "complaining" into the realm of "abusive" and "insulting". He insisted that he was following the instructions to the letter, but that our miserable software consistently malfunctioned. We were unable to duplicate the problem and finally several of us drove a considerable distance to his lab to get to the bottom of this. We went through the operations with him watching intently and the software performed flawlessly, which he acknowledged. We then asked him to operate the software himself and midway through, observed that he was responding to one of the dialog questions with a decidedly inappropriate response. We had him back out of this and repeat it with the correct response and the software then ran perfectly. To which his response was to draw himself up and state with great authority and indignation: "but when you run it THE WAY I DO, it doesn't work!"
I am enjoying the "horror stories" (don't we all enjoy hearing about someone else's stupid mistake) and thought I would share one from the "software" category.
I had just joined Northern Scientific (later Tracor Northern, now Noran) and was writing EDS software for our first computerized analyzer (the venerable NS-880) -- the year was 1972, and my software, like any of the stuff being produced in those years where we wrote software on paper tape for machines with 4K memories, just wasn't all that "user friendly", so it was not unusual to have to walk people through difficult command sequences. Then too, computers were pretty new to everyone and people sometimes made silly-sounding mistakes out of pure inexperience (one highly intelligent customer, when instructed to 'type a space', dutifully typed "A SPACE" on the keyboard). One particular customer, however, defied all attempts at instruction and had passed well beyond "complaining" into the realm of "abusive" and "insulting". He insisted that he was following the instructions to the letter, but that our miserable software consistently malfunctioned. We were unable to duplicate the problem and finally several of us drove a considerable distance to his lab to get to the bottom of this. We went through the operations with him watching intently and the software performed flawlessly, which he acknowledged. We then asked him to operate the software himself and midway through, observed that he was responding to one of the dialog questions with a decidedly inappropriate response. We had him back out of this and repeat it with the correct response and the software then ran perfectly. To which his response was to draw himself up and state with great authority and indignation: "but when you run it THE WAY I DO, it doesn't work!"
I have a similar story to this one! A bright fellow from a senior University (I would embarrass them) had a dim TEM image, so rigged up an Anglepoise lamp to try and throw some more light on it!
Keith Ryan Marine Biological Association Plymouth, UK
} } } Larry Allard {l2a-at-ornl.gov} 03/31/00 06:08pm } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
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} -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } Humorous, but not quite horror:
The respected PhD I once worked with on our old JEOL JSM-U3 scanner,
who was having trouble making out the details of the image on the monitor, so grabbed a flashlight and shined it at the screen so he could see the image a little better... :-).
Larry
} } } Originally posted by: sryazant-at-ucla.edu } } } } } It is not "horror" story, but a sort of... Many years ago the colleague } from friendly Lab visited me with great project. The idea was simply and } beautiful. She argues that because the image in the scope (TEM) is green } (green fluorescence of the screen), she wants to modify the sample (I } forgot what, some protein, I believe) by red-fluorescent dye to be able to } see on the screen of the electron microscope the "double-staining": red on } the green background. No comments... } } Sergey } } } Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:17:56 -0500 } } From: "anderron-at-us.ibm.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } Subject: Operator Horror Stories } } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } Importance: Normal } } X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on D01ML065/01/M/IBM(Release 5.0.2b } (Intl)|18 } } January 2000) at 30/03/2000 09:18:01 } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com
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} } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } } } Alan Fox, in a response to the Analytical TEM string, cautioned the } } question-raiser to beware of people who abuse instruments. Perhaps Nestor } } will forgive a little microscopy related humor and allow us to start a } } string on "Operator Horror Stories." Here's ours: } } } } The "ham-fisted user" reference made us chuckle/cringe with the memory of } } a guest "microscopist" in our lab who hauled himself (220 pounds or so) out } } of his seat by pulling on the half-inserted specimen rod, bending it about } } 20 degrees or so! } } } } Henceforth, when we saw him in the hall (he never came into the scope room } } again), we referred to him as "Conan the Microscopist"! } } } } } } } } Ron Anderson, IBM, Hopewell Jct., New York, USA. anderron-at-us.ibm.com
} } } } IBM Analytical Services; http://www.chips.ibm.com/services/asg } } } } } } } } } } } _____________________________________ } } Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. } Electron Microscopy } UCLA School of Medicine } Department of Biological Chemistry } Box 951737 } Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737 } } Phone: (310) 825-1144 } Pager: (310) 845-0248 } FAX (departmental): (310) 206-5272 } mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu } http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~sryazant
Dr. Lawrence F. Allard Senior Research Staff Member High Temperature Materials Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory 1 Bethel Valley Road Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 PO Box 2008 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064
What in the world is an Anglepoise lamp? Is this the same as a "Gooseneck"?
Don Marshall
} From Microscopy-request-at-sparc5.microscopy.com Sun Apr 2 17:01:37 2000 } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } I have a similar story to this one! A bright fellow from a senior } University (I would embarrass them) had a dim TEM image, so rigged up } an Anglepoise lamp to try and throw some more light on it! } } Keith Ryan } Marine Biological Association } Plymouth, UK }
} -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Humorous, but not quite horror: } } } The respected PhD I once worked with on our old JEOL JSM-U3 scanner, } } who was having trouble making out the details of the image on the } monitor, so grabbed a flashlight and shined it at the screen so he } could see the image a little better... :-). } } Larry } } } } } } } Originally posted by: sryazant-at-ucla.edu } } } } } } } } } } It is not "horror" story, but a sort of... Many years ago the } colleague } } from friendly Lab visited me with great project. The idea was } simply and } } beautiful. She argues that because the image in the scope (TEM) is } green } } (green fluorescence of the screen), she wants to modify the sample } (I } } forgot what, some protein, I believe) by red-fluorescent dye to be } able to } } see on the screen of the electron microscope the "double-staining": } red on } } the green background. No comments... } } } } Sergey } } } } } Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 09:17:56 -0500 } } } From: "anderron-at-us.ibm.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } } Subject: Operator Horror Stories } } } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } } Importance: Normal } } } X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on D01ML065/01/M/IBM(Release } 5.0.2b } } (Intl)|18 } } } January 2000) at 30/03/2000 09:18:01 } } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } } } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } } } } } } } Alan Fox, in a response to the Analytical TEM string, cautioned } the } } } question-raiser to beware of people who abuse instruments. } Perhaps Nestor } } } will forgive a little microscopy related humor and allow us to } start a } } } string on "Operator Horror Stories." Here's ours: } } } } } } The "ham-fisted user" reference made us chuckle/cringe with the } memory of } } } a guest "microscopist" in our lab who hauled himself (220 pounds } or so) out } } } of his seat by pulling on the half-inserted specimen rod, bending } it about } } } 20 degrees or so! } } } } } } Henceforth, when we saw him in the hall (he never came into the } scope room } } } again), we referred to him as "Conan the Microscopist"! } } } } } } } } } } } } Ron Anderson, IBM, Hopewell Jct., New York, USA. } anderron-at-us.ibm.com } } } } } } } IBM Analytical Services; http://www.chips.ibm.com/services/asg } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } _____________________________________ } } } } Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. } } Electron Microscopy } } UCLA School of Medicine } } Department of Biological Chemistry } } Box 951737 } } Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737 } } } } Phone: (310) 825-1144 } } Pager: (310) 845-0248 } } FAX (departmental): (310) 206-5272 } } mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu } } http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~sryazant } } Dr. Lawrence F. Allard } Senior Research Staff Member } High Temperature Materials Laboratory } Oak Ridge National Laboratory } 1 Bethel Valley Road } Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 } PO Box 2008 } Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064 } } 423-574-4981 } 423-574-4913 Fax } l2a-at-ornl.gov } }
Date sent: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 21:34:13 -0400 (EDT) } From: donald j marshall {dmrelion-at-world.std.com} To: KPR-at-wpo.nerc.ac.uk
I heard this one at a conference last week. A PhD student was caught sawing a knob off a FE SEM. Apparently it was pushing against his desk so decided to saw it off and was going to glue it on at a 45 degree angle!
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } My story is not as much of a horror as it is embarassing. Several years } back I received a package of samples from a regular client without any paper } work describing what the samples were. This is not unusual since we } frequently recieve unknowns. I proceeded to open the package and was } abruptly assaulted with an extremely strong odor of bannanas. Apparantly one } of the samples was a vial of concentrated bannana flavoring. It was months } (almost a year) before the odor completely disappeared from my office, and I } was cajoled about it frequently. I by the way, hate bannanas............. } } Lou Solebello } -----Original Message----- } } From: L R MELSEN {lmelsen-at-emory.edu} } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } Date: Friday, March 31, 2000 9:26 PM } Subject: Storys } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } We had a cousin of Conan , who in his addled age, after inserting the } } injector tip into the stage of our EM400 could not find his grid in the } } microscope; he had dropped it on the floor. Of course the tip must have } } fallen off in the stage, so he promptly took a second tip and properly } } inserted the second tip on top of the first. Still no grid could be } } found. Ah ha, I will leave a polite note explaining the problem. It read } } as follows: } } " Please check the microscope, I had great difficulty inserting my } } specimens last evening." } } Philips kindly replaced the bulk of the stage just so they could keep } } the original for the museum of what not to do. } } } } } }
---------------------------------------- Patton, David Email: David.Patton-at-uwe.ac.uk "University of the West of England"
It does't have oxygen in it--with air, 02- is produced and accelerated at your specimens, eroding them. When done intentionally, this is called "plasma ashing," i believe. If your specimens look very smooth, this may be why. Argon produces Ar2+, which, if your coater is set up right, is accelerated at the gold target. JSIII
} Hello, } } I would like to know why they use Argon in the metal coating devices. At } our laboratory, we don't use Argon, we use air. What is the advantage of } using Argon ? } De Pauw Bart } Faculty of Veterinary Medicine } Morphology } Salisburylaan 133 } 9820 Merelbeke } Belgium } Phone : 0032(0)9 264.77.19 } Fax : 0032(0)9 264.77.90
Julian P.S. Smith III Dept. of Biology Winthrop University Rock Hill, SC 29733 803-323-2111 x6427 (vox) 803-323-3448 (fax)
Has anyone foud a solution for the following problem, I am getting desperate. There doesn't seem to be a ready-made solution available ?
We want to link an Illumination Technologies light-source to a ZEISS microscope. We are trying to get the right information about the necessary parts, but this seems to be non-trivial.
The following problems need a solution:
ZEISS Axioskop upright microscope and Illumination Technologies CF1000 ZEISS Axiovert 100M inverted microscope and Illumination Technologies 3900
In both cases we need a light guide and a fiber coupler to the microscope. Both light sources are to be used for epifluorescence applications.
Sincerely yours,
Peter Van Osta, MD
Senior Scientist Medical Image Analysis Biological Imaging Laboratory Life Sciences Department I - 6065 Janssen Research Foundation Turnhoutseweg 30 B-2340 Beerse Belgium Europe
I heard this one from the Philip's engineers: A brand new Philips microscope was being installed in a goverment laboratory. It was to be in a state of the art, brand-new building. Everything was there, house nitrogen, chilled water, etc. Even the darkroom was state of the art. Well, when the in-house plumbers hooked up the water to the microscope they weren't being very careful in their reading of the blueprint designs and they had D-19 developer running through the EM instead of water. I'm not sure, but I think they got a new microscope out of that blunder!
Margaret E. Bisher
NEC Research Institute 4 Independence Way Princeton, NJ 08540. Tel.: (609) 951-2629 Fax: (609) 951-2496 e-mail: peggy-at-research.nj.nec.com
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An additional story which had the potential of being a real personnal horror story is as follows:
I worked for Humberto Fernandez-Moran at the University of Chicao many years ago. For those of you who are not familiar with the name, he was instrumental in developing the first diamond knives, producing the first pointed filaments for routine use and construction of first cryo-TEM using liquid helium cooled lenses. It was a very interesting place for a young budding microscopist at the time!
Dr. Moran had a large scar on his nose. He said it was from the removal of a cancerous skin area. He claimed to have gotten the malignancy in that location due to using electron microscopes in the late 40's without the benefit of lead glass windows. They used to press their noses against the window when concentrating on the relatively dim image projected by those early instruments. I wonder if other early EM researchers eventually developed cancer which might be related to similar research experiences.
As it turned out, Dr. Moran lived a long life, although not without controversy through the years. He had a very unusual life history and was also a brilliant but erratic person to interact with....somewhat akin to what Bobby Knight is to basketball!
Debby --------------------------------------
Many years ago we had a Siemens EM-101. This was a relatively new microscope and beautifully machined with German precision. The camera chamber was a work of art. Each film plate (we used glass back then) was encased in it's own light-tight cassette. The camera would move a film cassette into position for exposure and pull off the cassette cover. The operator would then expose the film and move the casette into a drop box. The cassette cover would be pushed closed in the process. This camera worked almost flawlessly. On occassion, an operator, when loading the camera, would put the cassettes in on an angle. When you went to take the first image, the cassette would jam and not move into position. All that was necessary to unjam was to break vacuum, giggle the cassette with your hand to straighten it and then repump the camera chamber and get back to work...a 10 minute process as most. We had one operator who thought she knew it all. She was working on the microscope one evening and the camera jammed. Her solution was to take out the camera and take it apart...screw by screw and spring by spring. She ended up with an incredible heap of parts and of course had no clue as to how to put it back together. Neither did the Siemens service engineers. They had never seen one apart! They had to find another camera (not easy in those days with relatively few of these instruments around), take it apart..carefully marking where each piece came from...and then reassembled each camera simultaneously. It took hours!! Moral of the story...NO ONE fixed ANYTHING without permission of the lab personnel!!
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057
I have just been asked to do auger analysis on a sample mounted in phenolic mounting resin. Normally I require that these samples be demounted for UHV compatibility but this person doesn't wish to do so.
Does anyone have any experience with putting phenolic mounting material in a UHV environment? Will I be seeing carbon on all my samples for the next few years?
Thanks, Henk
Hendrik O. Colijn colijn.1-at-osu.edu Campus Electron Optics Facility Ohio State University (614) 292-0674 http://web.ceof.ohio-state.edu Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong, it will." Commentary: "Murphy was an optimist."
There is a new system which sounds like it a good fit for your application. It is a liquid light guide with coupler, lamp (long lived HBO) and power supply from EFOS. Contact: Allan Firhoj PH: 905-812-4302 Email: AllanF-at-EFOS.com URL: www.efos.com
Caveat: MME has no financial interest in this product.
Best regards, Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118 PH: (413)746-6931 FX: (413)746-9311 email: mme-at-map.com Visit our web site {http://www.MME-Microscopy.com/education} ******************************************************
At 03:50 PM 4/3/00 +0200, Van Osta, Peter [JanBe] wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
I love reading the "horror stories". Here's a personal one:
When I was a grad student I did a CPD run with a fellow grad student JT. I worked on plant pathogens and JT worked on chick embryo hearts so we had little pieces of leaf tissue and tiny chick hearts to dry. When the run was finished I couldn't get the lid off the CPD (it was a twist type). JT volunteered to muscle it off and when she did the lid shot passed her head with a boom and hit the ceiling. She had a grazing wound on her forehead but was otherwise ok. We both burst into fits of nervous laughter...we both knew she was so lucky not to be seriously injured. Then we looked in the CPD and saw that all the lids had blown off the little white sample containers. We howled with laughter when we got down on our hands and knees to search the floor for the tiny hearts and leaf pieces. The CPD was fine, the samples were fine, and surprisingly we both graduated.
} [Beth wrote:] } I love reading the "horror stories". Here's a personal one:
I do, also. Although I have not posted to this List often (last time was for advice in purchasing a confocal which was very helpful and we are very pleased with the purchase), I've wanted to chime in and say how enjoyable it is to read these 'stories'. I think there is a very relevant component to these stories in that they help us be more aware of how easy it is for some very unusual, silly and sometimes dangerous things to happen when you thought such a thing was impossible if it even crossed your mind at all.
Sorry, but thankfully, (very thankfully) I have no horror stories, yet... Having said that, uh oh...
Gerald Harrison ================ } [Beth continued] } When I was a grad student I did a CPD run with a fellow grad student JT. I } worked on plant pathogens and JT worked on chick embryo hearts so we had } little pieces of leaf tissue and tiny chick hearts to dry. When the run was } finished I couldn't get the lid off the CPD (it was a twist type). JT } volunteered to muscle it off and when she did the lid shot passed her head } with a boom and hit the ceiling. She had a grazing wound on her forehead } but was otherwise ok. We both burst into fits of nervous laughter...we both } knew she was so lucky not to be seriously injured. Then we looked in the } CPD and saw that all the lids had blown off the little white sample } containers. We howled with laughter when we got down on our hands and knees } to search the floor for the tiny hearts and leaf pieces. The CPD was fine, } the samples were fine, and surprisingly we both graduated. } } Beth }
I can't even begin to think of why you would have D-19 developer in a pressurized pipe system? Did they process 1000's of negatives a day?
At 10:22 AM -0400 4/3/00, Peggy Bisher wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
David R. Hull NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field Advanced Metallics Branch Mail Stop 49-1 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135
The Philip's guy's did not give me such a clear answer. I can only assume that something stupid happened, like D-19 was put in the closed loop system of the Haskris Chiller, instead of the normal water. I do know that this darkroom was to service a large EM suite so perhaps there was this big tank of D-19 made up and they (the plumbers) grabbed it and used it. It does sound incredibly stupid, that's for sure.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Margaret E. Bisher
NEC Research Institute 4 Independence Way Princeton, NJ 08540. Tel.: (609) 951-2629 Fax: (609) 951-2496 e-mail: peggy-at-research.nj.nec.com
These stories are a giggle, and also food for thought!
I would like to collect them for a future Net Notes, part of the News and Commentary section of Microscopy and Microanalysis. So keep them coming! I may have to edit them down to a reasonable number, and it would be a few months before they appeared, but they are too good to pass up.
Aloha, Tina
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
} We had a CAP inspection, the officers were from another hospital in the state. } } } The question I was expected to reason and answer with a straight face was: } } } * What other protective measures besides standing behind a lead } wall do you take when you put the glass slide into the TEM, to } protect yourself from the flying electrons??? }
Dear Lou Ann, In addition to the obvious ludicrous aspects to the question, the use of a lead shield to protect oneself against "flying electrons" is one of the worst things to do. One should use a low-Z absorber for elec- trons to reduce brehmsstrahlung x-rays, then, if desired, put lead between oneself and the low-Z shield to absorb those x-rays which are produced. Yours, Bill Tivol
} I heard that one years ago. Also one that supposedly happened at Univ. } Wisconsin. Someone apparently cleaned a scope's internal parts in acetone } and started pumping. Before it was fully pumped down, they turned on the } filament. Bang! Nice story but could it possibly happen? I would think } that any acetone residue would evaporate very quickly or is there some } other phenomenon here relating to ratio of gases?
Dear Damian, There must have been a lot of residue in the scope to have caused
an explosion. Not only would one need both acetone and oxygen in a suitable ratio, there would have to be enough so that the heat of combustion from one acetone molecule oxidising would cause other molecules to react, otherwise there would just (!) be a slow burning of the vapors. In addition, the acetone/oxygen ratio would be determined by both the amount of residual acetone and the relative pumping speeds for acetone and oxygen. No doubt there are people on this list who would know the pump speed ratio, so one could calculate the expected behavior of the acetone in the column for various values of the relevant parameters. Yours, Bill Tivol
If no one has any objections I would also like to post these on our upcoming section on microscopy for our museum's web site when it is finished. Ed Sharpe archivist for SMECC
I remember somewhere in the past a discussion of software for creating extended focus images (I think that is the correct term), in which a series of transmitted light images in different focal planes are combined in order to remove the out of focus information and show all parts of the image in focus. Can someone point to software that carries out this function? Thanks- Dave --
************************************************************ "Home of the 2000 NCAA Women's Basketball Champions"
Dr. David Knecht Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of Connecticut 75 N. Eagleville Rd. U-125 Storrs, CT 06269 Knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu 860-486-2200 860-486-4331 (fax) home page: http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~mcbstaff/knecht/knecht.html ************************************************************
I've just noticed behavior which is different for my 2 e-beam instruments. If I bias my microprobe's gun for less emission, the beam current measured in a specimen faraday cup also goes down. However, if I bias my SEM's gun for less emission, the beam current (measured similarly) goes up(???). This may mean simply a shallower optic angle for the SEM and the anode allowing more electrons to pass, but I thought I'd throw the observation out there.
cheerios, shAf
{} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} Michael Shaffer, R.A. - ICQ 210524 Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu - http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~mshaf/
Hi everyone! I'm new to this microscopy society and 'am having trouble already!!To make it worse everyone is sending me panic stories!! Just kidding! I'm working on some poly-propylene wires. I need to take some TEM images but I'm having trouble at the first stage itself...ultramicrotomy. You see I need to fuse two PP wires and image the interface. Now the problem is, when I'm cutting it with the microtome, the interface just breaks off!!Right now I'm using a epoxy-hardner ratio of 10:4. will changing the proportions help? I'm thinking of using a diamond knife also. Does anyone have any bright ideas?!!Help me out on this!! Praveena ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
In a message dated 4/3/00 6:23:17 PM, knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu writes:
} I remember somewhere in the past a discussion of software for } creating extended focus images (I think that is the correct term), in } which a series of transmitted light images in different focal planes } are combined in order to remove the out of focus information and show } all parts of the image in focus. Can someone point to software that } carries out this function? Thanks- Dave
That function is performed in The Image Processing Tool Kit (http://members.aol.com/ImagProcTK/) by examining each pixel location in the two (or more) images and calculating the local variance in a 5 pixel wide circle. The pixel value that has the largest variance is kept, the rationale being that it has the most abrupt local variations and is likely to be in the sharpest focus. The method works pretty well for most microscope images where the magnification remains constant, but not so well for macroscopic images where the out-of-focus portions of the image are also shifted due to changes in focal length. It also doesn't handle cases with specular reflections to well. But it should be OK for your transmitted light case. There are other approaches in some software packages that use a simple high pass filter (e.g. a Laplacian) but this seems from my experiments to be no faster and more noise sensitive.
Lighten up - the delete button is easy enough to use :-) I often feel the same way about all the bio postings and these are a lot more fun to read, besides having some educational value.
Jan Markham Motorola FPDD 7700 South River Parkway, FPD22 Tempe, AZ 85284 Ph: (480)755-5509 FAX: (480)755-5115 Email: afp042-at-email.mot.com
-----Original Message----- } From: Kriho, Virginia [mailto:Vkriho-at-psych.uic.edu] Sent: Monday, April 03, 2000 2:46 PM To: 'List Server'
I don't mean to be a drag, but enough of these "horror stories". My email is clogged with these stories. I only want the facts, Sir. Thanks.
Here's another one. A customer on the west coast had a bottle of N2 that was used to vent their TEM . They also used the same bottle to agitate their developer. One day someone left the N2 on in the developer and it ran out. You can guess what happened next, the TEM was vented with D-19.
Group, Just a note to advise that I intend to publish a summary of these "horror" stories in an upcoming issue of Microscopy Today. For those of you who do not receive our publication, including those overseas, I will provide a copy of the summary - at no charge. To the authors (past, current and future), should you not wish to have your comment included on our summary, kindly advise by return email and I will insure that it does not happen. Best to all, Don Grimes, Microscopy Today
Hi all - Ditto for the Australian EM Newsletter. (Somebody has volunteered to put together a choice selection.). and one from us... -the guy who asked how long to wash between dehydration steps
and from another place a long time ago- -the Professor who offered to pay the electron microscopist by giving him some oil immersion objectives for the TEM.
Dr Sally Stowe Facility Coordinator, ANU EMU Box 475 Canberra ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA stowe-at-rsbs.anu.edu.au fax 61 (0)2 6249 3218 or 6279 8525
} } } "Don Grimes" {microtoday-at-mindspring.com} 04/04/00 01:30pm } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Group, Just a note to advise that I intend to publish a summary of these "horror" stories in an upcoming issue of Microscopy Today. For those of you who do not receive our publication, including those overseas, I will provide a copy of the summary - at no charge. To the authors (past, current and future), should you not wish to have your comment included on our summary, kindly advise by return email and I will insure that it does not happen. Best to all, Don Grimes, Microscopy Today
I know that Soft Imaging's AnalySIS with EFI does this. It takes a bunch of images that are focused at various points and combines them into one image which is totally in focus.
gary g.
At 05:09 PM 4/3/00 , you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } I remember somewhere in the past a discussion of software for creating extended focus images (I think that is the correct term), in which a series of transmitted light images in different focal planes are combined in order to remove the out of focus information and show all parts of the image in focus. Can someone point to software that carries out this function? Thanks- Dave } -- } } ************************************************************ } "Home of the 2000 NCAA Women's Basketball Champions" } } Dr. David Knecht } Department of Molecular and Cell Biology } University of Connecticut } 75 N. Eagleville Rd. U-125 } Storrs, CT 06269 } Knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu } 860-486-2200 860-486-4331 (fax) } home page: http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~mcbstaff/knecht/knecht.html } ************************************************************
I strongly believe that many of us are able to extract facts even from "horror stories". Fact, what is that? In my point of view, the "horror stories" are pure extract from people's experience showing to us how manage EM facilities properly. I was surprised to know, for instance, that somebody was able to bent sample-holder standing up from the chair. I will include special topic about that case in my instructions for users now. If you don't like the way people share their experience, you may set filter tn the word "horror" in the E.mail program and direct those messages into the trash-folder. A little bit humor, here at ListServer is not bad.
Best wishes, Sergey.
P.S. It is not bad tradition, again, at ListServer to sign the messages.
} Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2000 16:45:46 -0500 } From: "Kriho, Virginia" {Vkriho-at-psych.uic.edu} } Subject: no more horror stories } To: 'List Server' {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2448.0) } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
I have been responsible for a multi-user facility since 1970.
It has always run on the basis that anyone can walk in and learn to use the equipment. So we never have fights about access or possession.
We now have around 300 users of which about 150 start fresh each year.
How is it our machines are not all wrecks?
The FIRST lesson teaches two golden rules:
1. NEVER use force on any control
2. ALWAYS ask for help as soon as you dont understand what is happening.
Our few bad incidents have occurred because these rules were neglected.
When a user who is in trouble calls me in to sort it out I try very hard to always be cheerful and positive no matter how stupid they have been. I think if I am cheerful they will call me in next time they have a problem. If I am furious with them they will maybe try to hide their blunder, or worse, try to fix it themselves.
Of course, I must apply the rule to myself. When I dont understand what is happening, it is time to call the service engineer!
Dr. Mel Dickson, Deputy Director, The Electron Microscope Unit, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Microbiology & Immunology The University of New South Wales UNSW SYDNEY 2052 Australia. Phone +612 9385 6383 Fax +612 9385 6400
Well, after reading Peggy Bisher's story, I couldn't help but add another along similar lines.
About 20-odd years ago, a prestigous institution purchased a state of the art new TEM. The main body came in a very large wooden container and was unloaded onto the loading dock at the back of the building. It sat there for quite a while, because it was too heavy to move with the regular forklift, and I think the lab still needed a few final things to be finished off. Anyway, one day, someone decided that they were going to move the TEM in, and loaded it on the forklift. About half way to the lab, the TEM started oscillating back and forth on the forklift - it wasn't strapped on securely, and an eyewitness said he just stood there and watched this thing slowly crash to the floor on its side. Not much use rushing in and getting crushed by a few 100 kilos of metal.
I'm not sure it ever worked properly, the camera was smashed and a few other things too. The workshop had to retool all the smashed bits as best they could.
Amazing how many ways there are to destroy precision instruments.
cheers,
Rosemary White Microscopy Centre CSIRO Plant Industry GPO Box 1600 Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
I agree with Mel Dickson whole heartedly. I learnt many years ago that to bawl out a user for being stupid results in silence. The only way to find out what really happens is to be as helpful as possible whatever the situation. Rant and rave to let off steam later, in the privacy of another room. To this end I welcome the horror stories. It is better to tell users stories of other incidents to get them to be careful and to think about the situation. They are more willing to ask a `stupid' question without embarrasment if they are aware of the mistakes that have been made. If this prevents them making furhter mistakes then I'm all for it.
Ron
=========================================================================== Mr. Ron Doole e-mail ron.doole-at-materials.ox.ac.uk Department of Materials, phone +44 (0) 1865 273701 University of Oxford, fax +44 (0) 1865 283333 Parks Road. Oxford. OX1 3PH. UK. ============================================================================
What Jan is saying is that `"bio" postings have no educational value ; )
Markham Jan-AFP042 wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Lighten up - the delete button is easy enough to use :-) I often feel the } same way about all the bio postings and these are a lot more fun to read, } besides having some educational value. } } Jan Markham } Motorola FPDD } 7700 South River Parkway, FPD22 } Tempe, AZ 85284 } Ph: (480)755-5509 } FAX: (480)755-5115 } Email: afp042-at-email.mot.com } } -----Original Message----- } } From: Kriho, Virginia [mailto:Vkriho-at-psych.uic.edu] } Sent: Monday, April 03, 2000 2:46 PM } To: 'List Server' } Subject: no more horror stories } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } I don't mean to be a drag, but enough of these "horror stories". My email } is clogged with these stories. I only want the facts, Sir. Thanks.
-- C. John Runions, Ph. D. Department of Plant Sciences University of Cambridge Downing St. Cambridge UK
} } } I remember somewhere in the past a discussion of software for } creating extended focus images (I think that is the correct term), in } which a series of transmitted light images in different focal planes } are combined in order to remove the out of focus information and show } all parts of the image in focus. Can someone point to software that } carries out this function? Thanks- Dave } -- } } Greetings David,
If you contact them they will send you a demonstrtion CD of this product.
regards
Arnold
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Arnold Richard Pizzey Department of Haematology Royal Free and University College London Medical School 98 Chenies Mews London WC1E 6HX U.K
There are a couple of options. Autoquant will do this, as will modules from Soft Imaging Systems. I think some Zeiss software can do this too, as long as there is no lateral shift in sequential images (as is found in some dissecting scopes). These are packages we've tried, there may well be more.
cheers, Rsoemary
Rosemary White Microscopy Centre CSIRO Plant Industry GPO Box 1600 Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
Hi Dave, you may have a look on the SIS (Soft Imaging Software) homepage. They offer an EFI -modul.
http://www.soft-imaging.de/
In our metallographic labority, we use the EFI-module for one year and we are very satisfied in working with it.
Hope ths answer will help.
Best regards Bernd Schweisfurth Lufthansa Technik Hamburg / Germany } ---------- } Von: David Knecht[SMTP:knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu] } Gesendet: Dienstag, 4. April 2000 00:09 } An: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Betreff: extended focus software } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } I remember somewhere in the past a discussion of software for } creating extended focus images (I think that is the correct term), in } which a series of transmitted light images in different focal planes } are combined in order to remove the out of focus information and show } all parts of the image in focus. Can someone point to software that } carries out this function? Thanks- Dave } -- } } ************************************************************ } "Home of the 2000 NCAA Women's Basketball Champions" } } Dr. David Knecht } Department of Molecular and Cell Biology } University of Connecticut } 75 N. Eagleville Rd. U-125 } Storrs, CT 06269 } Knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu } 860-486-2200 860-486-4331 (fax) } home page: http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~mcbstaff/knecht/knecht.html } ************************************************************ }
I am trying to localize a beta-1,3-glucanases gene expression after Russian wheat aphid infestation. However I'm getting heavy labeling in the chloroplasts. Unexpected because no previous localization studies have shown glucanases to be expressed in the chloroplasts. My question is: How can I conform that the labeling I am getting is not background or artifacts of some sort?? I am not using osmium only uranyl acetate and lead citrate for the staining
Thank you for any assistance Martin Wilding
Martin Wilding Department Botany & Genetics University of the Orange Free State P.O. Box 339 Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa
Tel +2751 4012818 Fax +2751 4488772 Email paam-at-rs.uovs.ac.za
David, I wrote a macro for Optimas that does this; however, you should be able to do this with just about any image processing software. You can see an article I wrote in Microscopy Today, February/March 1988 for specifics. I can email you a copy of the article if you want it.
Everett Ramer National Energy Technology Laboratory Pittsburgh, PA, USA 412-386-4920 ramer-at-netl.doe.gov
} } } David Knecht {knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu} 04/03/00 06:09PM } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
I remember somewhere in the past a discussion of software for creating extended focus images (I think that is the correct term), in which a series of transmitted light images in different focal planes are combined in order to remove the out of focus information and show all parts of the image in focus. Can someone point to software that carries out this function? Thanks- Dave --
************************************************************ "Home of the 2000 NCAA Women's Basketball Champions"
Dr. David Knecht Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of Connecticut 75 N. Eagleville Rd. U-125 Storrs, CT 06269 Knecht-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu 860-486-2200 860-486-4331 (fax) home page: http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~mcbstaff/knecht/knecht.html ************************************************************
Group, As suggested by several of you, and in addition to publishing an edited summary of the stories in Microscopy Today, I will put the summary on my web site where it can be downloaded by any with an interest. I will advise when it is done. And, should Nestor decide to discourage further contributions, send comments to me directly and I will see that they are included. Regards to all, Don Grimes, Microscopy Today
One of the problems with many interfaces like yours, Praveena, is that there is not a lot of adhesion across them. Thus mechanical sectioning of any form places a stress on the interface and decohesion can occur. (In many cases of sectioned thin films at this lab, we've ended up with two debonded layers adhering to the epoxy but not to each other after sectioning, thus I don't think playing with the hardener ratio will help much). A diamond knife makes a much smoother 'cut' and thus reduces these stresses, as will a lower knife angle (like 35 degrees). Sectioning parallel to an interface is less stressful than perpendicular to it. If you have an inherently weak interface, however, chances are pretty good that decohesion will occur. You may increase your probability of finding a portion that is still together by trimming to an oversized block face.
Good luck.
Tom Malis Group Leader - Characterization Materials Technology Laboratory Natural Resources Canada (Govt. of Canada) 568 Booth St., Ottawa, Canada ph. 613-992-2310 FAX 613-992-8735 email: malis-at-nrcan.gc.ca ---------- From: Praveena Bhaskara [SMTP:bubbyp-at-hotmail.com] Sent: April 03, 2000 7:10 PM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com Subject: ultramicrotomy: PP wires
------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html
Hi everyone! I'm new to this microscopy society and 'am having trouble already!!To make it worse everyone is sending me panic stories!! Just kidding! I'm working on some poly-propylene wires. I need to take some TEM images but I'm having trouble at the first stage itself...ultramicrotomy. You see I need to fuse two PP wires and image the interface. Now the problem is, when I'm cutting it with the microtome, the interface just breaks off!!Right now I'm using a epoxy-hardner ratio of 10:4. will changing the proportions help? I'm thinking of using a diamond knife also. Does anyone have any bright ideas?!!Help me out on this!! Praveena ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
This is less a horror story than a sad tale. When I took over managing the EM facility here, I ordered a new cylinder of CO2 for the CPD. When it arrived, I pointed out to the delivery person that he made a mistake and had not supplied a tank with a siphon tube. He replied that he delivered what he had always delivered. I checked the shipping records, and, indeed, my predecessor had used C02 from a tank without a siphon tube--in other words, for a decade he never critically point dried a single specimen, since only C02 gas would have entered the chamber!
Perhaps more than a few people may want check their cylinders. (In the US, the proper cylinder typically has a red band painted at the top of the cylinder and the words "w/ dip tube" stenciled on the side.)
DL
______________________________________________________________________ Donald L. Lovett e-mail: lovett-at-tcnj.edu Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Biology voice: (609) 771-2876 P.O. Box 7718 fax: (609) 637-5118 The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ 08628-0718
Hi all: Many years ago when comunists were in power in Eastern Europe, thanks to a great person who knew how to deal with them, we got a beautiful pice of equipment, with all the possible stages. One of them - the heating stage - was especially impressive. All the people were amazed that in situ TEM heating experiment might be performed up to 1000 centigrade. Among them was a young scientist who was investigating some processes in aluminum. Probably, impressed by 1000 centigrade he forgot about melting temperature. So, the new stage was required. At this time it was a real horror story since the price of the stage was almost equal the price of the small car - Fiat 126. Have a nice day, Witold Z.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Witold Zielinski, Ph.D. Warsaw University of Technology Department of Materials Science and Engineering 02-507 Warszawa, Woloska 141 POLAND
You didn't read my tale too carefully. I said the "in-house plumbers" did the error. The Philip's folks had nothing to do with this blunder. They just told me the story because it involved one of their microscopes. Maybe I should have just left out who told me the story. I was only trying to give them the credit and not take it myself. I am sure all of our EM service engineers have some horror stories that would top any we have told, but are trying to be polite for all of our sakes.
} } Peggy told one on the Philips folks: } } } ... new Philips microscope ... goverment laboratory. ... house } } nitrogen, chilled water, etc. Even the darkroom was state of the } } art. Well, when the in-house plumbers hooked up the water to the } } microscope they weren't being very careful in their reading of the } } blueprint designs and they had D-19 developer running through the } } EM instead of water. I'm not sure, but I think they got a new } } microscope out of that blunder! }
Margaret E. Bisher
NEC Research Institute 4 Independence Way Princeton, NJ 08540. Tel.: (609) 951-2629 Fax: (609) 951-2496 e-mail: peggy-at-research.nj.nec.com
We use the AnalySIS software from Soft Imaging Systems in our lab and it works great. It's very easy to use and the results are an image which is in focus from top to bottom.
_______________________________
Bill Carmichael Electron Microscopy Faculty
Madison Area Technical College 3550 Anderson St. Madison, WI 53704 608-243-4309
Hi everyone! I'm new to this microscopy society and 'am having trouble already!!To make it worse everyone is sending me panic stories!! Just kidding! I'm working on some poly-propylene wires. I need to take some TEM images but I'm having trouble at the first stage itself...ultramicrotomy. You see I need to fuse two PP wires and image the interface. Now the problem is, when I'm cutting it with the microtome, the interface just breaks off!!Right now I'm using a epoxy-hardner ratio of 10:4. will changing the proportions help? I'm thinking of using a diamond knife also. Does anyone have any bright ideas?!!Help me out on this!! Praveena
I am not sure I understand the "fusing" part of your question. However PP has a Tg of -19 so you need cryo-microtome, if you are not perhaps that is part of the problem. By the way, hopefully these "panic" stories will not go on much longer. They are not usual to the list. Steve Stephen McCartney Research Associate Virginia Tech Materials Institute 2108 Hahn Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061-0344 USA
To All, As a field engineer, I fully agree with both Mel and Ron and have always told my customers, "The only stupid question is the one that you don't ask."
I will also say that occassionally it can be very difficult to hold one's temper when someone has done something stupid on an instrument covered by one's own service contract and then they try to lie about it. Users, don't add insult to injury. Tell us what you did so that we can more rapidly repair the damage by looking in the right direction.
Field engineers have horror stories, to:
I became an expert on the ETEC Autospec WDS as an ETEC field engineer by being impatient in looking for vacuum leaks. The Autospec about doubles the volume of the system and therefore takes a lot longer to vent. I had put a 13-1/2 stopper in the port for the secondary detector to see if the SED was the source of the leak. When it was about half vented, I pulled the stopper. Without the WDS, this wouldn't have caused any problem, but I drove the columnator/electron trap into the 4 crystal turret, broke the tape drive and blew the thin window detector, along with destroying 2 crystals and loosening all 4. The process of fixing all this was a three week intensive course in WDS alignment and operation.
The moral: Don't rush. Take it easy and (God forbid) THINK before you act. It was only milliseconds to create 3 weeks of work and some $4k in damaged parts.
Moral #2: Learn from the mistakes of others, because you'll never live long enough to make them all yourself.
Ken Converse owner Quality Images Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491
I have the original drawings for MAC instruments that ETEC dumped. I can't vouch for completeness, but there are 4 boxes of tubes with B size drawings and larger and at least a ream of A size drawings.
I need room. If you need these drawings, please contact me before May 1. After that date I will dump them. They may be had for the cost of shipping.
Ken Converse owner Quality Images Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491
Are there any of you left out there? I am trying to decide what to do with all of the parts aquired from ETEC. If you are still using your Omniscan, please let me know as I don't want to leave people stranded, but I could really use the space if there is no need for these parts.
Ken Converse owner Quality Images Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491
O.K. I guess I didn't word that as well as I should have :-) However, my point remains valid - not all the postings are of interest to everyone, no matter what the content, and these have been fun.
Jan Markham Motorola FPDD 7700 South River Parkway, FPD22 Tempe, AZ 85284 Ph: (480)755-5509 FAX: (480)755-5115 Email: afp042-at-email.mot.com
-----Original Message----- } From: John Runions [mailto:cjr41-at-cam.ac.uk] Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 1:40 AM To: Markham Jan-AFP042 Cc: 'Kriho, Virginia'; 'List Server'
Garber, Charles A. wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } -- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] -- } } Here is a "just off the press" example (but this does come up at least once } a year): } } I fielded a phone call from a distraught SEM lab manager who told me that } some months ago he put Dow Corning fluid into his diffusion pump "to save } money". And now that he has had an accident, the silicone fluid of course, } has contaminated his system, so he was asking us, "what organic solvent will } easily remove it." } } He was especially upset when I told him that his EDS detector will see Si } everywhere also, because they do a lot of analyses for Si! } } I won't repeat what he told me when I tried to explain the reality of his } situation...... } } But it does go to show that there are a lot of new people entering our } profession, some with less training and experience with vacuum than others, } so such stories are very well worth repeating. } } But just out of curiosity, is there some "recommended procedure" for } removing silicone fluid from the internal parts of a column, and also } removing it from the window of an EDS detector? I presume one can always } call in an outside service provider with experienced people but a lot of } users out there just don't have the budget for something like that. But } they do have a good supply of student manpower. } } While we are on the subject of silicone, a few weeks ago a well known TEM } user got me on the phone to say "hello" and commented that he had just } placed an order for silicone grease and yes, he said, he was going to be } using it on the o rings of his column. I told him I thought that he should } be using other greases and his response was "don't listen to dogma, I } thought you read the listserver!". Am I correct, namely that one should not } be using silicone grease on the o rings of a column instrument? } } Chuck } } ============================================ } } Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 } President 1-800-2424-SPI } SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 } PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com } West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA } Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com } } Look for us! } ######################## } WWW: http://www.spi.cc } ######################## } ============================================ Chuck, I agree that he shouldn't be using silicone grease on his o-rings. Braycote 803 and 602 are what I use, for static and dynamic seals, respectively.
My experience with DC705 (Transene Vacoil-S), which all ETECs were shipped with, is that if the system is properly trapped and the vacuum logic is well thought-out, it seems to work just fine. The only user that I'm aware of that had problems with stray Si readings was one who had a SIMS system attached. SIMS is apparently very sensitive to Si.
If you burp your DP, it is diffcult to clean, although ispropanol seems to work fairly well. I've seen many burped systems, but have never had any latent problems with silicates causing excessive charging. The biggest plus of DC705 is that you can take it to atmosphere hot and the oil is indestructible. It's performance figures are quite acceptable, and, lets face it, most people don't think twice about what they stick in their vacuum system. A bullet-proof oil is nice to have.
Perhaps it's more of a problem on systems that don't have a sealed, full-length liner tube. I'm certainly open to thoughts on why, in 23 years of servicing SEMs, I haven't seen this problem.
Ken Converse owner Quality Images Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491
A colleague has recently requested analysis with a hot stage light microscope. As I do not have one, I am looking to retrofit a very old Reichert compound microscope with a hot stage. Is there anyone out there who might be able to help me?
At Martin Marietta Labs (1977), Harry O. and myself were responsible for training, use, and maintenance of an ISI Mini-SEM. One morning we found the SEM with a blown filament after late-night operation by user or users unknown. Further investigation revealed the remains of a house fly affixed with Aquadag to a specimen stub -- and dispersed throughout the microscope. The innards of the house fly in the microscope prevented the SEM from reaching operating vacuum. It took two days to adequately clean the column and the vacuum system.
Apparently the guilty party wanted to examine a housefly in the SEM, but did not think about it exploding in high vacuum. The fact the fly was not sputter coated suggested the likely guilty party. He later confessed and was denied further access without close supervision.
Steve Stokowski Stone Products Consultants 10 Clark St., Ste. A Ashland, Mass. 01721 508-881-6364 (ph. and fax) http://members.aol.com/crushstone/petro.htm
Oh oh here comes the fight between the "bios" and the "mats". Jan's comment didn't bother me, I'm a bio, but to each their own. I think most materials stuff is also uninteresting. (neat pictures but...)
I realize this thread is getting tired, but as this one happened to me just yesterday, perhaps you'll bear with me as I tell it.
For those of you that don't know the instrument, the XL30 ESEM, like most modern SEM's, displays its image as 256 intensity levels on a computer monitor. Presumably the colour could be set to whatever the user chooses, but we use the default black-and-white.
I had a young photorapher working for a prestigious magazine who needed an SEM photograph of a human hair. I had the microscope set up before he arrived, so there was an image on the screen as he walked in. After a few minutes, he asked "I thought you said this was one of your own hairs". "Yes", I replied. He looked puzzled, looking closely at my head, then said "Did you take one of the grey ones?"
Tony.
** Anthony J. Garratt-Reed ** MIT Room # 13-1027 ** 77 Massachusetts Avenue ** Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 ** USA ** ** Phone: (+) 1-617-253-4622 ** Fax: (+) 1-617-258-6479 **
clogged? I have a whole 13 since yesterday among another dozen of real junk.
I can't believe some of these things have happened! I have been trying to dismiss all the anti user ideas that the faculty had here. Don't let students use it, don't let researchers use it, don't teach them how -- they can't remember how to use it. I was once a student and learned how to tear down an old ISI SEM to clean after a filament change (with manual valving). So if taught and monitored I said, then they should enjoy the fun part of EM. It's worked so far. (cross my fingers and knock on wood)
I don't have any stories but heard at a meeting of a visiting researcher from the Far East that was pipeting Osmium by mouth. When corrected he shook his head yes but was found doing it again so they banned him from the lab.
Most stages have the holes necessary to accept any of the conventional hot stages.
By the way, do you know which model of Reichert do you have?
Best regards, Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118 PH: (413)746-6931 FX: (413)746-9311 email: mme-at-map.com Visit our web site {http://www.MME-Microscopy.com/education} ******************************************************
At 11:48 AM 4/4/00 -0400, Harrison, Gail wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
our software, the EFI module for analySIS, DOES take into account the lateral shift typical for the dissecting microscopes. It corrects for this shift first before attempting to reconstruct the final image.
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: Rosemary White [mailto:Rosemary.White-at-pi.csiro.au] Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 3:45 AM To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Dear Dave,
There are a couple of options. Autoquant will do this, as will modules from Soft Imaging Systems. I think some Zeiss software can do this too, as long as there is no lateral shift in sequential images (as is found in some dissecting scopes). These are packages we've tried, there may well be more.
cheers, Rsoemary
Rosemary White Microscopy Centre CSIRO Plant Industry GPO Box 1600 Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
My horror story is about 3 very competent service engineers, all from the same company, who each blew the window in the same EDX detector in their own turn. Engineer #1 was just unlucky, I think. He was installing a STEM unit and the window just popped. Engineer #2 had disassembled the TEM goniometer and for some unknown reason turned on the roughing pumps. Evidently the inrush of air increased pressure on the window enough to cause it to pop. Engineer #3 just didn't listen to me. He had insisted that my detector bellows was causing a very small leak. He had taken the detector off 3 times, sure he would finally demonstrate that without the detector the TEM would hold vacuum. Each time, though, the vacuum would drift and he'd go find and solve another leak. After the 3rd time, I told him to not mess with the detector anymore for fear he would break it. Two days later after I returned from giving an out-of-town lecture, the detector was off the scope and the window was indeed blown...and the vacuum leak was still not solved. I ended up paying for a percentage of the last repair because the engineer had gotten permission to remove the detector from my trainee technician (2 months experience). The bellows was proved to be tight and a new butterfly valve solved the vacuum leak.
The companies and engineers remain nameless.
Chuck Butterick Engineered Carbons, Inc. Borger, TX
Oh no..... I really didn't mean to start another bio vs materials war. I just meant to point out that we have a variety of interests represented here and not every item is going to be relevant to every reader at every time (as a pharmacist, I have done some pharmacognosy in the past and enjoyed it). If you don't like something, just use the delete button and let others make their own judgements.
Pax everyone!
Jan Markham Motorola FPDD 7700 South River Parkway, FPD22 Tempe, AZ 85284 Ph: (480)755-5509 FAX: (480)755-5115 Email: afp042-at-email.mot.com
-----Original Message----- } From: "rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com [mailto:"rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 10:45 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Oh oh here comes the fight between the "bios" and the "mats". Jan's comment didn't bother me, I'm a bio, but to each their own. I think most materials stuff is also uninteresting. (neat pictures but...)
Oh no..... I really didn't mean to start another bio vs materials war. I just meant to point out that we have a variety of interests represented here and not every item is going to be relevant to every reader at every time (as a pharmacist, I have done some pharmacognosy in the past and enjoyed it). If you don't like something, just use the delete button and let others make their own judgements.
Pax everyone!
Jan Markham Motorola FPDD 7700 South River Parkway, FPD22 Tempe, AZ 85284 Ph: (480)755-5509 FAX: (480)755-5115 Email: afp042-at-email.mot.com
-----Original Message----- } From: "rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com [mailto:"rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 10:45 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Oh oh here comes the fight between the "bios" and the "mats". Jan's comment didn't bother me, I'm a bio, but to each their own. I think most materials stuff is also uninteresting. (neat pictures but...)
