You can find the information about LaB6 emitter setting and operation in Kimball Physics technical bulletins. I am aware of 7 bulletins being available. Contact Kimball Physics at info-at-kimphys.com . Bulletins are not posted, so you will have to request them. Ask for at least 2: bulletin # LaB6-01B (General guidelines for operating ES-423E LaB6 cathodes) and bulletin # LaB6-03B (Emission drift - LaB6 and gun stability). Kimball Physics guidelines for LaB6 emitter use are comprehensive yet well suited for practical applications.
You are welcome to contact me off line for the fax copy, though I do not have the complete set of bulletins.
Disclaimer: SIA does not have an affiliation with Kimball Physics other than being satisfied customer.
Vitaly Feingold Scientific Instruments and Applications 2773 Heath Lane, Duluth GA 30096 (770)232-7785 ph. (770)232-1791 fax -----Original Message----- } From: =shAf= {mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu} To: Microscopy list {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Don't you guys ever check this flow? What if the needle valve or (on the 840A) the solenoid shutoff valve gets blocked? Come on, someone must have done it!
Incidentally, when I pulled apart the solenoid shutoff valve on my 840A, a small amount of corrosion had jammed it permanently "OPEN". This is potentially dangerous, as if the water continues to circulate thru the OL when the instrument is switched off, and if the cooling water is below the dewpoint, condensation on the outside of the OL can wreck it by corrosion.
So if you do decide to check the valve on yours, how about measuring the flow for me?
TIA
rtch
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 } } Can anyone advise what the water flows should be in the three } parallel branches (OL; DPs; and power boards) of the 840A) } The manual spec is } 5 l/min total, but I need to know particularly } what the flow should be thru the OL. } } TIA } } rtch } } ps replies welcome from JEOL }
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
I completely agree with the comments by Warren Straszheim and Larry Stoter. A couple more points: 1 Gasoline is rather more dangerous then liquid nitrogen. If anybody would try to impose silly forms and rules and thus curtailing the publics access to gasoline, they be out on their ear fast. Access to gas is available to countless completely untrained people. 2 What evidence is there that serious accidents have occurred by small scale handling of liquid nitrogen. Golden rule of administration: Regulate only when there is a demonstrated need. 3 Its my observation that timid people (intimidated by overstated dangers) are more likely to cause accidents. I instructed first time users of liquid nitrogen that there is a danger when the substance is enclosed, that touching cold metal or pouring it into ones shoes causes burns and that cold tubing can fracture. As important, new users must learn that its quite harmless when a little is splashed and its worth demonstrating that a finger can be stuck into liquid nitrogen for a couple of seconds. This builds handling confidence.
The safety officer's paper wastes time and paper. Users need to learn how to handle the substance; its simple enough. Writing up a procedure for pumping creates a delusion, which has no practical benefits. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Saturday, July 01, 2000 3:39 AM, Warren E Straszheim [SMTP:wesaia-at-iastate.edu] wrote: } } } Hi, Everett. I guess I am glad I am not working for a government anymore. } Otherwise I would probably be having to fill out similar forms. It would be } nice if the folks that review those forms knew what the issues were. I am } always afraid that they will know just enough to be dangerous and may } actually require some unhealthy procedures. But perhaps they are sensible } and only require that you have something officially in writing to document } your best practice. } } I found the following post in my files from 4 years ago. I hope Larry does } not mind me reposting it. His conclusions are quite interesting. } } Warren S. } } } Date: Sat, 30 Mar 1996 07:57:02 +0000 } } From: "Dr. L. P. Stoter" {LPS-at-teknesis.demon.co.uk} } } } Wil's recent comment on the safety hazards of distilled water brought to } } mind some peculiar safety regulations here in MD. In reference to liquid N } ... } } officer listening in will recommend new safety procedures requiring } } protective booties! } } In the end, we can't legislate common sense, nor can we abdicate } } responsibility to those above. } } Try getting your safety officer to conduct an experiment: } } 1. Hold out hand, } 2. Pour a small volume of liquid N2 over hand } 3. Now the interesting bit - put on a glove, and pour the same