Oh no..... I really didn't mean to start another bio vs materials war. I just meant to point out that we have a variety of interests represented here and not every item is going to be relevant to every reader at every time (as a pharmacist, I have done some pharmacognosy in the past and enjoyed it). If you don't like something, just use the delete button and let others make their own judgements :-)
Pax everyone!
Jan Markham Motorola FPDD 7700 South River Parkway, FPD22 Tempe, AZ 85284 Ph: (480)755-5509 FAX: (480)755-5115 Email: afp042-at-email.mot.com
-----Original Message----- } From: "rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com [mailto:"rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 10:45 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Oh oh here comes the fight between the "bios" and the "mats". Jan's comment didn't bother me, I'm a bio, but to each their own. I think most materials stuff is also uninteresting. (neat pictures but...)
This is to confirm my subscription to the listserver and to ask my first question.
I wish to purchase a PC based scanner with a transparency adaptor to scan in TEM negative plates for digital processing and output. I'd like to keep the cost of the hardware under $1000. What hardware is available out there? I have looked at specs for HP 6390C and UMAX Powerlook III. What minimum specs should I be looking for? Thanks.
You don't say what the diameter of the wires is. If possible, you might try reducing the size of the sample area that needs to be sectioned. I don't know if you are sectioning at room temperature or cryo. The Tg of PP is around -19C, so if you are not doing cryo you might want to give that a try. A diamond knife should work better. Also, depending on what it is you are trying to see, if you can live with slightly thicker sections then I would try that.
I have received a another message concerning CPD window material (in the earlier string a Polaron/ VG manager noted that their windows were not quartz, but some unspecified superior material.
Ted Pella has advised that they are now using -
"sapphire windows (2 of them, one under the other), which are in turn covered by the bullet proof shield. I think sapphire has about 50% greater strength compared to quartz (about 9,000 psi vs about 6,000) - that's why we use sapphire, for greater safety. We have never heard of any accident with our unit.
We added the bullet proof shield ("Lexan") to add a second safety measure for the viewing ports.
Three other safety measures are included: rupture disc, over-temperature switch and over-pressure switch."
I have no doubt that all manufacturers of CPD are most concerned and make these units safe; afterall one accident could cost a year's manufacturing cost. Its nice to know what technology is now in use, thank you Ted Pella. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
Regarding the anomalous variation in beam current with emission which you observe between your instruments:
This is a good demonstration of the fact that as far as emission is concerned, more isn't always better. I commonly compare the problem of getting the best performance from the gun to the idea of trying to squirt water through a knothole some distance away -- the critical parameter isn't the flow rate of the hose, but rather the ability to direct it into a focused stream. In reality, the vast majority of the emission never makes it into the column (compare the emission current to your maximum beam current) so the quality of the emission is more important than the quantity. The dynamic of the triode gun is that as you reduce the bias (thereby increasing the size of the emitting area of the filament and generating more emission) you also reduce the amount of "focusing" and thus the emission is less convergent and a smaller fraction passes through the anode. Whether there is a beam increase or decrease depends on the specifics of where the gun is operating. In theory, you should be able to observe this "reverse trend" ( beam current goes down as emission increases) by reducing the bias sufficiently far on any instrument -- though a particular instrument may not have the range of bias adjustment to permit this.
Hope this helps.
Fred Schamber RJ Lee Instruments Limited
=shAf= wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } I've just noticed behavior which is different for my 2 e-beam } instruments. If I bias my microprobe's gun for less emission, the } beam current measured in a specimen faraday cup also goes down. } However, if I bias my SEM's gun for less emission, the beam current } (measured similarly) goes up(???). This may mean simply a shallower } optic angle for the SEM and the anode allowing more electrons to pass, } but I thought I'd throw the observation out there. } } cheerios, shAf } } {} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} } Michael Shaffer, R.A. - ICQ 210524 } Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon } mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu - http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~mshaf/
A former colleague spent approx. six hours ( over three separate days ) analysing metal wear particles on the SEM. He was doing the work with a French engineer who had prepared the samples. She told which particles to analyse and he dutifully analysed them. I happened to pass and glanced at the screen and asked why they were analysing paper fibres. They both insisted that I was wrong ( unfortunately they didn't take my bet ! ), until I suggested that they try using the BSE detector. Strangely they had lower contrast than the Al stub. The engineer is almost finished her PhD now and my colleague has moved on to become a forensic scientist. Just goes to show the customer is always right ?
Colin Reid, Electron Microscope Unit, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Rep. of Ireland. Tel: 353-1-6081820 Fax: 353-1-6770438 Email: creid-at-tcd.ie Home Page: http://www2.tcd.ie/Electron_Microscope/emu/home.htm
If You are interested please have a look at our High performance slow-scan CCD for TEM at http://www.proscan.de/pakete1.htm
Mark YEADON schrieb:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Mike, } } You could check out Soft Imaging Systems' MegaView II at: } } http://www.soft-imaging-web.de/ {http://www.soft-imaging-web.de/} } } I'd like to hear other recommendations too... } } Mark } } %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% } Mark Yeadon } Senior Research Fellow } Institute of Materials Research and Engineering } 3 Research Link } Singapore 117602 } } Assistant Professor } Department of Materials Science } National University of Singapore } Singapore 119260 } } TEL: (+65) 874 8591 } FAX: (+65) 872 0785 } Email: m-yeadon-at-imre.org.sg {mailto:m-yeadon-at-imre.org.sg} } } -----Original Message----- } From: Michael Coviello [SMTP:coviello-at-mae.uta.edu] } Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2000 4:44 AM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: TEM-Digital camera recommendations } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Hi Ya'll: } We are looking for a CCD camera for our Philips 430 TEM. We would } like } to get the best camera for the best price, e.g., either buying a } used } camera or a new non-Gatan camera (Gatan seems to be twice as } expensive } as the others). We would be using the camera for bright field and } high } resolution TEM of materials (semiconductors) rather than for } biological } specimens. Does anyone have a camera they would like to sell/donate } or } does anyone have recommendations as to a less-expensive camera that } they } know can be used for materials applications. } Thanks, Mike Coviello } Lab Manager } University of Texas -at- Arlington }
-- Best regards / Mit freundlichen Gruessen Dr. Frank Jenichen Proscan elektronische Systeme GmbH Tel.: +49 8195 999 -511 Fax: -512 mailto:Jenichen-at-proscan.de ------------------------------------------------------------ More information concerning our products and services can be found on our website http://www.proscan.de
I am having some difficulties obtaining a good, clean polish on gold-copper wires (SRM 482). I have embedded the wires in a thermoset resin, backed the wires with epoxy and polished with successively smaller SiC grit. I have tried a variety of final polishes including .25 um diamond, vibratory polishers, etc. I can achieve an excellent metallographic finish with regard to smooth surfaces, but I cannot remove some small spots from all of the wires. These are iron red in polarized light and do not have the morphology of the polishing compounds. A qualitative analysis by EDS does not show any elements other than copper and gold. Does anyone have experience polishing these alloys? Is there something I'm missing?
Thanks to all Robert Carlton Aventis Pharmaceuticals robert.carlton-at-rp-rorer.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
What a great basis for an SEM exam question. I'm going to tuck this one away until needed! Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057
--------------------------------------
shAF,
Regarding the anomalous variation in beam current with emission which you observe between your instruments:
This is a good demonstration of the fact that as far as emission is concerned, more isn't always better. I commonly compare the problem of getting the best performance from the gun to the idea of trying to squirt water through a knothole some distance away -- the critical parameter isn't the flow rate of the hose, but rather the ability to direct it into a focused stream. In reality, the vast majority of the emission never makes it into the column (compare the emission current to your maximum beam current) so the quality of the emission is more important than the quantity. The dynamic of the triode gun is that as you reduce the bias (thereby increasing the size of the emitting area of the filament and generating more emission) you also reduce the amount of "focusing" and thus the emission is less convergent and a smaller fraction passes through the anode. Whether there is a beam increase or decrease depends on the specifics of where the gun is operating. In theory, you should be able to observe this "reverse trend" ( beam current goes down as emission increases) by reducing the bias sufficiently far on any instrument -- though a particular instrument may not have the range of bias adjustment to permit this.
Hope this helps.
Fred Schamber RJ Lee Instruments Limited
=shAf= wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } I've just noticed behavior which is different for my 2 e-beam } instruments. If I bias my microprobe's gun for less emission, the } beam current measured in a specimen faraday cup also goes down. } However, if I bias my SEM's gun for less emission, the beam current } (measured similarly) goes up(???). This may mean simply a shallower } optic angle for the SEM and the anode allowing more electrons to pass, } but I thought I'd throw the observation out there. } } cheerios, shAf } } {} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} } Michael Shaffer, R.A. - ICQ 210524 } Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon } mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu - http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~mshaf/
Position available at the Smithsonian Institution:
The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced electron microscopist to fill a vacancy for SEM laboratory operation and management. The SEM facility is designed to serve both the biological and geological research communities in the museum, and houses two recent model SEMs and one state-of-the-art environmental microscope (to be installed in mid-2000). The principal responsibilities include training staff members and visiting scientists in proper use of equipment and theory of electron generation and detection, maintenance and troubleshooting all instrumentation (in conjunction with full service contracts), evaluation of new developments in SEM technology, and supervision of a support staff member. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to gain experience in Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Microscopy and high spatial resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry HR SIMS.
This position will fill a federal government vacancy and is offered at the GS11 ($42,724) or GS12 ($51,204) levels, and carries promotion potential to grade GS 13. U.S. citizenship is required for this federal position. To obtain information concerning this vacancy call our automated Jobline at (202) 287-3102 (24 hours, 7 days a week), press 9 and request vacancy announcement 00MQ-2069. Announcements will be available beginning April 18th and applications must be received by May 16th, 2000. If questions arise after receiving and reading through the vacancy announcement please contact: Dr. Edward Vicenzi (Chair, SEM Lab Manager Search Committee) at vicenzi-at-volcano.si.edu. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer.
PLEASE NOTE: this position is open from April 18th to May 16th, 2000.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Edward P. Vicenzi Smithsonian Institution Department of Mineral Sciences Washington, DC 20560-0119
A couple decades + ago while provding TEM services for the NIH neurology group, the Neurosurgeons were impatiently awaiting the Biopsy results of their surgical patient. The frozen section was not conclusive, and so they needed a TEM result which would confirm their findings. Not being satisfied with my answer that the results will take a couple days, or one day at the very earliest, the surgeon sent his first resident up to my lab and he began rummaging through my supply cabinets so he can prepare the sample quickly himself. This is before microwave embedding and fixation. He told me that he was instructed (by my boss) to cut a very thin slice of tissue (use a very sharp razor), coat it with a lot of glutaraldehyde (straight out of the bottle) and stick it into the scope (a Joel 100 at that time). He would be waiting in the OR with the patient until he got the result. He declared that he did not need any training. ... I was speechless and could not believe this attempt...I watched the fate with amusement. I Volutarily moved on to safer grounds thereafter.
Thomas Baginski
Thomas A Baginski, Room G-230 Technical Coordinator for Microscopy Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences 4301 Jones Bridge Road Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
What is the current folklore on avoiding folds/creases in semi-thin resin sections? I am cutting a worm, approx. 1 mm in diamter, for light microscopy and photography. It is typical Annelid, i.e. external cuticle, muscular body wall with inner coelomic space containing another hollow tubular structure (the gut). It is embedded in araldite for normal TEM. I have tried drying sections onto glass slides at 35, 60, 70 and 110 degrees. They all wrinkle prior to Toluidine Blue staining on hotplate. I have also stained sections by flotation overnight prior to drying on slides. Help!
Keith Ryan Marine Biological Association Plymouth UK
Dear All, We've been fortunate here that we've not had too many horror stories (at least funny enough to print here) even though we've had many users of greatly differing abilities. Of the mild catastrophes we've had, all have been invaluable for teaching purposes. They teach new users what can go wrong and how you can become inadvertently famous by not thinking. They've also taught me how to write instructions to prevent accidents, and how creative people can be in coming up with new ways to run the microscope. I routinely tell stories of past users (without revealing identities) to novices to lighten the long hours of instruction. I've also gotten into the habit of attaching the price tag (figuratively) to fixing different components of the scope. There are the famous $18 plastic knobs, } $300 hexrings, and the $50k if you hit your head on the specimen holder while it's in the scope (actually happened!). This "scared straight" tactic is always tempered with humor and encouragement so not to paralyze the faint of heart. And most of all, we don't heap blame on users for errors. We encourage honesty, lest we get mysterious cases that take much longer to decipher (such as the case of the missing holder tip). Ciao for now, Ken
} } Regarding the anomalous variation in beam current with } emission which you observe between your instruments: } } ... } ... The dynamic of the triode gun is that as you reduce } the bias (thereby increasing the size of the emitting area of the } filament and generating more emission) you also reduce the } amount of "focusing" and thus the emission is less convergent } and a smaller fraction passes through the anode. } Whether there is a beam increase or decrease depends } on the specifics of where the gun is operating. } In theory, you should be able to observe } this "reverse trend" ( beam current goes down as emission } increases) by reducing the bias sufficiently far on any } instrument -- though a particular instrument may not have } the range of bias adjustment to permit this. } ...
Are you implying any "optimization" at the 1st cross-over by exploring the relationship of emission versus the number of electrons which get past the anode?? (... as if, the point at which decreasing the emission also decreases the beam current implies less than optimized (?) ...). What are your thoughts for this relationship regarding the "brightest crossover" versus "extended life of the electron emitter"??
I'm interested in localizing fluorescein-tagged gene probes for microscopy (in situ hybridization, light and EM) and blotting applications. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best (strongest labeling) anti-fluorescein antibody, or any experience comparing different clones, polyclonal vs. monoclonal, or different suppliers?
For those TEM operators who have not seen the effect of changing bias on the electron beam there is a neat experiment.
1. At "gun saturation" bring the condenser to crossover and magnify this to fill the screen.
2. Change the bias or emission control (not the filament heating)
Either a) The gun de saturates, if so turn the bias control in the other direction to increase the bias field Or b) The intensity increases slightly (the subject of current mail) Or c) The intensity decreases
If you see (b) the filament is in an position within the cathode that allows the full optimisation of the emission system; in my experience few people run under these conditions.
If you see (c) the filament is not in the optimised position within the cathode.
For SEM operators
1. Set up in the wave form or graph mode
2. Watch the trace as you increase the bias field (emission reduces)
Either a) With the filament position optimised for efficiency the trace should rise slightly Or b) With a filament positioned away from this point the trace will fall.
For those who do not understand the bias or emission control relationships-
A BIAS control will reduce the emission current when turned clockwise, higher bias.
An EMISSION control will reduce the emission current when turned anticlockwise, higher bias, or of you like turn up an emission control and the reduction in the bias field allows an increase in emission current.
They are acting on exactly the same area of the high voltage circuit but are simply wired in a different way.
Have fun
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain - for professional training in EM world wide e-mail protrain-at-emcourses.com web site www.emcourses.com Tel 44+ 1280 814774 Fax 44+ 1280814007
Hello folks, I was traveling and really wanted to zip in three short "horror stories" before the thread got yanked or burned. [1] Eons ago (Actually maybe 25 years) I was a service engineer with Philips and went to perform routine maintenance on a very early EM-300. I always cleaned the windows and in this instance, I found the smaller, left, projection window to be Plexiglas! No one would tell me how long the ersatz window had been in place but I really made my point when I demonstrated, with a Geiger Counter, that lots of x-rays were getting sprayed into the room. They quickly got as new window. I also had a similar experience when a customer stuck the Aluminum shipping plate in place of a broken window. They also bought a nice new leaded glass window. See, the window stories are true. [2] Some of the older microscopes used Mercury Diffusion Pumps to increase pumping speed. They were usually operated in tandem with the Oil Diffusion Pump. In one of the not terribly uncommon disasters where a blast of Mercury blasts up the column and turns all the beautifully Gold plated brass pieces into a amalgam covered mess, a service engineer who was particularly resourceful found out that Iodine readily combines with Mercury. He sprinkled Iodine crystals all over the contaminated parts of the column. Not long later, there was an explosion! No one was physically hurt, and I heard the microscope company cleaned up the mess. [3] Our laboratory was below the level of a creek so when there were sump pump failures, water would seep onto the floor, fairly quickly. A lovely and dedicated graduate student was working late a night when one of these pump failures occurred and she ended up with her feet under water while running our old JEOL 35C Scanner. I found her and said she would have to stop, as I yanked the wall switch. She was angry with me for interrupting her research until I was finally able to convince her she was very close to electrocuting herself.
Best regards,
Alex Greene SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION SERVICES, INC. PMB-499, 1807 West Slaughter Lane, Number 200 Austin, Texas 78748-6200 Phone: 512/282-5507 FAX 512/280-0702
QUALITY ELECTRON MICROSCOPE REPAIRS -----Original Message----- } From: "rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {"rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
The problem with using silicone compounds in electron microscopes is that if they get on parts where they are struck by the electron beam they break down to produce siliceous compounds which are non-conductive and so collect a static electric charge and deflect the electron beam in undesirable ways. These decomposition compounds are also very insoluble, and become difficult to remove. I recall our RCA EML microscope, which came charged with silicone DP oil, developed such deposits on the objective and condenser apertures. Fortunately, these apertures were made of platinum, and so we could clean them by heating them in a Bunsen burner to convert the deposits to silicon oxides and then treating them with concentrated hydrofluoric acid to dissolve these oxides - something that would be frowned on in most laboratories these days.
Because of the potential for generating this kind of a problem, I can see no reason whatsoever for using either a silicone grease or a silicone oil in a modern electron microscope. In fact, when I was managing electron microscope laboratories I refused to allow any of these materials in laboratories out of fear that some inexperienced person would use them on one of the instruments.
The reason for using a vacuum grease on an O-ring (or gasket) is to provide enough lubrication so that the O-ring will slide enough to fill the O-ring groove uniformly, without forming bumps or creases that can cause a leak. The grease should not be required to produce the basic vacuum seal - the groove should be smooth enough so that it could seal properly without the grease if the O-ring fitted into position properly. Thus, only enough grease should be applied to give a barely visible sheen to the O-ring - gobs and globs are not needed. While the silicone high vacuum grease is indeed a good lubricant for O-rings, it is no better than the Brayco and Krytox greases, which are based on polyphenylether compounds, and which do not introduce the possibility of having insoluble siliceous compounds formed on critical parts of the electron optical column. The function, use, and characteristics of vacuum greases are discussed in more detail in Chapter 10 of the book "Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy"
I also would not use a silicone fluid in a diffusion pump on an electron microscope, nor other equipment used in preparing electron microscopy specimens, for the same reason described above. Several diffusion pump fluids are now available that are nearly as stable to thermal and oxidative degradation as the silicone fluids, and which have vapor pressure characteristics that are comparably favorable. These include the Santovac-5 and Excello-54 polyphenyl ether fluids and the Lion-S and Alcatel-220 eicosyl naphthalene fluids, all of which will produce levels of vacuum as good as the DC 705 silicone fluid. These fluids are discussed in more detail in Section 5.4 of Vac. Meth. in EM.
The problem of removing silicone compounds from parts that have become contaminated with them is a very difficult one, Because these compounds are usually very viscous, and are not readily soluble. The Dow Corning Company, which manufactures them, recommends repeated wiping with cloth pads moistened with toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene, or perchloroethylene.
I have recently had fair success cleaning diffusion pump fluids off metal parts by first wiping the parts with dry paper towels to remove the bulk of the fluids, then spraying the surfaces with Tilex Soap Scum Remover and scrubbing them with a cloth pad, then rinsing them with hot running water. By repeating this process several times I have been able to get acceptable results in several instances. (I remove the water by rinsing with isopropyl alcohol, and then dry with a gas blaster.) It might be difficult to adapt this process to cleaning internal parts of an electron microscope, however. Other cleaning procedures are described on pp. 69 - 74 of Vac. Meth. in EM.
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
One possible work-around is to cut your sections thinner than usual for light microscopy, down to 0.4 micro-meters, which then are more likely to dry wrinkle- free onto your slides. These thin sections then require an extreme stain to provide sufficient contrast. I refer you to two papers by del Cerro et al. on such a method, utilizing Stevenel's Blue as the stain. The articles are in Microscopa Acta Vol. 83, pp.117-121 and 217-220 (1980).
Hope this helps, Mike Nesson
Keith Ryan wrote:
} } What is the current folklore on avoiding folds/creases in semi-thin } resin sections? I am cutting a worm, approx. 1 mm in diamter, for } light microscopy and photography. It is typical Annelid, i.e. } external cuticle, muscular body wall with inner coelomic space } containing another hollow tubular structure (the gut). It is embedded } in araldite for normal TEM. I have tried drying sections onto glass } slides at 35, 60, 70 and 110 degrees. They all wrinkle prior to } Toluidine Blue staining on hotplate. I have also stained sections by } flotation overnight prior to drying on slides. Help! } } Keith Ryan } Marine Biological Association } Plymouth UK
-- _______________________________________________________________________ Michael Nesson, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics 2011 Ag&LS, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-7305 (541)737-5245 FAX:(541)737-0481 nessonm-at-ucs.orst.edu
I forgot about this recent one. We had a technician here who I taught how to develop film for our JEOL 2000FX. It had been awhile since he replaced the film, so after he left, I wanted to make sure that the film was loaded into the cassettes with the emulsion side up. When I opened the film cassette box, I couldn't take out the cassettes. He had put them in 180 degrees around and the slot in the film holders didn't match up with the alignment bar going up along the side of the box. The sides of the film box were actually bulging. I had to pry each cassette out of the box with a screwdriver. I left most of them for him to do the next day. Before showing him this, I innocently asked him if he had trouble putting the holders into the box. He said that the last couple were a little hard to put in. The good thing: he had loaded the cassettes with the emulsion side up. -Scott
Does anyone have a liquid nitrogen dewar in the 20 to 40 liter range with low evaporative losses that they would like to sell? Please contact me off-list.
A friend had just finished cleaning his TEM column parts with acetone, as he had been instructed. Being an impatient young man, he quickly reassembled everything and, as he was lowering the column back into place, noticed a few drops of acetone had fallen into the viewing chamber and onto the phosphorous screen. I guess he had the chamber open for cleaning as well, because he said he quickly grabbed the canned air and aimed it into the chamber to blow off the drops. I walked in just then to see a cloud of yellow dust settling all over the walls and floor of the EM lab... He cleaned out the viewing chamber as best he could, I suppose, but there was dust in the column and pumping system for months to come. Then there were the phosphorescent footprints and fingerprints that appeared all over the lab for weeks! Now every time I open my viewing chamber I hold my breath.
Aloha, Tina
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
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Many years ago, our lab had one "good" electron microscope-a JEOL 200. Every few years the massive high voltage cable would short out internally and require replacement. I watched the service technician unscrew the lock ring from the high voltage tank, which was about as large as a refrigerator to power many vacuum tubes. He used a chair to get on top of the unit and pull the cable out and hand the end to me. I heard a loud snapping sound and saw a frightened look on the fellow's face. In a hurry to get the job done, he had forgotten to use an insulated grounding rod kept in the area to bleed off the charge in the high voltage capacitors. Although he had a small burn on his hand, he and I finished the cable swap with a new one. A few years later, the instrument had a water hose leak which flooded all the control cable plugs at the rear of the console. The technician had to "rebuild" many of the plugs over a couple of days time. It ran well for a year or two and was shut down to make way for a newer instrument. It's always good to discuss major service procedures with someone to ensure that oversights don't occur unnecessarily. That person later rose to the higher eschelon's of his company.
Bernie Kestel Material's Science Division Argonne National Laboratory 9700 So. Cass Avenue Argonne, IL., 60439
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Back during the asbestos craze I was the last "little indian" doing TEM analysis, the other two left for bigger and better paying jobs elswhere. My business manangers (who knew the EM was big and needed electricity, but that was the extent of their knowledge) suggested cross-training some in-house employees to assist me with my work. The first guy walked into the scope room chewing gum (not like a normal human being, more like a horse). I started showing him the scope (JEOL 100sx) while he sat in the chair infront of the scope. The phone rang so I turned to answer it. Meanwhile that cute little handle on the camera door caught the new guy's attention. "what's this?" I heard, and then that all too familiar hiss followed by valves closing and pumps and power switches clicking off. He just reached out and turned the handle, venting the column. The scope handled the shock better than I did. I sent the guy to lunch, and locked the door behind him. Jon Ekman Associate Research Specialist University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 414-229-6471
A client of ours has a clever new way to present 3D images but needs some beautiful stereo pairs to generate a set of tests. These images need to be true stereo pairs, not anaglyphs. If you have anything you would like to share, please contact me directly. Also, there is a possibility that these materials may be used in future publications... of course, with credit, so please let me know if you would like the images used (a) just for the tests or (b) for both tests and publication, with your citation.
I look forward to hearing from you all!
Best regards, Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118 PH: (413)746-6931 FX: (413)746-9311 email: mme-at-map.com Visit our web site {http://www.MME-Microscopy.com/education} ******************************************************
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{blockquote TYPE=CITE} {pre} =shAf= wrote: Are you implying any "optimization" at the 1st cross-over by exploring the relationship of emission versus the number of electrons which get past the anode?? (... as if, the point at which decreasing the emission also decreases the beam current implies less than optimized (?) ...). What are your thoughts for this relationship regarding the "brightest crossover" versus "extended life of the electron emitter"?? {/pre} {/blockquote}
{p} {br} Yes, the whole mechanism relies on optimization of the electron trajectories so that they converge to a dense "crossover" in the region of the anode opening. Raw emission increases as bias is reduced but the amount of focusing is also reduced so that there is an optimum point where the maximum current is focused into the "virtual aperture" (entrance pupil) of solid angle where it will end up hitting the specimen. {p} Understanding the dynamics of the gun is really made much more complicated by the self-biasing (auto-bias) circuit which nearly every thermionic microscope uses (field emitters are, of course, a whole different story). If one had a direct-bias unit you could freely run the bias from low to high and clearly see the effects. At a very low bias, you get a flood of emission (usually limited only by the rating of the HV power unit) and at a sufficiently high bias you can cut the emission off entirely. However, because almost no one has a direct-bias setup, you can't adjust the bias directly -- you adjust the bias resistor -- which kind of does the same thing, but with one big difference -- you are now adjusting the operating point of the emission-stabilization circuit. A practical consequence is that you simply can't achieve cut-off -- since the actual bias is the voltage drop across the bias resistor due to the flow of emission current, it is clearly impossible to cut off the emission current completely (zero current would imply zero bias). Thus, the bias resistor acts like it is adjusting the bias directly (except in the opposite sense of the control) for low resistor values -- but at the other end of the range it behaves quite differently from a true bias control since it approaches "cutoff" asymptotically rather than abruptly. {p} Now look at the other part of the story -- the role of filament temperature. If one had a unit with an independent fixed bias, increasing the temperature would make the emission rise without limit (no "saturation" knee). But the autobias circuit means that at some point, as one increases the filament temperature, the increasing bias (due to the increased voltage drop across the bias resistor) starts trying to "cut off" the emission and you reach a stable operating point which microscopists like to call "saturation" which is, in fact, nothing more than the operating point of the autobias circuit. {p} So we have two effects we are trying to match up: (a) the need to optimize the projection of the crossover into the column's entrance pupil; and (b) an autobias circuit which will limit emission once a particular emitter temperature is reached. This is the purpose of adjusting the bias resistor. By setting it properly, you can make the optimal convergence condition occur at a desireable "saturation" temperature. This condition of optimal convergence is measured by a quantity we call "brightness", which is the product of the spatial and angular densities of the beam at the crossover (high brightness means the crossover has a small diameter and the beam doesn't diverge much -- just what you want to get the maximum beam down the column). {p} As to the life of the filament versus maximum brightness: There is a well-known equation due to Langmuir which gives the maximum brightness which can be achieved for a given filament temperature (for a given beam voltage and material work function). All other things being equal, the higher the temperature, the greater the attainable brightness. At the same time, the higher the temperature, the greater the rate of filament evaporation and the shorter its life. It should be possible on any microscope to set it up to approach the Langmuir limit over a range of operating temperatures (assuming appropriate wehnelt spacing and orifice size). So you have to make a choice, do you want high brightness or long filament life? You can't have both. It's too bad that our microscopes don't read filament temperature directly because then everyone could easily see what the REAL variable regulating filament life is. When you adjust the bias resistor, you adjust the emission stabilization operating point, and since microscopists are taught to "saturate" the filament, you are thus establishing the filament's operating temperature and thus its life. {p} Hope this somewhat long-winded answer addresses your question! {p} Fred {br} {blockquote TYPE=CITE} Fred writes ... {p} } {br} } Regarding the anomalous variation in beam current with {br} } emission which you observe between your instruments: {br} } {br} } ... {br} } ... The dynamic of the triode gun is that as you reduce {br} } the bias (thereby increasing the size of the emitting area of the {br} } filament and generating more emission) you also reduce the {br} } amount of "focusing" and thus the emission is less convergent {br} } and a smaller fraction passes through the anode. {br} } Whether there is a beam increase or decrease depends {br} } on the specifics of where the gun is operating. {br} } In theory, you should be able to observe {br} } this "reverse trend" ( beam current goes down as emission {br} } increases) by reducing the bias sufficiently far on any {br} } instrument -- though a particular instrument may not have {br} } the range of bias adjustment to permit this. {br} } ... {p} =shAf= :o) {/blockquote} {/html}
Dear Keith, My experience has been with parasitic helminths. Those of us who work to any degree of regularity on whole organisms find the varying consistency of tegument, musculature, and internal organs troublesome. Frequently the tegument expands differently than the circular, longitudinal, and tranverse musculature.
I have found the best solution to this situation is to adjust the hardness of the embedding media to match the most dense material in a given specimen. In addition to resin hardness, adequate infiltration is a must.
In previous list server responses to wrinkled sections, the techniques of infiltration and resin hardness, as well as the use of various solvents and heat to expand sections have been suggested.
Personally, I prefer using LR White methyl methacrylate, medium grade, or a harder version of the epon replacements with araldite. The difference in the appearance of the ultrastructure between these two resins will be obvious, but not necessary objectionable. I find LR White seems to 'relax' more than that of the epoxy resins, is easier to stain with multiple stains and requires less staining time with u.a. and pb.cit. However, LR White is the bane of many microscopists and therefore is not always the resin of choice.
This whole problem is interesting in that so many variables determine section quality, e.g., how do you pick up the sections, how clean are your microscope slides, how clean is your boat, how clean are the instruments you use to transfer sections to the microscope slide, how thick are your sections, on and on it goes!
My suggestion would be to make certain your slides, your glass knifes and boats, and the utensils you use to remove the sections are CLEAN! Next, try waiving a cotton swab dripped in cholorform very close to your sections and see if your sections expand enough to appear smooth. I prefer to do this step with the sections already on a droplet on a clean microscope slide. I watch the sections under the stereoscope to look for the smooth appearance. In some case, I actually use a heat wand in addition to the cholorform. If you do not have a heat wand, get a disposable heat pen (I believe most EM suppliers carry these). You can either replace the AA batteries when they go dead or, hook the heat wand to a variable DC transformer. Adjust the voltage to approximately 3 volts or until the 'filament' is slightly dull red. I usually rub a finger on my nose, GENTLY touch the filament and then turn on the voltage until the filament produces a wisp of smoke (strange technique eh?!)
One last comment: I usually turn my hot plate to almost 250 - 300 degree F. Watch the sections so no bubbles appear and try rocking the slide back and forth. I would also suggest you very the duration of staining time on the hot plate. Anything more than a minute and you will surely end up with some portion of the section lifting from the slide and consequently, get wrinkles.
Enough rambling... No horror stories with this one!
Cheers! -Ken ----------- Ken Tiekotter, Adjunct Professor The University of Portland Department of Biology 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland, OR 97303
On Wed, 5 Apr 2000, Keith Ryan wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Hello All } } What is the current folklore on avoiding folds/creases in semi-thin } resin sections? I am cutting a worm, approx. 1 mm in diamter, for } light microscopy and photography. It is typical Annelid, i.e. } external cuticle, muscular body wall with inner coelomic space } containing another hollow tubular structure (the gut). It is embedded } in araldite for normal TEM. I have tried drying sections onto glass } slides at 35, 60, 70 and 110 degrees. They all wrinkle prior to } Toluidine Blue staining on hotplate. I have also stained sections by } flotation overnight prior to drying on slides. Help! } } Keith Ryan } Marine Biological Association } Plymouth UK } } }
Most mention using a heat pen or solvent vapour - I don't normally do this in the belief that the hotplate does the job anyway. It is set somewhere between 100-120 degrees.
My belief is that the problem is the specimen being a set of concentric tubes of slightly varying consistency?
Cleanliness has also been mentioned! I am normally perfect - of course (my wife told me so!).
The most interesting "wrinkle" (I had to get that pun in somewhere) is to vary the time on the hotplate. I will play with this today. I have been drying for a few minutes, with sections covered by a dish to prevent any effect from draughts (I go back a bit - cutting sections since 1969 - you'd think I have got it right by now!).
I was thinking also of removing the resin to maybe lessen the wrinkles' effect (sodium methoxide - made with saturated NaOH in methanol).
Keith
_______________________ Keith Ryan (Dr) Marine Biological Association Citadel Hill Plymouth Devon PL1 2PB England
To whom it may concern: I am a physics undergraduate and I am currently trying to work on an assignment in Microscopy. I am trying to find material on the theory and application of electron beam and x-ray methods of analysis with particular emphasis on SEM, TEM, EPMA, EDX, WDX, AES and XPS. I was given this website site as a possible source of information. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Kindest Regards Chris MacWilliam. (ph95ccm-at-brunel.ac.uk)
{!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"} {html}
{blockquote TYPE=CITE} {pre} =shAf= wrote: Are you implying any "optimization" at the 1st cross-over by exploring the relationship of emission versus the number of electrons which get past the anode?? (... as if, the point at which decreasing the emission also decreases the beam current implies less than optimized (?) ...). What are your thoughts for this relationship regarding the "brightest crossover" versus "extended life of the electron emitter"?? {/pre} {/blockquote}
{p} {br} Yes, the whole mechanism relies on optimization of the electron trajectories so that they converge to a dense "crossover" in the region of the anode opening. Raw emission increases as bias is reduced but the amount of focusing is also reduced so that there is an optimum point where the maximum current is focused into the "virtual aperture" (entrance pupil) of solid angle where it will end up hitting the specimen. {p} Understanding the dynamics of the gun is really made much more complicated by the self-biasing (auto-bias) circuit which nearly every thermionic microscope uses (field emitters are, of course, a whole different story). If one had a direct-bias unit you could freely run the bias from low to high and clearly see the effects. At a very low bias, you get a flood of emission (usually limited only by the rating of the HV power unit) and at a sufficiently high bias you can cut the emission off entirely. However, because almost no one has a direct-bias setup, you can't adjust the bias directly -- you adjust the bias resistor -- which kind of does the same thing, but with one big difference -- you are now adjusting the operating point of the emission-stabilization circuit. A practical consequence is that you simply can't achieve cut-off -- since the actual bias is the voltage drop across the bias resistor due to the flow of emission current, it is clearly impossible to cut off the emission current completely (zero current would imply zero bias). Thus, the bias resistor acts like it is adjusting the bias directly (except in the opposite sense of the control) for low resistor values -- but at the other end of the range it behaves quite differently from a true bias control since it approaches "cutoff" asymptotically rather than abruptly. {p} Now look at the other part of the story -- the role of filament temperature. If one had a unit with an independent fixed bias, increasing the temperature would make the emission rise without limit (no "saturation" knee). But the autobias circuit means that at some point, as one increases the filament temperature, the increasing bias (due to the increased voltage drop across the bias resistor) starts trying to "cut off" the emission and you reach a stable operating point which microscopists like to call "saturation" which is, in fact, nothing more than the operating point of the autobias circuit. {p} So we have two effects we are trying to match up: (a) the need to optimize the projection of the crossover into the column's entrance pupil; and (b) an autobias circuit which will limit emission once a particular emitter temperature is reached. This is the purpose of adjusting the bias resistor. By setting it properly, you can make the optimal convergence condition occur at a desireable "saturation" temperature. This condition of optimal convergence is measured by a quantity we call "brightness", which is the product of the spatial and angular densities of the beam at the crossover (high brightness means the crossover has a small diameter and the beam doesn't diverge much -- just what you want to get the maximum beam down the column). {p} As to the life of the filament versus maximum brightness: There is a well-known equation due to Langmuir which gives the maximum brightness which can be achieved for a given filament temperature (for a given beam voltage and material work function). All other things being equal, the higher the temperature, the greater the attainable brightness. At the same time, the higher the temperature, the greater the rate of filament evaporation and the shorter its life. It should be possible on any microscope to set it up to approach the Langmuir limit over a range of operating temperatures (assuming appropriate wehnelt spacing and orifice size). So you have to make a choice, do you want high brightness or long filament life? You can't have both. It's too bad that our microscopes don't read filament temperature directly because then everyone could easily see what the REAL variable regulating filament life is. When you adjust the bias resistor, you adjust the emission stabilization operating point, and since microscopists are taught to "saturate" the filament, you are thus establishing the filament's operating temperature and thus its life. {p} Hope this somewhat long-winded answer addresses your question! {p} Fred {br} {blockquote TYPE=CITE} Fred writes ... {p} } {br} } Regarding the anomalous variation in beam current with {br} } emission which you observe between your instruments: {br} } {br} } ... {br} } ... The dynamic of the triode gun is that as you reduce {br} } the bias (thereby increasing the size of the emitting area of the {br} } filament and generating more emission) you also reduce the {br} } amount of "focusing" and thus the emission is less convergent {br} } and a smaller fraction passes through the anode. {br} } Whether there is a beam increase or decrease depends {br} } on the specifics of where the gun is operating. {br} } In theory, you should be able to observe {br} } this "reverse trend" ( beam current goes down as emission {br} } increases) by reducing the bias sufficiently far on any {br} } instrument -- though a particular instrument may not have {br} } the range of bias adjustment to permit this. {br} } ... {p} =shAf= :o) {/blockquote} {/html}
Wil Bigelow wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } The problem with using silicone compounds in electron microscopes is that } if they get on parts where they are struck by the electron beam they break } down to produce siliceous compounds which are non-conductive and so collect } a static electric charge and deflect the electron beam in undesirable ways. } These decomposition compounds are also very insoluble, and become difficult } to remove. I recall our RCA EML microscope, which came charged with } silicone DP oil, developed such deposits on the objective and condenser } apertures. Fortunately, these apertures were made of platinum, and so we } could clean them by heating them in a Bunsen burner to convert the deposits } to silicon oxides and then treating them with concentrated hydrofluoric } acid to dissolve these oxides - something that would be frowned on in most } laboratories these days. } } Because of the potential for generating this kind of a problem, I can see } no reason whatsoever for using either a silicone grease or a silicone oil } in a modern electron microscope. In fact, when I was managing electron } microscope laboratories I refused to allow any of these materials in } laboratories out of fear that some inexperienced person would use them on } one of the instruments. } } The reason for using a vacuum grease on an O-ring (or gasket) is to provide } enough lubrication so that the O-ring will slide enough to fill the O-ring } groove uniformly, without forming bumps or creases that can cause a leak. } The grease should not be required to produce the basic vacuum seal - the } groove should be smooth enough so that it could seal properly without the } grease if the O-ring fitted into position properly. Thus, only enough } grease should be applied to give a barely visible sheen to the O-ring - } gobs and globs are not needed. While the silicone high vacuum grease is } indeed a good lubricant for O-rings, it is no better than the Brayco and } Krytox greases, which are based on polyphenylether compounds, and which do } not introduce the possibility of having insoluble siliceous compounds } formed on critical parts of the electron optical column. The function, } use, and characteristics of vacuum greases are discussed in more detail in } Chapter 10 of the book "Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy" } } I also would not use a silicone fluid in a diffusion pump on an electron } microscope, nor other equipment used in preparing electron microscopy } specimens, for the same reason described above. Several diffusion pump } fluids are now available that are nearly as stable to thermal and oxidative } degradation as the silicone fluids, and which have vapor pressure } characteristics that are comparably favorable. These include the } Santovac-5 and Excello-54 polyphenyl ether fluids and the Lion-S and } Alcatel-220 eicosyl naphthalene fluids, all of which will produce levels of } vacuum as good as the DC 705 silicone fluid. These fluids are discussed in } more detail in Section 5.4 of Vac. Meth. in EM. } } The problem of removing silicone compounds from parts that have become } contaminated with them is a very difficult one, Because these compounds are } usually very viscous, and are not readily soluble. The Dow Corning } Company, which manufactures them, recommends repeated wiping with cloth } pads moistened with toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene, or } perchloroethylene. } } I have recently had fair success cleaning diffusion pump fluids off metal } parts by first wiping the parts with dry paper towels to remove the bulk of } the fluids, then spraying the surfaces with Tilex Soap Scum Remover and } scrubbing them with a cloth pad, then rinsing them with hot running water. } By repeating this process several times I have been able to get acceptable } results in several instances. (I remove the water by rinsing with } isopropyl alcohol, and then dry with a gas blaster.) It might be difficult } to adapt this process to cleaning internal parts of an electron microscope, } however. Other cleaning procedures are described on pp. 69 - 74 of Vac. } Meth. in EM. } } Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus } Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan } Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; } Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
Wil, I have apparently always had a good handle on the problems of silicones and e-beams. However, it still begs the question of why I haven't seen these problems in 23 years of servicing ETECs. I've seen charging from actual droplets present in a contaminated system, but never after cleaning, and I KNOW I've never gotten a contaminated system really stripped of silicones. Perhaps it's because one characteristic of ETECs that customers have told me about is that they continue to image very well when incredibly contaminated compared to other systems. Just a thought.
Ken Converse owner Quality Images Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491
The Electron Microcopy Analysis Center (EMAC) at West Chester University in Pennsylvania has an opening for a full-time electron microscopy technician in a multiple user facility. The successful applicant will have a minimum of a BachelorÕs degree and 3 years experience working with electron microscopes. Responsibilities will include daily operation and maintenance of the EMAC including training users on the instrumentation, specimen preparation and darkroom techniques. The successful applicant must demonstrate the necessary organizational, management and communication skills to efficiently operate the EMAC. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their experience with different instrumentation, a resume and contact information for three references. Although not a requirement, a sample of electron micrographs showing the applicant's work would be useful for the selection committee. All materials are to be sent to the Department of Human Resources, 210 Carter Drive, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, 19383. Applications must be received by June 1 2000. Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered a finalist. AA/EOE. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The Electron Microcopy Analysis Center (EMAC) at West Chester University in Pennsylvania has an opening for a full-time electron microscopy technician in a multiple user facility. The successful applicant will have a minimum of a BachelorÕs degree and 3 years experience working with electron microscopes. Responsibilities will include daily operation and maintenance of the EMAC including training users on the instrumentation, specimen preparation and darkroom techniques. The successful applicant must demonstrate the necessary organizational, management and communication skills to efficiently operate the EMAC. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their experience with different instrumentation, a resume and contact information for three references. Although not a requirement, a sample of electron micrographs showing the applicant's work would be useful for the selection committee. All materials are to be sent to the Department of Human Resources, 210 Carter Drive, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, 19383. Applications must be received by June 1 2000. Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered a finalist. AA/EOE. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
I have a number of stereo pairs on my web site, some better than others...
http://woody.white.home.att.net
They are not intended for commercial use for profit, but may be used for test purposes. ...They were collected on my own time, but using the company's equipment.
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A client of ours has a clever new way to present 3D images but needs some beautiful stereo pairs to generate a set of tests. These images need to Best regards, Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
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Robert Carleton: Have ypu considered the possibility that the red spots are particles of Cu2O? This compound will show up as red partcles in polarized light.
Sam Purdy National Steel Technical Center Trenton, MI V 734-676-2682 F 734-676-2030 spurdy-at-nationalsteel.com
} ---------- } From: "Robert.Carlton-at-aventis.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Sent: 5, April 2000, 8:57 AM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Polishing SRM 482 Gold-Copper Wires } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } To all, } } I am having some difficulties obtaining a good, clean polish on } gold-copper } wires (SRM 482). I have embedded the wires in a thermoset resin, backed } the } wires with epoxy and polished with successively smaller SiC grit. I have } tried a variety of final polishes including .25 um diamond, vibratory } polishers, etc. I can achieve an excellent metallographic finish with } regard } to smooth surfaces, but I cannot remove some small spots from all of the } wires. These are iron red in polarized light and do not have the } morphology } of the polishing compounds. A qualitative analysis by EDS does not show } any } elements other than copper and gold. Does anyone have experience } polishing } these alloys? Is there something I'm missing? } } Thanks to all } Robert Carlton } Aventis Pharmaceuticals } robert.carlton-at-rp-rorer.com } } }
On Wed, 5 Apr 2000 17:47:17 -0500 "jekman-at-uwm.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com wrote:
..... } Meanwhile that cute little handle on the camera door caught the } new guy's attention. "what's this?" I heard, and then that all too } familiar hiss followed by valves closing and pumps and power } switches clicking off. He just reached out and turned the handle, } venting the column.
I'd be willing to bet that almost everyone with a JEOL TEM can tell a similar story. I do wish they would do something about that handle...it sits there inviting itself to be turned. I've inadvertanly vented the scope myself several times by hitting it with the back of the chair.
WL Steffens, Ph.D Dept. of Pathology University of Georgia
Great thread. I think many an old timers could fill a book with those stories by themselves. Why though nothing autobiographical? There is no shame attached if the horror was a learning experience. We all know that education is expensive.
At only 23 years of age and only 18 months of intermittent "user experience" I found my self in charge of a small EM Lab with a Phillips 100C as the center piece. Interesting TEM, with the column in the near horizontal position and a transmission viewing screen.
There was some minor leak problem with the specimen holder. That TEM design prepumped around the holder on partial insertion, while a spring loaded ball sealed that space from the column. The holder was then pushed in completely and that pushed that ball aside. Simple and effective.
To fix the ball seal I had to open the column and so I also cleaned various bits and pieces and re-assembled. Pumped and realigned, I then pulled the specimen holder out, whereupon the TEM inhaled very deeply. I later found that that spring loaded ball assembly would fit 180 degrees reversed quite well, but in that position the ball would not roll back to cover the seal when the specimen holder was withdrawn.
The main damage was a clear center on that lovely transmission viewing screen, the coating had been vacuumed. It cost $300 then, which is more like $2000 today and I had another opportunity to hone my maintenance skills, cleaning column, oil and Hg pumps.
It was a very lonely job, with so little experience running that lab without any other assistance, but I never learned so much as during those 18 months in that lab. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Thursday, April 06, 2000 8:15 AM, Tina Carvalho [SMTP:tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu] wrote: } } Here's another oops. } } A friend had just finished cleaning his TEM column parts with acetone, as } he had been instructed. Being an impatient young man, he quickly } reassembled everything and, as he was lowering the column back into place, } noticed a few drops of acetone had fallen into the viewing chamber and } onto the phosphorous screen. I guess he had the chamber open for cleaning } as well, because he said he quickly grabbed the canned air and aimed it } into the chamber to blow off the drops. I walked in just then to see a } cloud of yellow dust settling all over the walls and floor of the EM } lab... He cleaned out the viewing chamber as best he could, I suppose, } but there was dust in the column and pumping system for months to } come. Then there were the phosphorescent footprints and fingerprints that } appeared all over the lab for weeks! Now every time I open my viewing } chamber I hold my breath. } } Aloha, } Tina } } **************************************************************************** } * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * } * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * } * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* } **************************************************************************** }
Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho wrote: ================================================= Here's another oops.
A friend had just finished cleaning his TEM column parts with acetone, as he had been instructed. Being an impatient young man, he quickly reassembled everything and, as he was lowering the column back into place, noticed a few drops of acetone had fallen into the viewing chamber and onto the phosphorous screen. I guess he had the chamber open for cleaning as well, because he said he quickly grabbed the canned air and aimed it into the chamber to blow off the drops. I walked in just then to see a cloud of yellow dust settling all over the walls and floor of the EM lab... He cleaned out the viewing chamber as best he could, I suppose, but there was dust in the column and pumping system for months to come. Then there were the phosphorescent footprints and fingerprints that appeared all over the lab for weeks! Now every time I open my viewing chamber I hold my breath. =============================================================== This might be a lot more serious, healthwise than just another "oops".
Until relatively recently, virtually all TEM viewing screens were coated with a Cd-containing phosphor. In recent years there has been an attempt to use non-Cd containing substitute materials (because of their much lower toxicity levels) but none really seem to be quite as good as the original Cd containing phosphors. That is why most of the bulk manufacturers of the Cd- containing phosphors stopped their production (because of liability concerns ) and that is also why you don't see Cd-containing phosphors readily available for sale any more.
But some of the people who do screen re-coating services, stockpiled some of the original Cd-containing phosphor because sometimes that is the level of performance demanded by the customer.
If the phosphor described by Tina was Cd-containing, I really don't think you want this to be around as an inhalation hazard. I don't know how common this kind of "oops" has been, but in the event it should happen in your lab, I would exercise great care to not inhale the particulates and to undertake a careful clean-up. And while we are on this topic, if you are doing your own screen coating and using a "lode" of phosphor purchased some years ago, the chances are very great that it contains Cd, and all precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation or other exposures when working with the powder
University of Pittsburgh Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Postdoctoral Research Position in Transmission Electron Microscopy
A POSTDOCTORAL POSITION has become available in the area of transmission electron microscopy of thin film data storage media as part of a collaborative research program between Professors J.M. Wiezorek and W.A. Soffa, Department of Materials Science and Engineering of the University of Pittsburgh, and the Seagate Corporation. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics or a related discipline and must have extensive hands-on experience in a broad range of imaging, diffraction and analytical electron microscopy characterization techniques, as well as with sample preparation methods. Demonstrated expertise in the preparation of thin film samples suitable for high-resolution TEM characterization in plan-view and cross-section is highly desirable. A basic knowledge of magnetism in materials and experience in instrument development and/or computer image processing/simulation would be beneficial. The appointment is for one year in the first instance and is available after June 01/00. Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the post is filled. Applications from under-represented groups, including minorities, women and people with disabilities are encouraged.
Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae, including publication list, and the names of at least three referees with postal addresses, telephone numbers and E-mail addresses to: Prof. J.M. Wiezorek, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 848 Benedum Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. Email: wiezorek+-at-pitt.edu
________________________________ Jorg M. Wiezorek, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Director - Electron Microscopy Materials Science & Engineering University of Pittsburgh tel.: 412-624 0122 848 Benedum Hall fax.: 412-624 8069 Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
The MegaView II is a high-resolution side-mounted TEM camera. It provides large field of view and high frame rates as well as high-resolution images. For high-resolution TEM images, as in lattice images, a bottom-mount camera is more suitable. To that end we have the BioCam. Although the name seems to imply biological applications, the name is more a "historical" one and does not reflect the current applications for the camera.
Nestor, if this sounds like an advertisement, I apologize. Out MegaView II camera was mentioned in connection with high-resolution images in materials science, for which it may or may not apply, depending on the actual requirements.
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
Mark YEADON wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Mike, } } You could check out Soft Imaging Systems' MegaView II at: } } http://www.soft-imaging-web.de/ {http://www.soft-imaging-web.de/} } } I'd like to hear other recommendations too... } } Mark } } %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% } Mark Yeadon } Senior Research Fellow } Institute of Materials Research and Engineering } 3 Research Link } Singapore 117602 } } Assistant Professor } Department of Materials Science } National University of Singapore } Singapore 119260 } } TEL: (+65) 874 8591 } FAX: (+65) 872 0785 } Email: m-yeadon-at-imre.org.sg {mailto:m-yeadon-at-imre.org.sg} } } -----Original Message----- } From: Michael Coviello [SMTP:coviello-at-mae.uta.edu] } Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2000 4:44 AM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: TEM-Digital camera recommendations } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of } America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Hi Ya'll: } We are looking for a CCD camera for our Philips 430 TEM. We would } like } to get the best camera for the best price, e.g., either buying a } used } camera or a new non-Gatan camera (Gatan seems to be twice as } expensive } as the others). We would be using the camera for bright field and } high } resolution TEM of materials (semiconductors) rather than for } biological } specimens. Does anyone have a camera they would like to sell/donate } or } does anyone have recommendations as to a less-expensive camera that } they } know can be used for materials applications. } Thanks, Mike Coviello } Lab Manager } University of Texas -at- Arlington }
A question for you immuno gurus out there. We have a client who is interested in looking again at some five-year old blocks, this time in order to label a protein. The specimens were fixed for standard TEM, i.e., in 2% glut / 2% paraformaldehyde, followed by osmium. They are embedded in Epon/Araldite.
I expect that this is going to be a tough one, if it can be done at all. My question is: are there any secret techniques for optimizing immunogold labeling in sub-optimal specimens like this? I'm aware of the silver enhancement methods (although I've never used them). Would that be a good route to go? Or is it hopeless?
Thanks.
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.biotech.missouri.edu/emc/
Alright, I've watched this string for days now and resisted the temptation, but it's just too much. So here's mine, before Nestor shuts the string down. I know several good ones, but I'll restrict this to one on me.
A year ago (recent history!), I was teaching a lab section in Electron Microscopy, and although overloaded with students, things were cruising along reasonably well. One day, however, in a fit of brainlessness, I instructed a student who was doing cell cultures in how to dehydrate samples for TEM. We were processing his samples in a culture plate. He was going to embed in Spurr's, so I took him through the ethanol dehydrations up to 100%, then moved on to, you guessed it, propylene oxide. The plastic cell culture plate he was using was not amused. Right in front of both of us, it melted and "embedded" his samples in a resin I was not prepared to risk a diamond knife on. His comment was something like, "Is it supposed to do that?"
He finished the semester with flying colors and presented a very respectable project. Even better, we're still friends.
Randy Tindall
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-5414 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.biotech.missouri.edu/emc/
Anyone have any good sources for a rotatable stages for inverted scopes? I would like something with good x & y translation but that allowed the slide or tray on the stage to rotate while keeping centered. how do other confocal and deconvolution types solve this problem? thanks for any tips. Tom
Thomas E. Phillips, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Director, Molecular Cytology Core Facility
3 Tucker Hall Division of Biological Sciences University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-7400 (573)-882-4712 (voice) (573)-882-0123 (fax)
Chris MacWilliam wrote: ========================================================= To whom it may concern: I am a physics undergraduate and I am currently trying to work on an assignment in Microscopy. I am trying to find material on the theory and application of electron beam and x-ray methods of analysis with particular emphasis on SEM, TEM, EPMA, EDX, WDX, AES and XPS. I was given this website site as a possible source of information. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Kindest Regards Chris MacWilliam. (ph95ccm-at-brunel.ac.uk) ========================================================= I would suggest you visit the MICRO 2000 meeting and exhibition next week at the Novotel London West Hotel. You can get details from the Royal Microscopical Society website at www.rms.org.uk .
Chuck
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We have an IonTech (UK manufacture) dual ion thinner which is missing its rotating stage part; this is a round piece the size of a large washer, with cogs on the perimeter. It is an essential part. Does anyone know where we can obtain a replacement?
Patrick Deshaye Geomicrobiology Lab Portland State University deshayep-at-ch1.ch.pdx.edu
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One area the savvy entrepreneur has turned to is the Internet.
But the Internet is huge. How do you stand out? How do you generate the leads that are so vital for successful sales?
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Bulk E-Mail to 10 Million people can generate hundreds/thousands of leads for pennies. ================================================================
.Which Advertising Method is the most economical?
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David S. Phillips died suddenly of a heart attack on Saturday March 18, while hiking with his son's Boy Scout Group in Bandelier National Monument, near Los Alamos, New Mexico.
David was born on February 17, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio. Following graduation from Fairborn High School, Ohio, in 1970, he attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he received his B.S. degree in Metallurgy with highest honors in 1974. He continued on at Case for his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees researching in Ceramics with myself and Arthur Heuer. After a post-doctoral appointment with Jacques Castaing at the CNRS Laboratoire de Physique des Materiaux in Bellevue, France, David was on the faculty of the University of Illinois before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1984.
David is survived by his wife Jane and by their sons Sam and Paul, all of Los Alamos. A memorial fund has been set up in the name of David Samuel Phillips at Los Alamos National Bank to benefit his sons.
David Phillips was a fine electron microscopist who applied his skills to a wide variety of problems in ceramics, superconductors, diamonds and nuclear materials. Amongst his many accomplishments were seminal papers on the use of high resolution and analytical electron microscopy to deduce the underlying cause for the star in star sapphire. He performed beautiful work in science and in everyday life and will be sorely missed.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Terence E. Mitchell Laboratory Fellow Materials Science and Technology Division MS-K765 Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos, NM 87545 voice mail: 505-667-0938 fax: 505-665-2992 e-mail: temitchell-at-lanl.gov xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
There is still some space left for the North Carolina State University short course on Image Analysis and Stereology, but you should register soon to avoid disappointment.
There are two sessions of the workshop, May 11-13 and May 15-17, 2000, at N. C. State Univ. in Raleigh, NC. This course has been heavily attended and widely praised for the last 17 years. It offers hands-on training using computer-based image processing and analysis, couple with practical lectures by experts in the fields of digital imaging and stereology. Many attendees in the fields of materials, biology, medical applications, food science, industrial inspection, and other disciplines involving microscopy have found this course to be a very practical way to gain understanding and proficiency in the techniques for acquiring and interpreting structural information.
Full information, including course outlines, faculty information, and on-line registration, is available at http://members.aol.com/IPCourse/ You may also contact Cindy Allen at 919 515 8171.
VCR Group, Inc. sold Ion Tech products here in the U.S. many years ago. When we acquired VCR Group last year, we also acquired some old Ion Tech parts. I will talk to Vince Carlino and check our stock to see if we have what you need.
David Henriks Vice President TEL: 800-728-2233 (toll free in the USA) South Bay Technology, Inc. +1-949-492-2600 1120 Via Callejon FAX: +1-949-492-1499 San Clemente, CA 92673 USA e-mail: henriks-at-southbaytech.com
} } } } } Please visit us at http://www.southbaytech.com { { { { {
Manufacturers of precision sample preparation equipment and supplies for metallography, crystallography and electron microscopy.
Message text written by INTERNET:"DESHAYEP-at-ch1.ch.pdx.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
We have an IonTech (UK manufacture) dual ion thinner which is missing its rotating stage part; this is a round piece the size of a large washer, with cogs on the perimeter. It is an essential part. Does anyone know where we can obtain a replacement?
Patrick Deshaye Geomicrobiology Lab Portland State University deshayep-at-ch1.ch.pdx.edu
Haven't seen this one submitted to the list yet, but this is a nightmare we all have. Another department on campus was kind enough to give us a TEM, a JEOL 100CXII. It, of course, had minor vacuum leak which put it out of service, but besides that it was in mint condition. I had planned to move it myself but was overruled by my boss. There was concern for injury to myself or others in case it fell. I begged, whined, pleaded, and lost the discussion. A moving company would transport. I talked to the administrative person arranging the move and was told that the moving company said it had all the information it needed. Bells, whistles, lights, and red flags went off in my mind. I finally got hold of the moving company supervisor and was told he had done things like this before and knew what had to be done. I told him several times, NOT to use the liftgate on his moving truck, to use a forklift. The column was too heavy, and balanced wrong for liftgates to work well. He assured me HIS truck could easily lift the 3,000 lbs. More flags waved! I told him one last time to use a forklift to avoid problems. The day for moving came and this day, as well as the next two appointments, the movers gave the excuse the truck clutch was out, more red flags. When finally they did get the clutch repaired, I unfortunately (fortunately?) was not there to see the fireworks, they tried to use the lift gate, got the column several inches off the ground before both hydraulic cylinders for the truck lift gate sheared off, dropping the gate and giving the column a good bounce. As good luck would have it, the microscope didn't tip over, just wobbled a lot. Had it been higher, a lot of damage could have occurred as well as someone getting hurt. To top this story off, the moving company had the audacity to try to charge the University for the cost of repairing their truck. The damage to the microscope was limited to knocking the intermediate and projector lenses out of alignment and the instrument is working wonderfully in its new home. "Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'." Later; David L Bentley Imaging Facility The University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721-0036 (520)621-5097
Would this group be a good place to post micro-Raman questions or is there a better group?
We are just beginning to use this technique. Can anyone recommend a computer reference library for Raman? How do different wavelength lasers affect frequency shift and amplitudes?
Thanks, Ed
Ed Kurz Institute of Materials Science, U3136 97 North Eagleville Road University of Connecticut Storrs, CT 06269-3136 ekurz-at-mail.ims.uconn.edu (860) 486-4186 phone (860) 486-4745 fax
Email: vriesg-at-rpi.edu Name: Gwynne Vriesema School: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Question: I am doing a project on the application of atomic force microscopy to making read/write devices that have a much higher data density than today's magnetic drives. Do you see any drawbacks to using AFM for this application? What aspect of AFM is most important to understand when figuring out how these drives would work? What are the advantages to using this method to store data? Thank you for your time!
I have a JEOL 2000FX and I am getting an "S" distortion in my images at all mags. The severity differs slightly with mag. I know that the distortion is there because I am looking at layered structures on Si. I put the samples with the interfaces parallel to the rod axis. As I move the sample along the rod axis, the "s" stays in the same place. I looked at the Kikuchi lines in an on-axis CBED pattern. They do not seem to suffer the same problem, but there is a little at low camera lengths at the outside parts of the pattern.
Does anyone know the source of this distortion and is there any cure for it?
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. PPG Industries, Inc. Glass Technology Center Guys Run Rd. (packages) P. O. Box 11472 (letters) Pittsburgh, PA 15238-0472
I've operated a listserv for a couple of years called Irusers-l, which has been used by scientists who work in museums and laboratories that use FTIR or micro-FTIR to analyze historic and artistic works. Some members also use Raman. We've had brief discussions about expanding the group to any scientist who uses FTIR or Raman, regardless of application.
Would members of this list be interested in joining Irusers-l?
James Martin
Research Scientist in Chemistry Williams College james_martin.tripod.com/williams.htm
Director Orion Analytical, LLC
On Thu, 6 Apr 2000, Ed Kurz wrote:
} } Would this group be a good place to post micro-Raman questions or is there } a better group? } } We are just beginning to use this technique. Can anyone recommend a } computer reference library for Raman? How do different wavelength lasers } affect frequency shift and amplitudes? } } Thanks, } Ed } } } Ed Kurz } Institute of Materials Science, U3136 } 97 North Eagleville Road } University of Connecticut } Storrs, CT 06269-3136 } ekurz-at-mail.ims.uconn.edu } (860) 486-4186 phone } (860) 486-4745 fax } } } }
Waaay back, when I was an instructor at MIT in Cambridge, Mass., I was helping out in the physical metallurgy laboratory course when we were teaching the students how to develop glass metallographic plates (told you it was a long time ago). One of my students, the son of a famous metallurgist, placed his fully developed plate on the belt of a machine that he didn't notice was running. We never let him forget the day he tried to dry his plate in the cylindrical print drier.
George Langford, Sc.D., in PA trying to forget that everyone used mercury ice-point reference junctions in their thermocouples in the heat-treating lab in those days ... and how many got tipped over.
I have a colleague with advanced presbyopia who is doing consulting work and needs a stereo zoom to do botanical identification. He wants to stay below US $1,000.
He has found the following scopes on the web:
TT-5Z and TT-5B at the www.ken-a-vison.com web site
SMZ Bino zoom at www.microscope.org
Any comments on any of these or recommendations for other scopes in his price range.
Thank you for any good suggestions.
Don
(Direct replies from vendors are welcomed, but please identify your financial interest in your offers/recommendations.)
______________________________________________________________________ Donald L. Lovett e-mail: lovett-at-tcnj.edu Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Biology voice: (609) 771-2876 P.O. Box 7718 fax: (609) 637-5118 The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ 08628-0718
They will supply replacement parts for most of their machines. (While you're about it, get more ceramic resistors, Al cathodes, cathode stops etc.) If you're rejuvenating one of these machines I'd be happy to describe the maintenance and alignment procedures - I have been taking these things to bits and reassembling them for a few years now.
Cheers,
Richard Beanland
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } We have an IonTech (UK manufacture) dual ion thinner which is missing its rotating stage part; this is a } round piece the size of a large washer, with cogs on the perimeter. It is an essential part. Does anyone } know where we can obtain a replacement? } } Patrick Deshaye } Geomicrobiology Lab } Portland State University } deshayep-at-ch1.ch.pdx.edu }
Shortly after our laboratory purchased our first analytical electron microscope, the microscope developed a problem in the electronics. The microscopist telephoned the vendor's service department who requested he measure some voltages to help diagnose the problem. The microscopist dutifully attached clip-leads to the appropriate test points and was attaching them to the voltmeter when one of the clip-leads slipped off, fell into the electronics chassis, and shorted out much of the electronics. The vendor service ingineers were in the lab for weeks repairing the problem. The rest of the lab teased him about this, giving the the microscopist the nickname, "clip-lead". A few years later when he left the group for a promotion to a staff job, he was presented with a pair of clip-leads where the metallic ends had been coated with liquid-rubber.
Best Regards,
John Minter Eastman Kodak Company Analytical Technology Division Rochester, NY 14652-3712 Phone: (716) 722-3407 FAX: (716) 477-3029 email: john.minter-at-kodak.com
Early one evening when the only people still in the building were us students, a guy from along the corridor came into our room saying that he could smell something downstairs. We all banded together and went down to investigate. After a while we noticed this sort of thick foggy smoke beginning to form below the ceiling along the length of the corridor and in the adjacent large teaching lab. We noticed it wafting down through some light fittings and gradually getting lower down and thicker. "Has to be electrical!" "Looks like the whole place could go up any minute!" It started looking pretty serious. When the fire brigade turned up we were told to get out as they proceeded to rip out chunks of the ceiling trying to locate the source. It was a very diffuse source and there was a very large area of ceiling to rip chunks out of. After a while their investigation moved upstairs -- where they found our carbon coater happily chugging away with it's bell jar off and the exhaust line feeding down into the ceiling cavity! You learn something new every day.
I think we remembered to say thanks....
Arthur Day, Electron Microscope Unit Phone: 61-2-9717-3457 Ansto Materials Division Fax: 61-2-9543-7179 PMB 1, Menai (Sydney), NSW, 2234 Email: ard-at-ansto.gov.au Australia www: http://www.ansto.gov.au/
{paraindent} {param} left {/param} {color} {param} 0100,0100,0100 {/param} {FontFamily} {param} Times New Roman {/param} {bigger} The Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS have two electron microscopes for disposal. The first is a Zeiss EM9A transmission electron microscope and the second a JEOL JSN-25S scanning electron microscope. Both microscopes are operable, but are surplus to the current needs of the department. The department is willing to donate these instruments to an institution, providing that institution is willing to assume the responsibility for removal and shipping to the new destination. For further information contact Dr. T.B. Herman (902) 585-1469. {/paraindent}
{nofill}
============================================================== Graham N. Cheeseman Biology Dept., Acadia University Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0 TEL: (902) 585-1316 FAX: (902) 585-1059 INTERNET: Graham.Cheeseman-at-acadiau.ca ==============================================================
Hope this scary one helps some of you! We are a research and teaching lab (thankfully!) A very lucky (for us) student was in working on a weekend when she noticed white smoke pouring out of the lab into the lecture room, grabbed the extinguisher, and put out the electrical fire that started in the wall due to our specimen rotator motor shorting out (and not being properly wired). The fire was directly underneath the 1 gallon storage tanks for 100% ethanol, and pure Xylene..... {yipe} ! So bad, that it melted but did not break through the spigots... {big yipe} ! I also learned that when your filling a liquid nitrogen tank, and it gets full, and it begins to shoot up a little underneath a temperature sensor, you get to meet the fire chief! Life is good!
Tracey Pepper Supervisor Bessey Microscopy Facility Iowa State University ph: 515-294-3872 fax: 515.294.1337
Hi Randy One good "old" reference is Moise Bendayan and Max Zollinger. Ultrastructural Localization of Antigenic Sites on Osmicated-fixed Tissues Applying the Protein A-Gold Technique. J Histochem Cytochem 31 :101-109, 1983 Some times it works some times it doesn't. I would like to see some newer tricks if they are out there.
My horror story happened many years ago when I came into work one morning to find the Philips200 had been left running for a long period of time with no water coursing through its veins. The column was hot to touch so my immediate reaction was to turn on the water supply to try to cool it down. But hoses and o-rings had deteriorated from the heat, so instead of cooling the instrument down I now had water gushing from everywhere and filling up the columnâs viewing area so that it looked like a fish bowl. I called my Philips service engineer and he spent the next 3 days repairing and cleaning up the scope. He said the stage had come very close to a melt down and if that had happened I could have just dug a hole and buried the scope in the back yard. The scope survived to give the lab many years of service, thanks to Philips engineer, John Braunagel, whose expert service was given without a grumble or complaint.
I set up an lab in a hospital with a Siemens microscope-a wonderful instrument for resolution but a beast to align. The lenses were physically moved during alignment so that it did look odd to see different components of the column a few centimeters off. One morning I came in and a pathologist proudly told me that he had aligned the column for me. He had straightened it out very nicely and it took a full day for me to get it back in alignment. It did look nicer the way he did it but of course it was impossible to use. Joyce Craig Chicgo State University
How long should a gold target last? Our target looks gold except in the center. Problem is that we don't seem to get good coating. Joyce Craig Chicago State University
My horror story happened many years ago when I came into work one morning to find the Philips200 had been left running for a long period of time with no water coursing through its veins. The column was hot to touch so my immediate reaction was to turn on the water supply to try to cool it down. But hoses and o-rings had deteriorated from the heat, so instead of cooling the instrument down I now had water gushing from everywhere and filling up the column's viewing area so that it looked like a fish bowl. I called my Philips service engineer and he spent the next 3 days repairing and cleaning up the scope. He said the stage had come very close to a melt down and if that had happened I could have just dug a hole and buried the scope in the back yard. Surprisingly the scope survived to give the lab many years of service, thanks to Philips service engineer John B's expert service that he gave without a grumble or complaint.
This is a story that was told to me by Dr. Audrey Glauert of Cambridge University in the U.K. Even though it's not my own, it is so amusing that I can't help relaying it to you.
It seems that a number of years ago Dr. Glauert spent several months working in an electron microscopy laboratory in Africa. Every now and then the water supply to the laboratory would go off making it necessary to shut the electron microscope down for an extended period of time. Investigation eventually revealed that the problem arose because the town involved was getting it's water from a pond that was formed behind a dam that had been constructed across a nearby river. It seems that this pond was a favorite site for a herd of hippopotamuses to bathe, and every now and then one of them would manage to plug up the water inlet to the village water system, whereupon it was necessary for the villagers to go out and chase the hippos away and then open the inlet again. Since hippos are not very easy to chase, this could sometimes cause a rather prolonged period without water in the electron microscopy laboratory.
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
With all these horror stories being shared, its surprising that nobody has related a "darkroom" tale yet. Surely everyone who has been in this field for several years has had the unpleasant experience of walking into the darkroom and finding everything coated with dried photographic fix residue? My darkroom experiences with users have been all in all much worse that microscope incidents.
WL Steffens University of Georgia Department of Pathology
{paraindent} {param} left {/param} {color} {param} 0100,0100,0100 {/param} {FontFamily} {param} Times New Roman {/param} {bigger} The Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS have two electron microscopes for disposal. The first is a Zeiss EM9A transmission electron microscope and the second a JEOL JSN-25S scanning electron microscope. Both microscopes are operable, but are surplus to the current needs of the department. The department is willing to donate these instruments to an institution, providing that institution is willing to assume the responsibility for removal and shipping to the new destination. For further information contact Dr. T.B. Herman (902) 585-1469. {/paraindent}
{nofill}
============================================================== Graham N. Cheeseman Biology Dept., Acadia University Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0 TEL: (902) 585-1316 FAX: (902) 585-1059 INTERNET: Graham.Cheeseman-at-acadiau.ca ==============================================================
About a month after starting my post doc in the lab of Professor Ruhle in Stuttgart, Germany, I was working on the TEM late one Sunday night. I was using a double-tilt, analytical, double-specimen holder (read: expensive) and just putting it away. The holder was gripped in a Gatan holder stand and when I pushed the protective end sheath onto the tip the stage moved back so the front stand grip moved onto the narrower part of the holder where it doesn't grip. The motorized back end was heavy and the holder tipped backwards while I was still holding the protective end piece firm. What resulted is a holder that greatly resembled a Concord airplane coming in for a landing. It bent the holder at about a 30 degree angle right where the hinge was for the back specimen cup.
I sat and looked at it, beads of sweat forming on my forhead, contemplating the fact that I had an open ended return ticket and wondering if I could pack my stuff up and be gone back to the U.S. before anyone noticed. Of course I stayed and Professor Ruhle was very good about it, basically saying that mistakes happen but don't do it again! I didn't.
Lessons Learned: Be very careful when handling expensive specimen holders; think twice before you do anything.
I hope you all have a good weekend and don't mind my confessions!
Cheers, JSV
*************************** John Vetrano Pacific Northwest National Laboratory MSIN P8-16 P.O. Box 999 Richland, WA 99352 Phone: (509)372-0724 Fax: (509)376-6308 Email: mailto:john.vetrano-at-pnl.gov
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If anyone has any tips or a reference they could point me to for this, it would be much appreciated.
We have had several users with nanocrystalline ceramic samples from combustion or plasma syntheses who have had problems with the thin areas of their samples falling out during ion milling. We have tried a few schemes to correct this, without much success. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The current user has 2 different nanocrystalline composites: TiB2/TiN and TiB2/TiC.
Valerie Leppert Dept. Chem. Eng. and Mat. Sci. University of California, Davis
That is a difficult question since it depends on so many variables (original target thickness, coating rates, time run, etc). I use my sputter coater often (but not as often as the carbon evaporator). Never kept accurate records of usage, but it is at least several years old.
In any event, the entire target should have a bright gold color. Some areas may have a matte vs shiny appearance, but should not be dark. If not all bright Au, it is either consumed or contaminated. Either case will cause sputtering to cease.
Woody White
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How long should a gold target last? Our target looks gold except in the center. Problem is that we don't seem to get good coating. Joyce Craig Chicago State University
My horror story happened many years ago when I came into work one morning to find the Philips200 had been left running for a long period of time with no water coursing through its veins. The column was hot to touch so my immediate reaction was to turn on the water supply to try to cool it down. But hoses and o-rings had deteriorated from the heat, so instead of cooling the instrument down I now had water gushing from everywhere and filling up the columnâs viewing area so that it looked like a fish bowl. I called my Philips service engineer and he spent the next 3 days repairing and cleaning up the scope. He said the stage had come very close to a melt down and if that had happened I could have just dug a hole and buried the scope in the back yard. The scope survived to give the lab many years of service, thanks to Philips engineer, John Braunagel, whose expert service was given without a grumble or complaint.
There was some discussion about scanners and SCSI bus problems. There are some recent developments that I'd like to share with those who are having SCSI-related problems.
If you have a PC which includes one or two USB ports, there is a new converter cable which should make your life much better. Microtech has a USB to SCSI-II converter cable (# USB-SCSI-HD50) that plugs into a USB socket and provides a high density 50 pin SCSI-II plug. This plug can be converted to SCSI-I wide Centronics ribbon-style connector if necessary. This converter cable works with PCs and Macs; and so far, all of my SCSI devices work with it (scanners, CD-R, CD-RW).
This item is available from various sources for about $80. I got mine from d-store.com but you might find other sources.
Does anyone have a functioning Zeiss 10c TEM that they would like to donate to a goverment office for a tax deduction or sell for cheap? I am the electron microscopist for the county veterinarian and we are trying to locate a Zeiss 10c to be used for virus identification work on animals and plants. Thank you. Cindy Shannon cshannon-at-nctimes.net
Suggest you visit the sites for both Digital Instruments and ThermoMicroscopes. Both have application notes which will be helpful. Also, suggest that you contact Sergei Magonov at DI and Jezz Leckenby at ThermoM. Both are extremely knowledgeable apps specialists. Sergei: 805-967-1400 Jezz: (408) 747-1600
Hope this is helpful.
Caveat: MME has no financial interest in either of these systems. Barbara Foster Consortium President Microscopy/Microscopy Education ...Educating microscopists for greater productivity.
125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118 PH: (413)746-6931 FX: (413)746-9311 email: mme-at-map.com Visit our web site {http://www.MME-Microscopy.com/education} ******************************************************
At 05:46 PM 4/6/00 -0500, wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIST Laboratory of Structural Biology Institute of Molecular Agrobiology, Singapore
A position is available for an experienced EM technician at the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology (IMA), Singapore, in the group of Dr. Terje Dokland, Laboratory of Structural Biology. The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation of the structural EM laboratory, and be involved in several research projects, in particular structural characterization of various plant and animal viruses of agricultural importance. Experience with cryo-EM of frozen-hydrated samples is a definite advantage, as is some experience with using computers, especially 3D reconstruction methods. IMA is a well funded and rapidly expanding research institute which was established in 1995 to conduct basic and applied research in agrobiology. It moved into a modern and spacious building at the National University of Singapore campus two years ago, and has state-of-the art equipment for structural and molecular biology, biochemistry, plant growth, tissue culture etc. There are currently two groups working in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, and there is extensive collaboration with other laboratories and institutes, both in Singapore and abroad. Further information about the institute can be found at http://www.ima.org.sg. Singapore is a cosmopolitan and multicultural society offering all the conveniences of a modern city, and is centrally located in Southeast Asia with easy access to other countries in the region. The position will be filled at the Research Officer or Assistant Research Officer level, depending on experience, and the contract will be initially offered for two years. IMA offers attractive salaries with bonus packages and benefits. Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to Terje Dokland at dokland-at-ima.org.sg. Applications, including a CV and names of two referees, should be sent to Terje Dokland Institute of Molecular Agrobiology 1 Research Link The National University of Singapore Singapore 117604
------------------------------------ Terje Dokland Senior Scientist Institute of Molecular Agrobiology 1 Research Link The National University of Singapore Singapore 117604 Phone: 65-872 7405 Fax: 65-872 7007 E-mail: dokland-at-ima.org.sg
"Convictions are greater enemies of truth than lies" F. Nietzsche
If anyone has any tips or a reference they could point me to for this, it would be much appreciated.
We have had several users with nanocrystalline ceramic samples from combustion or plasma syntheses who have had problems with the thin areas of their samples falling out during ion milling. We have tried a few schemes to correct this, without much success. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The current user has 2 different nanocrystalline composites: TiB2/TiN and TiB2/TiC.
Valerie Leppert Dept. Chem. Eng. and Mat. Sci. University of California, Davis
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Maybe Judy Murphy's Delta College will diminish these "untrained" occurrences!
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Does anyone have a functioning Zeiss 10c TEM that they would like to donate to a goverment office for a tax deduction or sell for cheap? I am the electron microscopist for the county veterinarian and we are trying to locate a Zeiss 10c to be used for virus identification work on animals and plants. Thank you. Cindy Shannon cshannon-at-nctimes.net
This is actually a follow-on question to the thread on "Silicone Oils and Greases" which ran a few days ago.
In his typically thorough response to the discussion of why microscopists generally avoid silicone-based vacuum greases, Will Bigelow noted that
} While the silicone high vacuum grease is } indeed a good lubricant for O-rings, it is no better than the Brayco and } Krytox greases, which are based on polyphenylether compounds, and which do } not introduce the possibility of having insoluble siliceous compounds } formed on critical parts of the electron optical column. }
This mention of Krytox rang a bell and I checked Chapter 10 of Will's book "Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy" where he discusses oils and greases. In table 10.1 he lists both Braycote and Krytox as "Perfluorinated Polyether based" (not polyphenylether). In the subsequent discussion he states that they "probably should not be used ... in or near the electron gun because of the possibility that some of the perfluorinated base compound might get onto the high voltage insulator and cause microdischarges ... ". In chapter 5 he is more specific in his discussion of perfluorinated polyether diffusion pump oils where he again mentions Krytox and states that use of these pump oils was generally abandoned because it was found that "electron microscopes in which these fluids were used eventually developed high-voltage instabilities due to micro-discharges along the ceramic insulators in the electron guns." Will goes on to note that the problem seems to be more severe in TEMs (which operate at higher voltages) and these fluids "... have been used successfully for several years in scanning electron microscopes in some laboratories".
First question: I'm confused by Will's list-server statement that Krytox is a polyphenylether when it is listed in his book as a perfluorinated polyether. Not being an organic (or any other kind) of chemist, I might think that these are synonyms for the same family of materials except that Will also has a separate discussion of polyphenyl ether pump fluids (e.g., Convalex and Santovac) which is separate from that of the perfluorinated polyethers (Krytox and Fomblin). I think that Krytox actually is a perfluorinated polyether, isn't it?
Second question: The issue of whether Krytox and Braycote are perfluorinated polyethers is more than a trivial nomenclature issue because of the alleged problem of perfluorinated compounds contaminating high-voltage insulators. In addition to the somewhat equivocal cautionary statements in Will's book, I personally know of one lab which has banished these compounds from the premises because of an incident a number of years ago where the glassware used for cleaning of microscope parts got contaminated with Krytox -- this got transferred to several TEMs and resulted (so I'm told) in the need to replace multiple guns over a period of time -- and produced a lot of hair-pulling until the source of the problem was identified (actually, maybe this should be under the "horror stories" thread?). But this is the only direct report I have heard of such a problem and Will, though he notes the concerns, doesn't seem reluctant to recommend the stuff for EM use (and I do respect his depth of experience in such things). So my question: Is Krytox really the "bogeyman" I've been told it is? Or is this just another bit of microscopy folklore?
Given that: (1) there are lots of ways a vacuum grease could get transferred to a gun indirectly (i.e., via tools or contaminated gloves); (2) this stuff is reported to be essentially impossible to remove once it gets deposited on something; (3) the purported HV discharge behavior doesn't show up immediately but develops gradually over time; and (4) insulator cleanliness is enough of a problem without introducing this kind of sneaky contaminant -- IF true, it would seem that this class of compounds has no place in an EM lab. But if this is all a myth, I'm depriving myself of some otherwise great products. Insight anyone?
Most sputter coater manufacturers use one of two methods for mounting their targets.
1. Target material fixed by a clip or adhesive to an aluminium base (difficult to sputter without a special coater)
2. Target material fixed by adhesive to a brass base (this will sputter in relation to its composition e.g. 70%Cu 30%Zn)
You seem to have the type (2) target and are probably sputtering a mixture of gold (from the outside of the target) and brass (from the middle of the target). Check it out if you have x-ray analysis?
Sputter targets last a period in direct relationship to target thickness, coating thickness and degree of use, how long is a piece of string?
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain - professional training in EM world wide Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280914007 e-mail protrain-at-emcourses.com web site www.emcourses.com
"S" distortion or anisotropic distortion is produced through a balancing of aberrations. Take one imaging lens which is being used at low current and you will have pincushion distortion. Add another lens that is being used in the low to middle part of its current range and you will have pincushion distortion. Use the two lenses in a magnification system and the result is an image with anisotropic distortion.
When we design a TEM we try to balance the lenses so that the degree of distortion is minimised. Minimised does not mean totally removed it means NO distortion in the area that falls within the photographic frame. In early instruments, where the screen was very small, you hardly ever saw the problem, as screens have increased in size so the problem becomes more clear.
If the distortion has just started to become annoying this may be due to one or two reasons.
1) The high voltage has changed such that the lenses are not matched to the accelerating voltage as they were when the system was new?
2) A lens is not running at the correct level, its current is too low?
The most common reason for a change in lens or high voltage performance are their reference circuits, I am afraid I am not familiar with these circuits in the 2000FX.
Good luck hope this helps?
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain - professional training in EM world wide Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280914007 e-mail protrain-at-emcourses.com web site www.emcourses.com
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIST Laboratory of Structural Biology Institute of Molecular Agrobiology, Singapore
A position is available for an experienced EM technician at the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology (IMA), Singapore, in the group of Dr. Terje Dokland, Laboratory of Structural Biology. The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation of the structural EM laboratory, and be involved in several research projects, in particular structural characterization of various plant and animal viruses of agricultural importance. Experience with cryo-EM of frozen-hydrated samples is a definite advantage, as is some experience with using computers, especially 3D reconstruction methods. IMA is a well funded and rapidly expanding research institute which was established in 1995 to conduct basic and applied research in agrobiology. It moved into a modern and spacious building at the National University of Singapore campus two years ago, and has state-of-the art equipment for structural and molecular biology, biochemistry, plant growth, tissue culture etc. There are currently two groups working in structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, and there is extensive collaboration with other laboratories and institutes, both in Singapore and abroad. Further information about the institute can be found at http://www.ima.org.sg. Singapore is a cosmopolitan and multicultural society offering all the conveniences of a modern city, and is centrally located in Southeast Asia with easy access to other countries in the region. The position will be filled at the Research Officer or Assistant Research Officer level, depending on experience, and the contract will be initially offered for two years. IMA offers attractive salaries with bonus packages and benefits. Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to Terje Dokland at dokland-at-ima.org.sg. Applications, including a CV and names of two referees, should be sent to Terje Dokland Institute of Molecular Agrobiology 1 Research Link The National University of Singapore Singapore 117604
------------------------------------ Terje Dokland Senior Scientist Institute of Molecular Agrobiology 1 Research Link The National University of Singapore Singapore 117604 Phone: 65-872 7405 Fax: 65-872 7007 E-mail: dokland-at-ima.org.sg
"Convictions are greater enemies of truth than lies" F. Nietzsche
This is actually a follow-on question to the thread on "Silicone Oils and Greases" which ran a few days ago.
In his typically thorough response to the discussion of why microscopists generally avoid silicone-based vacuum greases, Will Bigelow noted that
} While the silicone high vacuum grease is } indeed a good lubricant for O-rings, it is no better than the Brayco and } Krytox greases, which are based on polyphenylether compounds, and which do } not introduce the possibility of having insoluble siliceous compounds } formed on critical parts of the electron optical column. }
This mention of Krytox rang a bell and I checked Chapter 10 of Will's book "Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy" where he discusses oils and greases. In table 10.1 he lists both Braycote and Krytox as "Perfluorinated Polyether based" (not polyphenylether). In the subsequent discussion he states that they "probably should not be used ... in or near the electron gun because of the possibility that some of the perfluorinated base compound might get onto the high voltage insulator and cause microdischarges ... ". In chapter 5 he is more specific in his discussion of perfluorinated polyether diffusion pump oils where he again mentions Krytox and states that use of these pump oils was generally abandoned because it was found that "electron microscopes in which these fluids were used eventually developed high-voltage instabilities due to micro-discharges along the ceramic insulators in the electron guns." Will goes on to note that the problem seems to be more severe in TEMs (which operate at higher voltages) and these fluids "... have been used successfully for several years in scanning electron microscopes in some laboratories".
First question: I'm confused by Will's list-server statement that Krytox is a polyphenylether when it is listed in his book as a perfluorinated polyether. Not being an organic (or any other kind) of chemist, I might think that these are synonyms for the same family of materials except that Will also has a separate discussion of polyphenyl ether pump fluids (e.g., Convalex and Santovac) which is separate from that of the perfluorinated polyethers (Krytox and Fomblin). I think that Krytox actually is a perfluorinated polyether, isn't it?
Second question: The issue of whether Krytox and Braycote are perfluorinated polyethers is more than a trivial nomenclature issue because of the alleged problem of perfluorinated compounds contaminating high-voltage insulators. In addition to the somewhat equivocal cautionary statements in Will's book, I personally know of one lab which has banished these compounds from the premises because of an incident a number of years ago where the glassware used for cleaning of microscope parts got contaminated with Krytox -- this got transferred to several TEMs and resulted (so I'm told) in the need to replace multiple guns over a period of time -- and produced a lot of hair-pulling until the source of the problem was identified (actually, maybe this should be under the "horror stories" thread?). But this is the only direct report I have heard of such a problem and Will, though he notes the concerns, doesn't seem reluctant to recommend the stuff for EM use (and I do respect his depth of experience in such things). So my question: Is Krytox really the "bogeyman" I've been told it is? Or is this just another bit of microscopy folklore?
Given that: (1) there are lots of ways a vacuum grease could get transferred to a gun indirectly (i.e., via tools or contaminated gloves); (2) this stuff is reported to be essentially impossible to remove once it gets deposited on something; (3) the purported HV discharge behavior doesn't show up immediately but develops gradually over time; and (4) insulator cleanliness is enough of a problem without introducing this kind of sneaky contaminant -- IF true, it would seem that this class of compounds has no place in an EM lab. But if this is all a myth, I'm depriving myself of some otherwise great products. Insight anyone?
Most sputter coater manufacturers use one of two methods for mounting their targets.
1. Target material fixed by a clip or adhesive to an aluminium base (difficult to sputter without a special coater)
2. Target material fixed by adhesive to a brass base (this will sputter in relation to its composition e.g. 70%Cu 30%Zn)
You seem to have the type (2) target and are probably sputtering a mixture of gold (from the outside of the target) and brass (from the middle of the target). Check it out if you have x-ray analysis?
Sputter targets last a period in direct relationship to target thickness, coating thickness and degree of use, how long is a piece of string?
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain - professional training in EM world wide Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280914007 e-mail protrain-at-emcourses.com web site www.emcourses.com
"S" distortion or anisotropic distortion is produced through a balancing of aberrations. Take one imaging lens which is being used at low current and you will have pincushion distortion. Add another lens that is being used in the low to middle part of its current range and you will have pincushion distortion. Use the two lenses in a magnification system and the result is an image with anisotropic distortion.
When we design a TEM we try to balance the lenses so that the degree of distortion is minimised. Minimised does not mean totally removed it means NO distortion in the area that falls within the photographic frame. In early instruments, where the screen was very small, you hardly ever saw the problem, as screens have increased in size so the problem becomes more clear.
If the distortion has just started to become annoying this may be due to one or two reasons.
1) The high voltage has changed such that the lenses are not matched to the accelerating voltage as they were when the system was new?
2) A lens is not running at the correct level, its current is too low?
The most common reason for a change in lens or high voltage performance are their reference circuits, I am afraid I am not familiar with these circuits in the 2000FX.
Good luck hope this helps?
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain - professional training in EM world wide Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280914007 e-mail protrain-at-emcourses.com web site www.emcourses.com
Joyce Craig wrote: =================================== How long should a gold target last? Our target looks gold except in the center. Problem is that we don't seem to get good coating. =================================== This is not that uncommon of a question. The first rule of thumb is that if it does not look like gold, then it probably is not gold. There is one exception however, and that is when the sputtering process creates some kind of surface structure that leads to an optical effect, a non-gold looking gold color (more like grey). But that typically does not adversely effect the sputtering rate.
The other cases then would be either a) contamination from external sources (e.g. finger prints) or b) build up of contaminants from the use of gold with insufficient purity. If (a), then that "problem" is solved by a good solvent washing and scrubbing with something like acetone. If (b), then it will not rub off with solvent and it would be something building up in the way of impurities from within the gold foil itself.
There is a cost associated with taking gold from 0.98 to 0.99 and even more of a cost to 0.999 purity, then then to 0.9999 or 0.99995 still more cost. In other words, you really do want high purity gold in the cathodes, for this very reason, but the higher purities do cost more money. Putting it another way, a cathode of 0.9999 for example is a lot more expensive than one that is 0.98 or 0.99, even though the net gold content is about the same . I won't even begin to speculate on how many would see a difference between 0.99995 vs. 0.9999 or even 0.999. But there is a point where the impurity elements that don't sputter begin to build upon the surface, resulting in a mostly non-gold layer. It is my understanding that the original equipment manufacturers of sputter coaters and also the main firms offering replacement cathodes supply only cathodes at the higher end of the purity scale because of this reason. If you seek non-traditional EM sources as alternatives, you really have to see the documentation to know that you are getting high purity, but most of the alternative sources do not deal in such high purity gold.
If you feel you have followed some of the advice given out on this listserver about possibly saving money and you could be having a build up of alloying or contaminating elements, try polishing off this layer in a metallographic polishing table, in order to renew the original composition that apparently did work for some time. If you do this, I would be most appreciative if you could share your experience with the list, be it good or bad. It might create more of an awareness of the need for high purity gold when making cathodes.
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies offers replacement gold and other metal cathodes for sputter coaters used in the SEM laboratory so we would have a vested interest in customers purchasing their cathodes from SPI or our major competitors in the EM supplies business.
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
Frederick Schamber wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } This is actually a follow-on question to the thread on "Silicone Oils and } Greases" which ran a few days ago. } } In his typically thorough response to the discussion of why microscopists } generally avoid silicone-based vacuum greases, Will Bigelow noted that } } } While the silicone high vacuum grease is } } indeed a good lubricant for O-rings, it is no better than the Brayco and } } Krytox greases, which are based on polyphenylether compounds, and which do } } not introduce the possibility of having insoluble siliceous compounds } } formed on critical parts of the electron optical column. } } } } This mention of Krytox rang a bell and I checked Chapter 10 of Will's book } "Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy" where he discusses oils and greases. } In table 10.1 he lists both Braycote and Krytox as "Perfluorinated Polyether } based" (not polyphenylether). In the subsequent discussion he states that they } "probably should not be used ... in or near the electron gun because of the } possibility that some of the perfluorinated base compound might get onto the } high voltage insulator and cause microdischarges ... ". In chapter 5 he is } more specific in his discussion of perfluorinated polyether diffusion pump oils } where he again mentions Krytox and states that use of these pump oils was } generally abandoned because it was found that "electron microscopes in which } these fluids were used eventually developed high-voltage instabilities due to } micro-discharges along the ceramic insulators in the electron guns." Will goes } on to note that the problem seems to be more severe in TEMs (which operate at } higher voltages) and these fluids "... have been used successfully for several } years in scanning electron microscopes in some laboratories". } } First question: } I'm confused by Will's list-server statement that Krytox is a polyphenylether } when it is listed in his book as a perfluorinated polyether. Not being an } organic (or any other kind) of chemist, I might think that these are synonyms } for the same family of materials except that Will also has a separate } discussion of polyphenyl ether pump fluids (e.g., Convalex and Santovac) which } is separate from that of the perfluorinated polyethers (Krytox and Fomblin). I } think that Krytox actually is a perfluorinated polyether, isn't it? } } Second question: } The issue of whether Krytox and Braycote are perfluorinated polyethers is more } than a trivial nomenclature issue because of the alleged problem of } perfluorinated compounds contaminating high-voltage insulators. In addition to } the somewhat equivocal cautionary statements in Will's book, I personally know } of one lab which has banished these compounds from the premises because of an } incident a number of years ago where the glassware used for cleaning of } microscope parts got contaminated with Krytox -- this got transferred to } several TEMs and resulted (so I'm told) in the need to replace multiple guns } over a period of time -- and produced a lot of hair-pulling until the source of } the problem was identified (actually, maybe this should be under the "horror } stories" thread?). But this is the only direct report I have heard of such a } problem and Will, though he notes the concerns, doesn't seem reluctant to } recommend the stuff for EM use (and I do respect his depth of experience in } such things). So my question: Is Krytox really the "bogeyman" I've been told } it is? Or is this just another bit of microscopy folklore? } } Given that: (1) there are lots of ways a vacuum grease could get transferred to } a gun indirectly (i.e., via tools or contaminated gloves); (2) this stuff is } reported to be essentially impossible to remove once it gets deposited on } something; (3) the purported HV discharge behavior doesn't show up immediately } but develops gradually over time; and (4) insulator cleanliness is enough of a } problem without introducing this kind of sneaky contaminant -- IF true, it } would seem that this class of compounds has no place in an EM lab. But if this } is all a myth, I'm depriving myself of some otherwise great products. Insight } anyone? } } Fred Schamber
Fred, I've used Brayco 803 since about 1980 for static seals and have never had any problems. I used Apiezon L for dynamic seals until I was introdused to Brayco 602 at which point I noticed cleaner systems once the Apiezon was gone. Apiezon's vapor pressure numbers look pretty good until you elevate the temp a little (120F) and then you lose a couple of decades, if I recall correctly, and the stuff polymerizes like crazy in an e-beam, but it IS slippery. I've been using the Brayco 602 in gun translators for a number of years with no problems and much cleaner guns.
One other thing I've noticed: Old Apiezon oxidizes and turns to a sticky sludge but the Brayco greases don't seem to age at all.
Ken Converse owner Quality Images Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491
I am an undergrad from Miami University of Ohio, and am beginning TEM research with Newt retina and lens. I have researched various sources to no avail. Luckily, I was introduced to your network of Microscopists. } } My main problem is finding a thorough protocol for sample preparation that includes such details as primary fixation, buffers, resin-type, and accurate times/temperatures. Using the limited knowledge I have aquired I was able to put together a experimental protocol, which is polymerizing at this moment. I would greatly appreciate any advice or leads on proper protocol in this area. } } } }
} Thanks, } } Thomas Litzinger
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Email: baddis-at-olypen Name: barnett addis Question: I am a retired Phd from another remote disipline in another era who has become interested im micromount minerals and wish to do some image grabbing with a mieji trinoc(on order) but have reached a quandry re cameras. Has anyone had any hands on experience with a pixeria or a kodak mds100.or other lower priced rigs. i am loking at these as affordable options that may provide a better image than the tried and true method of a color ( below $1,000) video camera and "snappy" as the grabber. Any comments, rumors, suggestions would be most appreciated
Hi Ian, the only really successful way to get rid of epoxy is to use fuming nitric or sulphuric. You can also try aggressive solvents like tetrahydrofuran or dimethylsulfoxide. What will work usually depends upon the composition of your sample - if it also etches in these acids, you may have difficulties. I can get you some recipes from the books on de-encapsulation of silicon chips we have here, if you like.
All these chemicals (particularly fuming nitric) are very unpleasant and need special precautions for use. Swelling of the epoxy is inevitable, and if the specimen is delicate you may need to go through several cycles of nitric/solvent to remove the epoxy without putting too much stress on your sample.
Richard
} Dear all, } I have made a cross section of something using M-Bond 610 resin and it } shifted in the clamp while curing so I now have a cross section that would } be almost impossible to polish to leave the interface vertical. I would } prefer not to just throw the piece in the bin and start again, due to lack } of material. Does anyone know a way to dissolve fully cured M-bond 610 so } that I could start again from scratch? } } Thanks } } Ian MacLaren } Beijing Laboratory of Electron Microscopy } Chinese Academy of Sciences } P.O. Box 2724 } 100080 Beijing } China } General Email: ian.maclaren-at-physics.org } Work (esp. large attachments): maclaren-at-image.blem.ac.cn } } ______________________________________________________ } Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
============================================================== Richard Beanland Caswell Technology, Caswell, Towcester, Northants NN12 8EQ
e-mail richard.beanland-at-gecm.com Tel. +44 1327 356363 Fax. +44 1327 356398 ============================================================== "The information contained in this message is legally privileged and confidential information intended for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by telephone. Caswell Technology is the trading name of Marconi Caswell Limited. Registered in London No. 3694360 Registered Office: One Bruton Street London W1X 8AQ. Holding Company: Marconi plc."