quantity of } liquid N2 into glove. } 4. Phone for ambulance. } } The point is that a brief contact causes no problems, but if the contact is } continued you get a nasty burn. } } Gloves, goggles, masks (and shoes) are actually more dangerous when handling } liquid N2 than sandals and no protection. And clothes are actually more } dangerous than being naked. Get the safety officer to experiment. With a } little persuasion you can probably convince the safety officer that when } handling liquid N2, everybody should be naked. } } More seriously, bureaucrats, administrators and the inexperienced should } talk to somebody who has real knowledge. } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } Dr. Larry Stoter } Technesis } 17, Rocks Park Road, Uckfield, E. Sussex, TN22 2AT, United Kingdom } Larry-at-teknesis.demon.co.uk } -------------------------------------------------------------- }
In SEMs the objective lens current required to "bend" the beam is much less than in TEM where the uncooled objective could fry an egg. Many SEMs use no water cooling at all. Cooling would help temperature stability and control drift. I expect that 50ml /minute would do, but such slow flow would soon stop altogether. I suggest that less than 2 liters/ minute indicate blocked tubing. Reverse flushing my help. Otherwise recirculate hot vinegar or 1N HCl for an hour. Cross threading: I never had a safety officer, get him to do it, otherwise you may require a ream of paper applications for pumping acid. Happy now Rich? 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
-----Original Message----- } From: Ritchie Sims [SMTP:r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz] Sent: Monday, July 03, 2000 7:14 AM To: Ritchie Sims; Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Dr. Larry Stoter (4 years ago) wrote: (and thanks for sharing it, Jim)
Gloves, goggles, masks (and shoes) are actually more dangerous when handling } liquid N2 than sandals and no protection. And clothes are actually more } dangerous than being naked. Get the safety officer to experiment. With a } little persuasion you can probably convince the safety officer that when } handling liquid N2, everybody should be naked.
I'd like to share my experience with getting naked in a hurry. I was working around midnight in the biochem lab at Okla. State Univ. in '79 and was freezing samples to put in the lyophilizer. My arms were full, carrying numerous flasks plus a dewar of LN2, which I held against my shoulder. As I turned a corner, I slipped on some spilled water (I was wearing those flip flop sandals) and the entire contents of the dewar poured down my back. Fortunately there were no witnesses to my rapid striptease. (I suffered only a minor burn on my upper back.) I heartily agree with Larry that nudity is the way to go if you plan to spill LN2 on yourself!
Cheers :o)
Paul Grover Chief Microscopist and Bottle Washer Microvista Laboratory Lafayette, IN
Hi Ritchie As I remember the relevant cock should be open on 1/4 turnover. It is necessary to check, that the water on exit is not very warm at max current of objective lens. On the other hand, I know the case, when the water was very cold, therefore the condensate accumulated in the lens. I figure, the consequences are clear to you. Regards Victor Sidorenko, ANTRON Co. Ltd., Moscow, Russia
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Hi
Can anyone advise what the water flows should be in the three parallel branches (OL; DPs; and power boards) of the 840A) The manual spec is } 5 l/min total, but I need to know particularly what the flow should be thru the OL.
TIA
rtch
ps replies welcome from JEOL
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
} As important, new users must learn that its quite harmless when a little is } splashed and its worth demonstrating that a finger can be stuck into liquid } nitrogen for a couple of seconds. This builds handling confidence.
I think that this is going a bit far.
Ever had any splashed into your eye? Only needs a drop in the wrong place.
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
I have been reading with interest about the handling of LN2 and am surprised that no one has taken the safety officer's conservative position.
I am all for getting bureaucrats out of our hair but not at the expense of safety. I agree the the extra clothing, goggles and what have you are cumbersome and most of the time un-necessary but I am only reminded of an incident that happened to me about 25 years ago.
I was routinely filling a portable LN2 tank from a larger source. The portable tank had a pressure gauge that would measure tank pressure: when full the gauge read 20 psi; empty 0 psi. The assembly was attached to the tank via a rubber vacuum hose clamped at each end.