I had quite a few suggestions for getting rid of creases and wrinkles in semi-thin sections - as promised to some of you, here is a summary. At the end, i have appended some old references which I dug out of my store over the weekend. i don't know if they all/if any work! I am still trying. If I get good results, I may post another message! Meanwhile, on with the folk-lore!
And waiting for the moon to rise!
Keith Ryan Marine Biological association Plymouth UK
Folds in semi-thin sections
1. Use lower drying/staining temperatures - e.g. 60 C - when hotplate is still warming up 2. Dry flat at 50-55 C then go to hotter plate for 10-15 minutes 3. Longer on the hotplate 4. Dry sections on slide using a flame 5. Set hotplate to just below boiling the water 6. Vapour (6 messages) 7. Transfer to 10% acetone droplets 8. Harder resin (2 messages) 9. Softer resin 10. Longer infiltration times 11. Improper mixing 12. Heat pen (3 messages) 13. Chien grids (grid with 2 mm hole and tab for handling) to transfer thicks to water droplets 14. Wick away the water once section is spread 15. Use big drops, lots of water 16. Cut thinner sections 17. Cleanliness - of all items 18. Stain on drop of stain on hotplate, steam, transfer, water rinses, dry down 19. Put a nick in the corner of the cutting face so that the resin can expand differentially to the enclosed specimen 20. Etch the sections with ethoxide (ethanol + NaOH) 21. Remove resin to lessen apparent effect? Using saturated NaOH in methanol.
22. Coat the slide - One droplet of protein-glycerol is diluted in 1 ml dist. water, then the glass slide is dipped into this solution and dried in an oven at 30 C. Protein-glycerol: dissolve 1 gram ALBUMIN (MERCK) in 9 gram bidist. water at 37xC in an oven. Filter the solution and mix with the same amount of glycerol.
23. W.M. Harris (1978). Stain Technol. 53: 298-300. Transfer sections to a large drop of 10% acetone. Dry on hotplate set to 122 C (250 F). It says that! If the sections are known to be difficult to flatten, add more 10% acetone during the process. Remove the sections from the hotplate as soon as they are dried down. EXCESSIVE HEAT AFTER DRYING DOWN CAUSES WRINKLES. Finally, [place slides on a warming tray at 40-50 C and allow to dry down thoroughly, 30 minutes to overnight. Then stain.
24. M. Martins-Green (1978). Stain Technol. 53: 296-300. Sections spread with xylene vapour. Floated on toluidine blue stain (diluted, 1 ml of 1% stain plus 20 mls 2.5% sodium carbonate sol.) at 50 C on hotplate for 1 hour, then left in the dark at room temperature for 24 hours). Rinsing - not mentioned. Dried on 2-3 drops of double-distilled water for 10 minutes at 50 C. Cover-slipped. Method designed to allow collagen fibres to fully distend after cutting.
25. J.R. Sommer et al. (1979) Stain Technol. 54: 106-107 "wrinkles appear during staining rather than while the sections are being dried on the glass slides - eliminated when the stain is made up with 50% with respect to glycerol. Staining is not rapid - 12-24 hours in a covered dish at 50 C. Slides need not be albuminized" Imply staining by flotation at 60 C in a covered dish 12-24 hours, rinse briefly, dry on slides and view (without a coverslip).
26. J. Millonig (1980) Stain Technol. 55: 118-120. Paraphrasing: Wrinkles appear when sections are heated during staining, more so when there is a rim of resin around the tissue. During heating, the tissue expands more than the tissue. Transfer sections onto a drop of stain on the end of a slide. Heat in a flame. Place on a staining bridge (usually 2 minutes). After cooling, float sections off on water. Rinse in another beaker, transfer to acidified water. Transfer to slide, warm in a flame, wick away excess water. Do not need to albuminise the slide. 0.5 micron sections stain in abouit 2 minutes, thinner sections need a second heating and should be left floating on stain for longer.
27. N.B. Chandler & G.C. Schoenwlf (1983). Stain Technol. 58: 238-240. State that "wrinkling occurs only when mounted sections are *. heated". Sections dried overnight at 76 C on acid cleaned slides, prior to staining (76 C was the maximum temp. of their hotplate). Acid cleaning: soak slides for a minimum of 1 hour in 10% potassium dichromate plus 10% conc. sulphuric acid. Sections dried at 60 C often wrinkled, while those dried at 90 C often failed to stain properly. Sections dried less than 6 hours at 76 C often wrinkled during staining - hence dry overnight. Staining can be controlled more consistently in Coplin jars placed in a water bath rather than on a hotplate.
My horror story is pretty recent: Just last January. We had a local SEM service guy come in to do a semi-annual tune-up on our ESEM, and he did a great job. He did notice, though, that our ion pump wasn't giving us quite as good a vacuum as it should, and was kind of slow doing it. When he left he said "All you need to do is bake it off a bit with some heat for a few hours - that'll refresh the active ingredient (or parts) inside and it'll work better for you. I've got a heater that's designed for just such a job." True to his word, a couple days later he dropped off this device for me. Just a biggish aluminum box in two parts, with luggage clips to lock it together and a 1500 W heater element inside. Simplicity itself to use, just turn off your ion pump, clip this box over/around it, and plug it in for a while. The heater element rests right against the back of the ion pump. So I mount it on there, plug it in, wait a bit, and sure enough, things start heating up in there. OK, I think, I'll go see my colleague upstairs for a few minutes about those samples she was preparing..... I'm back down in the lab ten minutes later, and go back behind the scope to see how things are doing. There's a small hole in the back of the heater apparatus, and when I happen to glance in there, I see a small wall of blue flame. "This can't be good", thinks I....then "Now which type of fire extinguisher do you use on a burning ESEM? Water?......No, probably not. Powder?......uhhhhh.......no. CO2? Probably..." Meanwhile, I unplug the heater and mostly just stand there....thinking how close I've come to pensionable retirement age, only to lose it like this. But anyway, the flame started to die back a bit as soon as I unplugged the thing, and with some damp towels I was soon able to unclip it and remove it. It turns out our particular instrument had a clip mounted on the back of the ion pump to retain the HT cable in place, and this clip had been mounted on piece of black plastic, which I swear to God I thought was anodized aluminum. The plastic had melted with all that intense heat of course, and dripped right down onto the heater element, where it had burst into flame. I had our machine shop make me a metal replacement for the lost plastic bit, there was no other damage, by God, the ion pump now works great, and I figure local management doesn't need to hear about every little detail of life in the SEM lab, now, do they?
Frank Thomas MicroAnalysis Facility Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic) Bedford Institute of Oceanography Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
G'day Cobbers! I could use some handy hints here. We've a student who wishes to analyse some hideous sludge - something to do with sewage me thinks. She is particularly interested in the state of the metals in this muck - whether it is present as sulphides, sulphates, nitrides, nitrates or bound to organic molecules. The stuff is rather fine grained, and I've suggested she filter and retain the } 10 micron fraction. She will then press it into a pellet with a flat, shiney surface if all goes well. Basically, I'm interested if there is anyone out there who has experience of analysing this type of material. What did you coat it with? How did you differentiate between the the various form of the metal compounds? Any other handy hints also gratefully received. Cheers, Malc.
-- Dr MP Roberts Phone: [+27](0)46 603 8313 Dept of Geology Fax: [+27](0)46 622 9715 Rhodes University Cell: 083 4060 262 (usually off) 6140 Grahamstown e-mail: malc-at-rock.ru.ac.za SOUTH AFRICA
I'm not sure what the Measurements Group uses to cross-link the M-Bond gage cement. The resin is listed as an "epoxy-phenolic adhesive". In several anhydride cross linked systems I've found that sodium ethoxide in ethanol worked well to de-resin samples. I made mine fresh from sodium and ethanol but fresh anhydrous AR grade should work as well. Something like 5 or 10% in dry ethanol should do it. This may be easier on your samples if they are acid sensitive. I'd be curious what works as I can see myself in a similar predicament someday. cheers, John
John Heckman MSM Department Michigan State University
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Hi Ian, } the only really successful way to get rid of epoxy is to use fuming nitric or sulphuric. You can also try aggressive solvents like tetrahydrofuran or dimethylsulfoxide. What will work usually depends upon the composition of your sample - if it also etches in these acids, you may have difficulties. I can get you some recipes from the books on de-encapsulation of silicon chips we have here, if you like. } } All these chemicals (particularly fuming nitric) are very unpleasant and need special precautions for use. Swelling of the epoxy is inevitable, and if the specimen is delicate you may need to go through several cycles of nitric/solvent to remove the epoxy without putting too much stress on your sample. } } Richard } } } Dear all, } } I have made a cross section of something using M-Bond 610 resin and it } } shifted in the clamp while curing so I now have a cross section that would } } be almost impossible to polish to leave the interface vertical. I would } } prefer not to just throw the piece in the bin and start again, due to lack } } of material. Does anyone know a way to dissolve fully cured M-bond 610 so } } that I could start again from scratch? } } } } Thanks } } } } Ian MacLaren } } Beijing Laboratory of Electron Microscopy } } Chinese Academy of Sciences } } P.O. Box 2724 } } 100080 Beijing } } China } } General Email: ian.maclaren-at-physics.org } } Work (esp. large attachments): maclaren-at-image.blem.ac.cn } } } } ______________________________________________________ } } Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com } } ============================================================== } Richard Beanland } Caswell Technology, } Caswell, } Towcester, } Northants NN12 8EQ } } e-mail richard.beanland-at-gecm.com } Tel. +44 1327 356363 } Fax. +44 1327 356398 } ============================================================== } "The information contained in this message is legally privileged and confidential information intended for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by telephone. } Caswell Technology is the trading name of Marconi Caswell Limited. Registered in London No. 3694360 Registered Office: One Bruton Street London W1X 8AQ. Holding Company: Marconi plc."
A microprobe wouldn't be my first choice for analyzing the sludge. Essentially, you'd wind up with a list of elements. Old fashioned x-ray diffractometry would yield a list of PHASES, which would be a much greater help. A microprobe's list of elements would, of course, be a great aid in the x-ray diffraction search/match operation. Check out the International Centre for Diffraction Data's web site for the latest computer search/matching things. www.icdd.com (or is it .org?)
Ron
Cobber?
(I have no financial interest in the ICDD)
Ron Anderson, IBM, Hopewell Jct., New York, USA. anderron-at-us.ibm.com
IBM Analytical Services; http://www.chips.ibm.com/services/asg
Dr Malcolm Roberts {malc-at-rock.ru.ac.za} on 04/10/2000 06:34:49 AM
To: Microprobe discussion group {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} cc:
G'day Cobbers! I could use some handy hints here. We've a student who wishes to analyse some hideous sludge - something to do with sewage me thinks. She is particularly interested in the state of the metals in this muck - whether it is present as sulphides, sulphates, nitrides, nitrates or bound to organic molecules. The stuff is rather fine grained, and I've suggested she filter and retain the } 10 micron fraction. She will then press it into a pellet with a flat, shiney surface if all goes well. Basically, I'm interested if there is anyone out there who has experience of analysing this type of material. What did you coat it with? How did you differentiate between the the various form of the metal compounds? Any other handy hints also gratefully received. Cheers, Malc.
-- Dr MP Roberts Phone: [+27](0)46 603 8313 Dept of Geology Fax: [+27](0)46 622 9715 Rhodes University Cell: 083 4060 262 (usually off) 6140 Grahamstown e-mail: malc-at-rock.ru.ac.za SOUTH AFRICA
We are attempting to critical point dry 100 micron thick Vibrotome cut cross sections of annelids (leeches). The end product looks fine in the SEM, except that the sections have curled/rolled up during the process, and we want them to remain flat. Attempts to flatten them after drying have not been very successful. Has anyone devised some sort of holder (sandwich?) that might overcome this problem by keeping them flat during their trip through the dryer?
This worked for a student a few months back working on nanoporous zirconia.
Ion mill the sample from one side long enough to remove the polishing damage from that side. Remove from the ion mill and coat the milled side with carbon. Return to the Ion mill and mill on the uncoated side. The carbon on the other side will help keep the thinned grains from falling out.
I got this trick from Scott Walck some time ago.
Ray
************************* Ray D. Twesten, PhD Center for Microanalysis of Materials University of Illinois (217) 244-6177 fax:(217) 244-2278
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Valerie Leppert" {vjleppert-at-ucdavis.edu} To: "'Microscopy Listserver'" {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} Sent: Friday, April 07, 2000 4:55 PM
Hi,
If you give me a worm and tell me to produce semi-thin sections that wrinkle, and semi-thin sections that do not wrinkle, I can do it. But I might need two worms!
Stretching, hot plate and water manipulations, cutting contortions, cleanliness, etc., are the band-aids. These methods do not address the basic problems of which there are at least two.
At the very base of the problem usually lies the fact that there is too high of a percentage of unbound monomers in the tissue. This can happen in at least several ways 1) The use of a good formulation which is not suitable for the tissue 2) the use of a formulation which has no basis in correct composition as far as molecular weights and WPE #s are concerned. These formulations are usually handed down from lab to lab and no one knows their origins. 3) inadequate infiltration procedures of a good and suitable formulation. All of the above will leave too many unbound monomers in the tissue.
So what? Unbound monomers are extremely active. They attract water, swell, pull, stretch the embedded tissue. Upon drying the water leaves since it is mechanically bound, and presto, nice wrinkles.
Let us look at 1) above. A formulation containing Araldite, and a hefty amount of DDSA is unsuitable for tough skin, collagen, worm architecture, and so on. Why? Because Araldite and DDSA are very long chains, and are extremely difficult to keep EVENLY mixed and EVENLY infiltrated into tough tissue. Note the capitalization of evenly! Some of the Araldite will stay outside of the worm gut, and there will be more there than inside the gut. Inside the gut there is an excess of DDSA. Crosslinkage and stability are reduced. Water will be absorbed in the boat by these loose monomers.
I cannot deal with 2) at all. I never use any formulation unless I understand it. No telling what the proportions are!
Let us look at 3). Inadequate infiltration procedures account for more trouble than than Monica Lewinsky! Formulations seperate, are allowed to infiltrate unevenly, or not thoroughly enough, or not slowly enough. Perhaps the dehydration was not adequate, and the formulation will not take up a space occupied by a polar substance. Again, you have loose monomers which should be bound or crosslinked.
What would I do with my worms? For wrinkles I would use Araldite-DDSA-Epon, infiltrate it poorly, underpolymerize it, and watch the pleats appear. For flat sections I would pick a formulation which would fit the material - perhaps the next to the hardest Luft's formulation, infiltrate it like crazy, never let it sit in the hood, heat every new change of new mixture to 37 degrees for one hour and a half with a light bulb while they tissue rotates, do many changes over perhaps 48 hours, at least. I would have really dehydrated well, gone to Propylene oxide, the infiltrate starting with a mixture of 3 parts propylene oxide and one part formulation, gradually working up to full epoxy mixture.
I would polymerize for 48 hours at least and cut the thinnest section I could tolerate for my study. I would use a sharp knife (of course).
Now, it might not work well the first time. So I would manipulate all the above until I was happy.
NOW. PLEASE NOTE: Suppose I have sections which are a little wrinkled, or some old blocks which yield severely wrinkled sections. I soak the slides in rt water for half an hour or less depending on how well they will stick to the slide. Then I would put the slides into a vaccum jar which has that strong, powdered dessicant which we used to use for drying EM film in a petri dish in the bottom. (Protect the slides from flying poweder by covering with hardened filter paper). Then evacuate the jar just short of implosion! Release the vaccum in about 24-48 hours. This will often save poor blocks or totally get rid of slight wrinkles.
Crowley, Hildegard Heinrich, and Ben H. Leichtling. Elimination or Reduction of Wrinkles in Semithin Epoxy Sections by Vaccum Drying. Stain Technology,Vol 64, No 5, September 1989.
Please do not ask me for reprints. I do not have any.
Have fun with the worms! Keep records! Know what you have done, and what you have not done!
Hildy
P.S. Very important! Formulations made from epon substitutes which contain Araldite or dilutants may not be suitable for use with difficult materials, since they may be too resilient or elastic. We have used Eponate 12 from Pella forever. Many years ago I had information regarding the spec readings of this substitute - it was very much like the old Epon. I am hazy on this point. Do not quote me. I do not have any monetary interests in Pella.
I'd suggest you also do so good old fashioned light microscopy on a "sludge smear". We've had the opportunity to use McCrone's Particle Atlas on CD ROM on several courses recently and have found it invaluable in identifying things like this. McCrone was running a special at PITTCON: $700 instead of the usual $900. The last time the PA came out in print, it was approximately 10 volumes in length. The CD has light, electron, and elemental analysis info. I would be surprised if there isn't a copy of either the print or CD version in your library.
Caveat: MME has no financial interest in this product.
Good hunting! Barbara Foster,President Microscopy/Microscopy Education 125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118-2130 PH: 413-746-6931 FX: 413-746-9311 email: MME-at-map.com Website: www.MME-Microscopy.com/education
America's first national consortium of microscopy specialists offering customized on-site training in all areas of microscopy, image analysis, and sample preparation ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
At 12:34 PM 4/10/00 +0200, Dr Malcolm Roberts wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
I am writing this on behalf of an experienced SEM Technician, new to Canada who is looking for a part or full time position, (will even work as a volunteer for now) in the Greater Toronto Area.
She has 20 years of experience working on various materials on JEOL SEM's in Hungary but needs help in establishing contacts and learning the industry here.
Please contact me off-line if you are interested.
Karen Rethoret York University Microscopy Facility Toronto, Ontario 416-736-2100 x33289
} I could use some handy hints here. We've a student who wishes to } analyse some hideous sludge - something to do with sewage me thinks. She } is particularly interested in the state of the metals in this muck - } whether it is present as sulphides, sulphates, nitrides, nitrates or } bound to organic molecules.
I reported on using EDS to localize PCBs in sediment at the Microscopy and Microanalysis meeting in 1998 (page 498 in the proceedings). Fortunately for me, there is no Cl in sediments, so just locating Cl was indicative of PCBs. Your student could get chemical info from microanalysis with very high energy resolution by looking at the fine structure. Either EELS (on an instrument with a FEG) or WDS could have this resolution, and if the new technologies of superconducting tunnel junction diodes or micro- calorimeter detectors are available, they could provide sufficient resolution for EDS. Taking position-tagged spectra on, e.g., a Zeiss 912 could give her both the localization and chemical info she needs. I have no interest in either Zeiss or the new types of detector except as a would-be user and techno-geek.
} The stuff is rather fine grained, and I've } suggested she filter and retain the } 10 micron fraction. She will } then press it into a pellet with a flat, shiney surface if all goes well.
I just suspended the sediment, put a small amount on a grid, and took images and spectra. I used all but the mm-sized particles; most were in the micron to submicron size range. They were well- dispersed on the grid when the dilution of the suspension was ap- propriate, and I could get spectra from individual particles. This approach may be better than the pellet, since different particles can have different chemistries.
} Basically, I'm interested if there is anyone out there who has } experience of analysing this type of material. What did you coat it } with?
I didn't coat it; the high-voltage microscope is capable of getting good images from this material as is (no charging). The IVEM, likewise, was able to get good spectra.
} How did you differentiate between the the various form of the } metal compounds? Any other handy hints also gratefully received.
As I said, I didn't need to get chemical info, and as another poster said, using diffraction to characterize the material can add info about the form the metal is in. Reflection high-energy elec- tron diffraction (RHEED), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and photoelectron holography (PEH) can give info about surface structures (see, e.g., Leslie et al. (1999) Electron Crystallography in Surface Structure Analysis, Microscopy Research and Technique 46:160-177). If the metals are adsorbed to the sludge by adhering to a facet with a particular crystallographic orientation, either as occasional adatoms or, better still, as an epitaxial deposit, such surface techniques could be useful. Perhaps Larry Marks is the best person to talk to about this. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol
My profound apologies to everyone who read my comments on silicone oils and greases, in which I said that Brayco and Krytox greases are based on polyphenyl ether compounds. I was in too much of a hurry, and neglected to check my memory (which isn't getting any better as my maturity progresses).
Fred Schamber is right in calling attention to the fact that these greases are based on perfluorinated polyether compounds.
Thus, the information given on page 460 of my book 'Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy' is correct: the Brayco and Krytox greases are based on perfluorinated polyether compounds, NOT polyphenyl ether compounds.
Furthermore, Fred is correct in stating that great care should be exercised to keep the perfluoro-polyether compounds out of the electron guns of electron microscopes, because, as discussed on p. 187 of Vac. Meth. in EM, they have been known to cause microdischarges in electron guns causing undesirable high-voltage instabilities.
Although I have not bothered to try to keep up with all new developments since I finished writing my book, back in '94, I am not aware of any vacuum grease that is based on polyphenylether fluids. This is peculiar, because the polyphenyl ether diffusion pump fluids, Santovac-5, Excello-54, and Convalex-10, have all worked out so well. A grease is made by combining an oil with a gel-forming agent. Thus, to make an ordinary lubricating grease one might mix a soap such as sodium stearate with an ordinary lubricating oil. When heated to a proper temperature the oil and soap will interact to form a gel, which we call a grease. Thus, to make a grease based on the polyphenyl ether oils, all one would have to do is to find the appropriate gelling agent. This is not an entirely trivial task, however, because unless the correct agent is found the grease will 'bleed' (i.e. the oil will separate from the gelling agent), especially if the grease is heated or exposed to a vacuum. If a grease bleeds, you can end up with only the gelling agent remaining on the bearing or gasket that you wanted to lubricate, while the oil (which is the actual lubricating agent) spreads around and contaminates adjacent parts. The silicone- and perfluorinated polyether-based greases are remarkably stable and resistant to bleeding, whereas some other high vacuum greases are not.
Again, I apologize for my mistake.
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
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I have also had an interesting, and aggravating problem with sputter coater targets recently. We have an older model Hexland (bought out by Oxford about 10 years ago) SEM cryo stage. Although not as fancy as current models, it usually does a reasonable job. Quite a number of years ago I purchased a large gold disc sputter coater target. I cut the 12mm discs needed for the sputter coater in the cryo prechamber from this larger disk with a simple stamping tool. This worked for years without problems. About a year or so ago, we started having problems getting good coatings...noticable because of excessive charging of coated samples. We immediately thought of contamination because the target was becoming discolored after only a couple of uses. If I removed it, cleaned it with metal polish, etc and reinstalled it, all was well for another couple of coatings. We tried new pumps, looking for oil leaks etc. but a good vacuum in the chamber ruled out large leaks and all other signs were negative. We also changed the argon tank thinking that perhaps this could be a source of contamination. The cryo stage is used in spurts and after a period of inactivity, we are again gearing up for heavier use. Recently the target was only giving a good coating on one sample before having to be cleaned....a major job when you have to warm to room temp from -170oC prior to opening up the chamber. I finally took the used target over to a Microprobe on campus and did a WDS analysis on it....turns out that the contamination was aluminum. The housing that holds the target in place is aluminum. Somehow the aluminum is being sputtered as well as the gold, producing a poor metal coating and contaminating the target as well. Oxford is trying to get replacement parts for the sputter head but we are at a loss to figure out why, after all these years, this is happening and what we can do about it if replacement parts cannot be found. By the way, a new crystage runs about $70,000 so we are not contemplating that move at the moment. Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057 On Saturday, April 8, 2000, Garber, Charles A. {cgarber-at-2spi.com} wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id SAA04459 for dist-Microscopy; Mon, 10 Apr 2000 18:01:28 -0500 (CDT) Received: from no_more_spam.com (sparc5 [206.69.208.10]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with SMTP id SAA04454 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Mon, 10 Apr 2000 18:00:58 -0500 (CDT) Received: from bsd01.community.net.uk (bsd01.community.net.uk [195.72.164.132]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id SAA04447 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Mon, 10 Apr 2000 18:00:44 -0500 (CDT) Received: from [195.72.167.200] ([195.72.167.200]) by bsd01.community.net.uk (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id XAA44780 for {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com} ; Mon, 10 Apr 2000 23:55:21 +0100 (BST) Message-Id: {200004102255.XAA44780-at-bsd01.community.net.uk} To: MICROSCOPY BB {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
-- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --
Ian MacLaren wrote: ======================================================= } Dear all, } I have made a cross section of something using M-Bond 610 resin and it } shifted in the clamp while curing so I now have a cross section that would
} be almost impossible to polish to leave the interface vertical. I would } prefer not to just throw the piece in the bin and start again, due to lack
} of material. Does anyone know a way to dissolve fully cured M-bond 610 so
} that I could start again from scratch? } } Thanks } } Ian MacLaren } Beijing Laboratory of Electron Microscopy } Chinese Academy of Sciences } P.O. Box 2724 } 100080 Beijing } China } General Email: ian.maclaren-at-physics.org } Work (esp. large attachments): maclaren-at-image.blem.ac.cn ============================================================= We have found over the years that the easiest way to remove not just M-Bond 610 but just about any epoxy or other organic polymer from a metal substrate is with the use of oxygen plasma etching. It was my recollection that one of our systems was purchased by the KYKY part of your facility and they would probably let you have access to it.
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies manufactures the Plasma Prep II plasma etcher which can be used to remove organics, including intractable cross-linked polymer systems, like M-Bond 610.
Chuck
============================================
Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-610-436-5400 President 1-800-2424-SPI SPI SUPPLIES FAX: 1-610-436-5755 PO BOX 656 e-mail:cgarber-at-2spi.com West Chester, PA 19381-0656 USA Cust.Service: spi2spi-at-2spi.com
Look for us! ######################## WWW: http://www.spi.cc ######################## ============================================
rtch (another cobber from the Southern half of the world)
Ritchie Sims Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 7713 Department of Geology Fax : 64 9 3737435 The University of Auckland email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
Here is my guess about what has happened. I read someplace that alumina (aluminum oxide) does not sputter easily whereas pure uncoated aluminum metal sputter easily. Aluminum in air is quickly coated with alumina and it is protected for a while when placed in an area subject to ion bombardment for sputtering. The alumina layer on your target holder has been worn away by years of sputtering and cleaning, and in the cold vacuum of the cryo prechamber was not getting replaced by oxidation.
Cure: Take the holder out and have it anodized (a hard finish) or just heat it gently in air for a while to form a new layer of aluminum oxide.
Ronald Vane XEI Scientific
-----Original Message----- } From: Debby Sherman {sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu} To: message to: MSA list {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Could the alumium have had some kind of coating to keep it from sputtering or could a short developed between the gold disk and the alumium housing? My guess is that there is a break down in the insulation between the target and the holder. If you have records of the current and voltage it sould show up when compaired with the old records when things were running right.
Could some other part of the system be contaminated by Al? If the rest of the system is not made of alumium you can use lye to clean it.
When a new machine costs $70 K you can afford to pay a good machinest for a lot of hours to make a part. With CAM mills they can make almost anything. And for what the computer controled mill can't make there are a few of us old guys that can finish the job with a file:) You porbably have a couple in one of the insterment shops on campus.
If you don't have a shop that can handle this kind of work I know a couple of guys out on the west coast that can. I don't have any connection with them except to admire their work.
Gordon
Gordon Couger gcouger-at-couger.com
Stillwater, OK www.couger.com/gcouger 405 624-2855 GMT -6:00
} } I have also had an interesting, and aggravating problem with sputter coater targets recently. We have an older model Hexland (bought out by Oxford about 10 years ago) SEM cryo stage. Although not as fancy as current models, it usually does a reasonable job. Quite a number of years ago I purchased a large gold disc sputter coater target. I cut the 12mm discs needed for the sputter coater in the cryo prechamber from this larger disk with a simple stamping tool. This worked for years without problems. } About a year or so ago, we started having problems getting good coatings...noticable because of excessive charging of coated samples. We immediately thought of contamination because the target was becoming discolored after only a couple of uses. If I removed it, cleaned it with metal polish, etc and reinstalled it, all was well for another couple of coatings. We tried new pumps, looking for oil leaks etc. but a good vacuum in the chamber ruled out large leaks and all other signs were negative. We also changed the argon tank thinking that perhaps this could be a source of contamination. } The cryo stage is used in spurts and after a period of inactivity, we are again gearing up for heavier use. Recently the target was only giving a good coating on one sample before having to be cleaned....a major job when you have to warm to room temp from -170oC prior to opening up the chamber. I finally took the used target over to a Microprobe on campus and did a WDS analysis on it....turns out that the contamination was aluminum. The housing that holds the target in place is aluminum. Somehow the aluminum is being sputtered as well as the gold, producing a poor metal coating and contaminating the target as well. } Oxford is trying to get replacement parts for the sputter head but we are at a loss to figure out why, after all these years, this is happening and what we can do about it if replacement parts cannot be found. } By the way, a new crystage runs about $70,000 so we are not contemplating that move at the moment. } Debby
The resin used was a TAAB Laboratories standard Hard pre-mix kit, mixed and kept in a freezer. Usually no problem but the resin mixture may have aged.
Infiltration may not have been sufficient, although it was overnight in the 50/50 mixture acetone/resin (our safety dept. is anti propylene oxide). We can usually get away with this procedure, but you may have some good points about this step. I am suddenly back about 20 years! Our library stopped taking Stain Technol. in the 1980's and I haven't searched it since!
The wrinkles seem to be most apparent in the area of the cuticle (which is really not very thick).
I hesitated a bit to post this message as I thought it would be too trivial, but my personal experience has shown me that people often do not know the basic concepts needed to acquire good quality images with a digital/video camera in light microscopy. I want to know if other people working in digital imaging agree on the very few concepts I think that are essential to acquire good quality digital images in microscopy.
I simply give an overview of the concepts for quantitative digital brightfield microscopy:
1) Understand the meaning of Numerical Aperture 2) Use white light, dim with neutral density filters if necessary, do not turn down the light to "reddish". 3) Set up Koehler illumination ! 4) Nyquist sampling (match magnification to CCD-array) 5) Understand the influence of the sampling density on the C.V. of your measurements Ian T. Young, Sampling density and quantitative microsocopy Analytical and Quantitative Cytology and Histology, vol. 10, 1988, pp. 269-275
6) Understand the dynamic range of your image acquisition system (camera + digitiser)
For a B/W camera: 1) Use a green filter for monochromatic light
For a color camera 1) Use a 3CCD camera, not a single CCD camera 2) Set the white balance
My personal opinion is that if you obey these basic rules you get good quality images, otherwise you don't. The quality of the images relates directly to the quality of your analysis and as such to the "quality" of your conclusions.
Regards,
Peter Van Osta, MD
Senior Scientist Medical Image Analysis Biological Imaging Laboratory Life Sciences Department I - 6065 Janssen Research Foundation Turnhoutseweg 30 B-2340 Beerse Belgium Europe
I am in the process of acquiring a Tissue Tek automatic tissue processor, second hand. I seem to have a choice between Tissue Tek II or Tissue Tek III, the later being more expensive of course. Since I have no experience with such machines, I would like to ask if in practice there are significant benifits from the more advanced model. Actually what I want is a reliable way of making lots of paraffin embeddings with a minimum of sofistication.
Thanks in advance for your answers
Dr. A.P. Alves de Matos Dental Medical School Lisbon
A grad student that I had recently trained to use our JEOL T-20 SEM was trying a little solo work. He had the specimen chamber door open, turned away from the scope, and looked back just in time to see one of our monster cockroaches disappearing into the scope. Rather than call me, or wait for the roach to reappear, he shut the door and pumped the scope down. He never did confess...
I will be more specific. I will need to process up to 60 specimens/week in two or three separated weeks during the year. The rest of the time hand processing is OK. Since the specimens are prone to dammage upon storage (immunohistochemical techniques on sponge tissues), I do not want to store them to facilitate processing. So, it is important to know if the machine can handle this amount of work. I have one technician that has many other things to do. Basic assistence should be available from our technical department. Anyhow I would not trust newer instruments just because they are more recent. I know of (and have) a few super-new machines (amaizingly expensive) that had to be thrown to garbage because no one (assistence included) was able to put them to regular work. It is important to know if the machine model is a well tested one that usually works for years with no problems or if it has regular problems. Since histology and histopathology labs of my knowledge use other tissue processors, I was not able to get specific advice locally about these machines.
Thanks A.P. Alves de Matos
----- Original Message ----- } From: Norm Granholm {granhona-at-email.uc.edu} To: A.P. Alves de Matos {apmatos-at-ip.pt} Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2000 12:57 PM
Hello,
I`m looking for an EELS spectrum containing Oxygen K-edge and some other edge like Mn or Ti L-edge. Together with low loss spectrum and data about the angles. The spectra need to have a power of 2 (1024 for inst.) bins and low loss and high loss should have same size. I want to use this for comparison, i`m trying to do some quantitative EELS work but so far with limited success. I want to find out wether my program or my data is wrong;)
Thanks,
Jo
************************************************************* * Jo Verbeeck * * University of Antwerp * * Dept. EMAT (Electron Microscopy for Materials Research) * * e-mail: joverbee-at-ruca.ua.ac.be * * tel: +32(0)3 218 02 49 * * fax: +32(0)3 218 02 57 * *************************************************************
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Try sandwiching the sections between pieces of filter paper. We do this with lots of small samples which we are in danger of loosing. We use large washers as holders for the filter paper sandwiches. The pairs of washers can be secured using small binder clamps (an office product used like paper clips). Or you can knotch the washers so that you can use a piece of wire to hold them together. The knotches keep the wire from slipping off. If you cannot find washers with the correct internal and external dimensions, they are easily made in any machine shop. I would put the sandwiches together before or during dehydration and then carry the sections through the last ETOH changes as a unit. It takes a bit longer to CPD due to the absorption of the ETOH by the paper but you have a good chance of having flat sections at completion. Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057
On Monday, April 10, 2000, Dick Briggs {rbriggs-at-Science.Smith.edu} wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
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Microscopist:
Our new lab is supposed to be built next to a four lane highway that has a lot of 18 wheeler truck traffic. I am concerned about vibration problems and would like to convince administration that the building should be built on the other side of the property as far away from the highway as possible. Any suggestions or known references covering this? Thanks in advance.
Phoebe J. Doss Manager/Adjunct Instructor Electron Microscope Lab Oklahoma State University
Looking for a few used B & L 7 to 30 power optical microscopes (or similar- A. O., etc.) to be given to local vo-tech school. I will pay shipping. Will trade something if required. Mike Urbanik www.crystalguru.com
This is a discussion archived on "Tips & Tricks" from a couple of years ago dealing with a similar problem. E-mail addresses of the poster and respondents are included so you might discuss things with them further.
Good luck
At 10:04 AM 4/11/2000 -0500, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} { GO GATORS Scott D. Whittaker 218 Carr Hall EM Technician Gainesville, FL 32610 University Of Florida ph 352-392-1184 ICBR EM Core Lab fax 352-846-0251 sdw-at-biotech.ufl.edu http://www.biotech.ufl.edu/~emcl/ The home of " Tips & Tricks "
They want to put your lab next to a 4-lane highway...this is a joke, right?
Larry ;-)
PS my suggested reference... 1. Common sense. Vol.1, No. 1, p. 1 another suggestion: make some vibration measurements and check it out...
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Dr. Lawrence F. Allard Senior Research Staff Member High Temperature Materials Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory 1 Bethel Valley Road Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 PO Box 2008 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064
Several years ago, Dow built a state-of-the-art analytical chemistry building (including a microscopy lab) in Midland, Michigan. One of the issues they addressed was nearby truck traffic, just like you have. They ended up closing the road. Bob Czeislinski (sp?), a member of this listservice, might be able to help you on some of the tech issues raised to get the change. (Sorry, I do not have his email address.)
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Hildy } } Thanks for all the info. } } The resin used was a TAAB Laboratories standard Hard pre-mix kit, } mixed and kept in a freezer. Usually no problem but the resin mixture } may have aged. } } Infiltration may not have been sufficient, although it was overnight } in the 50/50 mixture acetone/resin (our safety dept. is anti propylene } oxide). We can usually get away with this procedure, but you may have } some good points about this step. I am suddenly back about 20 years! } Our library stopped taking Stain Technol. in the 1980's and I haven't } searched it since! } } The wrinkles seem to be most apparent in the area of the cuticle } (which is really not very thick). } } So long } } Keith Ryan } } Hi,
One should never leave tissue of any sort in a solution of solvent and epoxy overnight. It is deleterious to tissue structures and does not serve to infiltrate.
I do not have a worm. But if I suddenly had one to embed and I had no experience with worms, I would be very suspicious of it. I would immediately treat it as though it were really hard to handle. I would do all the dehydration steps for at least 30 min with a change of ethanol every 10 minutes. I would open a new bottle of 100% ethanol for the last three changes. I would use propylene oxide, and evaporate the waste from a bucket in the hood. I would use PO (dry acetone if you must) and epoxy in the ratios of 3 to 1 for 1/.2 hour, 2 to one for one hour, 1 to 1 for 2 hours. Then one hour in fresh expoxy. Then new, clean vials, with fresh epoxy. Perhaps 3 times for 2-3 hours each. Every time a new mixture is added I would heat with a light bulb directed at the rotator to 37 deg (not over 40) for about 1.5 hours. Then I would leave it overnight on the rotator, and start again in the morning. A pain in the neck! But then, science frequently sucks! In the evening I would embed in fresh material, and immediately polymerize at 60 deg. NOTE: All steps on rotator! Do not let material stand in the hood, not even for an hour.
I know nothing of your epoxy kit. I cannot comment on it. Since you have experience with it, I would not immediately throw it out. Just try pushing infiltration hard, and then try the vaccum trick. It saved a whole project for me once.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Dear Hildegard, } } To follow up a posting a few days ago, what epoxy are you using that does } not compress during sectioning? I am very curious! } } THanks, } } } Rosemary White } Microscopy Centre } CSIRO Plant Industry } GPO Box 1600 } Canberra, ACT 2601 } Australia } } phone 61-2-6246 5475 } fax 61-2-6246 5000 } email r.white-at-pi.csiro.au } } } } There is no formulation that can be said to not compress during sectioning. It depends on the way it is handled and the nature of the tissue being embedded. Please read my postings again which explain in detail what the basic problems are.
Someone asked me what I use in the laboratory for epoxies, and now I cannot find the person who asked.
Our general standard is the Luft' medium formulation. It is a requirement however for reembedding Vibratome or thick sections from glass slides, no matter what the original section was embedded in. We use Pella Eponate 12 and all other resins come from EMS. (I have no financial holdings in these companies)
If the end of the project goes only to thick sections, we use Mollenhauer's Araldite - Epon - DDSA - dibutyl, because this mixture sections like butter. However, we have to embed keratinized skin so the embedding procedure is really lengthy.
For immunocytochemistry we try to find out if we have huge quantities of antigen. We first try one embedment (this is for post-gold) with the above Araldite 502 mixture. If at first we don't succeed, we give up immediately! We then go to LR Gold which, in our case, reliably yields better ultrastructure than the LR White. (and of course, we get much more label)
All the above formulations are well known and can be found in any good textbook. Sometimes I construct other formulations (for embedding chocolate for paperweights for my co-workers) but those instances are applicable only to what I am about and not of general interest to anyone. ' Hope this is the answer you wanted.
This reminds me of a trick a Cambridge (yes, back then) service engineer pulled to demonstrate vibration in the SEM room at a former position. Fill a glass almost full and put it on the floor. Watch the pretty rings. Do a quick calculation on the height of the waves -- if they're 1mm high in the glass, at 10,000 times in the SEM they'd be 10 meters high. If any of the admin types have sail boats (or bass boats, this being Oklahoma), this might make an impression on them.
Phil
} Phoebe: } } They want to put your lab next to a 4-lane highway...this is a joke, right? } } Larry ;-) } } PS my suggested reference... 1. Common sense. Vol.1, No. 1, p. 1 } another suggestion: make some vibration measurements and } check it out... } } } Microscopist: } } } } Our new lab is supposed to be built next to a four lane highway that has a } } lot of 18 wheeler truck traffic. I am concerned about vibration problems } } and would like to convince administration that the building should be built } } on the other side of the property as far away from the highway as possible. } } Any suggestions or known references covering this? Thanks in advance. } } } } Phoebe J. Doss } } Manager/Adjunct Instructor } } Electron Microscope Lab } } Oklahoma State University } } Dr. Lawrence F. Allard } Senior Research Staff Member } High Temperature Materials Laboratory } Oak Ridge National Laboratory
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Philip Oshel Supervisor, AMFSC and BBPIC Dept. of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences University of Wisconsin 1656 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1581 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-7420 (dept. fax)
I can also tell you first hand about the effect on light microscopy and microspectrometry equipment. I once had an assignment in a coking facility which used a switch engine to run coal cars around the yars. Forget about anything in the higher mag range!
Also, suggest that you talk to any of the EM apps people (Norm Burns, Tim Maitland?) from the old Cambridge/Leica SEM group (now part of LEO, Thornwood NY). Cambridge built that facility with a freight train running through the back yard.
There are companies which will do site evaluations, including some of the SEM groups. I don't know if there is a charge, but whatever it is, it would be less expensive than (1) not being able to do research in a brand new facility (administrators are traditionally very allergic to "egg on the face" syndrome") or (2) having to move the lab to another location once it is set up.
Hope this is helpful.
Best regards, Barbara Foster,President Microscopy/Microscopy Education 125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118-2130 PH: 413-746-6931 FX: 413-746-9311 email: MME-at-map.com Website: www.MME-Microscopy.com/education
America's first national consortium of microscopy specialists offering customized on-site training in all areas of microscopy, image analysis, and sample preparation ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
At 10:04 AM 4/11/00 -0500, Phoebe J Doss wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
In order to maximize usefulness, I need a dc coupled signal conditioner between my WDS analog rate output and the SEM line scan input.
Small and battery powered would be nice... Am open to suggestion, but what seems to be indicated is an amp with about +- 5 volt of INPUT offset with a gain of 1-25 (or more). Output swing should be capable of a minimum of +-5 volts.
(i.e. a couple of op-amps and 2 10- turn pots...)
I can build one, but would rather purchase if I can find one at a reasonable price. The MVA from my old ETEC would probably work, but is a NIM bin module and so would need to be repackaged and powered to stand alone.
I am currently taking measurement of SEM photos using IPP 4.1 (length measurements, angles, and thickness)and I am wondering if there is a way to "burn" these measurement into the photos for saving purposes. Has anyone done this or am I missing something. Thanks in advance.
Jim Arnold Senior Quality Technician / Failure Analysis Honeywell International, Inc. Aerospace Electronic Systems Microelectronics and Technology Center 9140 Old Annapolis Rd Columbia, MD 21045
This one is from grad school days. I was doing my thesis on the petrography and geochemistry of Miocene andesites as part of an international study on PreHellenic arc volcanism. Since I did all my own thin section preparations, I became the unpaid "volunteer" to keep the prep lab in good running condition, and to assist other students. Nothing compares to being an indentured servant. One day, a coastal sedimentary graduate student approached me. He was working on temporal barrier islands formed off the Gulf coast of Florida that formed as a result of Hurricane Helena in 1986. His major advisor thought it would be good for him make some impregnated thin sections from core samples, and stain them for carbonates and feldspars, map the distribution of them. I instructed him on all the staining procedures including safety procedures.......emphasizing safety procedured since he would be dealing with concentrated HF to etch the sections. I decided to stay in the lab to do some maintenance, and to keep an eye on him. Good thing I did, for what happened next could have turned into a real sad disaster. The student knocked over his slide drying rack into the HF bath. Before I could say or do anything, he immersed both of his hands into the concentrated HF to save his sections. Fortunately for me, I had been on a volunteer rescue squad in my teens, and was fully trained for all sorts of accidents. He was lucky........didnt lose his fingers, but did lose his finger nails, and his hands were scarred for life. Moral of this story? I should have done the procedure myself. I took on a potentially grave situation under my responsibility for a position I was not getting paid for, or properly insured for by the department. I am glad the fellow didnt suffer worse for his lack of thought, but I learned a valuable lesson, and held myself accountable and responsible for what happened. The student didnt.......... Lou Solebello
Has anyone devised some } sort of holder (sandwich?) that might overcome this problem by } keeping them flat during their trip through the dryer? } } We thank you in advance. } } Dick Briggs } Biology Department } Smith College } } } you can make a sandwich using a small reusable swinnex filter holder (holds 13 mm or larger polymer filters to filter liquids being expressed from a syringe). You saw off the connecting bits leaving the bits which screw together. Then you can sandwich things between two filters maybe with a spacer made by including a gasket between the filters. Then you process the whole assembly. Silver filters from Chuck Garber are good as they wont dissolve in liquid CO2..... Dr. Mel Dickson, Deputy Director, The Electron Microscope Unit, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Microbiology & Immunology The University of New South Wales UNSW SYDNEY 2052 Australia. Phone +612 9385 6383 Fax +612 9385 6400
In a message dated 4/11/00 6:44:48 PM, jim.arnold6-at-honeywell.com writes:
} I am currently taking measurement of SEM photos using IPP 4.1 (length } measurements, angles, and thickness)and I am wondering if there is a way } to "burn" these measurement into the photos for saving purposes. Has anyone } done this or am I missing something. Thanks in advance.
With IPP you can label each feature with its measurement value for one measurement parameter.
Several years ago, one of my research students was using the Cambridge S250 SEM on an early solo session. The room was hushed, in almost in total darkness, and he was giving his total concentration to the screen while he adjusted the image. As he moved his hand to the specimen stage controls the turbo-molecular pump disintegrated without warning, making a crash that sounded like a metal tray full of spanners being dropped from a great height, followed immediately by the wailing of alarms. The poor chap was literally green with shock - he thought he had caused it!
When the column was opened up a glittering cloud of aluminium alloy powder drifted out. The turbo pump - a double-ended model - had its rotors and stators intertwined so forcibly that there was no free play. Presumably it had come to rest from 60,000 rpm in less than a single rotation. That works out at a damage rate of almost 1billion dollars per second!
Chris
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Chris Jeffree University of Edinburgh Biological Sciences EM Facility Daniel Rutherford Building King's Buildings EDINBURGH EH9 3JH Tel: +44 (0) 131 650 5345 FAX: +44 (0) 131 650 6563
} } } From: Chris Jeffree {cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk} } } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } Subject: pre-final horror story? } } Send reply to: c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk } } Date sent: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 16:01:02 +0000 } } } } Several years ago, one of my research students was using the } } Cambridge S250 SEM on an early solo session. The room was } } hushed, in almost in total darkness, and he was giving his total } } concentration to the screen while he adjusted the image. As he } } moved his hand to the specimen stage controls the turbo-molecular } } pump disintegrated without warning, making a crash that sounded } } like a metal tray full of spanners being dropped from a great height, } } followed immediately by the wailing of alarms. The poor chap was } } literally green with shock - he thought he had caused it! } } } } When the column was opened up a glittering cloud of aluminium } } alloy powder drifted out. The turbo pump - a double-ended model - } } had its rotors and stators intertwined so forcibly that there was no } } free play. Presumably it had come to rest from 60,000 rpm in less } } than a single rotation. That works out at a damage rate of almost } } $1billion per second! } } } } Chris } } ------- End of forwarded message ------- } } ===================================================================== } } DR CHRIS JEFFREE } } BIOSEM - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES EM FACILITY } } UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH } } Daniel Rutherford Building } } King's Buildings, Mayfield Road } } EDINBURGH, EH9 3JH, Scotland, UK } } Tel. #44 131 650 5345 } } FAX. #44 131 650 6563 } } Mobile 0410 585 401 } } email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk } } SEM / TEM bookings sem-at-ed.ac.uk } } ===================================================================== } } }
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Chris Jeffree University of Edinburgh Biological Sciences EM Facility Daniel Rutherford Building King's Buildings EDINBURGH EH9 3JH Tel: +44 (0) 131 650 5345 FAX: +44 (0) 131 650 6563
Maybe I should have headed this "funny horror stories". I used to run an EM Unit adjacent to a geology department. One of their more intellectual types decided that the only place to operate a rock-shaking machine was up against the outside wall of the darkroom and the SEM rooms. I never bothered to check the effects on the SEM, but observed that through the enlarger's focus magnifier the image was dancing. I told the grad student users that the shaker had to go, complete with reasons. Nothing happened, then I just turned the shaker off whenever it was on.
Eventually I was confronted by that intellectual quietly asking: "why was I against his shaker"? I figured years ago that anger was unprofessional and non-productive, but I lost it on that occasion. I asked rhetorically, how can you call yourself an intellectual, when you are unable to work out why a two bob (nickel and dime) shaker had no place next to an EM Unit. That shaker disappeared on next day.
Maybe I should have sent him an exam to sort out the problem: My instruments were there first Put the respective instrument cost into the equation Consider the difficulty involved in moving his shaker versus rehousing the EM Unit Also consider that a heavy shaker is almost designed to produce vibration. A microscope magnifies and not just objects but vibrations too. So one um of actually transmitted movement 50000x enlarged is 50mm - I trust that the movement was less than 1um.
In relation to the highway, it must be noted that you cannot switch that off. Also its difficult to foretell how much vibration would be transmitted. Its a question of risk: are those administrators willing to relocate the unit later or will they find the money to place several instruments on expensive antivibration devices. I don't believe its worth the risk; convince them. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
} } } Phoebe: } } They want to put your lab next to a 4-lane highway...this is a joke, right? } } Larry ;-) } } PS my suggested reference... 1. Common sense. Vol.1, No. 1, p. 1 } another suggestion: make some vibration measurements and check it } out... } } } } } Microscopist: } } } } Our new lab is supposed to be built next to a four lane highway that has a } } lot of 18 wheeler truck traffic. I am concerned about vibration problems } } and would like to convince administration that the building should be built } } on the other side of the property as far away from the highway as possible. } } Any suggestions or known references covering this? Thanks in advance. } } } } Phoebe J. Doss } } Manager/Adjunct Instructor } } Electron Microscope Lab } } Oklahoma State University } } Dr. Lawrence F. Allard } Senior Research Staff Member } High Temperature Materials Laboratory } Oak Ridge National Laboratory } 1 Bethel Valley Road } Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 } PO Box 2008 } Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064 } } 865-574-4981 } 865-576-5413 Fax } allardlfjr-at-ornl.gov
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Reply to: Re: vibration due to truck traffic? Do this trick with a dish of water but reflect a beam of light off the water surface onto a wall and the vibrations are magnified before your eyes.
Paul Webster
Mssage from Phil Oshel:
This reminds me of a trick a Cambridge (yes, back then) service engineer pulled to demonstrate vibration in the SEM room at a former position. Fill a glass almost full and put it on the floor. Watch the pretty rings. Do a quick calculation on the height of the waves -- if they're 1mm high in the glass, at 10,000 times in the SEM they'd be 10 meters high. If any of the admin types have sail boats (or bass boats, this being Oklahoma), this might make an impression on them.
by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id CAA07737 for dist-Microscopy; Wed, 12 Apr 2000 02:44:54 -0500 (CDT) Received: from no_more_spam.com (sparc5 [206.69.208.10]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with SMTP id CAA07734 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Wed, 12 Apr 2000 02:44:24 -0500 (CDT) Received: from ulu.pbrc.hawaii.edu (ulu.pbrc.hawaii.edu [128.171.22.11]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id CAA07727 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Wed, 12 Apr 2000 02:44:12 -0500 (CDT) Received: from halia.pbrc.hawaii.edu (halia [128.171.22.7]) by ulu.pbrc.hawaii.edu (8.8.8+Sun/8.8.8) with ESMTP id VAA24379 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Tue, 11 Apr 2000 21:38:51 -1000 (HST) Received: from localhost (tina-at-localhost) by halia.pbrc.hawaii.edu (8.8.8+Sun/8.8.8) with ESMTP id VAA04910 for {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com} ; Tue, 11 Apr 2000 21:38:48 -1000 (HST) X-Authentication-Warning: halia.pbrc.hawaii.edu: tina owned process doing -bs
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is the lesson I learned the hard way.
Several years back I was looking something up in the Balzers 400 freeze fracture manual, and noticed it recommended strongly that the turbo pump be sent in for reconditioning every 50,000 hours of use (or some such number). I had no previous experience with turbo pumps, and the consequences sounded pretty dire, so I was concerned. Since it had run 24/7 for several years, and then off and on for several more, it easily had whatever number of hours. The facility director was getting ready for a big project utilizing the instrument and, although he was reluctant, I convinced him that we should send the turbo pump in before he started.
It came back a few weeks later, and it was clearly not our pump, but another reconditioned one. As I lifted this large pump out of the box two small ball bearings bounced onto the floor and rolled away. Still holding the pump, I watched them go. Then I turned the pump all around in my arms, looking for any signs of damage or loose parts, but all looked fine. I considered calling the company, but it was Friday and with the time difference, it would be days before I got an answer. I figured what the heck, either it is going to work or not! So I installed it and turned it on, standing as far away as I could. It started up fine and achieved a reasonable vacuum, so I left it running over the weekend. Monday afternoon I decided it was OK, and turned it off.
My first thought was that a jet had crashed into the wall behind me and that I was going to die. And from the look on the faces of the others in the lab, they clearly thought they were going to, as well. The horrible screeching noise actually stops really suddenly as those pumps seize up, and then the quiet is deafening.
I opened the chamber to find it full of aluminum glitter.
The pump was replaced.
When I talked to some EM service people who had a lot more experience with turbo pumps, they all seemed to think that one should never overhaul a tp, but just wait until it crashes. Sure, it's a lot more expensive to repair it then, but apparently few do fail within the normal lifetime of the instruments they are on. Sigh.
Aloha, Tina
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
} In a message dated 4/11/00 6:44:48 PM, jim.arnold6-at-honeywell.com writes: } } } I am currently taking measurement of SEM photos using IPP 4.1 (length } } measurements, angles, and thickness)and I am wondering if there is a way } } to "burn" these measurement into the photos for saving purposes. Has anyone } } done this or am I missing something. Thanks in advance. } } With IPP you can label each feature with its measurement value for one } measurement parameter. } Years ago I used potassium iodide, calcium chloride and copper sulfate as a bleach. I don't remember the formula but it is not very critical. You could use this stuff to mark any silver photographic image. I think the silver ends up a silver iodide so you would need to refix and wash them. You would probably want to add a gelling compound to it to keep it from running starch or wall paper paste would be a good place to start.
A simpler method would be to scratch the film or use India Ink on it. Magic Marker felt tip pens should work as well. There might be some bleeding on the emulsion side.
For temporary marking there are opaquing paints to cover pin holes on litho negatives that is water based and should wash off the base side just fine. You nearest print shop or graphics art supply can fix you up with a life time supply for 5 bucks.
Good Luck Gordon
Gordon Couger gcouger-at-couger.com
Stillwater, OK www.couger.com/gcouger 405 624-2855 GMT -6:00
} } } Our new lab is supposed to be built next to a four lane highway that has a } } } lot of 18 wheeler truck traffic. I am concerned about vibration problems } } } and would like to convince administration that the building should be built } } } on the other side of the property as far away from the highway as possible. } } } Any suggestions or known references covering this? Thanks in advance. } } }
I take it you are going in on Hall of Fame. It is not as bad as you fear but it is bad.
Starting from scratch an air supported floor for the room would not be too expensive if ou designed it your self. Twenty Five cent pre pound steel and a decient air pump will handle low frequencie vibratin and active stuff does a great job from 10HZ up.
Now if you could just move a cross the road to the sheep fram most of your problems wold dissappear.
There are several minds on campus that have delt with simular situations and I will be glad to get you togeather.
Good luck Gordon
Gordon Couger gcouger-at-couger.com
Stillwater, OK www.couger.com/gcouger 405 624-2855 GMT -6:00
In semiconductor failure investigation various etchants and staining methods are used to obtain and or enhance selected features prior to FESEM investigation and image capture . As I now capture images digitally and have the increasing capabilities of image processing at my fingertips it's possible to ' modify' and possibly distort the initially accurate image obtained which could lead to misleading results .
I receive people's images and wonder if they are a result of different sem capabilities / preparation methods / etches or are they simply 'touched up '. They probably think the same about mine .
Therefore is there any way of controlling image processing to enable like for like comparison ? or any international standards ? way of indicating on an image it has been subject to processing or is it now a case of you cannot believe what you see ?
Was the cause ever determined? Or did I miss it somewhere in the text?
An excellent way to stop a turbo without going through the proper shut down sequence is to drop something into the turbines. An unwitting young prof at the grad school I went to inadvertantly dropped I can't remember what in a turbo pump in the UHV system that he was designing. This was with the pump running at several hundred thousand rmp. You can imagine the size of this pump. I am not sure that it stopped in less than one rotation, but it fried the turbo, non pun intended. He had to replace it more so because he borrowed the pump from another prof. than because he needed one for his experiments. You can image how green he was.
The moral of this story is to cover the inlet with a screen. The chances of anything falling into it is significantly reduced and you can save thousands of dollars.
Regards to you all, Andy
cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk on 04/11/2000 09:55:57 PM To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com-at-INTERNET cc:
Several years ago, one of my research students was using the Cambridge S250 SEM on an early solo session. The room was hushed, in almost in total darkness, and he was giving his total concentration to the screen while he adjusted the image. As he moved his hand to the specimen stage controls the turbo-molecular pump disintegrated without warning, making a crash that sounded like a metal tray full of spanners being dropped from a great height, followed immediately by the wailing of alarms. The poor chap was literally green with shock - he thought he had caused it!
When the column was opened up a glittering cloud of aluminium alloy powder drifted out. The turbo pump - a double-ended model - had its rotors and stators intertwined so forcibly that there was no free play. Presumably it had come to rest from 60,000 rpm in less than a single rotation. That works out at a damage rate of almost 1billion dollars per second!
Chris
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Chris Jeffree University of Edinburgh Biological Sciences EM Facility Daniel Rutherford Building King's Buildings EDINBURGH EH9 3JH Tel: +44 (0) 131 650 5345 FAX: +44 (0) 131 650 6563
Good trick Paul, but in my checkered past, we used a large (12" diameter) dish filled with mercury. That gave much better reflection of the light and very distinct vibration patterns on the wall.
Cheers,
Frank Shapiro.
Paul Webster wrote:
} } Do this trick with a dish of water but reflect a beam of light off the water surface onto a wall and the vibrations are magnified before your eyes. } } Paul Webster } } Mssage from Phil Oshel: } } This reminds me of a trick a Cambridge (yes, back then) service engineer pulled to demonstrate vibration in the SEM room at a former position. Fill a glass almost full and put it on the floor. Watch the pretty rings. Do a quick calculation on the height of the waves -- if they're 1mm high in the glass, at 10,000 times in the SEM they'd be 10 meters high. If any of the admin types have sail boats (or bass boats, this being Oklahoma), this might make an impression on them. } } Phil
You may want to take a few minutes and peruse the following site:
http://www.vibeng.com/index.htm
Vibration Engineering Consultants -VEC- has some useful information regarding site selection, vibration, EM and acoustic interferences, etc. However, it may help you more to talk with them personally. Craig Franklin came to our site in southern New Jersey a few years ago, to survey potential new locations for our SEM, and made some recommendations, as far as location, field cancellation and vibration insulation. We ended up buying the AC/DC field canceling system that he recommended, and a vibration table. These items have been a huge help in insuring the continued high resolution capabilities of our SEM. The people at VEC may be able to help make your case to your management, before the new facility is built.
Kristin Breen Staff Chemist, Marketing Technical Services Lab North American Region ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Co. Paulsboro, NJ (856) 224-2864
There is a difference between unwittingly taking pictures of artifacts and fraudulent digital manipulation. In the latter case there have been several strings on this listserver and elsewhere on digital manipulation, see the archives. Essentially, digital manipulation of image contrast, brightness, and gamma to produce a better image is the same as dodging, burning-in and choosing different contrast grade papers in an old-fashioned darkroom to enhance but not alter an image, this is OK. Beyond that, it is all to easy to alter an image digitally. "Alter," in the fraudulent sense. I don't see anything wrong with deleting specimen preparation artifacts--scratches, left-over polishing compound, etc.--as long as the true image content is unaffected. What is and what isn't in this category is a judgement call on my part. I assume that, unless proven otherwise, all of my colleagues out there are doing the "right" thing and clearly stating what manipulations of the image content were performed and why.
With all due respect, Martyn, if I were you I'd worry more about the former case. SEM imaging of chemically etched integrated circuit cross sections is horrendously prone to artifact production. We stopped this practice more than a decade ago, tuning instead to high-angle ion milling for short time periods. See our paper: Martinek, et al., 1989 MSA Proceedings, p. 720. We've been using GATAN Duo Mill ion millers for this from our TEM areas. GATAN has brought out a unit specifically to perform this function for SEM labs. It's the Model 682 (?) PECS or, the new PECS + RIBE system. (The question mark is mine--I'm not sure of the model number of the simple PECS system.) Good luck.
Ron
I have no business or financial relationship with GATAN other than being a long-time satisfied customer.
Ron Anderson, IBM, Hopewell Jct., New York, USA. anderron-at-us.ibm.com
IBM Analytical Services; http://www.chips.ibm.com/services/asg
"HARRISm/-at-esm-semi.co.uk" on 04/12/2000 06:33:00 AM
To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com cc:
A general enquiry regarding integated circuit X section images :
In semiconductor failure investigation various etchants and staining methods are used to obtain and or enhance selected features prior to FESEM investigation and image capture . As I now capture images digitally and have the increasing capabilities of image processing at my fingertips it's possible to ' modify' and possibly distort the initially accurate image obtained which could lead to misleading results .
I receive people's images and wonder if they are a result of different sem capabilities / preparation methods / etches or are they simply 'touched up '. They probably think the same about mine .
Therefore is there any way of controlling image processing to enable like for like comparison ? or any international standards ? way of indicating on an image it has been subject to processing or is it now a case of you cannot believe what you see ?
The TissueTek* brand of histology equipment has been around for many years, and in my opinion, is at the top of the quality, dependability, and reliability lists. The confusion here is what exact "TissueTek" models you are considering. Even using the suffixes "II" and "III" does not completely identify which TissueTek product you are talking about. It is best to acquire and use the individual Model numbers to prevent confusion.
What I call a "TissueTek II" processor is the [Model 4640]. This is a basic "dip and dunk" rotary processor and is considered an "open system" (no fume control). It is still being manufactured and it can be purchased as a new piece of equipment. No problem getting spare parts. You would have to provide some type of fume hood for it. The 4640 is compact enough that it would fit inside a standard chemical fume hood. If you would only be using it on a random basis and low volume, this would be a good choice. It can hold up to 120 specimens per run.
I consider the "TissueTek III" [Model 4660] as the first enclosed tissue processor with on-board fume control. It is also known as the "V.I.P." However, this Model was discontinued in 1982-83 and is totally OBSOLETE as far as spare parts and support from the manufacturer. There are a number of these units still in service around the world, however.
} From approximately 1983 to 1994 the next generation TissueTek V.I.P.s were the "K" series with [Model Numbers: 4617, 4618,4619]. They came in three volume sizes and and could be purchased in either a bench-top or floor configuration. They still supported by the manufacture, and spare parts are readily available. These, once again, are "closed systems" with fume control.
The current production models of the "V.I.P." is the "E" series [Models: 4890 & 4894] in the bench top configuration, and [Models 4892 & 4896] in the floor model configuration. They come in two volume sizes.
Of the above, the only processor that I would not recommend that you consider is the original TissueTek III VIP [Model 4660].
I hope this answers your questions.
* TissueTek, and TissueTek V.I.P. are registered trademarks of Sakura Finetek, Inc.
-- Ford M. Royer, MT(ASCP) Analytical Instruments, Ltd (Refurbished Histology, Cytology, & General Lab Equipment) 9921 13th Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55441-5004 phone: 800-565-1895, Ext. 17 fax: 612-929-1895 Email: froyer-at-bitstream.net web site: http://www.aibltd.com
"A.P. Alves de Matos" wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Thanks Norm for your suggestions } } I will be more specific. } I will need to process up to 60 specimens/week in two or three separated } weeks during the year. The rest of the time hand processing is OK. Since the } specimens are prone to dammage upon storage (immunohistochemical techniques } on sponge tissues), I do not want to store them to facilitate processing. } So, it is important to know if the machine can handle this amount of work. } I have one technician that has many other things to do. } Basic assistence should be available from our technical department. Anyhow I } would not trust newer instruments just because they are more recent. I know } of (and have) a few super-new machines (amaizingly expensive) that had to be } thrown to garbage because no one (assistence included) was able to put them } to regular work. It is important to know if the machine model is a well } tested one that usually works for years with no problems or if it has } regular problems. } Since histology and histopathology labs of my knowledge use other tissue } processors, I was not able to get specific advice locally about these } machines. } } Thanks } A.P. Alves de Matos } } ----- Original Message ----- } } From: Norm Granholm {granhona-at-email.uc.edu} } To: A.P. Alves de Matos {apmatos-at-ip.pt} } Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2000 12:57 PM } Subject: Re: Tissue Tek machine evaluation } } } Dr. de Matos: } } } } I believe some general guidelines are appropriate for you to consider: } } 1. Get the newest machine you can afford. Older machines will have } more } } maintenance requirements and will become obsolete sooner. } } 2. Is instrument repair readily available? If not then any } automated } } system is potentially a problem. Automated systems do break. } } 4. Your note says "lots of paraffin embeddings". What is "lots"? } Hand } } processing is quite feasible for batches of small numbers and if personnel } help } } is not limiting (see next). No one likes doing it and an automated system } lets } } skilled individuals perform more appropriate tasks. All of this is, } however, an } } issue of resource utilization. You have considered these matters already, } } undoubtedly. } } 3. If personnel help is a limiting factor, the more automated the } better } } for you. If personnel help is not a limiting factor, then the less } automated the } } better for you. This may sound strange but I believe it is true. It all } depends } } upon who is paying the bills and whether the funds are available for other } uses. } } And there are always other uses for funds. } } } } Having raised all of those points, I'll tell you that I used a Tek II when } they } } first came out ( now some 20 years ago). And this for fewer than a dozen } samples } } per week. I wanted skilled individuals to do other tasks than hand dip } tissues. } } } } You might look, also, at Leitz/Leica tissue processors. My experiences } with } } Leica are that they provide outstanding equipment at reasonable prices. } Often } } they have trade in items available. Were I to have to chose I would head } this } } way. } } } } Best wishes, } } } } Norm } } (Norman.Granholm-at-uc.edu) } } Pathology, Univ. Cincinnati } } } } Voice 513 558 0182 } } Digital Pager 513 249 3889 } } ===============================
What's funny?Ê My lab is on the 4th floor of a semiconductor fab at the intersection of two 6-lane freeways.Ê We have 4 SEMs, 3 focused ion beams, and 2 200kV TEMs.Ê We routinely work over 150KX (SEM) with very few problems.Ê It's a well-designed building.Ê EMI is more of a problem.
Larry Allard wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } ToÊ Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Phoebe: } } They want to put your lab next to a 4-lane highway...this is a joke, right? } } LarryÊ ;-) } } PSÊ my suggested reference... 1. Common sense. Vol.1, No. 1, p. 1 } ÊÊÊÊÊÊ another suggestion:Ê make some vibration measurements and check it out... } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } ToÊ Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } Microscopist: } } } } Our new lab is supposed to be built next to a four lane highway that has a } } lot of 18 wheeler truck traffic.Ê I am concerned about vibration problems } } and would like to convince administration that the building should be built } } on the other side of the property as far away from the highway as possible. } } Any suggestions or known references covering this?Ê Thanks in advance. } } } } Phoebe J. Doss } } Manager/Adjunct Instructor } } Electron Microscope Lab } } Oklahoma State University } } Dr. Lawrence F. Allard } Senior Research Staff Member } High Temperature Materials Laboratory } Oak Ridge National Laboratory } 1 Bethel Valley Road } Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 } PO Box 2008 } Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064 } } 865-574-4981 } 865-576-5413Ê Fax } allardlfjr-at-ornl.gov
-- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Becky HoldfordÊ (r-holdford-at-ti.com) 972-598-1291 (pager) KFAB Physical Analysis Lab--SEM/FIB Kilby Center West Texas Instruments, Inc. Dallas, TX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ê
I'm trying to track down a paper presented in the early '70s at an EM meeting in Erice, Italy. The papers were published in a volume called Electron Microscopy in Materials Science Vol. II, Valdre and Ruedl, eds. The paper I'd like to get is one by A. Metherell on Bloch waves. My quest has stymied our interlibrary loan folks here (I did get the 3rd vol). Anyone got a Vol II or the Metherell paper?
Thanks
John
John Heckman MSM Department Michigan State University
I wouldn't expect much vibration either, if I worked in a Billion $ building...Phoebe, what was your budget again?
Larry ;-)
} What's funny? My lab is on the 4th floor of a semiconductor fab at } the intersection } of two 6-lane freeways. We have 4 SEMs, 3 focused ion beams, and 2 } 200kV TEMs. We } routinely work over 150KX (SEM) with very few problems. It's a well-designed } building. EMI is more of a problem. } } Larry Allard wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } Phoebe: } } } } They want to put your lab next to a 4-lane highway...this is a joke, right? } } } } Larry ;-) } } } } PS my suggested reference... 1. Common sense. Vol.1, No. 1, p. 1 } } another suggestion: make some vibration measurements and } check it out... } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } } } } Microscopist: } } } } } } Our new lab is supposed to be built next to a four lane highway that has a } } } lot of 18 wheeler truck traffic. I am concerned about vibration problems } } } and would like to convince administration that the building } should be built } } } on the other side of the property as far away from the highway } as possible. } } } Any suggestions or known references covering this? Thanks in advance. } } } } } } Phoebe J. Doss } } } Manager/Adjunct Instructor } } } Electron Microscope Lab } } } Oklahoma State University } } } } Dr. Lawrence F. Allard } } Senior Research Staff Member } } High Temperature Materials Laboratory } } Oak Ridge National Laboratory } } 1 Bethel Valley Road } } Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 } } PO Box 2008 } } Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064 } } } } 865-574-4981 } } 865-576-5413 Fax } } allardlfjr-at-ornl.gov } } -- } ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ } Becky Holdford (r-holdford-at-ti.com) } 972-598-1291 (pager) } KFAB Physical Analysis Lab--SEM/FIB } Kilby Center West } Texas Instruments, Inc. } Dallas, TX } ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ }
Dr. Lawrence F. Allard Senior Research Staff Member High Temperature Materials Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory 1 Bethel Valley Road Bldg. 4515, MS 6064 PO Box 2008 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6064
} When I talked to some EM service people who had a lot more experience with } turbo pumps, they all seemed to think that one should never overhaul a tp, } but just wait until it crashes. Sure, it's a lot more expensive to repair } it then, but apparently few do fail within the normal lifetime of the } instruments they are on. Sigh.
Dear Tina, Yes, turbopumps canibalize themselves spectacularly--they're almost as much
"fun" as high-pressure Hg-vapor lamps. I'd like, however, to put in a good word for servicing them on a regular basis. The turbos that were on the HVEM when I got here were ~200 lbs, turned at ~10,000 rpm, and occasionally ate themselves. We soon replaced them with the TPU330 model pumps, which are ~30 lbs., turn at ~15,000 rpm, and have been humming along at "standby" speed for years. The vacuum is as good at standby as at full speed, so we have seen no need to go to the higher speed. We've changed the oil on a regular schedule and sent the pumps to Balzers every two years for bearing changes. There has been no deterioration in performance for ~15 years now. Yours, Bill
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Everyone's been discussing vibration in this thread (talk about slavish adherence to topic ...) but there's another consideration - magnetic disturbances. Those truck have steel frames, so they'll disturb the Earth's magnetic field as they pass by. I inadvertently made a magnetometer once, and I could see the inflence of vehicles passing by fifty feet away on my oscilloscope screen. At M.I.T. there was a lot of concern about the nearby elevator in one EM lab ...
Best regards, George Langford, Sc.D., who's got no vested interest in Earth's magnetic field except when out hiking. amenex-at-amenex.com
Several years ago (MSA in Cleveland if I recall correctly), there was some sort of roundtable discussing the ethics of image manipulation. I can't remember much more than that, but perhaps those with a better memory who may have participated in the discussion would have some good input.
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} } } } } Please visit us at http://www.southbaytech.com { { { { {
Manufacturers of precision sample preparation equipment and supplies for metallography, crystallography and electron microscopy. Message text written by INTERNET:"HARRISm-at-esm-semi.co.uk"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } A general enquiry regarding integated circuit X section images :
In semiconductor failure investigation various etchants and staining methods are used to obtain and or enhance selected features prior to FESEM investigation and image capture . As I now capture images digitally and have the increasing capabilities
of image processing at my fingertips it's possible to ' modify' and possibly distort the initially accurate image obtained which could lead to misleading results .
I receive people's images and wonder if they are a result of different
sem capabilities / preparation methods / etches or are they simply 'touched up '. They probably think the same about mine .
Therefore is there any way of controlling image processing to enable like for like comparison ? or any international standards ? way of indicating on an image it has been subject to processing or is it now a case of you cannot believe what you see ?
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} ... } Question. } } In semiconductor failure investigation various } etchants and staining } methods are used to obtain and or enhance selected } features prior to } FESEM investigation and image capture . } As I now capture images digitally and have the } increasing capabilities } of image processing at my fingertips it's possible to } ' modify' and } possibly distort the initially accurate image obtained } which could } lead to misleading results . } } I receive people's images and wonder if they are a } result of different } sem capabilities / preparation methods / etches or are } they simply } 'touched up '. They probably think the same about mine . } } ...
Surely you are not implying similar distortions were never a possibility in the wet darkroom??
It is possible to put (for example) a fine checkerboard pattern in a small box which would imply this image has never been subjected to "blur", "sharpening", or many other kernal operations ... or you could install a standard grayscale to imply brightness, contrast and gamma are original ... BUT, you would need trust the author didn't install the markers after distorting.
} -----Original Message----- } From: "HARRISm-at-esm-semi.co.uk"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } [mailto:"HARRISm-at-esm-semi.co.uk"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] } Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 5:33 AM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Subject : SEM + DIGITAL IMAGING } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListser} ver/FAQ.html } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } } A general enquiry regarding integated circuit X section images : } } Email . harrism-at-esm-semi.co.uk } Name . Martyn Harris Device Engineering - failure analysis } } } Question. } } In semiconductor failure investigation various etchants } and staining } methods are used to obtain and or enhance selected } features prior to } FESEM investigation and image capture . } As I now capture images digitally and have the } increasing capabilities } of image processing at my fingertips it's possible to ' } modify' and } possibly distort the initially accurate image obtained } which could } lead to misleading results . } } I receive people's images and wonder if they are a } result of different } sem capabilities / preparation methods / etches or are } they simply } 'touched up '. They probably think the same about mine . } } Therefore is there any way of controlling image } processing to enable } like for like comparison ? or } any international standards ? way of indicating on an } image it has } been subject to processing or is it now a case of you } cannot believe } what you see ? } } Regards. } } } }
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We have disconnected our old Philips EM-200 and will send it to salvage within the next week. If anyone wants parts from it or the others we have in storage (used for parts) please contact me immediately. All used parts (other than vacuum tubes) are free for the asking but you will need to pay shipping. We also have a Reichert OMU-3 ultramicrotome which can be used for parts. It is not functional at the moment. Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Microscopy Center in Agriculture FAX: 765-494-5896 Dept. of Botany & Plant Pathology E-mail: sherman-at-btny.purdue.edu Purdue University 1057 Whistler Building West Lafayette, IN 47907-1057
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Course Announcement:
FEBS Stereology and Immunocytochemistry course to be held at the University of Oslo in Norway. For details see: http://www.hei.org/htm/curs.htm
This is an intensive practical course covering all aspects of specimen preparation for immunocytochemistry. The practical part of the course is supported by in-depth lectures explaining preparation protocols and their theoretical background.
Subjects covered include stereology (quantitation), chemical fixation, rapid freezing, freeze substitution, cryoultramicrotomy, specimen contrasting, antibody labeling, pre-embedding labeling, antibody and colloidal gold preparation, and specimen evaluation.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own samples.
Due to the intensive practical nature of this course places are limited, so apply early. Paul Webster, Ph.D House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90057 phone:213 273 8026 fax: 213 413 6739 e-mail: pwebster-at-hei.org http://www.hei.org/htm/aemi.htm
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Having gone through a similar problem with vibrations, I can fully appreciate what might happen. However, I cannot give you any formal information for you to support your cause, I can only offer you my story.
I moved to my insitute to set up an imaging laboratory but before I arrived, a vibration survey had been performed on the site chosen for the EM's. This site passed inspection.
When I arrived, I looked at the site and suggested it might not be suitable. I was instantly presented with the very professional survey file which said the site was suitable for electron microscopes, (as were about 10 other locations throughout the building).
When the EM supplier came in to survey the site, their standards were very different to the generic vibration expert, and the site failed (not surprizing considering it was in the middle of the 4th floor!). Every other site we looked at failed too, so we were stuck with attempting to make things work using an anti-vibration platform under the first microscope we installed (a TEM). Amazingly, the supplier of the anti-vibration platform did not even come to look at the site when I contacted them. They seemed to have no intention of doing a site survey, and were not even interested in obtaining information from the microscope supplier about the sort of problem we were attempting to correct.
We put the TEM on the very expensive air table, which made it 8' taller, and thus more difficult to operate, and tested it. The platform did not help at all in isolating the low frequency vibration that seemed to be running through the building. It seems that if the vibrating frequency is low enough, even the anti-vibration platform moves! It was also very difficult to operate a machine you couldn't touch when taking a picture. Eventually we found a stable site, renovated it and installed the microscopes there. All is now in order and the microscopes are performing to specification. Interestingly, the space is next to an in-door parking lot but the flow of traffic, although noticable to people in the lab, does not affect the microscopes. These are mostly slow moving cars with a few SUV's and pick-up trucks shaking the ground occassionally. My guess is that this is because the microscopes are installed between closely spaced support pillars on the side of the building. (Can't wait for the big earthquake to shake them up a bit!)
My advice would be to explain just how sensitive the EM's are to vibration, especially the low frequency shaking you can get from moving trucks and trains, and that the laboratory be located in as quiet a place as possible. Make sure that any vibration surveys are carried out by EM specialists, not by local heros, and keep away from floating platforms.
I am willing to re-tell ALL my experiences with sorting out our problem to anyone who wants or needs to listen. Correcting our mistakes was VERY costly.
Regards,
Paul Webster, Ph.D House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90057 phone:213 273 8026 fax: 213 413 6739 e-mail: pwebster-at-hei.org http://www.hei.org/htm/aemi.htm
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I thought about adding this story to the horror list but now it seems even more appropriate for the truck vibration problem. I quote directly from the book "Principles and Practise of Electron Microscope Operation" by Agar and Chescoe: The main sources of trouble, which can directly affect the resolution obtained with the instrument, are mechanical vibrations and electric fields. Several years ago we set up an EM facility in the basement of our new, state of the art, 5 story building here at Stanford. The engineers surveyed the room and proclaimed it fine for EM use. After using the microscope for a few weeks I noticed that I could never get a negative that was in perfect focus. I collected negatives from several other users and they all had the same problem. We contacted the engineers and one of them spent the entire day trying to get perfect image of fresnel fringes. By the time they turned of all the fans in our building (boy, did it get hot and stinky), he was able to focus. It turned out a giant electrical cable ran directly underneath the room to power the building ventilation. It was, of course, not in use yet when they surveyed the new building! Not to mention the nearby elevators that were not in use during survey time either. Sadly for us, rather than spend $10,000.00 on an H frame to eliminate the problem, they moved the old scope out and gave the space to a molecular biology lab instead. Here we are 7 years later without a decent EM facility in our building.
The service is important, no question about that. But I agree, also, with Tina, that it is not bad practice "do not disturb" working equipment. For instance, our TP on JEM1200-EX TEM is original pump coming with instrument 15+ years ago. It was never serviced at all. Our JEOL service engineer claimed that it is oldest working original TP on the JEM1200-EX series in US. From time to time they called me asking does TP still working? And it is work. I don't remember the exact model of TP. This is BALZERS for sure. I think that electronics life depends in many cases not from how long it operates but how many times you shut it ON and OFF. This kind of "law" works perfectly for major electronic components as well as for CRTs, computer components (HDs for instance). I guess, it may works for TPs too. During start/stop TP components may sense some stress: more stress, shorter life (we all know about that). I am experimented with magnetically levitated TP from SEIKO (no financial interest) now. It works great. It uses bearings only at low speed, at high speed the rotor is levitated. Combination of this TP and "scroll pump" (oil free) gives me absolutely oil-free vacuum system. I'll tell readers of this ListServer what happens with that TP later. I am not going to service it at all.
Sergey
} Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2000 10:34:14 -0400 } From: William Tivol {tivol-at-wadsworth.org} } Subject: Re: another turbo horror story } Sender: tivol-at-wadsworth.org } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.07C-SGI [en] (X11; I; IRIX64 6.5 IP21) } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
As a new associate of Don G. of Microscopy Today I am interested located interesting techniques and Problem/Solution type of information on all types of microscopy.
In my dictionary I have found expression relevant to the situation: to go from one extreme to another. By my opinion to keep without service the mechanism rotated with 60,000 rpm is other extreme. By analogy it is possible to refuse to change oil in car motors...? Regards.
Victor Sidorenko, ANTRON Co.Ltd., scientific service, Moscow, Russia.
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} Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. } Electron Microscopy } UCLA School of Medicine } Department of Biological Chemistry } Box 951737 } Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737 } } Phone: (310) 825-1144 } Pager: (310) 845-0248 } FAX (departmental): (310) 206-5272 } mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu } http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~sryazant } } }
} From: Hall, Ernest L (CRD) Sent: Thursday, April 13, 2000 7:48 AM To: 'MSA Listserver Dist'
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I learned from this list that Coolwell is defunct? I have a model SE-075W CZ that I am having trouble with. No schematics and/or manuals to be found. Does anyone know where I might find these or is willing copy important info from manuals they have on this model? I would appreciate it.
Still in the fact finding phase but I suspect the thermostat is the main trouble with this unit. Do any of you know a supplier for these? Thank you in advance.
Responding to the message of {c5.40b6c0e.2626a950-at-aol.com} from "COFAB2-at-aol.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } As a new associate of Don G. of Microscopy Today I am interested located } interesting techniques and Problem/Solution type of information on all types } of microscopy. } }
Whooooooooo are you.......who-oo....oo-oo. } :o
(With appologies to Pete Townsend)
Gib
Gib Ahlstrand Electron Optical Facility, University of Minnesota, Dept. Plant Pathology 495 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN. USA. 55108 (612)625-8249 612-625-9728 FAX, giba-at-puccini.cdl.umn.edu http://biosci.umn.edu/MIC/consortium.html
I have a student that wants to look at Actinomycete colonies in the SEM. I have not looked at bacterial COLONIES before. How would one prepare such a sample?
TIA, Bill Chissoe
-- ============================================================= Bill Chissoe III Electron Microscopist University of Oklahoma 770 Van Vleet Oval Norman, Ok. 73019 E-mail: wchiss-at-ou.edu Ph. (405)325-4391 =============================================================
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Scientist Retina Research - Degenerative Disease
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Qualified candidates will have 1) at least nine years of applicable experience, probably in a hospital or university laboratory, following receipt of a B.S. in biology or a related discipline, or 2) at least three years of applicable experience followed by receipt of an M.S. with thesis in biology or a related discipline. Demonstrated competency in histology techniques is required. Experience in cell/tissue culture is a plus.
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Seriously, George has brought up an interesting point as I myself have experienced the magnetic-interference-caused-by-powerline problem. The best thing to do in all these cases is have the vendor (in my case John D from JEOL) show up with the Earthquake Meter and Magnetic Treasure Finder and do a survey before the decision-makers decide anything. It's even better if you can work with the vendor BEFORE you let "them" plan anything.
This is one situation where asking forgiveness instead of permission doesn't bode well...
"They" are watching...
Laura
} } Hallo magnetic Microscopists ! } } Everyone's been discussing vibration in this thread } (talk about slavish adherence to topic ...) but there's } another consideration - magnetic disturbances. Those } truck have steel frames, so they'll disturb the Earth's } magnetic field as they pass by. I inadvertently made a } magnetometer once, and I could see the inflence of } vehicles passing by fifty feet away on my oscilloscope } screen. At M.I.T. there was a lot of concern about the } nearby elevator in one EM lab ... } } Best regards, } George Langford, Sc.D., who's got no vested interest in } Earth's magnetic field except when out hiking. } amenex-at-amenex.com }
Coolwell Co. (Out of Business 4/99) 26 Law Drive, Fairfield, NJ 07004 973 882-6611, 800 367-5665 Bought out by: Lytron, Inc. (They have schematics) 55 Dragon Court, Woburn, MA 01801 Application engineer, Greg Ducharm, 781 933-7300 East coast sales, Scott Martin Project engineer, Lonnie Fultz,4/00, Chillers Independent- Frank Haze 800 367-5665 (SEE PECO MANUFACTURING FOR TEMP CONTROL)
PECO Manufacturing Co., Inc. Portland, OR Sunn(?) Division 503 233-6401 Tempurature control for Coolwell chillers # TC103 025 C not available OEM only. Made for Coolwell in lots of 100 only (Coolwell list price was $170 each 1/99)
Switch used on temp control was made by: C & K (Unimax) Original part #WHB152-9-W C & K new part # HBS2KCB4SP011C (available from Newark Electronics #07F041) 22A, 125,277VAC, 15A 480VAC 1/4HP 125VAC, 1/2HP 250 270VAC
I have 3 Coolwell chillers (vintage 1993 and 1996), have replaced the temperature control on 2 of them in the past year and am out of spare controls. My units were over heating and shutting down. The temp control is no longer available (unless all of us Coolwell owners pitch in and buy 100 of them). [I suspect that the sensing bulb is ok but that the electrical switch has worn out. Test the bulb by immersing in hot water then cold water while watching for expansion and contraction near the switch actuator.] The switch could be replaced by drilling out it's securing rivots and replacing (part # above). Use appropriate screws to replace rivots as the switch must not slip. I have just ordered my new switches and will be testing this fix soon.
Please let me know what you find. Coolwells were used on many SEMs so I think we should have a few others interested in this problem. I have schematics for our SE series units with various options and Lytron has been very helpful. Good Luck. Jim
---------------------------
On 4/13/00 Joel McClintock wrote:
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I learned from this list that Coolwell is defunct? I have a model SE-075W CZ that I am having trouble with. No schematics and/or manuals to be found. Does anyone know where I might find these or is willing copy important info from manuals they have on this model? I would appreciate it.
Still in the fact finding phase but I suspect the thermostat is the main trouble with this unit. Do any of you know a supplier for these? Thank you in advance.
Joel McClintock U of Kentucky
James S. Romanow The University of Connecticut Physiology and Neurobiology Department Electron Microscopy Facility U-2131 Storrs, CT 06269-2131 bsgphy3-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu 860 486-2914 voice 860 486-1936 fax
As I recall, a few days ago someone asked about a source of an inexpensive abinocular optical microscope. Just yesterday I received an advertisment from the Cole Parmer Co. (800-323-4340; www.coleparmer.com) for a 20X binocular microscope for a base price of $159 (Cat. No.PP-03904-01), $220 when equipped with a top illuminator (PP-03904-02), and $240 equipped with both top and bottom illuminators (PP-03904-03).
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
It is possible that the reading you are getting from your vacuum gauge is not as good as you expect because the gauge itself became contaminated with oil. I presume the high vacuum gauge on your instrument is a Penning gauge, as is the case for most EMs these days. If so, it might be useful to take it off the instrument and clean it. We just had an incident where a Penning gauge got so badly fouled that it would not fire at all, and thus prevented the vacuum system from switching over to the high vacuum evacuation mode, and so the vacuum could never become good enough to allow the high voltage to be turned on.
It is usually not too difficult to clean a Penning gauge. The general construction of these gauges is discussed in Sect. 3.2.2, p. 99, of my book 'Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy" and illustrated in Fig. 3.12 on p. 101. Cleaning involves getting rid of the carbonaceous deposit that forms on the inside wall of the gauge tube, and on the insulator that supports the anode ring. Usually, depending on the design, these gauges can be disassembled, somewhat as shown in Fig. 3.12, whereupon various methods can be used to remove the carbonaceous deposits. One approach, of course, is to use some kind of an abrasive (try Revere Ware Stainless Steel Cleaner, or even a fine grade of metallographic polishing paper. Don't use steel wool, because pieces of it will get attracted by the strong magnet and become very troublesome to remove). The Hitachi service engineer was successful in cleaning our gauge by boiling the gauge tube (after removing the magnet from around it) and anode ring assembly in a STRONG detergent solution (try Alconox, or a similar Lab. detergent) for 30 to 60 minutes, periodically scrubbing with a toothbrush,
Good luck!
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
} Please let me know what you find. Coolwells were used on many SEMs so I } think we should have a few others interested in this problem. I have } schematics for our SE series units with various options and Lytron has been } very helpful.
We replaced the original thermostat on our Coolwell SE unit with an "ETC Single Stage Electronic Temperature Controller" and a "1309007-044 ETC Temperature Sensor" from Ranco (8115 U.S. 42 N., Plain City, Ohio, 43064). The unit bolts right to the front of the Coolwell chiller and works just fine. It works over a tempertature range of -30F to +220F and a differential of 1F to 30F. I seem to recall that the whole shebang was less than $100 and our campus refrigerator guy installed it with no problems. I can fax the spec sheets to anyone who is interested. I believe I got the idea from Maggy Piranian through this list.
Bob Dr. Robert R. Wise Associate Professor of Plant Physiology Department of Biology University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 424-3404 wise-at-uwosh.edu http://www.uwosh.edu/departments/biology/wise/wise.html
Dear Joel, I have had good luck getting a local HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) service firm to service my cooling water recirculators, which are Haskris. They have repaired all of them without problems. They may be able to fit replacement parts without having to resort to the manufacturer. At 09:50 PM 4/13/00 -0400, you wrote: } } Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I learned from this list that } Coolwell is defunct? I have a model SE-075W CZ that I am having trouble } with. No schematics and/or manuals to be found. Does anyone know where I } might find these or is willing copy important info from manuals they have on } this model? I would appreciate it. } } Still in the fact finding phase but I suspect the thermostat is the main } trouble with this unit. Do any of you know a supplier for these? Thank you } in advance. } } Joel McClintock } U of Kentucky
Regards, Mary
Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Metals and Materials Engineering University of British Columbia 6350 Stores Road Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA tel: 604-822-5648 e-mail: mager-at-interchg.ubc.ca
Hi, I was wondering whether anyone out there can help me out on the forced modulation and phase contrast technoques. I'm familiar with the basics of the AFM ,ie., contact and the non-contact modes. Now I want to learn the advances methods. Can anyone suggest any good books that give the full techniques? Praveena
Praveena M Bhaskara MS Student Chemical Engineering Department University of Massachusetts, Lowell Lowell, MA 01854 Email:bubbyp-at-hotmail.com PH:978-459-0175 ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Email: deweese-at-fas.harvard.edu Name: Alex de Weese School: Harvard College Question: Hello, I just finished a lab where we did cell fractionation, and looked at nuclear and cytosolic fractions stained with toluidine blue under a zeiss compound light microscope. I was wondering why I couldn't see mitochondria. With 400 times magnification, I expected to be able to see them in the cytosolic fraction. Is it that the mitochondria are not staining? Is it a problem with contrast? Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Alex de Weese
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Reply to: Re: good ideas Well put.
Messages with only a name, or even less, I just delete now.
It is so easy to sign these things, and so interesting to know who is writing them.
Regards,
Paul Webster
Paul Webster, Ph.D House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90057 phone:213 273 8026 fax: 213 413 6739 e-mail: pwebster-at-hei.org http://www.hei.org/htm/aemi.htm
Gib Ahlstrand wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Responding to the message of {c5.40b6c0e.2626a950-at-aol.com} } from "COFAB2-at-aol.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com: } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } As a new associate of Don G. of Microscopy Today I am interested located } } interesting techniques and Problem/Solution type of information on all types } } of microscopy. } } } } } } } Whooooooooo are you.......who-oo....oo-oo. } :o } } (With appologies to Pete Townsend) } } } Gib } } } } Gib Ahlstrand } Electron Optical Facility, University of Minnesota, Dept. Plant Pathology } 495 Borlaug Hall, St. Paul, MN. USA. 55108 (612)625-8249 } 612-625-9728 FAX, giba-at-puccini.cdl.umn.edu } http://biosci.umn.edu/MIC/consortium.html } } } } } RFC822 header } ----------------------------------- } } Received: from ultra5.microscopy.com [206.69.208.10] by mailhouse.hei.org } with ESMTP } (SMTPD32-5.05) id A88059603E4; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 17:38:24 -0700 } Received: (from daemon-at-localhost) } by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id JAA11014 } for dist-Microscopy; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:39:41 -0500 (CDT) } Received: from no_more_spam.com (sparc5 [206.69.208.10]) } by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with SMTP id JAA11011 } for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 } 09:39:11 -0500 (CDT) } Received: from mhub2.tc.umn.edu (mhub2.tc.umn.edu [128.101.131.42]) } by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id JAA11004 } for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:38:59 -0500 (CDT) } Received: from puccini.cdl.umn.edu by mhub2.tc.umn.edu with ESMTP for } Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:33:42 -0500 } Received: from [160.94.81.129] (x94-81-129.ppath.umn.edu [160.94.81.129]) } by puccini.crl (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with SMTP id JAA22934 } for {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com} ; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:41:50 -0500 (CDT) } Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:41:50 -0500 (CDT) } Message-Id: {200004131441.JAA22934-at-puccini.crl} } From: "Gib Ahlstrand" {giba-at-puccini.cdl.umn.edu} } Reply-To: "Gib Ahlstrand" {giba-at-puccini.cdl.umn.edu} } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Re: good ideas } Mime-Version: 1.0 } Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" } X-Mailer: POPmail 2.3b7 } Errors-to: Microscopy-request-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } X-RCPT-TO: {pwebster-at-hei.org} } X-UIDL: 242869585 } Status: U } Paul Webster, Ph.D House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90057 phone:213 273 8026 fax: 213 413 6739 e-mail: pwebster-at-hei.org http://www.hei.org/htm/aemi.htm
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Reply to: RE: Coolwell Manuals & info Yes Joel,
Frank Haze, who owned Coolwell (and what magnificent chillers they are) sold the company to Litron (phone: 781 933 7300). I do not know to what extent they will continue to support the chillers but the contact I was given at Litron was Lohny Fultz.
Our chillers are currently being maintained by our refrigeration service contractors and they appear to be doing a great job of it (Cascade Refrigeration, Irvine CA).
Regards,
Paul Webster
Paul Webster, Ph.D House Ear Institute 2100 West Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90057 phone:213 273 8026 fax: 213 413 6739 e-mail: pwebster-at-hei.org http://www.hei.org/htm/aemi.htm
Joel McClintock wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I learned from this list that } Coolwell is defunct? I have a model SE-075W CZ that I am having trouble } with. No schematics and/or manuals to be found. Does anyone know where I } might find these or is willing copy important info from manuals they have on } this model? I would appreciate it. } } Still in the fact finding phase but I suspect the thermostat is the main } trouble with this unit. Do any of you know a supplier for these? Thank you } in advance. } } Joel McClintock } U of Kentucky } } } } } RFC822 header } ----------------------------------- } } Received: from ultra5.microscopy.com [206.69.208.10] by mailhouse.hei.org } with ESMTP } (SMTPD32-5.05) id AF40260A03F8; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 16:58:56 -0700 } Received: (from daemon-at-localhost) } by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id IAA10912 } for dist-Microscopy; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 08:53:06 -0500 (CDT) } Received: from no_more_spam.com (sparc5 [206.69.208.10]) } by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with SMTP id IAA10908 } for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 } 08:52:35 -0500 (CDT) } Received: from smtp.uky.edu (smtp.uky.edu [128.163.2.17]) } by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id IAA10901 } for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 08:52:24 -0500 (CDT) } Received: from pop.uky.edu (pop.uky.edu [128.163.2.16]) } by smtp.uky.edu (8.9.3/8.9.3) with ESMTP id JAA81247 } for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:47:08 -0400 (EDT) } Received: from nc.gws.uky.edu ([128.163.193.169]) } by pop.uky.edu (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id JAA20017 } for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 13 Apr 2000 09:47:07 -0400 (EDT) } Message-Id: {2.2.32.20000414015029.009c4fa8-at-pop.uky.edu} } X-Sender: jmcclin-at-pop.uky.edu } X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 2.2 (32) } Mime-Version: 1.0 } Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" } Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2000 21:50:29 -0400 } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } From: Joel McClintock {jmcclin-at-pop.uky.edu} } Subject: Coolwell Manuals & info } Errors-to: Microscopy-request-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } X-RCPT-TO: {pwebster-at-hei.org} } X-UIDL: 242869584 } Status: U }
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Hello, We have in our lab a Durst Laborator 138S enlarger. After all those years of it's perfect working, there are some layers of dust on condenser lenses. Does anybody know, how to safely clean the surface of condenser lens? Thanking you in advance. O. Benada
+-----------------------------------+ Oldrich Benada Acad. Sci. CR Institute of Microbiology Laboratory of electron microscopy Videnska 1083 CZ - 142 20 Prague 4 - Krc Czech Republic +------------------------------------+ Phone: +420-2-4752399 Fax: +420-2-4715743
Praveena: One place to start is Digital Instruments web site--DI.com. They have many applications notes on the subjects you are interested in. I believe other manufacturers also have helpful web sites. Steve
Hi,I was wondering whether anyone out there can help me out on the forced modulation and phase contrast technoques. I'm familiar with the basics of the AFM ,ie., contact and the non-contact modes. Now I want to learn the advances methods. Can anyone suggest any good books that give the full techniques? Praveena
Stephen McCartney Research Associate Virginia Tech Materials Institute 2108 Hahn Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061-0344 USA
If it like most condenser enlargers, the condenser lenses are opposing each other and retained in a metal cylinder. Just remove the cylinder, lenses and clean them with a cloth towel, moistened in a solution of Simple Green or a store-bought lens cleaning solution. rinse the lenses, wipe them dry and use a duster to get all moisture and lint off of them. That ought to do it. Check your enlarger's lens while you are at it. And also see if the bellow and lens plate areas need blowing out. Lots of dust collects in those nooks and crannies.
gary g.
At 11:58 PM 4/13/00 , you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Can anyone tell me the typical magnetic field strength at the sample in an SEM and (if possible) how fast the field drops off with distance from the axis?. Any references would be gratefully received.
} I think that electronics life depends in many cases not from how } long it operates but how many times you shut it ON and OFF.
I agree that this is true, especially with computers and, in this case, pump controllers. BTW, we have had to fix the controllers on several occasions.
} This kind of } "law" works perfectly for major electronic components as well as for CRTs, } computer components (HDs for instance). I guess, it may works for TPs too.
Maybe not. There are two competing factors: There is wear on the bear- ings due to the inevitable friction of running. Changes due to acceleration of the pump during shutdown and startup cause an increase in wear. To get optimal performance, these factors must be balanced. Our pumps have mechanical bearings, which will wear during the normal operation of the pump, so we have chosen to get the bearings replaced every two years. Since we are replacing the part that wears, the pump lifetime should not be shortened by this procedure. We also change the bearing oil on a regular schedule; I think that this prevents any problems from oil breakdown and/or acidification. There is negligable bearing wear produced by the oil changes, and the bearing replacement will prevent the accumulation of even this wear.
} } During start/stop TP components may sense some stress: more stress, } shorter life (we all know about that). I am experimented with magnetically } levitated TP from SEIKO (no financial interest) now. It works great. It } uses bearings only at low speed, at high speed the rotor is levitated.
With this kind of pump stop/start cycles will cause the mechanical bearings to be used, so there is logic in leaving them running continually.
} } Combination of this TP and "scroll pump" (oil free) gives me absolutely } oil-free vacuum system. I'll tell readers of this ListServer what happens } with that TP later. I am not going to service it at all.
Sounds like a good system; I'm glad you plan to post how things go. Yours, Bill Tivol
We are currently in the process of replacing our aging Phillips 300 TEM with a brand new all digital instrument that is going to be installed in virtually the same position as the old scope. As supervisor of the surgical pathology EM facility I have to say we have never had to question the resolution of the 300 and given the often sub optimal specimens that we work with the photo's are crisp and sharp. Any out of focus photographs are usually the result of out of focus operators, the occasional helicopter landing on the roof and yes trucks. This is seldom an issue and certainly not the scope. Here's our problem. We just had a site visit to measure the electrical and magnetic forces in the room (standard for installation of any new microscope). And to my suprise the room has an electrical/magnetic problem that "May effect the resolution of the new instrument" and quite possibility "the new scope will not meet spec in this location". So what to do. I seriously doubt that the old scope is giving me better resolution than the new scope will and I can't change locations at this point. So for biology or really anyone embedding in epoxy resins is there a standard or a number in angstroms that we can say is the minimum we will accept. If I am pleased with my photo's taken at 60,000 X do really need to insist that the instrument be capable of taking a sharp photo at 300,000X.
this problem is not limited to image processing, of course. IP only makes it easier to use or abuse these things. If you think about how you get the signals from the SEM (or any other image source), there are many ways the signal can be distorted. For example, the detector may not be linear (as is the case for many old cameras and, for that matter, the human eye), signals may be distorted during transmission, noise is added, the film for photographing has certain characteristics, and the darkroom work can be more of an art than science. Forensic science has had to deal with this for some time. If an argument in a court of law can be made that a picture has been "doctored", it will lose it's effectiveness or be dismissed. In Forensics it is very important to keep a record of the whereabouts and the processing done to "evidence" at all times. Sometimes people burn a "gray scale" into the image before they do any processing. This gray scale will then show what happened to the image during processing. Of course, this is not foolproof as anybody can put on another gray scale after processing. But this is the same as inventing measurement data, which can be done, but is not a real problem in science as it just cannot be repeated independently. If you need to be absolutely sure, get a step-by-step recipe of the image processing and have someone else repeat it. If the results are different, you have reason to be concerned. If they are identical, you have your answer. You need to be familiar with the possibilities and shortfalls of image processing. You can start with an image that shows just noise, apply some Fourier-filters and other processing and end up with a periodic structure on the image. This, however, is not due to the image processing, it is due to using the wrong tools (or use the tools the wrong way).
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: David Henriks [mailto:Henriks-at-CompuServe.COM] Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 11:14 AM To: Martyn Harris; Micro Listserver
Dear Martyn:
Several years ago (MSA in Cleveland if I recall correctly), there was some sort of roundtable discussing the ethics of image manipulation. I can't remember much more than that, but perhaps those with a better memory who may have participated in the discussion would have some good input.
David Henriks Vice President TEL: 800-728-2233 (toll free in the USA) South Bay Technology, Inc. +1-949-492-2600 1120 Via Callejon FAX: +1-949-492-1499 San Clemente, CA 92673 USA e-mail: henriks-at-southbaytech.com
} } } } } Please visit us at http://www.southbaytech.com { { { { {
Manufacturers of precision sample preparation equipment and supplies for metallography, crystallography and electron microscopy. Message text written by INTERNET:"HARRISm-at-esm-semi.co.uk"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } A general enquiry regarding integated circuit X section images :
In semiconductor failure investigation various etchants and staining methods are used to obtain and or enhance selected features prior to FESEM investigation and image capture . As I now capture images digitally and have the increasing capabilities
of image processing at my fingertips it's possible to ' modify' and
possibly distort the initially accurate image obtained which could lead to misleading results .
I receive people's images and wonder if they are a result of different
sem capabilities / preparation methods / etches or are they simply
'touched up '. They probably think the same about mine .
Therefore is there any way of controlling image processing to enable like for like comparison ? or any international standards ? way of indicating on an image it has been subject to processing or is it now a case of you cannot believe what you see ?
A student has come to me with the following problem. Can anyone assist us?
Ron L.
Please cc answers to:
saeeda-at-bu.edu
Does anybody know of any good fixing/dehydrating techniques for viewing this sample using the SEM? Alcohol and CPD dehydration techniques are not yielding good results and there is a lot of distortion of the gel. I am looking for something that will enable me to preserve the features of the gels, and analyze their morphology. These gels will be patterned with collagen and cells will be grown on them. I am interested in viewing these patterns of collagen, and the corresponding patterns of cell growth. Thanks.
If the lens is coated, which some Durst condensers are, I would suggest starting with a Blower Brush, available in most camera shops. Hopefully you can blow/brush most or all the dust away. If that fails, one of the new "microfiber" lens cloths work very well on most lenses. A high quality photographic lens cleaning solution should be safe, but I would try to clean without any chemicals first.
George Laing National Graphic Supply Albany, NY USA www.ngscorp.com
-----Original Message----- } From: Oldrich Benada [mailto:benada-at-biomed.cas.cz] Sent: Friday, April 14, 2000 2:58 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Hello, We have in our lab a Durst Laborator 138S enlarger. After all those years of it's perfect working, there are some layers of dust on condenser lenses. Does anybody know, how to safely clean the surface of condenser lens? Thanking you in advance. O. Benada
+-----------------------------------+ Oldrich Benada Acad. Sci. CR Institute of Microbiology Laboratory of electron microscopy Videnska 1083 CZ - 142 20 Prague 4 - Krc Czech Republic +------------------------------------+ Phone: +420-2-4752399 Fax: +420-2-4715743
Does anyone know of a supplier of used ultramicrotomes? I'm looking for a Leica ultracut E, in good working order. Is there anyone who is dismantling a TEM lab who wants to sell one? Thanks.
Norman Michaud Director, Morphology Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary Ophthalmology-5th flr. 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 norman_michaud-at-MEEI.Harvard.edu Tel:617-573-3316; Fax:617-573-4290
I can suggest two possibilities:1) atomic force microscopy of the hydrated gel; 2) high-pressure freezing of the gel, followed by either cryoSEM or cryo-ultramicrotomy and cryoTEM (cryoSEM would be simpler than cryo-ultramicrotomy).
Phil
} A student has come to me with the following problem. Can anyone assist us? } } Ron L. } } Please cc answers to: } } saeeda-at-bu.edu } } } Does anybody know of any good fixing/dehydrating techniques for viewing this } sample using the SEM? Alcohol and CPD dehydration techniques are not } yielding good results and there is a lot of distortion of the gel. I am } looking for something that will enable me to preserve the features of the } gels, and analyze their morphology. These gels will be patterned with } collagen and cells will be grown on them. I am interested in viewing these } patterns of collagen, and the corresponding patterns of cell growth. } Thanks. } } Saeeda
-- }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Philip Oshel Supervisor, AMFSC and BBPIC Dept. of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences University of Wisconsin 1656 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1581 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-7420 (dept. fax)
Hello world I think i have tried everything, but still!! Is there somebody, who nows how to detect Glycolipid/lipid on cryo ultrathin sections? And yes, i have read Dr. Wim's article, where he compare different metodes. I have been on a course in Austria, where they also told me, that this ( Dr. Wim) would be the way to decet lipid. But in the real world, it does not work. The lipid is floating all over the sections. Tanks for your help Sincerely Sus S¿rensen
Dear Bill, It was nice discussion there. Thanks for your nice reply. I totally agree with you. No question, the good service in time is a great deal! Unfortunately the service sometimes is not such great as you have with yours TPs. Again, sometimes people just do not have enough money to do service in time.
As for magnetically levitated TP, you right, it is good idea to keep it running continuously. Currently, I am working on my system in the way to be able to insert samples through air-lock, than it will be possible do not break vacuum to load samples. This is my plan. Wish me luck. Sergey
} Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 10:59:20 -0400 } From: William Tivol {tivol-at-wadsworth.org} } Subject: Re: TP service } Sender: tivol-at-wadsworth.org } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.07C-SGI [en] (X11; I; IRIX64 6.5 IP21) } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
There are a LOT of suppliers of inexpensive light microscopes in the educational marketplace; many of the scopes are remarkably good. You'll find a list of suppliers on the Project MICRO web page (URL below). Get several catalogs; if you compare descriptions and photos, you'll realize that prices can vary almost 50% on the same item.
Caroline Schooley Project MICRO Coordinator Microscopy Society of America Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road Caspar, CA 95420 Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microscopy.com/ProjectMicro/PMHomePage.html Intertidal invertebrates: http://www.fortbragg.k12.ca.us/AG/PCI/pci.html
I agree with Bill Tivol. It is less stressfull on electrical circuits and contacts to leave the power on. To do so prolongs the life of the part, as well as the reliability of voltage flow through an instrument. A good example is XRD and XRF tubes. Rule #1 I learned as a grad student was to always leave the power on, keep a current flowing through the tubes. Why? A power current "burns in" at a single point on the tube. If the power is shut off, the burn in point can drift. Drift actually weakens the tube, which is the opposite of what you would expect. The drift will also cause current fluctuations, creating another source of error reducing the precision and accuracy of the measurements. At $3000-$4000 per pop on a tube, it is prudent to do what ever you can to extend its life. Same applies to any electrical instrumentation or accessories.
Lou Solebello -----Original Message----- } From: William Tivol {tivol-at-wadsworth.org} To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
----- Original Message ----- } From: Michele Palmer {moonlite-at-csd.uwm.edu} To: {wchiss-at-ou.edu} Sent: Friday, April 14, 2000 7:53 PM
Hi
The question of much resolution do we really need and what resolution is obtainable often confronts the EM service engineer and the EM consultant?
As mentioned before we at Protrain buy instruments for clients or in conjunction with clients. On many occasions the proposed site does not meet the manufacturers requirements in their entirety but circumstances mean we must go ahead.
Whilst these situations are not ideal one must consider the clients application and the desired performance for that application. On many occasions checking an instrument in a clients laboratory, where the client does not see a problem in their results (5,000 to 30,000X), we see image instability at 200,000X. As a service engineer you judge the problem and decide if it is a simple fix or a cause for deep investigation. Often discussions with the client result in keeping going whilst constantly checking the magnitude of the fault. This route may be followed for many years before the engineer, as the client still has no visible micrograph problems, decides to get in and chase the fault.
So what am I saying? In the 70s high quality work was carried out on TEM that had a point to point resolution of around 1nm. We are all aware that 1nm at 100,000X is equal to 0.1mm on the micrograph and we need a hand lens to visualise this! In most routine medical observations, other than virus work, the typical max is about 30,000X, about 3nm limited by the section thickness (?) so would it not be sufficient to use a 1nm machine?
Many biologists still use very low kV, i.e. 80, so they are degrading their 0.3nm instrument still further. Running at 100 or 120kV will provide better quality images using dark room procedures to aid contrast. Higher accelerating voltage will help with fields and the modern antivibration systems, available as discussed earlier this month, will help overcome floor vibration.
So my advice after working with TEM for 36 years all over the world in all sorts of very poor environments is GO FOR IT! I will not take up space by relating the amazing stories of dreadful sites and superb microscopy, it certainly does happen!
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain - for consultancy and training world wide Tel & Fax +44 01280 814 774 e-mail protrain-at-emcourses.com web www.emcourses.com
SUMMER I 2000 COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT - Transmission Electron Microscopy (BIO. 221-Section B)
NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Garden City, Long Island, New York
A five week, Summer Session I 2000 semester, course in Biological Transmission Electron Microscopy is being offered by the Biology Department of Nassau Community College. This is a 4 credit course offered four days per week (Monday through Thursday) between the hours of 8:00 am and NOON. Classes will begin on May 22 and end on June 22, 2000.
This is a "hands-on" course emphasizing biological specimen preparation, ultra-thin sectioning involving block trimming, glass knifemaking and operation of the ultramicrotomes (Sorvall MT-2B and LKB Ultrotome III), thick and ultra-thin section mounting and contrast staining (UA and Pb citrate), grid support films (formvar, carbon), student operation of the TEM (Hitachi HS-8, Philips EM 300) and production of electron micrographs through the process of black & white photography, and electron micrograph analysis. Students will work on a chosen sample(s) with the goal of producing a portfolio of high quality TEM photomicrographs of that sample(s).
The course is widely transferrable and the cost per credit is reasonable at $86 per credit (for Nassau County residents or New York State residents with a certificate of residency).
More information about the Bio-Imaging Center at NCC, course descriptions and syllabi, and the beginnings of a student gallery of EM photomicrographs is available at our web site. The URL is {http://www.sunynassau.edu/webpages/biology/becks.htm} .
Interested individuals should register as soon as possible since the course is limited to a total enrollment of ten (10) students.
If you have further questions, you should e-mail me directly at the address below.
For information about mail or telephone registration (Dial-a-Course) point your browser to http://www.sunynassau.edu/courses/Sum00/index.html.
Stephen J. Beck Associate Professor Bio-Imaging Center/Electron Microscopy Department of Biology Nassau Community College Garden City, NY 11530 Voice Mail: (516) 572-7829 Email: {becks-at-sunynassau.edu} URL: {http://www.sunynassau.edu/webpages/biology/becks.htm}
SUMMER I 2000 COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT - Transmission Electron Microscopy (BIO. 221-Section B)
NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Garden City, Long Island, New York
A five week, Summer Session I 2000 semester, course in Biological Transmission Electron Microscopy is being offered by the Biology Department of Nassau Community College. This is a 4 credit course offered four days per week (Monday through Thursday) between the hours of 8:00 am and NOON. Classes will begin on May 22 and end on June 22, 2000.
This is a "hands-on" course emphasizing biological specimen preparation, ultra-thin sectioning involving block trimming, glass knifemaking and operation of the ultramicrotomes (Sorvall MT-2B and LKB Ultrotome III), thick and ultra-thin section mounting and contrast staining (UA and Pb citrate), grid support films (formvar, carbon), student operation of the TEM (Hitachi HS-8, Philips EM 300) and production of electron micrographs through the process of black & white photography, and electron micrograph analysis. Students will work on a chosen sample(s) with the goal of producing a portfolio of high quality TEM photomicrographs of that sample(s).
The course is widely transferrable and the cost per credit is reasonable at $86 per credit (for Nassau County residents or New York State residents with a certificate of residency).
More information about the Bio-Imaging Center at NCC, course descriptions and syllabi, and the beginnings of a student gallery of EM photomicrographs is available at our web site. The URL is {http://www.sunynassau.edu/webpages/biology/becks.htm} .
Interested individuals should register as soon as possible since the course is limited to a total enrollment of ten (10) students.
If you have further questions, you should e-mail me directly at the address below.
For information about mail or telephone registration (Dial-a-Course) point your browser to http://www.sunynassau.edu/courses/Sum00/index.html.
Stephen J. Beck Associate Professor Bio-Imaging Center/Electron Microscopy Department of Biology Nassau Community College Garden City, NY 11530 Voice Mail: (516) 572-7829 Email: {becks-at-sunynassau.edu} URL: {http://www.sunynassau.edu/webpages/biology/becks.htm}
BX50 stand trinoc head 2ea 10X eyepieces 6-place nosepiece Phase condenser Phase inserts Rt stage UPlan FL Phase 4X, 20X, 40X, 60X, 100X, Plan 10X objectives 100 Watt lamphouse
Like new condition throughout.
Please contact me if you are interested in either of these system. Telecon is 916.791.8191
I also have two Olympus PM10AD computer control photo systems which include the control unit, shutter body, focusing telescope and connecting cable. PE eyepieces are also available.
Email: arthurmott-at-netzero.net Name: Arthur Mott
Question: I have a Bausch & Lomb 0.7X-3X which I wish to convert to gemological use(viewing gem stones). What type of lighting systems should I use , or where can I gather additional information.
} } } I agree with Bill Tivol. It is less stressfull on electrical circuits and } contacts to leave the power on. To do so prolongs the life of the part, as } well as the reliability of voltage flow through an instrument. A good } example is XRD and XRF tubes. Rule #1 I learned as a grad student was to } always leave the power on, keep a current flowing through the tubes. Why? } } A power current "burns in" at a single point on the tube. If the power is } shut off, the burn in point can drift. Drift actually weakens the tube, } which is the opposite of what you would expect. The drift will also cause } current fluctuations, creating another source of error reducing the } precision and accuracy of the measurements. } }
This is a pretty interesting way of looking at things, but it seems like an argument for leaving things eg X-Ray tubes running at their working conditions (kV and mA) fulltime. Can you expand on this "single point"? Is it some physical point on, for example, a filament, or is it kind of metaphorical? I can't quite understand the mechanism of the phenomenon you are describing. I've always just thought that the reason for leaving X-Ray tubes on, but at minimum power, was to avoid the current inrush through a cold (and therefore low-resistance) filament, plus the thermal stresses in repeatedly warming up and cooling down of the tube and all its glass-to-metal seals..
cheers
rtch
Ritchie Sims Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 7713 Department of Geology Fax : 64 9 3737435 The University of Auckland email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
hi there Arthur, it is a dark field method of illumination and gemological assn. of America sells a base that the b and l pod will fit. there are also some third parties that do this base also but any of them can be pricey. check out gia on the net. also try search under key gemscope thanks Ed Sharpe archivist for SMECC
Whilst working in Australia we found a few labs using something called Shellite as a de-greaser to clean microscope parts. This works very well and seems to be very available. we then looked for the same product here in SA. We then found that this is a trade name only in Australia and is actually petroleum ether or spirit. We called the local Shell distributor to ask what the difference was between spirit and ether. Well, they were not sure on that one. Then we were told you must specify the temperature range of the petroleum Ether. 40 - 60, 60 - 80 or 80 - 100 deg Celsius. Again no explanation as to what the difference is an why. Can any one give us some more info on Petroleum ether / spirit and the advantages disadvantages on the different temperatures.
Thanks
Luc Harmsen Anaspec, South Africa Technical support on microscopy. Tel + 27 (0) 11 476 3455 Fax + 27 (0) 11 476 7290 anaspec-at-icon.co.za www.anaspec.co.za
Remember, ICEM 15 will be in 2002, Durban, South Africa. www.icem15.com
It is a real physical phenomonom. I dont think I understand it correctly myself, except if I think about like a spark plug in a car. You are right about the vacuum, but take a look at some of your old tubes if you have any. You should be able to see a gray smoky discoloration of the glass tubing at some area on the tube, usually on one side near the center. That is the burn in point.
That also brings up a curiosity question to me....Does it happen to the newer cermaic tubes? I dont know, and will have to ask. The newer ceramic tubes are supposed to have a longer life and reliability compared to the glass ones. -----Original Message----- } From: Ritchie Sims {r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz} To: Lou Solebello {microls1297-at-mindspring.com} ; Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Hi, Lou
} } } I agree with Bill Tivol. It is less stressfull on electrical circuits and } contacts to leave the power on. To do so prolongs the life of the part, as } well as the reliability of voltage flow through an instrument. A good } example is XRD and XRF tubes. Rule #1 I learned as a grad student was to } always leave the power on, keep a current flowing through the tubes. Why? } } A power current "burns in" at a single point on the tube. If the power is } shut off, the burn in point can drift. Drift actually weakens the tube, } which is the opposite of what you would expect. The drift will also cause } current fluctuations, creating another source of error reducing the } precision and accuracy of the measurements. } }
This is a pretty interesting way of looking at things, but it seems like an argument for leaving things eg X-Ray tubes running at their working conditions (kV and mA) fulltime. Can you expand on this "single point"? Is it some physical point on, for example, a filament, or is it kind of metaphorical? I can't quite understand the mechanism of the phenomenon you are describing. I've always just thought that the reason for leaving X-Ray tubes on, but at minimum power, was to avoid the current inrush through a cold (and therefore low-resistance) filament, plus the thermal stresses in repeatedly warming up and cooling down of the tube and all its glass-to-metal seals..
cheers
rtch
Ritchie Sims Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 7713 Department of Geology Fax : 64 9 3737435 The University of Auckland email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
The difference between photobleaching and quenching is quite fundamental.
Basically when a molecule is photobleached it is converted to another molecule that is not fluorescent -i.e. a reaction takes place in which the fluorescing species is converted to another species.
Quenching on the other hand results from the excited fluorescent molecules having a non radiative route to release the energy it would typically release as fluorescence. The state of the molecule after the quenching however is the same as if it had fluoresced. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Dr. Giles Sanders Zeneca / SmithKline Beecham Centre for Analytical Sciences Chemistry Department Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine London SW7 2AY
(44) - 0171-594-5749
Never express yourself more clearly than you think. -- Niels Bohr (1885-1962) Danish physicist
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ----- Original Message ----- } From: {"catchanangel-at-aol.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} To: {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} Sent: 15 April 2000 03:10
Luc, The terms "petroleum spirit" and "petroleum ether" are interchangeable. You may also encounter "light petroleum" and "pet ether". The numbers correspond to the boiling ranges in degrees celsius - they are just differnt fractional distillates. The 40-60 fraction is roughly hexane ( plus small amounts of larger and smaller hydrocarbon molecules). The higher boiling fraction will not evaporate as cleanly as the lighter ones, but all are good solvents for grease and oil. They are, of course, highly flammable.
Regards, Eric
---------------------- Dr Eric Lachowski Department of Chemistry University of Aberdeen Meston Walk Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE Scotland +44 (0)1224 272934 fax 272921 e.lachowski-at-abdn.ac.uk
Check the web site for the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). I forget the exact URL, it's at home (www.gia.com? .org?). They sell a stereoscope designed for exactly this purpose, and looking at it will give you a good idea of what you need.
Briefly, it uses separate transmitted and reflected light sources. The transmitted light I believe is an "ordinary" tungsten microscope bulb, and the reflected source is a closely mounted fluorescent source. The stones are held by a "third-hand" type of gripper so that it can be examined from all angles. This is important not just in studying inclusions, but because the optical characteristics (including color) of some gems change with the crystal axis (the Usambara effect, if I've spelled that right). Different types of light are also needed, as color-change gems show different colors depending on the incident light. For best effect, I would also had an optical fiber source with dual goosenecks (not a ring-light, except in addition), and a *good* mirror to shine sunlight on the specimen. This is for judging stone color as well as color change.
The GIA site is a good source of information, but I'd check the Nat. Mus. Natural Hist./Smithsonian, and the Mus. Nat. Hist. in London also, to start.
Phil
} Can anyone answer this? } } Nestor } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: arthurmott-at-netzero.net } Name: Arthur Mott } } Question: I have a Bausch & Lomb 0.7X-3X which I wish to convert to } gemological use(viewing gem stones). What type of lighting systems should } I use , or where can I gather additional information. } } Arthur } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Philip Oshel Supervisor, AMFSC and BBPIC Dept. of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences University of Wisconsin 1656 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1581 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-7420 (dept. fax)
Naturally I forgot the darkfield. (#*&$(&# Probably because it's important.
Phil
} hi there Arthur, } it is a dark field method of illumination and gemological assn. of America } sells a base that the b and l pod will fit. there are also some third parties } that do this base also but any of them can be pricey. } check out gia on the net. also try search under key gemscope } thanks Ed Sharpe archivist for SMECC
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
What do you mean by "convert"? Are you referring to a "dissecting" scope? If so, you multiply the number that you've given (presumabvly the power of the objective lens) times the power of the eyepiece, which is often 10x. That would mean that you may have 30x available, and that definitely requires good illumination. My son-in-law, who is a professional diamond cutter, really likes the flexibility and brightness of fiber optic illuminators - but they're expensive. The Edmund Optical catalog is a good place to begin. If you want specific gemological advice, contact the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Caroline Schooley Project MICRO Coordinator Microscopy Society of America Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road Caspar, CA 95420 Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microscopy.com/ProjectMicro/PMHomePage.html Intertidal invertebrates: http://www.fortbragg.k12.ca.us/AG/PCI/pci.html
I don't think, there is an easy answer to your question. It depends on the microscope type (immersion lens or not), the lens configuration and design, and last but not least on the working distance, aside from the lens current, which depends on the acceleration voltage.
I have a few pointers for you, though. I remember faintly a book by Glaser, but that may be in German (anybody with a good reference for this book?).
Another book is: Ludwig Reimer (Scanning Electron Microscopy : Physics of Image Formation and Microanalysis (2nd Ed)(Springer Series in Optical Sciences, Vol 45) )
Here is a URL for the book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/3540639764/qid=955982926/sr=1-17/ 102-8036949-3232817
This book is a bit "theoretical", but has information about electron optics in the first two chapters.
You may want to search the net for "electron optics".
Hope this helps.
Michael
(disclaimer: I have no interest in Amazon.com. Check out other bookstores for prices)
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: Chris Walker [mailto:chris.walker-at-physics.org] Sent: Friday, April 14, 2000 8:38 AM To: 'Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com'
Can anyone tell me the typical magnetic field strength at the sample in an SEM and (if possible) how fast the field drops off with distance from the axis?. Any references would be gratefully received.
The pod, i.e., the top part that is the business end just comes out of the stand of a b&l zoom and drops in the gia base...
Of course for adventure one can build the illuminating base necessary by hand if so inclined.
Ed Sharpe
{ { Subj: Re: Bausch & Lomb Question: Date: 4/17/00 11:41:32 AM US Mountain Standard Time From: schooley-at-mcn.org (Caroline Schooley) To: arthurmott-at-netzero.net CC: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html -----------------------------------------------------------------------.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: arthurmott-at-netzero.net } Name: Arthur Mott } } Question: I have a Bausch & Lomb 0.7X-3X which I wish to convert to } gemological use(viewing gem stones). What type of lighting systems should } I use , or where can I gather additional information. } } Arthur -
What do you mean by "convert"? Are you referring to a "dissecting" scope? If so, you multiply the number that you've given (presumabvly the power of the objective lens) times the power of the eyepiece, which is often 10x. That would mean that you may have 30x available, and that definitely requires good illumination. My son-in-law, who is a professional diamond cutter, really likes the flexibility and brightness of fiber optic illuminators - but they're expensive. The Edmund Optical catalog is a good place to begin. If you want specific gemological advice, contact the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Caroline Schooley Project MICRO Coordinator Microscopy Society of America Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road Caspar, CA 95420 Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microsc } }
I am in need of a service contract for an ISI DS-130 SEM. Is there anyone who is particularly happy with a contract on their ISI (Topcon) instrument? ---------------------- Douglas R. Keene Associate Investigator Shriners Hospital Research Facilities 3101 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road Portland, Oregon 97201 phone: 503-221-3434 FAX: 503-412-6894 (9-5 PST) e-mail: DRK-at-shcc.org
Try the following EELS database site. The have a number of O containing materials there with all of the acquisition parameters well documented. http://www.cemes.fr/eelsdb/
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. PPG Industries, Inc. Glass Technology Center Guys Run Rd. (packages) P. O. Box 11472 (letters) Pittsburgh, PA 15238-0472
Walck-at-PPG.com
(412) 820-8651 (office) (412) 820-8161 (fax)
} -----Original Message----- } From: Jo Verbeeck [mailto:joverbee-at-ruca.ua.ac.be] } Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2000 10:09 AM } To: Microscopy listserver message adress } Subject: EELS: need spectrum for comparing } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.} html } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } Hello, } } I`m looking for an EELS spectrum containing Oxygen K-edge and some } other edge like Mn or Ti L-edge. Together with low loss } spectrum and data } about the angles. } The spectra need to have a power of 2 (1024 for inst.) bins } and low loss } and high loss should have same size. } I want to use this for comparison, i`m trying to do some } quantitative EELS } work but so far with limited success. } I want to find out wether my program or my data is wrong;) } } Thanks, } } Jo } } ************************************************************* } * Jo Verbeeck * } * University of Antwerp * } * Dept. EMAT (Electron Microscopy for Materials Research) * } * e-mail: joverbee-at-ruca.ua.ac.be * } * tel: +32(0)3 218 02 49 * } * fax: +32(0)3 218 02 57 * } ************************************************************* } }
We have a JEOL 840A scanning scope with an Oxford Link X-ray analysis system. We would like to be able to get digital images out of it, for as few $$ as possible. I would be interested in comments on the following questions:
1) passive vs. active acquisition (my impression is that the resolution is better with active, but how much?)
2) relative merits of different commercially available systems (dPict, 4PI, GW Electronics, etc).
3) Are NIH Image and Photoshop sufficient for analysis and processing of images?
4) relative merits of various X-ray analysis software (such as FLAME, etc).
Thanks very much.
Kate L-P -- Kate Luby-Phelps Molecular & Cellular Imaging Facility UT Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75390-9039 e-mail: lubyphel-at-utsw.swmed.edu Telephone: (214) 648-2190 Fax: (214) 648-6408 or -8885
Email: jeffc07-at-hotmail.com Name: Jeff Courter School: central michigan universty
Question: my problem is this: I have E. coli and P. mirabilis in 1% low temperature gelling agarose in spurr's. is there any way to visualize the specimen to trim it on a microtome other than taking sections individually and staining them until i find the agar and bacteria.
I understand that Shellite is a Shell Petroleum Co trade name, the generic name in Australia is white gas and this product is very similar to petrol (car fuel) - except it does not have the certain additives. ( I ran in desperation a Landcruiser for 50km on that stuff some years ago) It works well enough as a general solvent for a first degreasing and cleaning of EM parts, especially pumps. Its quiet cheap to purchase. Petroleum Ether much more volatile and a more powerful solvents. (more explosive too) They may be the same chemically, except that white gas would have a considerably higher boiling point than Pet. Ether. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Monday, April 17, 2000 8:47 PM, Anaspec [SMTP:anaspec-at-icon.co.za] wrote: } } } } Hi all } } Whilst working in Australia we found a few labs using something called } Shellite as a de-greaser to clean microscope parts. This works very well and } seems to be very available. we then looked for the same product here in SA. } We then found that this is a trade name only in Australia and is actually } petroleum ether or spirit. } We called the local Shell distributor to ask what the difference was between } spirit and ether. Well, they were not sure on that one. Then we were told } you must specify the temperature range of the petroleum Ether. 40 - 60, 60 - } 80 or 80 - 100 deg Celsius. Again no explanation as to what the difference } is an why. } Can any one give us some more info on Petroleum ether / spirit and the } advantages disadvantages on the different temperatures. } } } Thanks } } Luc Harmsen } Anaspec, South Africa } Technical support on microscopy. } Tel + 27 (0) 11 476 3455 } Fax + 27 (0) 11 476 7290 } anaspec-at-icon.co.za } www.anaspec.co.za } } Remember, ICEM 15 will be in } 2002, Durban, South Africa. } www.icem15.com
Kate, I saw your message on the Listserver. Here is my opinion on Digital Imaging.
Passive vs. Active - Passive resolution is limited to the maximum resolution the SEM can produce. If your scan generator has a maximum resolution of 2000 lines for the photo scan, then your passive resolution will also be 2000 lines. Passive just simply reads what's there already, including any character, text and markers. What you see on the Viewing CRT is "what you get" on the Passive System computer display. One neat thing that a Passive System can do is grab an image in split screen mode, one side a SE or BSE Image and the other half an x-ray dot map. An Active System, on the other hand, takes direct control of the scan coils(replacing the scan gen. in the sem), and digitizes the resulting video. Systems such as DIGISEM, can achieve images of 4K x 4K. I believe the 4Pi system goes even higher. I'm not sure about the rest. Active systems are typically suited for fast, high quality digital images, that are then viewed and modified with a program such as PhotoShop. Then, finally you have the standard TV Rate Frame Grabber. This only works in "TV" mode, and your resolution is typically limited to the resolution of the SEM TV scan rate(512 x 512?). Slow scan, either Active or Passive is the way to go. Do it yourself Active and Passive systems start out around $8,000.00, and of course, go up from there.
NIH IMAGE was originally written as a MAC application. However, it has been ported to the PC platform. In the process, the program has lost some of its functionality. PhotoShop, for both the PC and MAC is a superior program overall. There are some "shareware" programs out there worth looking at, such as Paint Shop Pro. It's cheap(less than $100) and can do just about anything PhotoShop can do(my opinion). Also, be aware that many imaging systems include image analysis function. This really drives the price up. If all you are interested in doing is simply grabbing and saving an image, I would stay away from the "high end" systems.
The 4Pi imaging system is available both in a MAC and PC version. I think everybody else is PC based.
EDS - What a can of worms. It seems everybody(including myself), offers a "PC based EDS upgrade". I have personally used the PGT Avalon(formerly American Nuclear Systems) and 4Pi Flame. The PGT Avalon eXcalibur software in its latest release is full 32 bit and can run on the Win95/98 and NT Workstation 4.0. PGT corrected many software problems after purchasing ANS. Very nice package. The Flame software uses "fuzzy logic" in its approach to quantitative analysis. The latest rendition of the Flame software seems pretty good, however, the MAC version is somewhat more stable. Also, an excellent product, along with 5***** customer support. Keep an eye out on 4Pi though, something new and exciting is in the works. Both are great systems, inexpensive and easy to operate. Again, the 4Pi system is available on both the PC and MAC platform. You will find prices on systems such as these are very close in price to each other. Prices for these "upgrades" typically start out around $15,000.00. Good luck in your quest for the right system.
Gary M. Easton Scanners Corporation www.scannerscorp.com
Note: I am not employed by any of the companies listed above(except for Scanners Corporation). However, I do have a commercial interest in these products, because I sell them and this is how I make a living(along with servicing SEM's). If I have slighted anybody, or any company, I apologize in advance. The opinions and facts I have stated here are a result of my 22+ years experience in the scanning electron microscopy field
----- Original Message ----- } From: Kate Luby-Phelps {lubyphel-at-SWVX12.SWMED.EDU} To: {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} Sent: Monday, April 17, 2000 4:37 PM
Douglas - We have Image Control, Inc., based in Orlando, FL, service our ISI-DS130C. We don't have a contract, just "as needed" service. I have been very happy with service and pricing. They do offer service contracts as well. I don't know what their geographical range is. Phone number is (407) 234-0676; fax (407) 292-7802.
Jill Jill Verlander Reed, D.V.M. Associate Scientist Director, College of Medicine Electron Microscopy Core Facility University of Florida P.O. Box 100215 Gainesville, FL 32610 verlaj-at-medicine.ufl.edu Phone: (352) 846-0820 Fax: (352) 846-3299
let me try to answer some of your questions. I am sending this cc to the listserver as some of your questions come up on a regular basis.
1) passive vs. active: Both types of acquisition will give you probably good images. The difference is, that in a passive system, the computer (or digitizer) simply digitizes the signals from the microscope. That means, that you are limited to whatever the microscope can supply in terms of resolution, dwell time, aspect ratio, etc. Most SEMs have a 1000 line or 2000 line option for taking images. That's what you get. A 1000x1200 image (for 1000 lines), or a 2000x2400 image (for 2000 lines). Plus of course the other modes of the microscope (slow scan, fast scan, etc). An active system actually takes control of the scanning coils, usually by replacing the scan generator during PC controlled acquisition. Thus the PC can select the resolution, dwell time, aspect ratio, etc. This gives you much more freedom in selecting an image format, plus it is much easier to acquire X-ray dot maps with an existing X-ray system. Typical max. resolutions are 4000x4000. These big images take time to acquire, though (seconds). Installation of a passive system may be easier in some circumstances, but on your 840 the installation of an active system is "plug and play".
2) different commercial systems. As we sell our own system (ADDA II), and since this goes to the listserver, I don't want to comment on this question. Call me if you need information about our system.
3) Software: Of the two programs you mention, I would prefer NIH. Photoshop is mainly for making photos look nicer and may not have all the tools you require (unless you buy other add-ons). Buy the software, however, with an eye on expansion and support. Our experience with other users is, that once they have added a digital acquisition system, they quickly find other things they can do with the system and sometimes need more software or hardware. For example, they realize that the old light microscope used for specimen preparation can be digitized too and be used much better than before. That, for example, would require a camera. So, if that is the case, you want to look for a system that also supports cameras. Another issue is the distribution of images. Many of our customers have predefined "reports" for their customers. In that case you want to look for software that supports the creation of custom templates, not just printing images. An embedded, network capable database with search capabilities is a big plus if you have several users.
4) X-ray software: This is outside my area of expertise, so I will refrain from making any comments.
I hope, this helps you decide about your SEM. If you have more detailed questions, please send me an email or call me.
Michael
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
******************************************************* Disclaimer: Soft Imaging System produces and sells image acquisition and processing systems. We therefore have a vested interest in some of the items mentioned above. *******************************************************
-----Original Message----- } From: Kate Luby-Phelps [mailto:lubyphel-at-SWVX12.SWMED.EDU] Sent: Monday, April 17, 2000 2:37 PM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
We have a JEOL 840A scanning scope with an Oxford Link X-ray analysis system. We would like to be able to get digital images out of it, for as few $$ as possible. I would be interested in comments on the following questions:
1) passive vs. active acquisition (my impression is that the resolution is better with active, but how much?)
2) relative merits of different commercially available systems (dPict, 4PI, GW Electronics, etc).
3) Are NIH Image and Photoshop sufficient for analysis and processing of images?
4) relative merits of various X-ray analysis software (such as FLAME, etc).
Thanks very much.
Kate L-P -- Kate Luby-Phelps Molecular & Cellular Imaging Facility UT Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75390-9039 e-mail: lubyphel-at-utsw.swmed.edu Telephone: (214) 648-2190 Fax: (214) 648-6408 or -8885
} the generic name } in Australia is white gas and this product is very similar to petrol (car fuel) } - except it does not have the certain additives.
White gas is the petroleum distillate fraction used to make petrol.
} They may be the same chemically, except that white gas would have a } considerably higher boiling point than Pet. Ether.
White gas contains hydrocarbons that have a boiling point roughly the same as that of octane. There are some chemical differences, since the higher-boiling-point fractions will contain more complex mixtures than the lower-boiling-point fractions. In particular, the lowest such fraction, which contains mostly pentanes, has no aromatics. Yours, Bill Tivol
Following the thread on processing tissue-culture cells for TEM, would C Singla reply back to me if they would like a protocol for embedding cell monolayers for TEM in the petri-dish.
Jeremy Sanderson
jb_sanderson-at-yahoo.com
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites. http://invites.yahoo.com
I'm currently in the process of setting up a Histology/Microbiology/EM facility. Being out of Histology for almost 30 years (been doing EM) I'm not sure of the best type of tissue processor to buy. I won't be doing that many specimens, so I'm leaning towards a rotary tissue processor. I have info on Shandon and Tissue-Tek. Are there others out there? Anyone having opinions on the 2 mentioned, I would appreciate any comments. I am looking for ease of use (changing solutions, fume safeguards), reliability on service and cost effectiveness. Thanks.
Peace be with you, Phil Rutledge (410)778-4136, 2120 prutledge-at-ars.usda.gov
I have been using folding grids for my sections for a long time (200 mesh, Cu). Lately however I have found it very difficult to fold the grids so that the two sides overlap properly and only a few of the holes are in good registry, the rest are partially blocked by the overlap. I am wondering if this is a manufacturing problem ( i.e. a bad batch ?) . Has anyone else experienced this problem with a batch of grids ? Suggestions are welcome.
There will be an electrical characterization by AFM seminar/workshop sponsored by Digital Instruments and Princeton University on April 25, 2000. For additional information and registration, please visit the DI web site at www.di.com and click on "workshops and seminars".
Regards, Jeff Doran Digital Instruments Veeco Metrology Group
There will be an electrical characterization by AFM seminar/workshop sponsored by Digital Instruments and Princeton University on April 25, 2000. For additional information and registration, please visit the DI web site at www.di.com and click on "workshops and seminars".
Regards, Jeff Doran Digital Instruments Veeco Metrology Group
} though (seconds). Installation of a passive system may be easier in some } circumstances, but on your 840 the installation of an active system is } "plug and play".
Actually, about 90% of the 840s have the internal scan relays soldered in place on the scan gen board. The other 10% will need the relays added. JEOL service is best for this as they have the relays in stock. To check, one must physically examine the scan gen board.
Scott ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
Anyone have an idea what the sale value might be for a Hitachi S-570 with a LaB6 gun & solid-state backscatter detector? No x-ray. Comes with a Gatan digital imaging system. Sorry, but I don't know the model of this system, but it uses a PowerMac with a NuBus card, so it's a bit hoary.
In good condition, recently PMed to give "to spec." performance in the upper stage at 200,000X.
Thanks.
Phil -- }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Philip Oshel Supervisor, AMFSC and BBPIC Dept. of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences University of Wisconsin 1656 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1581 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-7420 (dept. fax)
Hi, I'm looking for technical assistance or a service manual for a Leitz Orthomat E (7916) Photo System.The problem we are having is the unit will not allow a picture to be taken unless there is very little light. Once the system thinks it is in range, there is not enough light present to get the photograph. An adjustment of the light detector? Any assistance is appreciated. Lewis McCrigler Humboldt State University
G'day Luc, Shellite is a solvent manufactured by Shell, its used as stove fuel, lighter fuel, drycleaning solvent and as a rubber/adhesive solvent (also, as you have found, a great EM parts cleaner). Another name you may find Shellite listed under is Shell X55 solvent. Shellite is basically a highly volitile, low octane, unleaded petrol. According to Shell Australia it is not the same as white spirit, this is less volitile than shellite, therefore harder to evaporate from the metal surface. Below is part of the safety data sheet for Shellite. If anyone requires the complete 10 page safty data sheet please email me. Luc, see you next time you are in OZ. Regards JVN SHELL SHELlLITE
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO WORKSAFE AUSTRALIA CRITERIA
SUPPLIER
Company: The Shell Company of Australia Limited Address: Shell House, 1 Spring Street (PO Box 872K) PO Box 2091 Melbourne Wellington VIC 3001 New Zealand Australia Telephone: (03)9666 5444 Telephone: 64 4 4720080 Fax: (03)96665008/64 44980100
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability: 4
Toxicity: 2
Body Contact: 2
Reactivity: 0
Chronic effect: 2
Scale: Min / Nil = 0, Low = 1, Moderate = 2, High = 3 and Extreme = 4.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPEMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
Product Name: Shell Shellite Other Names: Product Code 00720
Used as rubber solvent, cleaning solvent, lighter fluid and as fast evaporating, highly volatile solvent in enamels, adhesives and lacquers. The use of a quantity of material in an unventilated or confined space may result in increased exposure and an irritating atmosphere developing Before starting consider control of exposure by mechanical ventilation.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION/PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
Clear highly flammable liquid with a typical hydrocarbon liquid odour; floats on water. Classed as an aliphatic solvent; i.e has low aromatic content.
Molecular Weight: Not applicable. Boiling Point (deg C): 47-128 Melting Point (deg C): Not available. Vapour Pressure (kPa): 34.5 -at- 15 deg C Specific Gravity: 0.71 -at- 15 deg C Flash Point (deg C): {-30 Lower Explosive Limit (%): 1.0 Upper Explosive Limit (%): 7.5 Solubility in Water (g/L): Immiscible
INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN % paraffins, as liquid hydrocarbons Various } 60 naphthenes Notspec n-hexane 110-54-3 13 aromatic hydrocarbons total, including {5.0 toluene 108-88-3 3.5app ethylbenzene 100-41-4 benzene 71-43-2 {0.5 C8 and higher aromatics approx1
Anaspec wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Hi all } } Whilst working in Australia we found a few labs using something called } Shellite as a de-greaser to clean microscope parts. This works very well and } seems to be very available. we then looked for the same product here in SA. } We then found that this is a trade name only in Australia and is actually } petroleum ether or spirit. } We called the local Shell distributor to ask what the difference was between } spirit and ether. Well, they were not sure on that one. Then we were told } you must specify the temperature range of the petroleum Ether. 40 - 60, 60 - } 80 or 80 - 100 deg Celsius. Again no explanation as to what the difference } is an why. } Can any one give us some more info on Petroleum ether / spirit and the } advantages disadvantages on the different temperatures. } } Thanks } } Luc Harmsen } Anaspec, South Africa } Technical support on microscopy. } Tel + 27 (0) 11 476 3455 } Fax + 27 (0) 11 476 7290 } anaspec-at-icon.co.za } www.anaspec.co.za } } Remember, ICEM 15 will be in } 2002, Durban, South Africa. } www.icem15.com
-- **************************************************** John V Nailon Operations Manager Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis The University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland 4072 Phone: +61-7-3365-4214 Fax: +61-7-3365-4422 WWW: http://www.uq.edu.au/nanoworld/allstaff.html#Nailon ****************************************************
I carry a full line of refurbished histology equipment. Please contact me for price quotes and recommendations.
Ford Royer Analytical Instruments 9921 13th Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55441 (800) 565-1895, extension 17 fax: (612) 929-1895 email: froyer-at-bitstream.net
Phillip Rutledge wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } I'm currently in the process of setting up a Histology/Microbiology/EM facility. Being out of Histology for almost 30 years (been doing EM) I'm not sure of the best type of tissue processor to buy. I won't be doing that many specimens, so I'm leaning towards a rotary tissue processor. I have info on Shandon and Tissue-Tek. Are there others out there? Anyone having opinions on the 2 mentioned, I would appreciate any comments. I am looking for ease of use (changing solutions, fume safeguards), reliability on service and cost effectiveness. Thanks. } } Peace be with you, } Phil Rutledge (410)778-4136, 2120 } prutledge-at-ars.usda.gov
Just to throw in a further little complication of nomenclature:
In New Zealand, (and maybe in Australia, too), the general name we use for stuff like Shellite, is "white spirit".
In the US it's often called "unleaded gas(oline)", or "white gas(oline)", I think.
It's the stuff that Coleman camping stoves run on.
However, in the UK, "white spirits" is what I would call "mineral turpentine" ie the comparitively non-volatile solvent often used for thinning oil-based paints.
As I found a few years ago, shortly after my arrival in the UK to continue the camping holiday that I'd started in the US, it doesn't work in Coleman stoves.
rtch
Ritchie Sims Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 7713 Department of Geology Fax : 64 9 3737435 The University of Auckland email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
we have recently started working on Transmission Electron Microscopy of several kinds of clusters in various martices. We frequently face the problem of analyzing particle size distribution and other features of the images.
We use several software programs for our particle analysis, but we always conclude that measuring the particle size by eye is the most reliable way to get accurate data.
We have both Digital Micrograph software and other programs (Scion image etc...), but we have never used them for this kind of application.
As we look both at bulk materials, and at thin films or powders, frequently our images show an uneven contrast, and defining a threshold is difficult.
Can anyone suggest (and eventually share) a script, a program or a set of user functions that allows to study particle size distributions?
Thank very much in advance for your help in this matter.
Massimo: Try to Fourier-filter (high-pass) the images before doing the particle analysis. In this way you might be able remove the influence of the uneven background. Sometimes this works nicely. You can easily do it in Digital Micrograph. Hope this helps,
Max Sidorov ---------------------------- Dr. Maxim V. Sidorov TEM Applications Specialist Philips Electron Optics, Applications Laboratory Building AAE, Achtseweg Noord 5 5600 MD Eindhoven, the Netherlands
} -----Original Message----- } From: Massimo Catalano [SMTP:massimo.catalano-at-ime.le.cnr.it] } Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2000 09:17 } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: TEM of clusters and image analysis } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Dear Listservers, } } we have recently started working on Transmission Electron Microscopy of } several kinds of clusters in various martices. } We frequently face the problem of analyzing particle size distribution and } } other features of the images. } } We use several software programs for our particle analysis, but we always } conclude that measuring the particle size by eye is the most reliable way } to get accurate data. } } We have both Digital Micrograph software and other programs (Scion image } etc...), but we have never used them for this kind of application. } } As we look both at bulk materials, and at thin films or powders, } frequently } our images show an uneven contrast, and defining a threshold is difficult. } } Can anyone suggest (and eventually share) a script, a program or a set of } } user functions that allows to study particle size distributions? } } Thank very much in advance for your help in this matter. } } Max } } Dr. Massimo Catalano } CNR-IME } Campus Universitario } Via Arnesano } 73100 Lecce - ITALY } tel: + 39 0832 322362 } fax: + 39 0832 325299 } email: massimo.catalano-at-ime.le.cnr.it } http://www.ime.le.cnr.it } http://www.ime.le.cnr.it/sime/sime.htm } } } }
On a recent business trip outside the US, I met some people who are using a LEO 440i SEM. They wanted to do cathodoluminescence (CL) with it and were not having too much success so I volunteered to post this message to the list to seek advice. The PMT is mounted in a housing/port that is located at about 2 O'clock (if you consider the door to be at 6 o'clock). The mounting of the PMT is horizontal and it looks like the distance to the PMT input is about 20 cm from the center of the chamber. There is a glass lens on a slider arrangement in front of the PMT input but they were unclear as to how to adjust this.
They do not know the type of PMT that was supplied and haven't opened up the system to determine this. It looks like it must be an end-on type.
One of their questions has to do with the adjustment, if any, for the PMT voltage and how they can do this and how they can monitor the value of the PMT voltage.
They believe that the PMT should have been mounted at an angle to better see the sample but the only other port where this could be done is not usable for the PMT when the EDS detector is in place.
The other work that they are doing with the instrument is completely satisfactory, so far as I could tell, and I suspect that someone on the list can provide the answers to these questions and help to get them in business doing monochromatic CL as well.
All suggestions from ohter users of this type of instrument, obviously, will be much appreciated.
Any vendors who provide CL accessories for this instrument should contact me directly.
Thank you.
Donald J. Marshall
Donald J. Marshall Relion Industries P.O. Box 12 Bedford, MA 01730 Ph: 781-275-4695 FAX: 781-271-0252 email dmrelion-at-world.std.com
Cathodoluminescence, mass spectroscopy, electron beam technology
"A weed is a flower out of place."
(Please note: Do not send email with attachments to this address. Instead, send it to donbarlen-at-aol.com. Thank you.)
Please note that the Seminar/Workshop at Princeton University on April 25, 2000 will be at PMI. For additional information and registration please see the DI web site at www.di.com and click on "Workshops and Seminars".
Regards, Jeff Doran Digital Instruments Veeco Metrology Group
Hi Richie & readers As I recall from the oil field days of the 80s, the term "white gasoline" referred to a condensate from natural gas production. People were known to collect (swipe) this free fuel at the well site & use it in their autos. I do not know what it's composition is but this was not really considered a good substitute for gasoline. Something about destroyed pistons & the such.
Bruce Brinson Rice U.
Ritchie Sims wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Just to throw in a further little complication of nomenclature: } } In New Zealand, (and maybe in Australia, too), the general name we } use for stuff like Shellite, is "white spirit". } } In the US it's often called "unleaded gas(oline)", or "white } gas(oline)", I think. } } It's the stuff that Coleman camping stoves run on. } } However, in the UK, "white spirits" is what I would call "mineral } turpentine" ie the comparitively non-volatile solvent often used for } thinning oil-based paints. } } As I found a few years ago, shortly after my arrival in the UK to } continue the camping holiday that I'd started in the US, it doesn't } work in Coleman stoves. } } rtch } } Ritchie Sims Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 7713 } Department of Geology Fax : 64 9 3737435 } The University of Auckland email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz } Private Bag 92019 } Auckland } New Zealand
Yes, but Kate said, that they already have an EDX system attached. Normally these systems need access to the scan coils as well, that's why I mentioned "plug and play". I bet, that the EDX system is connected to connector JA2 on the back of the microscope, which is where we would also connect the digital acquisition system (of course with an additional connector for the existing X-ray system).
Michael
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: Scott D. Davilla [mailto:davilla-at-4pi.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2000 3:45 PM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
} though (seconds). Installation of a passive system may be easier in some } circumstances, but on your 840 the installation of an active system is } "plug and play".
Actually, about 90% of the 840s have the internal scan relays soldered in place on the scan gen board. The other 10% will need the relays added. JEOL service is best for this as they have the relays in stock. To check, one must physically examine the scan gen board.
Scott ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
Has anyone had a demo for the new Zeiss CCD known as the "Axiocam"? Or better, has anyone ordered it and had it installed in their lab. I'd like to know the usual things regarding performance and overall satisfaction. Thanks.
Some of you asked what caused the turbo pump failure I related last week. I frankly don't know. There is some scope in the S250 for objects (samples, for example) to fall into the pump. Cambridge fitted a mesh screen to trap these, but it is possible that some small hard fragment got between the fan and stator blades somehow. In early Cambridge 250s there was no rough pumping sequence - the baffle valve was simply opened, dumping the specimen chamber air at 1 bar into the turbo pump while it was running at its top speed. The dramatic shreik of protest that results is a great party trick when demonstrating the machine to visitors, but slows the pump dramatically and undoubtedly causes great mechanical stress on the turbines and stator blades. Strangely, we never suffered pump failures during this stressful event, but only when the pumps were in apparently smooth running at top speed. I think we are now on about our fourth pump in twenty years, and this last one has survived unscathed for about 10 years with nothing more than an occasional oil-change, during which time it has mostly been run continuously, surviving endless air-dump cycles. Now that I have told you that I can probably expect our next failure almost immediately! Perhaps I'll order the skip now, just in case. ===================================================================== DR CHRIS JEFFREE BIOSEM - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES EM FACILITY UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH Daniel Rutherford Building King's Buildings, Mayfield Road EDINBURGH, EH9 3JH, Scotland, UK Tel. #44 131 650 5345 FAX. #44 131 650 6563 Mobile 0410 585 401 email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk SEM / TEM bookings sem-at-ed.ac.uk =====================================================================
I saw the scope several weeks back but never saw through it, Zeiss could not get it to work. I know one lab on campus has one and they say it images beautifully, when it works...... they have been using our Optronics lately.
Thomas Moninger moninger-at-emiris.iaf.uiowa.edu University of Iowa Central Microscopy Research Facility http://www.uiowa.edu/~cemrf Views expressed are mine. On Wed, 19 Apr 2000, Chris Edwards wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Has anyone had a demo for the new Zeiss CCD known as the "Axiocam"? Or } better, has anyone ordered it and had it installed in their lab. I'd like } to know the usual things regarding performance and overall satisfaction. } Thanks. } } }
Readers, At the upcoming Microscopy & Microanalysis Conference (13/17 August in Philadelphia) we will again hold a Just For Fun Image Contest. Concept is an image composed of one or more other images, one of which must be microscopical in nature. Prizes will be $300, $200 and $100 for first, second and third prizes respectively. One does not have to be present to win. Should you might be interested, kindly contact me direct and I will forward detail. Last year we had over 30 entries. Regards, Don Grimes, Microscopy Today
} Yes, but Kate said, that they already have an EDX system attached. } Normally these systems need access to the scan coils as well, that's why } I mentioned "plug and play". I bet, that the EDX system is connected to } connector JA2 on the back of the microscope, which is where we would } also connect the digital acquisition system (of course with an } additional connector for the existing X-ray system).
Maybe you misunderstand my intent. All I'm saying is don't assume a JEOL 840 has everything required for active scan control. Some don't, but it's not a show stopper provided the information is known and planned for in advance. Just because there is an EDX system attached does not mean that it is attached to the microscope beam control. There are more EDX systems sold without X-ray mapping than sold with X-ray mapping. In the same note, just because the JEOL 840 has a "plug and play" interface does not mean that the external scan relays are present. Both issues raise flags here and can mean the difference in a painless or painfull installation if the details are not addressed.
Scott ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
Many thanks for the various valuations sent me. We have enough now for our needs. For those interested, the valuations ranged from 15k$ to 45k$, with the average about 25 - 30 k$.
Phil -- }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Philip Oshel Supervisor, AMFSC and BBPIC Dept. of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences University of Wisconsin 1656 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1581 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-7420 (dept. fax)
We have a Kodak XLS8300 dye sublimation printer that needs repair. Kodak no longer supports this instrument, has no replacement parts we need and doesn't know where we can get service.
When we shipped it for repair, we got a report that said it needed a hard drive and possibly a saturn board (motherboard, I presume) and that they could not provide service.
I would appreciate getting suggestions of where to get this printer serviced.
Please reply directly to me, and not to the listserv.
Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence quartz coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond directly at the following email address.
Steven Ridge Fryer Company Inc. 847-669-2000 Phone s.ridge-at-fryerco.com
I recently completed a research paper to complete my EE Degree which included a section on vacuum principles. I incorporated part of the in formation I got from an article by XEI scientific on contamination control. It spoke of oil deposits on cool windows or a loss of low energy xray. I thought I also read (on the web site) of how x-rays will turn ceramics yellow. I can not find the article again. Can you help me with this? What I am trying to decipher is, will concentrated xray emission through a ceramic cause it to yellow and could contamination deposits be the cause of this? Would appreciate any answers or leads as to where I might find the answer.
Once again there is a conference coming up and I have found myself with a few extra rooms. If anyone is need of hotel rooms at the San Francisco Marriott for the Materials Research Society meeting next week, please let me know. If nobody needs them, I will be cancelling them tomorrow night.
I have rooms for arrival on Saturday April 22 and departure on Friday April 28. Of course the dates could be changed if needed. They are rooms with 2 double beds and the confrence rate is $138 I think.
David Henriks Vice President TEL: 800-728-2233 (toll free in the USA) South Bay Technology, Inc. +1-949-492-2600 1120 Via Callejon FAX: +1-949-492-1499 San Clemente, CA 92673 USA e-mail: henriks-at-southbaytech.com
I did not say anything about yellowing of ceramics at the XEI Scientific web site. It is generally not a "contamination" problem. X-rays being an ionizing radiation are able to break bond and modify the crystalline structure of ceramics. When I did X-ray spectrometry I was very aware of the ability of high intensity, high energy x-rays to cause radiation damage and discoloration. However scanning electron microscope are generally operated at low energies ( {30KeV) and low beam currents. Xray damage is not a problem except with most sensitive materials.
Xray damage to oils could cause them to crosslink and yellow if oils are deposited on the surface of ceramic but I have not seen any complaints about this. Maybe a more specific description of your problem would help. Reply off list.
At 02:10 PM 4/19/00 , you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Rreally....can anyone identify a source of high quality #1 cover slips that are not made in China and don't have micro fractures in them?
Coverslip number 1 thickness is 0.13 to 0.17mm. Ours are 0.25 thick (and 25.4mm dia) I didn't know #1 quartz coverslips existed, made in China or outer space. Perhaps GG should not blame the Chinese manufacturer for flaws in #1 slips; maybe perfect #1 in quartz are impossible. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Thursday, April 20, 2000 2:33 PM, Dr. Gary Gaugler [SMTP:gary-at-gaugler.com] wrote: } } } At 02:10 PM 4/19/00 , you wrote: } } } Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence } } quartz coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond } } directly at the following email address. } } } } Steven Ridge } } Fryer Company Inc. } } 847-669-2000 Phone } } s.ridge-at-fryerco.com } } } } -- } } BMv } } } Rreally....can anyone identify a source of high quality } #1 cover slips that are not made in China and don't have } micro fractures in them? } } gg }
Friends: I have always wondered about these solvents. One way to sort out intercontinental differences is to ask - what do they smell like? Gasoline has a distinctive odor, whether leaded or not. The Pet Ether I use in my lab is nearly odorless. The label describes it as having a "boiling range of 37.7 to 55.8 C/ 1 drop to dryness." Turpentine, or more correctly, oil of turpentine, has another distinctive odor. It is used to thin paints. Petroleum paint thinner, a good solvent, is much like pet ether, nearly odorless. All of the above are colorless, Kerosene, used in camp stoves and cabin heaters, another petroleum derivative, is yellow and possesses its own characteristic odor. All of these observations are from a US view point. How do these other solvents smell?
Sam Purdy National Steel Corp Tech Center Trenton, MI, USA spurdy-at-nationalsteel.com
} ---------- } From: Ritchie Sims } Sent: 19, April 2000, 12:10 PM } To: 'MSA listserver' } Subject: White Spirit } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } Just to throw in a further little complication of nomenclature: } } In New Zealand, (and maybe in Australia, too), the general name we } use for stuff like Shellite, is "white spirit". } } In the US it's often called "unleaded gas(oline)", or "white } gas(oline)", I think. } } It's the stuff that Coleman camping stoves run on. } } However, in the UK, "white spirits" is what I would call "mineral } turpentine" ie the comparitively non-volatile solvent often used for } thinning oil-based paints. } } As I found a few years ago, shortly after my arrival in the UK to } continue the camping holiday that I'd started in the US, it doesn't } work in Coleman stoves. } } rtch } } Ritchie Sims Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 7713 } Department of Geology Fax : 64 9 3737435 } The University of Auckland email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz } Private Bag 92019 } Auckland } New Zealand }
OK, if not quartz, how about glass? The Chinese products come pre-made with micro cracks. Erie used to make slips but stopped. I can find round slips from Swiss glass but not square ones for 1" x 3" slides.
I think that 4 attempts with Chinese covers which all have the same problem is not a coincidence. These were bought from Ward's Scientific. They exchanged them without any hassle. The problem is that the slips are un useable. I'd be glad to send a few new ones to you so you can see the cracks for yourself.
gary g.
At 05:32 AM 4/20/00 , you wrote: } Coverslip number 1 thickness is 0.13 to 0.17mm. Ours are 0.25 thick (and } 25.4mm } dia) } I didn't know #1 quartz coverslips existed, made in China or outer space. } Perhaps GG should not blame the Chinese manufacturer for flaws in #1 slips; } maybe perfect #1 in quartz are impossible. } Cheers } Jim Darley } ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS } PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia } Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com } Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes } www.proscitech.com } } On Thursday, April 20, 2000 2:33 PM, Dr. Gary Gaugler [SMTP:gary-at-gaugler.com] } wrote: } } } } } } At 02:10 PM 4/19/00 , you wrote: } } } } } Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence } } } quartz coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond } } } directly at the following email address. } } } } } } Steven Ridge } } } Fryer Company Inc. } } } 847-669-2000 Phone } } } s.ridge-at-fryerco.com } } } } } } -- } } } BMv } } } } } } Rreally....can anyone identify a source of high quality } } #1 cover slips that are not made in China and don't have } } micro fractures in them? } } } } gg } }
I cannot believe that only Chinese coverslips are sold in the USA. We carry a comprehensive range of good German-made coverslips . Yes, and they don't have common flaws. If that sounds too much like an advertisement, I'll add that several suppliers in Australia offer a similar range. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Thursday, April 20, 2000 11:18 PM, Dr. Gary Gaugler [SMTP:gary-at-gaugler.com] wrote: } OK, if not quartz, how about glass? The Chinese products } come pre-made with micro cracks. Erie used to make slips } but stopped. I can find round slips from Swiss glass but not } square ones for 1" x 3" slides. } } I think that 4 attempts with Chinese covers which all have the } same problem is not a coincidence. These were bought from } Ward's Scientific. They exchanged them without any hassle. } The problem is that the slips are un useable. I'd be glad to } send a few new ones to you so you can see the cracks for } yourself. } } gary g. } } } At 05:32 AM 4/20/00 , you wrote: } } Coverslip number 1 thickness is 0.13 to 0.17mm. Ours are 0.25 thick (and } } 25.4mm } } dia) } } I didn't know #1 quartz coverslips existed, made in China or outer space. } } Perhaps GG should not blame the Chinese manufacturer for flaws in #1 slips; } } maybe perfect #1 in quartz are impossible. } } Cheers } } Jim Darley } } ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS } } PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia } } Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com } } Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes } } www.proscitech.com } } } } On Thursday, April 20, 2000 2:33 PM, Dr. Gary Gaugler [SMTP:gary-at-gaugler.com] } } } } wrote: } } } } } } } } } At 02:10 PM 4/19/00 , you wrote: } } } } } } } Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence } } } } quartz coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond } } } } directly at the following email address. } } } } } } } } Steven Ridge } } } } Fryer Company Inc. } } } } 847-669-2000 Phone } } } } s.ridge-at-fryerco.com } } } } } } } } -- } } } } BMv } } } } } } } } } Rreally....can anyone identify a source of high quality } } } #1 cover slips that are not made in China and don't have } } } micro fractures in them? } } } } } } gg } } }
} } } Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence } quartz coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond } directly at the following email address. } } Steven Ridge } Fryer Company Inc. } 847-669-2000 Phone } s.ridge-at-fryerco.com } Steven, We can make anything you need. Email, fax or call with specifications. Mike Urbanik guru-at-crystalguru.com www.crystalguru.com Ph 941-645-5959 Fax 941-643-6058
I don't think we're in disagreement here. We've had our share of surprises (SEMs with external connectors for beam control, then nothing attached to the connectors, strange boards in the microscopes that should not have been there, etc.) We have had very few problems with the 840 (and 820, 6300, 6400 for that matter). But of course there is always a possibility that something is missing or not working, which must be ascertained in each case individually. As you said, it is usually not a show stopper, but requires some modifications of the microscope.
Michael
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 1675 Carr St., #105N Lakewood, CO 80215 =================================== phone: (888) FIND SIS (303) 234-9270 fax: (303) 234-9271 email: mailto:info-at-soft-imaging.com web: http://www.soft-imaging.com ===================================
-----Original Message----- } From: Scott D. Davilla [mailto:davilla-at-4pi.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2000 12:31 PM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
} Yes, but Kate said, that they already have an EDX system attached. } Normally these systems need access to the scan coils as well, that's why } I mentioned "plug and play". I bet, that the EDX system is connected to } connector JA2 on the back of the microscope, which is where we would } also connect the digital acquisition system (of course with an } additional connector for the existing X-ray system).
Maybe you misunderstand my intent. All I'm saying is don't assume a JEOL 840 has everything required for active scan control. Some don't, but it's not a show stopper provided the information is known and planned for in advance. Just because there is an EDX system attached does not mean that it is attached to the microscope beam control. There are more EDX systems sold without X-ray mapping than sold with X-ray mapping. In the same note, just because the JEOL 840 has a "plug and play" interface does not mean that the external scan relays are present. Both issues raise flags here and can mean the difference in a painless or painfull installation if the details are not addressed.
Scott ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
I have both a Spectra file in Link format and txt format saved as a MSA type file. Is there a software or an excel macro that could read these spectra ?
Steven Ridge wrote: ========================================================== Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence quartz coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond directly at the following email address. =========================================================== SPI Supplies has offered quartz coverslips 0.2 mm thick for some time and the details can be found on URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/ltmic/quartz.html
The optical characteristics of (fused) quartz are very very sensitive to the impurity levels present. Therefore it is important that one use coverslip that are of reproducible quality and of known impurity levels (also linked from above webpage). The particular quartz used for the manufacture of the SPI quartz coverslips is the same "electronic grade" used in many applications in the electronics industry. The coverslips and quartz are of USA manufacture (just in case one might wonder about origin).
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies has supplied quartz coverslips to users in the microscopy community for some number of years. Quartz coverslips are also offered by several other of the leading suppliers of consumables to the microscopy market.
Chuck
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I take it you are referring to Link AN10000, QX2000 or eX/L spectra. There are a number of ways to analyze these spectra post facto. All depend on having them on a DOS disk, which presumably you do. If you have them on LINK formatted floppys, then you can read them on a DOS machine with a small program RDL2.EXE which I wrote a while ago, although that program will not read subdirectories on LINK floppys. It copies the files byte-by-byte to a DOS hard drive. Run the program to get three lines of useage instructions. Once they are in DOS, you can do a number of things:
1) Use my program LKSPCV.EXE which will convert them into a text file formatted for direct input into Excel or another spreadsheet or graphing program. LKSPCV knows about the differences between eX/L files and AN10/QX2000 files, and I believe (though I've never tested) that it will also handle the old LINK 860 files correctly, too. Usage: LKPSCV infilename.sp outfilename.txt
2) Use the program DTSA (Desktop Spectrum Analyser) which used to be sold by NIST. I know that the status of that program has changed, and I don't know if it is still available or not. However, it runs on a Mac, and can import both AN10/QX2000 and eX/L files, as well as MSA formatted files.
3) If you have access to a LINK ISIS analyser via a friend or colleague, these systems can import and process eX/L or AN10/QX2000 spectrum files.
LKSPCV.EXE and RDL2.EXE are available by FTP from prism.mit.edu:2101. Ther are a number of other files on that site, too, of which the useful ones are LKCONV.COM which formats LINK disks on a PC (which must be running plain DOS - not a DOS window) and LKCV3.EXE which extracts individual images and maps from LINK eX/L or AN10/QX2000 studies.
At 10:21 AM 04/20/2000 -0400, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
** Anthony J. Garratt-Reed ** MIT Room # 13-1027 ** 77 Massachusetts Avenue ** Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 ** USA ** ** Phone: (+) 1-617-253-4622 ** Fax: (+) 1-617-258-6479 **
I have a program that I wrote in Visual Basic 6 that will read the EMSA format EDS and EELS data, plot them, color, them, overlay them, print them, copies the graphical data to an RTF document, and can convert them to the EMSA format with two column X,Y pairs. I have been toying with the idea of selling the program through South Bay Technology inexpensively. I have no idea what the market would be for something like this. I have given a few copies of it out for evaluation and hoped to get feedback about what I should add to it, but no one has gotten back to me. The program is primarily geared for EELS spectra but works with EMIspec, Noran, and DTSA EMSA formatted EDS spectra. If you agree to give me feedback on the program (and a pitcher of beer at M&M 2000 if you go), I might be able to be convinced to send you a copy. I would like to know if it works with some of the other EDS systems.
The reason that I wrote it was that the Gatan EL/P program output the EMSA format in y-only format with columns of five. Gatan isn't the only company to do that, I believe that the Noran data comes out that way. That format is difficult to parse properly in Excel so that you can graph it. What I did was to open the ASCII data in a word processor, replace all the hard returns with a comma, then replace all the commas with a hard return, and then resave as an ASCII text file. Then you can open it in (or copy and paste the data) in Excel. Then you move the column over once and create the X values for plotting the data as X,Y pairs.
I originally wrote the program to just convert it to X,Y pairs so that I could use Excel but then it was so easy to graph it in VB6, that I just got carried away.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. PPG Industries, Inc. Glass Technology Center Guys Run Rd. (packages) P. O. Box 11472 (letters) Pittsburgh, PA 15238-0472
Walck-at-PPG.com
(412) 820-8651 (office) (412) 820-8161 (fax)
"The opinions expressed are those of Scott D. Walck and not of PPG Industries, Inc. nor of any PPG-associated companies." --
} -----Original Message----- } From: Filion, Christian [mailto:christian.filion-at-atlasstainless.com] } Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 10:21 AM } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: EDS spectra on PC } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.} html } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } Good morning, } } I have both a Spectra file in Link format and txt format } saved as a MSA } type file. Is there a software or an excel macro that could read these } spectra ? } } Thank you } } Christian Filion } Superviseur Laboratoires } Aciers Inoxydables Atlas } 1640 Marie-Victorin } Tracy, QuŽbec } J3R 5R5 } TelÊ: 450-746-5243 } faxÊ: 450-746-5241 }
I am trying to track down information on the short wavelength cut-off used in EDS microanalysis to determine the true electron accelerating voltage. I have a number of articles describing its determination, but little in the way of historical information. It is also known as the 'Duane-Hunt' limit. I cannot find any references to a Duane or a Hunt. Does anyone know the originator of the concept and why it is known as this?
Thanks Robert A. Carlton Aventis Pharmaceuticals Tel 610-454-3949 Robert.Carlton-at-aventis.com
We are looking to upgrade our EDS system with a 4pi based system or Evax. Does any one have any opinions about these systems or is there others you could recomend? The TEM is a CM20 with an EDAX detector.
The MSA text format is written in such a way so that the data should be directly importable into any standard spreadsheet program.
Just import it as ASCII text with a "comma" deliminator between columns.
I am presuming that you stored the data in 2 column (X,Y) format. If you did otherwise you will need to do a small amount of cleanup but it should not be difficult. The other obvious trick is to go back to the EDS system and make sure you store the data in X,Y single column format;
Nestor
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================================================================== Nestor J. Zaluzec Materials Science Division Building 212 Argonne National Lab 9700 S. Cass Ave Argonne, Illinois 60439 USA Tel: 630-252-7901, Fax: 630-252-4798 Email: Zaluzec-at-aaem.amc.anl.gov ================================================================== TPMLab: http://tpm.amc.anl.gov MMSite: http://www.amc.anl.gov ==================================================================
The box said "This program requires Win 95/98/NT or better..." so I bought a G3 Mac
The SEM lab manager position at the Smithsonian Institution is now open.
The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced electron microscopist to fill a vacancy for SEM laboratory operation and management. The SEM facility is designed to serve both the biological and geological research communities in the museum, and houses two recent model SEMs and one state-of-the-art environmental microscope (to be installed in mid-2000). The principal responsibilities include training staff members and visiting scientists in proper use of equipment and theory of electron generation and detection, maintenance and troubleshooting all instrumentation (in conjunction with full service contracts), evaluation of new developments in SEM technology, and supervision of a support staff member. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to gain experience in Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Microscopy and high spatial resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry HR SIMS.
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NOTE: Completed Smithsonian applications must be received by May 16th, 2000.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Edward P. Vicenzi Smithsonian Institution Department of Mineral Sciences Washington, DC 20560-0119
The short wavelength limit for x-ray spectra produced by excitation with an electron beam is discussed and illustrated in the section on "The Continuous Spectrum" (I believe Sect. 1.3) in Chapter 1 of The book 'Elements of X-ray Diffraction', by B. D. Cullity, Addison Wesley.
Basically, you are dealing here with the Bremsstrahlung radiation which is generated by electrons in the incident electron beam which lose increments of their energy as they interact with the specimen. Each incremental energy loss gives rise to an x-ray photon having a photon energy equal to the energy loss increment, i.e. Energy loss of a beam electron = Energy of generated Bremsstrahlung photon. The maximum amount of energy a beam electron electron can give up occurs when it is stopped in a single collision, whereupon the energy loss equals the energy imparted to the electron by the applied accelerating voltage, and is numerically the same as the value of the accelerating voltage when expressed in keV. (i.e. an accelerating voltage of 20 kV gives electrons a kinetic energy of 20 keV) A maximum energy loss event of this kind produces a Bremsstrahlund photon with the highest possible energy. Photon wavelengths decrease as photon energies increase, and so this Bremsstrahlung photon of maximum energy also is the photon with the shortest wavelength. Ergo, if you measure the photon energy at the short wavelength limit, you know the value of the accelerating voltage.
Wilbur C. Bigelow, Prof. Emeritus Materials Sci. & Engr., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2136 e-mail: bigelow-at-umich.edu; Fx:734-763-4788; Ph:734-662-5237
Very few people use quartz coverslips, but they should not be afraid. I understand that the only USA manufacturer is General Electric and almost certainly all pure quartz products made in USA are made from quartz supplied by GE. Our quartz slips and slides are made from GE quartz too. I think that it is important for endusers to know when supplies are in fact standard (however excellent) or "extra special". Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Friday, April 21, 2000 1:51 AM, Garber, Charles A. [SMTP:cgarber-at-2spi.com] wrote: } } -- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] -- } } Steven Ridge wrote: } ========================================================== } Can someone help me with a US source to purchase, low fluorescence quartz } coverlips for conventional microscope slides. Please respond directly at } the following email address. } =========================================================== } } . . . .The optical characteristics of (fused) quartz are very very sensitive to the } impurity levels present. Therefore it is important that one use coverslip } that are of reproducible quality and of known impurity levels (also linked } from above webpage). The particular quartz used for the manufacture of the } SPI quartz coverslips is the same "electronic grade" used in many } applications in the electronics industry. The coverslips and quartz are of } USA manufacture (just in case one might wonder about origin). } } Disclaimer: SPI Supplies has supplied quartz coverslips to users in the } microscopy community for some number of years. Quartz coverslips are also } offered by several other of the leading suppliers of consumables to the } microscopy market. } } Chuck
Hi all, This is off the microscopy subject...sorry. Any recommendations on digital cameras for copy stand work and general photography? Has anyone tried the Nikon Coolpix 990? We're coming up on the end of the fiscal year and there might be funds available for a digital camera so any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks, Beth Richardson
************************************** Beth Richardson EM Lab Coordinator Botany Department University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602
Hi all, The status is now that DTSA is being given away free by NIST, go to http://www.cstl.nist.gov/div837/837.02/dtsa.html it is Macintosh only but imports many file types. Scott
} Anthony Garratt-Reed wrote: ..snip... } 2) Use the program DTSA (Desktop Spectrum Analyser) which used to be sold } by NIST. I know that the status of that program has changed, and I don't } know if it is still available or not. However, it runs on a Mac, and can } import both AN10/QX2000 and eX/L files, as well as MSA formatted files. ..snip...
------------------- note: new mailing address ------------------------ Scott Wight fax: 301-417-1321 NIST 222/A113 W voice: 301-975-3949 100 Bureau Dr STOP 8371 | email: scott.wight-at-nist.gov Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8371 \|/ disclaimer: Any opinion expressed is my own and does not represent those of my employer.
The 17th Annual New England Society for Microscopy (NESM) at Woods Hole, MA will be held Friday, May 12th and Saturday, May l3th.
Highlights of the meeting include: Invited Presentations in both the Biological and Physical Sciences arena, Commercial exhibits, Poster/Photomicrograph Award Contest, Banquet & Cocktail Get-Together, Discovery Cruise, Door Prizes, and much more!
For information re: registration, meeting agenda, poster/photomicrograph submission forms, accomodations, and directions, please contact Peggy Sherwood, Corresponding Secretary (NESM) at MESnesm-at-aol.com. A newsletter will be mailed to you. Please respond ASAP-registration deadline is Monday, May 1, 2000!
hi all.... we are considering getting a kodak MDS 120 digital camera for photomicroscopy (brightfield)...does anyone have any experience with this system...is it cost effective....? user friendly? Is there any other system that would be recommended? thanks for any feedback Ronald F. Mervis, Ph.D. RonMervis-at-aol.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Neuro-Cognitive Research Laboratories 2109 West Fifth Ave Columbus, OH 43212
Long time ago I had worked in a laboratory which had a linear electron accelerator. It was well known that regular glasses (made from glass, not plastic) left for a few days close to accelerator would turn in a pretty good sunglasses. Effect would last for a few month, and then glasses again would be clear. So, every spring a few glasses were sitting close to accelerator. Sure, energy was much higher than for SEM.
Vladimir Dusevich
} Dear Joe and list members: } } I did not say anything about yellowing of ceramics at the XEI } Scientific web } site. It is generally not a "contamination" problem. X-rays being an } ionizing radiation are able to break bond and modify the crystalline } structure of ceramics. When I did X-ray spectrometry I was } very aware of the } ability of high intensity, high energy x-rays to cause } radiation damage and } discoloration. However scanning electron microscope are } generally operated } at low energies ( {30KeV) and low beam currents. Xray damage } is not a problem } except with most sensitive materials. } } Xray damage to oils could cause them to crosslink and } yellow if oils are } deposited on the surface of ceramic but I have not seen any } complaints about } this. Maybe a more specific description of your problem would } help. Reply } off list. } } Notice: XEI Scientific sells anti-contamination systems. } } Ronald Vane } XEI Scientific } } -----Original Message----- } } From: Joe {jmetzger-at-suscom.net} } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2000 5:59 PM } Subject: Xray } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------- } ----------- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } ------------------------------------------------------------- } ----------. } } } } } } I recently completed a research paper to complete my EE } } Degree which included a section on vacuum principles. I } } incorporated part of the in formation I got from an article } } by XEI scientific on contamination control. It spoke of oil } } deposits on cool windows or a loss of low energy xray. I } } thought I also read (on the web site) of how x-rays will } } turn ceramics yellow. I can not find the article again. } } Can you help me with this? What I am trying to decipher is, } } will concentrated xray emission through a ceramic cause it } } to yellow and could contamination deposits be the cause of } } this? Would appreciate any answers or leads as to where I } } might find the answer. } } } } Sincerely } } Joe Metzger } } } } } } } } } }
I'll be attempting to do some post-embedding immunogold labeling of murine platelets. I'm soliciting advice on preferred fixatives and resins. I'd like to stay away from cryosectioning if possible. If anyone has a great technique or special tips, I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks in advance!
Lesley S. Bechtold Supervisor, Biological Imaging The Jackson Laboratory 600 Main St. Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-6191
Fuji just came out with a new 4.3million pixel camera (Fujifilm FinePix 4700) utilizing their new octagonal pixel technology (Super CCD) and it sells for {$1000. I saw it in a catalog from Publishing Perfection (http:/www.publishingperfection.com)
At 11:01 AM 4/24/00 -0500, Beth Richardson wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
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Beth: There is an excellent review of the Nikon 990 at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp990/. Maybe this addresses your question. I suspect that this camera would be somewhat limited for copy stand work. I do a lot of digital imaging in my lab and use a Nikon D1, but this is considerably more expensive then a Coolpix 990. A good alternative is the Leaf Lumina which is marketed by Electron Microscopy Sciences and others. I hope this helps!!!!!!
Ken Bart
Kenneth M. Bart Director, Electron Microscopy Facility Hamilton College Clinton, New York 13323 ---------------------------------------- Phone:315-859-4715 Fax: 315-859-4807 email: kbart-at-hamilton.edu
MME's Market Research survey has been extended one day in honor of Friday's holiday. If you have not returned your survey forms, please do so by end of business Tuesday.
If, for some reason, we missed you, please email me immediately with your fax number.
We already have nearly 10% return. Both a summary of our findings and the winner of the M&M '99 Master Report will be posted Wednesday on www.MicroscopyMarket.com
Thanks for your participation.
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GE does sell quartz glass in the US. I don't recall seeing coverslips, but we have purchase quartz that was approximately 1 mm in thickness. Here is their contact information and a website.
4901 Campbell Road Willoughby, Ohio 44094 USA Phone: (216) 266-3590 or 1-800-438-2100 FAX: (216) 266-4043 or 1-800-258-3803
********************************************** Dr. Raj Lartius, CEO NovaScan Technologies Iowa State University Research Park 2501 North Loop Drive Ames, Iowa USA 50010
Email: rlartius-at-novascan.com Voice: 515-795-3164 Fax: 515-795-4414 Web: www.novascan.com ********************************************** "Innovative Tools to Explore the Microworld"
I was asked today if there exists a book that broadly covers all of the different types of Microscopy (LM, EM, Probe Microscopes, etc) and gives their pros & cons and perhaps examples of their use. The faculty member who made the request is not a trained microscopist, so they would prefer something more general.
If there is such a book, it sounds like it would be an interesting one to read.
Yours, Doug Cromey .................................................................... : Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. Dept. of Cell Biology & Anatomy : : Research Specialist, Principal University of Arizona : : (office: AHSC 4212A) P.O. Box 245044 : : (voice: 520-626-2824) Tucson, AZ 85724-5044 USA : : (FAX: 520-626-2097) (email: doug-cromey-at-ns.arizona.edu): :...................................................................: http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/exp_path.html Home of: "Microscopy and Imaging Resources on the WWW"
I am looking for a stereomicroscope with Greenough optics that provides final magnification of ~10X to 64X or 80X. I want to use it for visualizing algal cells growing on agar petri dishes. The cells are about 5 microns in diameter and I want to push them around on the agar using fine glass needles. I understand that the old Zeiss DR-C works well for this application. Vermont Optech and Sciscope have been very helpful and may have usable, used systems. Any other suggestions/ideas are welcome.
William J. Snell, Ph.D. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center T-214-648-2332 F-214-648-8694 email-William.Snell-at-email.swmed.edu
I am searching some device for holding (polycarbonate)filters during dehydration and CPD. I am trying to view mycoplasms with SEM. Has anyone experience with this ?
Greetings,
De Pauw Bart Ghent University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Morphology Salisburylaan 133 9820 Merelbeke Belgium Phone : 0032(0)9 264.77.19 Fax : 0032(0)9 264.77.90
If you can help with the message below, please respond to BarbaraRBC-at-aol.com [mailto:BarbaraRBC-at-aol.com]
Please do NOT respond to the list
Susanne P Brandom MicroWorld
MESSAGE
Can you assist by providing a list of live cell blood testers in the California/Arizona area? If not, are you able to point me in the direction where I might find a list of microscopists who perform this type of test?
Thank you
Barbara Churchill (909) 624-2459 ( fax and voice mail)
} From: Bill Miller [mailto:microbill-at-mohawk.net] } Sent: Monday, April 24, 2000 2:57 PM } To: Beth Richardson; microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Re: digital cameras for copy stand work?
} Fuji just came out with a new 4.3million pixel camera (Fujifilm FinePix } 4700) utilizing their new octagonal pixel technology (Super CCD) and it } sells for {$1000. I saw it in a catalog from Publishing Perfection }
Fuji has two new cameras coming out based on their new "Super CCD" technology, the Finepix 4700 and the S-1Pro SLR Camera. In scientific imaging, an important issue is image interpolation and you must be aware of how Fuji determines resolution of these new cameras. The Super CCD technology utilizes octagonal pixels which are aligned at an angle, as opposed to horizontal rows for a conventional CCD with square pixels. The advantages of this design include denser packing of pixels, and having pixels sensitive to R,G,B in each row. It is a very interesting technology to say the least. Look closely at any Fuji literature about these cameras. The Finepix 4700 has an IMAGE resolution of 4.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has an IMAGE resolution of 6 million pixels. Note this is not CCD resolution. The 4700 has a CCD resolution of approximately 2.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has a CCD resolution of 3.2 million pixels. Fuji's image size specs are based on their claim that the image quality with the S1 Pro will be equivalent to an image captured with a 6 million pixel "conventional" CCD camera, or a 4.3 million pixel conventional CCD camera with the 4700. I have no doubt that the new cameras will produce high quality images. I can also say for sure that the cost of the new cameras is very affordable when compared to similar products currently available. It remains to be seen what effects that Fuji's interpolation will have on image integrity. S-1 Cameras are expected in late May or early June, I will be happy to provide sample images to any who request them at that time. Finepix 4700 cameras are currently starting to ship from Fuji.
George Laing National Graphic Supply scisales-at-ngscorp.com (800) 223-7130 X3109
Our book, "Optimizing Light Microscopy" covers the light end of things and there is a short chapter covering EM, confocal, etc. Details are on our website: MME-Microscopy.com/education. A number of colleges and universities have started using it as a text, most recently, U Wash (Kip Hauch).
Caveat: MME does have a financial interest in this project.
Best regards Barbara Foster,President Microscopy/Microscopy Education 125 Paridon Street Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01118-2130 PH: 413-746-6931 FX: 413-746-9311 email: MME-at-map.com Website: www.MME-Microscopy.com/education
America's first national consortium of microscopy specialists offering customized on-site training in all areas of microscopy, image analysis, and sample preparation ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
At 02:53 PM 4/24/00 -0700, Doug Cromey wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
I was tempted to write a similiar response, but it would seem too biased. However, I just read a recent Wall Street Journal article that stated that Olympus Corporation has filed a law suit against Fuji. Appearantly, Fuji does not feel they have a strong defense as they are instructing Dealers to place a correction sticker over the resolution specifications on the boxes and make disclaimers in all advertisements.
Regards,
Lawrence Kordon Nikon, Inc. nikon-at-jagunet.com
George Laing wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } From: Bill Miller [mailto:microbill-at-mohawk.net] } } Sent: Monday, April 24, 2000 2:57 PM } } To: Beth Richardson; microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } Subject: Re: digital cameras for copy stand work? } } } Fuji just came out with a new 4.3million pixel camera (Fujifilm FinePix } } 4700) utilizing their new octagonal pixel technology (Super CCD) and it } } sells for {$1000. I saw it in a catalog from Publishing Perfection } } } Fuji has two new cameras coming out based on their new "Super CCD" } technology, the Finepix 4700 and the S-1Pro SLR Camera. In scientific } imaging, an important issue is image interpolation and you must be aware of } how Fuji determines resolution of these new cameras. } The Super CCD technology utilizes octagonal pixels which are aligned } at an angle, as opposed to horizontal rows for a conventional CCD with } square } pixels. The advantages of this design include denser packing of pixels, and } having pixels sensitive to R,G,B in each row. It is a very interesting } technology } to say the least. } Look closely at any Fuji literature about these cameras. The Finepix 4700 } has an IMAGE resolution of 4.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has an IMAGE } resolution } of 6 million pixels. Note this is not CCD resolution. The 4700 has a CCD } resolution } of approximately 2.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has a CCD resolution of 3.2 } million } pixels. } Fuji's image size specs are based on their claim that the image quality } with the } S1 Pro will be equivalent to an image captured with a 6 million pixel } "conventional" CCD } camera, or a 4.3 million pixel conventional CCD camera with the 4700. } I have no doubt that the new cameras will produce high quality images. I } can } also say for sure that the cost of the new cameras is very affordable when } compared to } similar products currently available. It remains to be seen what effects } that Fuji's } interpolation will have on image integrity. } S-1 Cameras are expected in late May or early June, I will be happy to } provide } sample images to any who request them at that time. Finepix 4700 cameras are } currently } starting to ship from Fuji. } } George Laing } National Graphic Supply } scisales-at-ngscorp.com } (800) 223-7130 X3109
In a message dated 04/24/2000 10:32:32 AM US Mountain Standard Time, RonMervis-at-aol.com-at-sparc5.microscopy.com writes:
{ { we are considering getting a kodak MDS 120 digital camera for photomicroscopy (brightfield)...does anyone have any experience with this system...is it cost effective....? user friendly? } }
Hi Ron,
The Kodak MDS 120 seems to do a decent job. Part of the MDS (Microscopy Documentation System) with the camera is a c-mount adapter that you mount to the phototube of your microscope. It requires a 1.0X adapter in the phototube, and the adapter should have a c-mount on it. The Kodak adapter then mounts on the end of the 1.0X adapter.
You may encounter some vignetting with the camera, especially if you try to use the wide-angle setting on the camera's zoom lens. The vignetting seems to be a function of the photo adapters which are used, and Kodak has a disclaimer about this in the instruction manual. It may or may not be a problem with your scope/phototube/c-mount adapter.
Part of the package which we got is a 16 MB Flash Memory card for the camera, so you can either run the camera from your computer or store images on the memory card and then remove the card and take it to a computer to transfer the images to the computer. The package also had a PCMCIA card adapter in it. The memory card plugs into the end of the PCMCIA device, and you can then slip it into a PCMCIA slot on a laptop computer.
But if you need to use a desktop computer and don't have a PCMCIA slot, you need to get something like a SanDisk card reader for the computer. They're available at CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, OfficeMax, etc. for about $70.
The software with the camera is very nice. It lets you transfer images from the camera's memory directly or from from the memory card, preview images and download them directly from the camera, etc. as well as perform some basic image adjustments (flip, rotate, modify brightness, contrast, gamma, etc.)
Overall, I would say the Kodak system is a nice way to document general microscopy images in brightfield and phase contrast microscopy for under $2K. We haven't tried to use the camera for fluorescence imaging, so I have no history to contribute on this subject.
There is the Handbook of Microscopy: Applications in Materials Science, Solid State Physics and Chemistry /ed by S. Amelinckx et al., v.1-3, Weinheim, N.Y.: VCH (1997). It covers LM, EM (stationary and scanning beam methods), X-ray and acoustic microscopy, scanning probe techniques, magnetic and emission microscopies, image analysis, and microscopy applications to various classes of materials as well.
Vladimir
************************************ Vladimir P. Oleshko, Ph.D. Industrial Associates Program Center for Solid State Science Arizona State University Main Campus, PO Box 871704 Tempe, AZ 85287-1704 (480) 727-7666 Fax: (480) 965-9004 E-Mail:oleshko-at-imap3.asu.edu *************************************
-----Original Message----- } From: Doug Cromey [mailto:doug-cromey-at-ns.arizona.edu] Sent: Monday, April 24, 2000 2:54 PM To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Colleagues,
I was asked today if there exists a book that broadly covers all of the different types of Microscopy (LM, EM, Probe Microscopes, etc) and gives their pros & cons and perhaps examples of their use. The faculty member who made the request is not a trained microscopist, so they would prefer something more general.
If there is such a book, it sounds like it would be an interesting one to read.
Yours, Doug Cromey ................................................................... : Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. Dept. of Cell Biology & Anatomy : : Research Specialist, Principal University of Arizona : : (office: AHSC 4212A) P.O. Box 245044 : : (voice: 520-626-2824) Tucson, AZ 85724-5044 USA : : (FAX: 520-626-2097) (email: doug-cromey-at-ns.arizona.edu): :...................................................................: http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/exp_path.html Home of: "Microscopy and Imaging Resources on the WWW"
In addition to what George and Bill have pointed out, Fuji claims the imager (ccd) is roughly the size of APS film on the S1 Pro. What I cannot find in the literature is the pixel size specification whereby one can calculate or compare the field of view (on a microscope) of this camera with other mega pixel cameras. Shane
K. Shane Collins Scientific Instrument Company 805.444.4953 cell 310.568.9188 office 310.568.9189 fax
-----Original Message----- } From: George Laing [mailto:scisales-at-ngscorp.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2000 6:27 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
} From: Bill Miller [mailto:microbill-at-mohawk.net] } Sent: Monday, April 24, 2000 2:57 PM } To: Beth Richardson; microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Re: digital cameras for copy stand work?
} Fuji just came out with a new 4.3million pixel camera (Fujifilm FinePix } 4700) utilizing their new octagonal pixel technology (Super CCD) and it } sells for {$1000. I saw it in a catalog from Publishing Perfection }
Fuji has two new cameras coming out based on their new "Super CCD" technology, the Finepix 4700 and the S-1Pro SLR Camera. In scientific imaging, an important issue is image interpolation and you must be aware of how Fuji determines resolution of these new cameras. The Super CCD technology utilizes octagonal pixels which are aligned at an angle, as opposed to horizontal rows for a conventional CCD with square pixels. The advantages of this design include denser packing of pixels, and having pixels sensitive to R,G,B in each row. It is a very interesting technology to say the least. Look closely at any Fuji literature about these cameras. The Finepix 4700 has an IMAGE resolution of 4.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has an IMAGE resolution of 6 million pixels. Note this is not CCD resolution. The 4700 has a CCD resolution of approximately 2.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has a CCD resolution of 3.2 million pixels. Fuji's image size specs are based on their claim that the image quality with the S1 Pro will be equivalent to an image captured with a 6 million pixel "conventional" CCD camera, or a 4.3 million pixel conventional CCD camera with the 4700. I have no doubt that the new cameras will produce high quality images. I can also say for sure that the cost of the new cameras is very affordable when compared to similar products currently available. It remains to be seen what effects that Fuji's interpolation will have on image integrity. S-1 Cameras are expected in late May or early June, I will be happy to provide sample images to any who request them at that time. Finepix 4700 cameras are currently starting to ship from Fuji.
George Laing National Graphic Supply scisales-at-ngscorp.com (800) 223-7130 X3109
I am forwarding this request in the hopes that someone would be able to assist these film producers to find some footage for a museum exhibit they are working on.
Thanks for our attention.
John Bozzola
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chedd-Angier is producing a series of exhibits for the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, VA.(. http://www.chedd-angier.com.) We currently produce the Scientific American Frontiers Program on PBS.(http://www.pbs.org/saf)
Our science museum project encompasses a wide variety of exhibits ranging from a voyage through a cell called cell watcher, to a life size journey through the human body called BODY PROBE. I am looking for a variety of footage pieces to use in these exhibits. They will all be used for North American non broadcast educational use only in a museum that DOES not have a separate admission policy for this exhibit. The electron micrograph footage that I am looking for is :
For cell watcher Mitochondria Golgi Bodies Cell membranes Nucleus Chromosomes Vesicles Endoplasmic Reticulum Lysosomes Fat cells expanding Mitosis White blood cells muscle cells contracting plant stem cells elongating cells from a fallopian tube amoeba sperm cells swimming This is a very extensive list, and if there are animation related footage sources I can use those as well. If you have any questions at all please contact me at 617-926-8300. Thank you
AndrŽ Stark Producer Chedd-Angier 70 Coolidge Hill Rd Watertown, MA 02472 0101617-926-8300 617-926-2710(F)
As a new subscriber to the listserv I would like to ask your assistance in locating copies of any manuals or in-house guidelines for the basic care and maintenance of light microscopes.
I am currently assisting a group of microscopists in a humid / tropical environment to increase their ability to care for their microscopes. Care by the user is an important issue as is the ability to repair/maintain microscopes in-country. Whilst we can find quite a bit of information on how to use your microscope there is less on maintenance.
In addition does anyone have any idea on where we can purchase a "two-pin tool" for removing lenses?
Thankyou
Hazel Clothier
Regional Laboratory Scientist Pacific Regional Vector Borne Diseases Project Secretariat of the Pacific Community PMB Suva FIJI
Tel: (679) 321154 - direct (679) 320066 - ex 110 Fax:(679) 322714 hazelc-at-int
I am a beginning microscopist. I am preparing to take some TEM photos of granules isolated from mast cells. The technician I am working with would like to use phosphate buffer (+ glutaraldehyde) to fix the granules, but the literature I've read suggests using cacodylate buffer. What do you think about the benefits/disadvantages of phosphate vs cacodylate buffer for these purposes?
thanks, Aaron
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Question: when comparing phase contrast and interference contrast (Nomarski) the negative points a.o.(Ph) are halo. Interference contrast also (especially in minute organisms) has a drawback since depending on the position of the polarizer some part of f.i.bacteria do not show the relief image (the shadow) to its fullest. How do you call this phenomenon and how can it be explained?
if anyone has a used set of this avail let me know. also looking for encyclopedia of microscopy by gray (editor) thanks Ed Sharpe
{ { Subj: RE: General Microscopy book recommendation? Date: 4/25/00 2:29:52 PM US Mountain Standard Time From: Vladimir.Oleshko-at-asu.edu (Vladimir Oleshko) Reply-to: {A HREF="mailto:oleshko-at-imap3.asu.edu"} oleshko-at-imap3.asu.edu {/A} To: doug-cromey-at-ns.arizona.edu ('Doug Cromey') CC: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html -----------------------------------------------------------------------.
There is the Handbook of Microscopy: Applications in Materials Science, Solid State Physics and Chemistry /ed by S. Amelinckx et al., v.1-3, Weinheim, N.Y.: VCH (1997). It covers LM, EM (stationary and scanning beam methods), X-ray and acoustic microscopy, scanning probe techniques, magnetic and emission microscopies, image analysis, and microscopy applications to various classes of materials as well.
Vladimir
************************************ Vladimir P. Oleshko, Ph.D. Industrial Associates Program Center for Solid State Science Arizona State University Main Campus, PO Box 871704 Tempe, AZ 85287-1704 (480) 727-7666 Fax: (480) 965-9004 E-Mail:oleshko-at-imap3.asu.edu *************************************
I am currently using a JEOL 5800LV SEM. My specimens are cells from cultures which we have grown in our labs. The low vacuum condition is 7Pa. The problem occurs when I increase the magnification, about 400 times and beyond. The picture I get will be enlarged and clear except for certain regions which displays some glaring effects. Playing around with the contrasts and brightness didn't help. I was told this was a charging problem, and increasing the vacuum might help, so I tried. It did help a little but the picture quality was compromised.
Are there other solutions to this problem of mine, such that the picture quality might remain the same.
Chris Lam BIOMAT Mechanical & Production Department National University of Singapore
Following the thread from Doug Cromey asking about books for Microscopy, I would like to suggest two manuals for light microscopy that are comprehensive in their coverage, *accurate in their educational content*, and easy to read and digest.
Title: Light Microscopy, An Illustrated Guide. Author: Ron OLDFIELD. Location: Sydney, Australia Published: 1994, Wolfe Publishing, imprint of Mosby-Year Book, Europe. 160 pages ISBN: 0-7234-1876-4 Available Amazon, no price given; ca. $20.
Title: Introduction to Light Microscopy Authors: Savile BRADBURY & Brian BRACEGIRDLE Location: Oxford, England Published: 1998, Bios Scientific Publishers Website: www.bios.co.uk Royal Microscopical Society Handbook No. 42, 122 pages. ISBN: 1-85996-121-5 Amazon Price: $32.95
Searching for, and finding, a suitable teaching and/or reference text is a personal thing. It depends on your requirements and preferences, but I suggest that these two books will help most people in most disciplines. I have used them for the last six years in teaching light microscopy to a wide spectrum of students from industry and academia.
For those intessted in digital imaging, although not a book specifically for microscopists, I have found the following text useful:
Title: Digital Imaging for Photographers, 3rd edn. Authors: Adrain DAVIES & Phil FENNESSY Published: 1998, Focal Press, Oxford, Boston.170 pages. website: www.bh.com/focalpress (Focal Press is an imprint of Butterworth-Heinemann) ISBN: 0-240-51538-2 Amazon Price: $31.96
I am both a professional and an amateur microscopist, please do not think I am denigrating the word amateur, but as an introductory text for amateur microscopists,or those starting out in a complex field, I would suggest:
Title: Exploring With the Microscope : A Book of Discovery & Learning Author: Werner NACHTIGALL Publisher: Stirling Publishing Corp. Inc., April 1997. 160 pages ISBN: 0-80690866-1 (check that this is 2nd edition) Amazon Price: $11.96
Finally, if you consider that getting school children interested in microscopy, and science generally, is an important investment for the future, then I would suggest the new Usborne Complete Book of the Microscope, which shows the relevance and the application of microscopy in many walks of life.
Title: The Usborne Complete Book of the Microscope Author: Kirsteen ROGERS Publisher: 1998, Usborne Publishing Ltd, 96 pages. website: www.usborne.com ISBN: 0-7460-3106-8 Amazon Price: $22.95
Whatever your field, light microscopy underpins, and is a necessary foundation for, electron microscopy, confocal and other techniques. I hope that these suggestions are useful. I would welcome anyone's views to me directly.
Jeremy Sanderson jb_sanderson-at-yahoo.com
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I have a few PE specimens on my desk that I want to prepare with the "permanganate etching method". Does anybody of you have some experience on this techique? Would you share some details or tips and tricks with me on how to obtain the best results? What is the best method to produce a replica from the etched specimen?
Petra -------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Petra Wahlbring Centre de Recherche Public - Gabriel Lippmann Laboratoire d'Analyse des Materiaux (LAM) 162a, av. de la Faiencerie L-1511 Luxembourg tel. +352-466644-402 fax +352-466644-400 e-mail: petra.wahlbring-at-crpgl.lu Visit our WWW site! http://www.crpgl.lu/~wahlbrin
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Hi: } } I am a beginning microscopist. I am preparing to take } some TEM photos of granules isolated from mast cells. } The technician I am working with would like to use } phosphate buffer (+ glutaraldehyde) to fix the } granules, but the literature I've read suggests using } cacodylate buffer. What do you think about the } benefits/disadvantages of phosphate vs cacodylate } buffer for these purposes? } } thanks, } Aaron } } __________________________________________________ } Do You Yahoo!? } Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites. } http://invites.yahoo.com } } }
---------------------------------------- Patton, David Email: David.Patton-at-uwe.ac.uk "University of the West of England"
Other EM websites around the world are invited to add this forum to their own sites - just follow the link on the Forum to customize your own version for your own web pages.
The service is hosted by Coolboard and is totally free.
It is currently being moderated ONLY for the purpose of keeping rubbish and spam out of it. If all goes well moderation will be dropped.
Check it out and participate in this EM community venture if you feel it will be of benefit.
Regards,
Duncan.
-- ************************************************************ Duncan Waddell (BSc) Senior Scientific Officer Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072 Australia Telephone: +61-7-3365-4216 Facsimile: +61-7-3365-4422 WWW: http://www.uq.edu.au/nanoworld/nanohome.html ************************************************************ Any opinion expressed is that of the writer, and not necessarily that of CMM or of the University. ************************************************************
Shane Collins - do you mean pixel size and numbers when you refer to field of view? Field of view, as I understand it has nothing to do with image quality, but is simply the physical size covered by a photographic system on the microscope. The crucial factors affecting field of view are objective lens mag. and the relation between photo eyepiece and the physical size of the film or CCD. 35mm film combined with a 3x photo eyepiece is about "normal", small CCD's require a much lower mag eyepiece, otherwise the system gives too greater magnifications, frequently beyond OM limits. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech Microscopy PLUS PO Box 111, Thuringowa QLD 4817 Australia Ph +61 7 4774 0370 Fax:+61 7 4789 2313 service-at-proscitech.com Great microscopy catalogue, 500 Links, MSDS, User Notes www.proscitech.com
On Wednesday, April 26, 2000 8:59 AM, Shane Collins [SMTP:kshanec-at-gte.net] wrote: } } } In addition to what George and Bill have pointed out, Fuji claims the imager } (ccd) is roughly the size of APS film on the S1 Pro. What I cannot find in } the literature is the pixel size specification whereby one can calculate or } compare the field of view (on a microscope) of this camera with other mega } pixel cameras. } Shane } } K. Shane Collins } Scientific Instrument Company } 805.444.4953 cell } 310.568.9188 office } 310.568.9189 fax } } } -----Original Message----- } } From: George Laing [mailto:scisales-at-ngscorp.com] } Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2000 6:27 AM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: RE: digital cameras for copy stand work? } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } From: Bill Miller [mailto:microbill-at-mohawk.net] } } Sent: Monday, April 24, 2000 2:57 PM } } To: Beth Richardson; microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } Subject: Re: digital cameras for copy stand work? } } } Fuji just came out with a new 4.3million pixel camera (Fujifilm FinePix } } 4700) utilizing their new octagonal pixel technology (Super CCD) and it } } sells for {$1000. I saw it in a catalog from Publishing Perfection } } } } Fuji has two new cameras coming out based on their new "Super CCD" } technology, the Finepix 4700 and the S-1Pro SLR Camera. In scientific } imaging, an important issue is image interpolation and you must be aware of } how Fuji determines resolution of these new cameras. } The Super CCD technology utilizes octagonal pixels which are aligned } at an angle, as opposed to horizontal rows for a conventional CCD with } square } pixels. The advantages of this design include denser packing of pixels, and } having pixels sensitive to R,G,B in each row. It is a very interesting } technology } to say the least. } Look closely at any Fuji literature about these cameras. The Finepix 4700 } has an IMAGE resolution of 4.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has an IMAGE } resolution } of 6 million pixels. Note this is not CCD resolution. The 4700 has a CCD } resolution } of approximately 2.3 million pixels, the S1 Pro has a CCD resolution of 3.2 } million } pixels. } Fuji's image size specs are based on their claim that the image quality } with the } S1 Pro will be equivalent to an image captured with a 6 million pixel } "conventional" CCD } camera, or a 4.3 million pixel conventional CCD camera with the 4700. } I have no doubt that the new cameras will produce high quality images. I } can } also say for sure that the cost of the new cameras is very affordable when } compared to } similar products currently available. It remains to be seen what effects } that Fuji's } interpolation will have on image integrity. } S-1 Cameras are expected in late May or early June, I will be happy to } provide } sample images to any who request them at that time. Finepix 4700 cameras are } currently } starting to ship from Fuji. } } George Laing } National Graphic Supply } scisales-at-ngscorp.com } (800) 223-7130 X3109 } }
PO4 buffers can cause Calcium to precipitate out but the use of cacodylate is archaic. Microscopists tend to be the most refractory of all scientists to change. HEPES or PIPES are reasonable alternatives for almost all procedures in which cacodylate is used - certainly widely used for basic fixation such as you describe. they are non-toxic, less expensive, and better buffers. good luck
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Thomas E. Phillips, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Director, Molecular Cytology Core Facility
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The Fuji Super CCD is 23.3 x 15.6mm; 3040 x 2016 pixels. The S1 Pro uses Nikon mount lenses and has an equivalent 35mm frame size at 1.5X the lens' focal length.
What the equivalent FOV would be on a scope is still in question. If the S1 Pro works anywhere near how the Nikon E1 or E2 does, I fear the Fuji camera won't be applicable to microscopy at all. Without a lens, the camera must operate in aperture priority mode and center weighted exposure reading. Unless Fuji made some major changes to the basic Nikon (N-60) body and associated electronics, they may have just made a higher pixel count Nikon digicam.
gary g.
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Refinement of Etching Techniques to Reveal Lamellar Profiles in Polyethylene Banded Spherulites Shahin,M.M., Olley,R.H., Blissett,M.J. J. Polym. Sci. Polym. Part B: Polym. Phys. 1999, vol.37, pp. 2279-2286
This is our latest development in the technique. If you don't have a copy, I can send you a reprint.
Generally, we use a two stage replication technique, making a first stage replica out of cellulose acetate, then putting Ta/W shadow and carbon on this and extracting the cellulose acetate.
If you can let me know a little bit more about your PE specimens, I can give you a few more details specifically adapted to your type of specimen. In particular, is it HDPE, LLDPE or LDPE?
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Robert H.Olley Phone: | | J.J.Thomson Physical Laboratory {direct line +44 (0) 118 9318572 | | University of Reading {University internal extension 7867 | | Whiteknights Fax +44 (0) 118 9750203 | | Reading RG6 6AF Email: R.H.Olley-at-reading.ac.uk | | England URL: http://www.reading.ac.uk/~spsolley | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Aron, Caco is more extractive which may (or may not) be a blessing if you are trying to clear out the cytoplasm a bit to get some more detail. Poshpate is more physiologic but may form artifactual granules with glutaraldehyde and osmium (in routine tandem use). I generally use caco for all non immuno work otherwise phosphate, pbs or hepes for IEM. Also remember caco contains arsenic. Good luck.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Hi: } } I am a beginning microscopist. I am preparing to take } some TEM photos of granules isolated from mast cells. } The technician I am working with would like to use } phosphate buffer (+ glutaraldehyde) to fix the } granules, but the literature I've read suggests using } cacodylate buffer. What do you think about the } benefits/disadvantages of phosphate vs cacodylate } buffer for these purposes? } } thanks, } Aaron } } __________________________________________________ } Do You Yahoo!? } Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites. } http://invites.yahoo.com } } } } Whenever possible (nearly all the time) use phosphate buffer. Cacodylate contains arsenic which is a potent carcinogen. One should never get into the habit of using arsenic buffer "just because". There must be a real reason for it! Once cacodylate is in permanent use in a laboratory, dust accumulates on the outside of bottles, on the inside of laboratory glassware waiting to be washed, and so on. The effects are cumulative. Arsenic is also a toxic to the kidneys, etc. Very dangerous stuff mostly because it is in use in many laboratories day in and day out.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Phosphate buffers can give rise to a precipitate with } uranyl acetate if it is used as an en block stain. } Cacodylate does not. } } Cacodylate contains arsenic and must be used with care. } } Dave } } } On Tue, 25 Apr 2000 22:56:46 -0500 Aaron Wheeler } {adog3050-at-yahoo.com} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } Hi: } } } } I am a beginning microscopist. I am preparing to take } } some TEM photos of granules isolated from mast cells. } } The technician I am working with would like to use } } phosphate buffer (+ glutaraldehyde) to fix the } } granules, but the literature I've read suggests using } } cacodylate buffer. What do you think about the } } benefits/disadvantages of phosphate vs cacodylate } } buffer for these purposes? } } } } thanks, } } Aaron } } } } __________________________________________________ } } Do You Yahoo!? } } Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites. } } http://invites.yahoo.com } } } } } } } } ---------------------------------------- } Patton, David } Email: David.Patton-at-uwe.ac.uk } "University of the West of England" } } } If it is necessary to use UA with a buffer, use maleate systems. No precipitate!
Looking for the adjustable lucite bases made several years ago for adjusting a LM for improved ergonomic access/use. I had the information/supplier/manufacturer info around here someplace, but other than the somewhat random neuronal firing, I appear to have lost/misplace/misfiled/disposed of everything. I have a pathologist who needs to incline his Nikon Microphot FX-A about 5 degrees. We have begun the process of having a fixed wooden base constructed, but I much prefer the lucite devices. Any help/ideas? TIA.
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D.
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Looking for the adjustable lucite bases made several years ago for adjusting a LM for improved ergonomic access/use. I had the information/supplier/manufacturer info around here someplace, but other than the somewhat random neuronal firing, I appear to have lost/misplace/misfiled/disposed of everything. I have a pathologist who needs to incline his Nikon Microphot FX-A about 5 degrees. We have begun the process of having a fixed wooden base constructed, but I much prefer the lucite devices. Any help/ideas? TIA.
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D.
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Looking for the adjustable lucite stand marketed several years ago (at least within this fuzzy brain of mine it was that long ago) for improving the ergonomic interface to LMs. I have a pathologist who needs to incline his Nikon Microphot FX-A about 5 degrees. We had just about decided to have a fixed unit built by the carpentry shop, when I remembered the lucite devices. Can anyone help point me in the right directions? TIA.
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D. Dept of Toxicology Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Looking for the adjustable lucite bases made several years ago for adjusting a LM for improved ergonomic access/use. I had the information/supplier/manufacturer info around here someplace, but other than the somewhat random neuronal firing, I appear to have lost/misplace/misfiled/disposed of everything. I have a pathologist who needs to incline his Nikon Microphot FX-A about 5 degrees. We have begun the process of having a fixed wooden base constructed, but I much prefer the lucite devices. Any help/ideas? TIA.
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D.
_______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
Looking for the adjustable lucite bases made several years ago for adjusting a LM for improved ergonomic access/use. I had the information/supplier/manufacturer info around here someplace, but other than the somewhat random neuronal firing, I appear to have lost/misplace/misfiled/disposed of everything. I have a pathologist who needs to incline his Nikon Microphot FX-A about 5 degrees. We have begun the process of having a fixed wooden base constructed, but I much prefer the lucite devices. Any help/ideas? TIA.
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D.
_______________________________________________________ Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp
On Wed, 26 Apr 2000 15:13:14 +0800 Lam xu Fu Christopher {eng81067-at-nus.edu.sg} wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Dear Sir, } } I am currently using a JEOL 5800LV SEM. } My specimens are cells from cultures which we have grown in our labs. } The low vacuum condition is 7Pa. } The problem occurs when I increase the magnification, about 400 times and } beyond. The picture I get will be enlarged and clear except for certain } regions which displays some glaring effects. Playing around with the } contrasts and brightness didn't help. } I was told this was a charging problem, and increasing the vacuum might } help, so I tried. It did help a little but the picture quality was } compromised. } } Are there other solutions to this problem of mine, such that the picture } quality might remain the same. } } Chris Lam } BIOMAT } Mechanical & Production Department } National University of Singapore } } }
---------------------------------------- Patton, David Email: David.Patton-at-uwe.ac.uk "University of the West of England"
Apologies for the multiple messages. The stupid excitemail server kept telling me the message could not be sent and then deleted the message from my inbox. So, I wrote another one, sent that, etc. Next time, I'll wait until I see if the listserver sends the one through before resending. :-( On Wed, 26 Apr 2000 12:32:40 -0700 (PDT), rmoretz-at-rdg.boehringer-ingelheim.com wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } Looking for the adjustable lucite bases made several years ago for adjusting } a LM for improved ergonomic access/use. I had the } information/supplier/manufacturer info around here someplace, but other than } the somewhat random neuronal firing, I appear to have } lost/misplace/misfiled/disposed of everything. I have a pathologist who } needs to incline his Nikon Microphot FX-A about 5 degrees. We have begun } the process of having a fixed wooden base constructed, but I much prefer the } lucite devices. Any help/ideas? TIA. } } } Roger C Moretz, Ph.D. } } } } } } _______________________________________________________ } Get 100% FREE Internet Access powered by Excite } Visit http://freelane.excite.com/freeisp } }
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D.
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} Dear Sir,
} I am currently using a JEOL 5800LV SEM. } My specimens are cells from cultures which we have grown in our labs. } The low vacuum condition is 7Pa. } The problem occurs when I increase the magnification, about 400 times and } beyond. The picture I get will be enlarged and clear except for certain } regions which displays some glaring effects. Playing around with the } contrasts and brightness didn't help. } I was told this was a charging problem, and increasing the vacuum might } help, so I tried. It did help a little but the picture quality was } compromised.
} Are there other solutions to this problem of mine, such that the picture } quality might remain the same.
} Chris Lam } BIOMAT } Mechanical & Production Department } National University of Singapore
Chris,
I assume that your samples are not coated. 7 Pa may be too much of a vacuum for uncoated samples; enough gas molecules are needed to help neutralize the charge but too many tend to attenuate the signal. I generally operate the 5800 LV at 20-27 Pa without abundat charging artefacts. I would suggess 5 kV as maximum gun potential and a probe current of 10 or less.
Cheers,
Stephen M. Harmon Electron Microscopist United States Environmental Protection Agency M.S. 681 26 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. Cincinnati, OH 45268 513.569.7184 Harmon.Stephen-at-epa.gov
A beginning course on chemical microscopy covering the basic techniques of microchemical analysis using a microscope
The workshop will consist a weekend of lectures and hands on labs to cover theoretical and practical aspects of chemical microscopy. We expect to follow up with a second weekend course at a more advanced level for which this will be a prerequisite. The course instructors will be the well known and respected "Skip" Palenik of Microtrace, Inc. in Elgin, IL and N.Y.M.S. Instructor Don O'Leary.
WHEN: May 20 & 21, 2000 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
WHERE: 1244 McBride Avenue, West Paterson, NJ. Phone (973) 812-8377 (Free parking, accessible by public transportation, Information on car pools and transportation will be provided.)
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WHO: Those with some basic knowledge of chemistry and chemical analysis and use of the microscope.
HOW: Register using the form below. Limited to the first 12 registrants. Return form to Don O'Leary, 6 Chittenden Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Call D. O'Leary (201) 797 -8849
PLEASE POST ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Registration Form Chemical Microscopy
Are you sure it is a charging and not a burning? But anyway you can try some these steps: 1. If you are using slow scan, increase frequency of scanning and average frames. 2. Just decrease beam intencity and kV (may be you have too nice beam) until an image become too noisy. 3. Decrease beam intencity. If you are using BSE you can try to increase kV too. For SE (and I am not sure what type of it you can have) try increase pressure and kV, or decrease pressure and kV.
Good luck
Vladimir M. Dusevich, Ph.D. Electron Microscope Lab Manager 3127 School of Dentistry 650 E. 25th Street Kansas City, MO 64108-2784
} -----Original Message----- } From: Lam xu Fu Christopher [mailto:eng81067-at-nus.edu.sg] } Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 2:13 AM } To: 'Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com' } Subject: SEM charging effects } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society } of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to } ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } Dear Sir, } } I am currently using a JEOL 5800LV SEM. } My specimens are cells from cultures which we have grown in our labs. } The low vacuum condition is 7Pa. } The problem occurs when I increase the magnification, about } 400 times and } beyond. The picture I get will be enlarged and clear except } for certain } regions which displays some glaring effects. Playing around with the } contrasts and brightness didn't help. } I was told this was a charging problem, and increasing the } vacuum might } help, so I tried. It did help a little but the picture quality was } compromised. } } Are there other solutions to this problem of mine, such that } the picture } quality might remain the same. } } Chris Lam } BIOMAT } Mechanical & Production Department } National University of Singapore } } }
I am a technical recruiter. Currently, I am working on a search for one of my Northeast clients for a Senior Metallographic Technician:
Will perform metallographic evaluation of coatings including work with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and X-ray. Will be responsible for the metallurgy laboratory, including organization of work, and operation and calibration of equipment. Will write technical and engineering reports. Will prepare projects for the metallurgy laboratory. Will maintain communication with customers.
AAS/BS plus fours years experience in a metallography laboratory.
Resumes should be sent by email, mail or fax. For best results, please send emails as attached Word.docs - I have Word 97.
Pearl Martin Image Associates Inc. 5254 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758 Phone (516)798-3993 Fax (516)797-8703 Email: pearl-at-jobspot.com
Hi All, I am turning to all of you as a last ditch effort to see if my diamond knife is crazy or I am. I have been using this same knife for years (approximately 4 years) with the occasional difficulty. However, in the past few weeks I have been having a very hard time getting sections. The problem is this: water in the boat either wets the block or pulls away from the knife edge. There seems to be no in-between. Every once in a while, the stars seem to align, and the level achieves perfection for a few sections. I've tried several different cleaning methods, thinking that maybe the knife was dirty since I've been sectioning a lot of LR White. The only thing I've noticed (since I've been looking so very closely at the diamond) is that the seal (which was damaged when the knife arrived from the manufacturer) between the knife and the boat has detached. I would think that this would cause a leakage problem, which I haven't seen, not the problem I'm experiencing. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks for your help, Kristen Kristen A. Lennon Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology Group Department of Botany & Plant Sciences University of California Riverside, CA 92521 kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu
Tilting the sample toward the detector (up to about 45 degrees) helps eliminate some types of charging. It is easy enough and worth a try before more involved techniques are tried.
Mike Baxter Lehman College
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Petra: Are you using "permanganate etch" on a metallographic specimen? If so, Vander Voort's book "Meatallogrphy: Principals and Practice" covers the use of permanganate etches. See also Petzow's book on etching, in German or English.
Sam Purdy National Steel Technical Center Trenton, MI, USA } ---------- } From: Petra Wahlbring } Sent: 26, April 2000, 4:55 AM } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: TEM: permanganate etching } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Dear colleagues, } } I have a few PE specimens on my desk that I want to prepare with the } "permanganate etching method". Does anybody of you have some experience on } this techique? Would you share some details or tips and tricks with me on } how to obtain the best results? What is the best method to produce a } replica from the etched specimen? } } Petra } -------------------------------------------------------------- } Dr. Petra Wahlbring } Centre de Recherche Public - Gabriel Lippmann } Laboratoire d'Analyse des Materiaux (LAM) } 162a, av. de la Faiencerie L-1511 Luxembourg } tel. +352-466644-402 fax +352-466644-400 } e-mail: petra.wahlbring-at-crpgl.lu } Visit our WWW site! http://www.crpgl.lu/~wahlbrin }
In a message dated 04/27/2000 5:27:39 PM US Mountain Standard Time, kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu writes:
{ { water in the boat either wets the block or pulls away from the knife edge. There seems to be no in-between. Every once in a while, the stars seem to align, and the level achieves perfection for a few sections. I've tried several different cleaning methods, thinking that maybe the knife was dirty since I've been sectioning a lot of LR White. The only thing I've noticed (since I've been looking so very closely at the diamond) is that the seal (which was damaged when the knife arrived from the manufacturer) between the knife and the boat has detached. I would think that this would cause a leakage problem, which I haven't seen, not the problem I'm experiencing. } }
Kristen,
I had a knife that behaved similarly once upon a time. Let's assume the boat isn't leaking, since you aren't having problems with water collecting underneath the knife in the knife holder, correct? It would be difficult to imagine the knife has come loose in the boat, but that may be a very slight possibility. If it were loose in its mount it might not section with consistency. Either way, it would be a good idea to have the knife re-sealed properly.
The knife I had was almost impossible to get the proper amount of wetting on the diamond, but two things helped:
1. Try deliberately overfilling the boat to give a positive meniscus right at the knife edge. Leave the knife in this state for 15-20 minutes. Relax, go have a cup of coffee, whatever. Then try lowering the fluid to the proper level. This worked well for me.
2. For really difficult knives that refuse to wet, just a very little bit of saliva on the end of a dalmatian hair works great. A light brush against the tongue, then drag the hair in the boat fluid behind the knife edge. I know it sounds gross, but it works! Others have used Alconox crystals, detergents, etc. to break the surface tension, but good old saliva works every time.
IIn the following references, methods to adjust the best operating conditions (scan rate, Energy, current ) for SEM of uncoated insulators samples are proposed and discussed.
D. C. Joy, Scanning 11, 1 (1989). D. C Joy and C. S. Joy , Micron. 27, 247 (1996).
Good luck
***************************************************************** Mohamed Belhaj UFR SCIENCES Laboratoire d'Analyse des Solides Surfaces et Interfaces DTI/LASSI UMR CNRS BP 1039 Reims 51687 Cedex 2 Tel : (00 33) 03 26 91 33 27: (00 33) 03 26 91 33 14 Fax : (00 33) 03 26 91 33 12 ******************************************************************
Bob Chiovetti's ideas are right on the mark. It sounds crazy but saliva works wonders. The only thing I would change would be the tool to use to apply the saliva. It would probably be safer if you used the styrofoam stick provided by many diamond knife or EM supply folks. Clean the knife with the stick according to the instructions using a "bit of spit". Follow this up with DI water since saliva is surprisingly dirty.
Should restore any wetting properties your old knife has left.
Have fun, Joe Tabeling Delaware Diamond Knives, Inc. 800-222-5143
I am interested in getting information regarding processing images, specifically clay fabric using Adobe PhotoShop and Image Tool, (plug-ins and "The Image Processing Handbook"). Can anyone provide me with information on a short course or 3 to 5 day workshop on this subject?
} I am turning to all of you as a last ditch effort to see if my diamond } knife is crazy or I am. I have been using this same knife for years } (approximately 4 years) with the occasional difficulty. However, in the } past few weeks I have been having a very hard time getting sections. The } problem is this: water in the boat either wets the block or pulls away from } the knife edge. There seems to be no in-between. Every once in a while, the } stars seem to align, and the level achieves perfection for a few sections. } I've tried several different cleaning methods, thinking that maybe the } knife was dirty since I've been sectioning a lot of LR White. The only } thing I've noticed (since I've been looking so very closely at the diamond) } is that the seal (which was damaged when the knife arrived from the } manufacturer) between the knife and the boat has detached. I would think } that this would cause a leakage problem, which I haven't seen, not the } problem I'm experiencing.
} Kristen -
Sounds like you're describing a slow leak, which will lower the water level & wet the back of the knife. Try the "old-fashoned" knife sealing method: Melt a bit of dental wax on your slide-warmer, and warm the knife gently while the wax is melting. Use a toothpick to run a bit of wax into the cracked seal.
Caroline Schooley Project MICRO Coordinator Microscopy Society of America Box 117, 45301 Caspar Point Road Caspar, CA 95420 Phone/FAX (707)964-9460 Project MICRO: http://www.msa.microscopy.com/ProjectMicro/PMHomePage.html Intertidal invertebrates: http://www.fortbragg.k12.ca.us/AG/PCI/pci.html
This sounds crazy, but my new knife came from Micro Star Diamond knives, and they recommend only using dish detergent to wash their diamond knives. When I tried this, the first thing that I noticed is how easy it is to keep the knife wet. I first tried it with a problem knife, and it worked! Also, I don't have the block face wetting problem that I had had before. Try it, you'll be surprised. Jo Dee PS. I am not affiliated with Micro Star!
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } In a message dated 04/27/2000 5:27:39 PM US Mountain Standard Time, } kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu writes: } } { { water in the boat either wets the block or pulls away from } the knife edge. There seems to be no in-between. Every once in a while, the } stars seem to align, and the level achieves perfection for a few sections. } I've tried several different cleaning methods, thinking that maybe the } knife was dirty since I've been sectioning a lot of LR White. The only } thing I've noticed (since I've been looking so very closely at the diamond) } is that the seal (which was damaged when the knife arrived from the } manufacturer) between the knife and the boat has detached. I would think } that this would cause a leakage problem, which I haven't seen, not the } problem I'm experiencing. } } } } Kristen, } } I had a knife that behaved similarly once upon a time. Let's assume the boat } isn't leaking, since you aren't having problems with water collecting } underneath the knife in the knife holder, correct? It would be difficult to } imagine the knife has come loose in the boat, but that may be a very slight } possibility. If it were loose in its mount it might not section with } consistency. Either way, it would be a good idea to have the knife re-sealed } properly. } } The knife I had was almost impossible to get the proper amount of wetting on } the diamond, but two things helped: } } 1. Try deliberately overfilling the boat to give a positive meniscus right } at the knife edge. Leave the knife in this state for 15-20 minutes. Relax, } go have a cup of coffee, whatever. Then try lowering the fluid to the proper } level. This worked well for me. } } 2. For really difficult knives that refuse to wet, just a very little bit of } saliva on the end of a dalmatian hair works great. A light brush against the } tongue, then drag the hair in the boat fluid behind the knife edge. I know } it sounds gross, but it works! Others have used Alconox crystals, } detergents, etc. to break the surface tension, but good old saliva works } every time. } } Hope this helps. } } Cheers, } } Bob Chiovetti } GTI Microsystems
Kristen, It may be that after 4 years your knife edge needs a good cleaning. I've found that when I start to have trouble wetting the knife edge I can treat/clean the knife with a dilute solution of household ammonia. However, remember the knife housing is made of anodized aluminum, prolonged exposure to ammonia will degrade the aluminum and the diamond bonding. After soaking your knife and cleaning it in your normal way, leave it wet, and clean it again in a dilute solution of ammonia, carefully cleaning the knife edge with a pithwood stick. Then rinse thoroughly in flowing water for several minutes.
Phil Swab Engineering Development Deposition Sciences Inc. Santa Rosa, CA 707-566-3718 phil.swab-at-depsci.com
-----Original Message----- } From: Kristen Lennon [SMTP:kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu] Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2000 3:34 PM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Hi All, I am turning to all of you as a last ditch effort to see if my diamond knife is crazy or I am. I have been using this same knife for years (approximately 4 years) with the occasional difficulty. However, in the past few weeks I have been having a very hard time getting sections. The problem is this: water in the boat either wets the block or pulls away from the knife edge. There seems to be no in-between. Every once in a while, the stars seem to align, and the level achieves perfection for a few sections. I've tried several different cleaning methods, thinking that maybe the knife was dirty since I've been sectioning a lot of LR White. The only thing I've noticed (since I've been looking so very closely at the diamond) is that the seal (which was damaged when the knife arrived from the manufacturer) between the knife and the boat has detached. I would think that this would cause a leakage problem, which I haven't seen, not the problem I'm experiencing. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks for your help, Kristen Kristen A. Lennon Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology Group Department of Botany & Plant Sciences University of California Riverside, CA 92521 kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu
I want to thank everyone who responded to my plea for help with my diamond knife problems. I am trying a variety of your suggestions. The strange, but overwhelming theme involved saliva as a wetting and even a cleaning agent. As I sit here (after trying a couple of suggestions), a beautiful ribbon of sections is forming in the boat. I hope that it holds up. Thanks, Kristen Kristen A. Lennon Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology Group Department of Botany & Plant Sciences University of California Riverside, CA 92521 kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu
} I wonder about TEM and radiation emitting. } is there some dangerous situation for old TEMs? } does anybody have an information about this. }
Dear Emrah, There could be x-rays generated by some old TEMs. We had a JEOL JEM-200 which emitted a stream of x-rays near the specimen airlock. Not only did this make it a bad idea to stand up at the micro- scope when the beam was on, it was also a danger for other people in the adjacent lab. The best way to see if there is a problem is to use a monitor (either a Geiger counter or an ionization chamber) and survey all around the instrument with the beam on, a heav- ily-stained specimen in the scope, and the settings at extreme positions. You want to survey at the worst possible conditions that a user could set up. Remember that x-rays can penetrtate the floor, so the area beneath the scope should be surveyed also (unless the scope is in the basement with no one able to work beneath it). It should take only a few hours to complete such a survey. Shielding for ~100 kV scopes is not too difficult in case there are radia- tion leaks. Resurvey after the shielding is in place. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol
K. Spencer wrote about Molecular Probes' Bodipy phalloidin not working or being excited by 488 nms, 568 and 647 laser lines. I would like to know which Bodipy you are referring to. I find it improper and misleading to talk about a reagent unless you are going to include your specifics. I have used several of these reagents in the past with excellent results. If you checked the probes catalogue you will note that there are 3 Bodipy phalloidins listed ( Bodipy 529/547, 558/569 and 584/592 ) along with several Bodipy phallicidins that also bind to filamentous actin. These are Bodipy 502 /512 and Bodipy-TR-X 589/617. The numbers refer to the excitation peak and the emission peak respectively. None of these probes should be excited with any efficiency by a 647 laser. You might see some if you are over stained with the 584/592, a common mistake with my users. This probe would be excited by a 568 laser but not by a 488 nm line. Secondly, before buying a probe, one is advised to find out what is excitation and emission spectra are ( not just peak numbers) so you know what possible cross talks one could possibly experience.
For these reagents I recommend the Bodipy 505/512 or Oregon Green for 488 excitation. AlexaFluor-568 phalloidin or rhodamine phalloidin for excitation with 543 or 568 laser. The Alexafluors would be my top choice because of superior spectral properties. I know of none that work with a 633 or 647 laser. Cy 5 is my preferred choice for the far red channel as a conjugated antibody and TOTO-3 as a DNA marker.
Recently someone complained of TOTO-3 bleaching as they imaged. The dye doesn't bleach, but rather gets displaced from the DNA when laser excites it. It only fluoresces when bound to DNA or RNA. The trick here is to use the lowest laser or excitation you can, and to include the dye at about 1-2 micromolar in your mounting medium so it can re-intercalate into the DNA.
Joe Goodhouse Confocal / EM Core Laboratory Department of Molecular Biology Princeton University
Visit us at http://www.molbio.princeton.edu/facility/confocal/index.html {http://www.molbio.princeton.edu/facility/confocal/index.html}
I concur with Bob Chiovetti's suggestions as possible solutions to aid in wetting of the diamond knife edge and eliminate block wetting. In particular, it seems that adding a bit of saliva to your eyelash tool, which is then wiped across the flat portion of the diamond, is very effective. In extreme cases we have subjected the knife to ionized air via glow discharge but this can cause water to be drawn to the back side of the diamond. Naturally, you should check the diamond for cleanliness. It may help to immerse the knife in soapy water after careful cleaning with ethanol dipped Styrofoam. After rinsing the soap away with purified water, we then rinse the boat in ethanol which also seems to help wetting of the edge.
Good luck,
Doug ---------------------- Douglas R. Keene Associate Investigator Shriners Hospital Research Facilities 3101 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road Portland, Oregon 97201 phone: 503-221-3434 FAX: 503-412-6894 (9-5 PST) e-mail: DRK-at-shcc.org
} } I am searching some device for holding (polycarbonate)filters during } dehydration and CPD. I am trying to view mycoplasms with SEM. Has anyone } experience with this ? } We have a device from Tousimis that is designed to hold round glass coverslips, and I have used it to hold polycarbonate filters. It is a milled-out cylinder open along one side. Wavy washers are used to separate the stacked coverslips. There are two sizes, 13 mm and 22 mm, part numbers 8766 and 8767. You can contact Tousimis at 1-800-638-9558, fax 1-301-881-5374, http://www.tousimis.com
This device works for me! My only affiliation with Tousimis is as a satisfied customer.
Aloha, Tina
**************************************************************************** * Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho * tina-at-pbrc.hawaii.edu * * Biological Electron Microscope Facility * (808) 956-6251 * * University of Hawaii at Manoa * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf* ****************************************************************************
The TEM specimen preparation course advertised in the Lehigh "2000 Microscopy School" booklet, p. 20., has undergone revision. This is a completely new course that was not finalized when it was time to print the booklet. The material on p.20 was a place holder.
Scott Walck joined with me in organizing the course and we have secured commitments from a large number of specimen preparation tool vendors to provide staff and equipment for the course, listed below.
Title:
TEM Specimen Preparation 2000 With Emphasis on Recently Developed Tools and Methods
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide classroom instruction and laboratory demonstration of the newest methods for preparing SEM and TEM specimens. While an individual with no experience preparing specimens will benefit greatly from the course, the intended audience will consist of students with some degree of proficiency utilizing classical methods of specimen preparation and who wish to update their capabilities. Emphasis will be placed on the rapid preparation of specimens from very small pre-selected locations. The preparation of SEM samples will be treated as the first step in making TEM specimens. "Hands on" experience by the students will be available. Table-top exhibits and demonstrations of specimen preparation ancillary equipment, such as: saws, dimplers, disc cutting tools, etc., will be available during the lab periods. TEM examination of prepared specimens will be performed.
Instructors:
Ron Anderson, IBM Analytical Services and Scott Walck, PPG Industries, Inc.
Outline:
Thursday, June 22
10:00 am Registration (Whitaker Lobby) 1:00 pm Introduction Anderson/Walck 1:15 pm Specimen Preparation Flowchart, Initial Considerations, Recent Advances, Choice of Technique Anderson 2:15 pm Initial Thinning, Tools, Disk Cutting, Dimpling Walck 3:30 pm Mechanical Polishing Anderson 4:30 pm Automated Initial Preparation Methods Vendors Sawing: Sagitta Cleaving: SELA 7:45 pm Ion Milling Anderson Commercial Tool Overview Walck
Friday, June 23
8:30 am Lab: Tripod Polishing Lab: Sagitta Tool Lab: SELA Tool 11:00 am Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Methods Anderson/Walck 2:00 pm Lab: FIB Methods Lab: Ion Mill Tools
Saturday, June 24
8:30 am Mechanical Polishing Difficult Materials Anderson 9:00 am Ultramicrotomy Walck/Anderson 10:00 am Small Angle Cleavage Technique Video Igor 10:30 am Plasma Cleaning Specimens Walck 11:00 am Reactive Sample/Storage/Transporting Walck 11:15 am Lab: Student Use of Available Tools Lab: TEM Examination of Prepared Specimens. Discussion of Successes and Problems
Vendors providing instrumentation and staff: v Allied High Tech v Bal-Tec v FEI v EA Fischione v Gatan v Sagitta v SELA v South Bay Technology
The registration deadline is June 1st. Registration forms are in the "Lehigh Microscopy School" booklet, or they may be obtained, along with accommodation information etc., from :
Ms. Sharon Coe Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering Lehigh University 5 East Packer Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18015-3195
On Fri, 28 Apr 2000 DDKJoe-at-aol.com-at-sparc5.microscopy.com wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Karen, } } Bob Chiovetti's ideas are right on the mark. It sounds crazy but saliva } works wonders. The only thing I would change would be the tool to use to } apply the saliva. It would probably be safer if you used the styrofoam stick } provided by many diamond knife or EM supply folks. Clean the knife with the } stick according to the instructions using a "bit of spit". Follow this up } with DI water since saliva is surprisingly dirty. } } Should restore any wetting properties your old knife has left. } } Have fun, } Joe Tabeling } Delaware Diamond Knives, Inc. } 800-222-5143 } } Hi,
Saliva is dirty and full of debris and bacteria. Use a wetting agent instead as above and fill the boat with it or draw it across the edge whichever works best.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- Send Email to ListServer-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com } On-Line Help http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Hi All, } I am turning to all of you as a last ditch effort to see if my diamond } knife is crazy or I am. I have been using this same knife for years } (approximately 4 years) with the occasional difficulty. However, in the } past few weeks I have been having a very hard time getting sections. The } problem is this: water in the boat either wets the block or pulls away from } the knife edge. There seems to be no in-between. Every once in a while, the } stars seem to align, and the level achieves perfection for a few sections. } I've tried several different cleaning methods, thinking that maybe the } knife was dirty since I've been sectioning a lot of LR White. The only } thing I've noticed (since I've been looking so very closely at the diamond) } is that the seal (which was damaged when the knife arrived from the } manufacturer) between the knife and the boat has detached. I would think } that this would cause a leakage problem, which I haven't seen, not the } problem I'm experiencing. } Does anyone have any advice? } Thanks for your help, } Kristen } Kristen A. Lennon } Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology Group } Department of Botany & Plant Sciences } University of California } Riverside, CA 92521 } kalen-at-citrus.ucr.edu } } The detachment of the knife from its mount may be the cause. It has happened in our laboratory. Try, however, to add one drop of Photo-flo to about 50ml of filtered or distilled water. Try that in the boat. Detachment tends to be a serious problem! Send it back and have it repaired and resharpened. After 4 years it probably needs it.
Spring cleaning and new equipment requires I dispose of a Mikros VE10 vacuum evaporator and a LKB 4800 ultramicrotome. Anyone needing parts from these old, non-functional units please contact me.
steve
Dr. Steven Barlow, Associate Director EM Facility/Biology Department San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92182-4614 phone: (619)594-4523 fax: (619) 594-5676 email: sbarlow-at-sunstroke.sdsu.edu website: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/emfacility/
Chairman, Educational Outreach subcommittee promoting access to microscopes Microscopy Society of America http://www.msa.microscopy.com/
You may want to consider a digital camera that is a SLR camera. I have a Kodak DC 120 and it works reasonably well but when I want to take close up photos or copy stand shots, I have to take several exposures to get the subject critically centered. Of course, a SLR allows me to set up my photo exactly the way I want it; also getting the correct lighting is easier. For this kind of work I use a Kodak DCS 420, but at ~$12k it's a "bit expensive".
} Hi all, } This is off the microscopy subject...sorry. } Any recommendations on digital cameras for copy stand work and general } photography? Has anyone tried the Nikon Coolpix 990? } We're coming up on the end of the fiscal year and there might be funds } available for a digital camera so any advice is greatly appreciated. } thanks, } Beth Richardson
Damian Neuberger, Ph.D. Baxter Healthcare, Inc. WG3-2S P.O. Box 490 Round Lake, IL 60073 e-mail: damian_neuberger-at-baxter.co, Tel: 847-270-5888 Fax: 847-270-5897
The Kodak MDS 120 does a very good job for the price. My only recommendation is that you get the flash memory cards (I have a 64 MB card) and a card reader or adapter for a PCMCIA slot. Transferring the images via the built-in serial port is, of course, INCREDIBLY SLOW!!! The included software works well and you can easily get the images into other software such as Adobe Photoshop.
} Part of the package which we got is a 16 MB Flash Memory card for the camera, } so you can either run the camera from your computer or store images on the } memory card and then remove the card and take it to a computer to transfer } the images to the computer. The package also had a PCMCIA card adapter in } it. The memory card plugs into the end of the PCMCIA device, and you can } then slip it into a PCMCIA slot on a laptop computer. } } But if you need to use a desktop computer and don't have a PCMCIA slot, you } need to get something like a SanDisk card reader for the computer. They're } available at CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, OfficeMax, etc. for about $70. } } The software with the camera is very nice. It lets you transfer images from } the camera's memory directly or from from the memory card, preview images and } download them directly from the camera, etc. as well as perform some basic } image adjustments (flip, rotate, modify brightness, contrast, gamma, etc.)
Damian Neuberger, Ph.D. Baxter Healthcare, Inc. WG3-2S P.O. Box 490 Round Lake, IL 60073 e-mail: damian_neuberger-at-baxter.co, Tel: 847-270-5888 Fax: 847-270-5897
Just returned from a course on VP SEM (which was excellent) and just now can add to some of the digital camera discussion.
One thing not mentioned about using a SLR digital camera like the E1, N60 is vibration from the mirror and the shutter. If you are going to use a camera of this type you must be able to lift the mirror independently, like the old F1, whether it's film or CCD. I have a Kodak DCS420 that is based on the Nikon N90s camera body and it works ok at low magnifications but anything over about 200X just doesn't cut it.
At 08:33 AM 4/26/00 -0700, Dr. Gary Gaugler wrote: } The Fuji Super CCD is 23.3 x 15.6mm; 3040 x 2016 pixels. } The S1 Pro uses Nikon mount lenses and has an equivalent } 35mm frame size at 1.5X the lens' focal length. } } What the equivalent FOV would be on a scope is still in } question. If the S1 Pro works anywhere near how the } Nikon E1 or E2 does, I fear the Fuji camera won't be applicable } to microscopy at all. Without a lens, the camera must operate } in aperture priority mode and center weighted exposure } reading. Unless Fuji made some major changes to the basic } Nikon (N-60) body and associated electronics, they may have } just made a higher pixel count Nikon digicam.
Damian Neuberger, Ph.D. Baxter Healthcare, Inc. WG3-2S P.O. Box 490 Round Lake, IL 60073 e-mail: damian_neuberger-at-baxter.co, Tel: 847-270-5888 Fax: 847-270-5897
Neither the N60 or N80 bodies have mirror lock up. However, at equivalent ISO of 400-1600, it remains to be seen if lock up is necessary. And also, how ISO affects the resulting image. Based on how the E1 and E2 worked, I would not count on a miracle.
The Kodak 420 is obsolete and discontinued. These can be purchased used today for somewhere in the $2K-$4K range. But, with its tiny CCD, I would not have one again. The newer models like DCS460 have good features. But I have not been impressed by Kodak's tech support user friendliness. It would be a hard sell for me to buy any Kodak product these days over other manufacturer's offerings.
The mechanical shutter is a definite problem, both for image stability as well as camera reliability. The Leaf Lumina has a shutter but it operates only one time for each shot. It is very reliable. In contrast, the Polaroid DMC has a shutter that seems to always be "shuddering" the system. I would expect that the DMC would exhibit a poor reliability record. The advantage of the DMC is that it provides near-real time focusing through the camera's imager. The only other camera I have used that exceeds this is the Sony DKC-5000 (cat's eye) digital camera. But the DKC-5000 uses a very small CCD as well and suffers from tiny images. But focusing is true real time via a separate RGB color monitor. When a frame is shot, the main system box transfers the image to the computer via SCSI.
gg
At 08:45 PM 4/28/00 , you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
When using F-113, I preceed it with either or both methanol and acetone. The curious problem is that after either a lengthy immersion in acetone or methanol, the specimen (insect) floats when put in F-113. OK. So it is lighter than F-113. What is a good method of encompassing the specimen with F-113 to further dehydrate it prior to vacuum desiccation?
Any ideas?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Modern surfers use PC boards. You can too at http://photoweb.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm new to the list. I recently picked up a delightful Leitz Ortholux I, like at http://arsmachina.com/leitz_ortholux.htm and a non-working Zeiss OpMi-1 surgical scope, similar to the upper left quadrant of http://www.mednetlocator.com/opmi-1.gif with not much arm and no stand. I think it's missing a lense from the underside.
I'm temporarily illuminating the Ortholux with the 5V DC from a spare PC power supply. The lamp says 6 volts, I think. What's the voltage range from the original rheostat-style power supply?
Hi John! 5 volts is fine, the color temperature is a bit warmer but your bulb will last longer! I usually only run the bulb at full or over when I am taking a photograph. For normal observation I find the 5 volts fine. Congrats on the othrolux great classic scope! Ed Sharpe archivist for SMECC
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I'm new to the list. I recently picked up a delightful Leitz Ortholux I, like at http://arsmachina.com/leitz_ortholux.htm and a non-working Zeiss OpMi-1 surgical scope, similar to the upper left quadrant of http://www.mednetlocator.com/opmi-1.gif with not much arm and no stand. I think it's missing a lense from the underside.
I'm temporarily illuminating the Ortholux with the 5V DC from a spare PC power supply. The lamp says 6 volts, I think. What's the voltage range from the original rheostat-style power supply?
Ron: I've been using the Kodak DS120, which is the camera that is used in the system you asked about, and have had good results. There are a few things to keep in mind, however. The DS120 saves images to flash cards using a propriatary Kodak method that is not recognized by anything else. Therefore, some of the nifty print systems can't directly use the images. I use the Kodak-supplied software to copy the images from the flash card to hard disc via a card reader (SanDisk -- cheap and works real well). Once in my computer, I work on the images using PhotoShop. Final printing is performed on my Epson Photo 1200 using print paper. The results are very good.
I do note that when using the DS120 with the MDS adaptor on my Nikon microscope that there is a bright area in the center. I'm not sure who's fault that is.
The small viewing screen is a problem, but once the focus is properly set it is not a major disadvantage. With the system you are talking about (remember, I just have the camera and adaptor) it may be that the image can be displayed prior to collecting it onto the flash card.
Overall, I think it's a good value for the money.
If you'd like to talk about the camera, connect off line at edsworth-at-aol.com.
Hope this has helped a little.
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