The normal procedure was to release the "vent" valve, unclamp the rubber hose, remove the valve assembly, then refill the portable tank from the larger LN2 source. I am sure most of you have seen a similar assembly.
Early one morning (before my coffee), I went through the above procedure. After unclamping the rubber hose, I proceeded to remove the assembly from the tank using both hands to pry it loose. Unfortunately there was a little pressure left and as soon as the hose was released, a stream of LN2 burst from the tank. The noise startled me and in less than a half second I removed my hands from the tank. In less than one second, I realized I was burned and immediately immersed both hands into water from a nearby sink. Too late. In less than one-half second, I received second and third degree LN2 burns on the bottom of my hands. The blisters extended from the bottom of both hands to halfway up my small finger. Worse yet, both hands were bleeding .Apparently, both hands immediately froze and I had cracked the skin by moving them to the sink.
I wish I had gloves at that time.
I worried for the next two weeks about getting gangrene.
Still today, I don't use gloves as they are cumbersome but I would hate to think what would happen if I were sprayed in the eyes from LN2 even for a split second.
} 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------.
} } Dr. Larry Stoter (4 years ago) wrote: (and thanks for sharing it, Jim) } } Gloves, goggles, masks (and shoes) are actually more dangerous when handling } } liquid N2 than sandals and no protection. And clothes are actually more } } dangerous than being naked. Get the safety officer to experiment. With a } } little persuasion you can probably convince the safety officer that when } } handling liquid N2, everybody should be naked. } } I'd like to share my experience with getting naked in a hurry. I was } working around midnight in the biochem lab at Okla. State Univ. in '79 and } was freezing samples to put in the lyophilizer. My arms were full, carrying } numerous flasks plus a dewar of LN2, which I held against my shoulder. As I } turned a corner, I slipped on some spilled water (I was wearing those flip } flop sandals) and the entire contents of the dewar poured down my back. } Fortunately there were no witnesses to my rapid striptease. (I suffered only } a minor burn on my upper back.) I heartily agree with Larry that nudity is } the way to go if you plan to spill LN2 on yourself! } } Cheers :o) } } Paul Grover } Chief Microscopist and Bottle Washer } Microvista Laboratory } Lafayette, IN
Why? A droplet of liquid N2 would bounce of the eye just like of any other skin and the cushion of gas N2 (Leidenfrost) would help to prevent any damage. I don't suggest to pour liq N2 into an eye and its prudent to wear goggles when working with the stuff overhead, but why would you work with liq N2 high up on your body? Surely when filling an EDS detector on a TEM (higher up than SEM) you would use steps. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Monday, July 03, 2000 11:46 PM, Ritchie Sims [SMTP:r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz] wrote: } } } As important, new users must learn that its quite harmless when a little is } } } } splashed and its worth demonstrating that a finger can be stuck into liquid } } } } nitrogen for a couple of seconds. This builds handling confidence. } } } I think that this is going a bit far. } } Ever had any splashed into your eye? Only needs a drop in the wrong } place. } } 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
Normally, it is easier, more efficient and safer to use a small ( {10L) transfer dewar to actually fill an EDS dewar. LN2 itself, as several others have pointed out, is quite safe to handle. The nudity recommendations are only slightly tongue in cheek. Small quantities of LN2 on the skin will 'float' on a vapor phase that forms immediately, avoiding close contact. If the LN2 is able to wedge between skin and gloves or other clothing, a more intimate and hazardous situation can occur.
The real problem with the use of cryogenic hoses is that the exterior metals can also achieve cryogenic temperatures. While they will generally get coated with ice, the underlying metal can burn if touched. When the contents of a dewar are first being drawn, the warm hoses will cause the fluid to evaporate. For the first minute or two, all that will be going into the EDS dewar will be cold vapor. That could cause an accumulation of ice in the EDS dewar that can affect performance.
The use of a small transfer dewar allows you to only put liquid LN2 in the EDS dewar. Also, you have a more immediate control of the flow into the dewar. One other problem using a hose feed system is that you may turn the pressure up too far at first, since there is only vapor passing through. When the fluid starts flowing, the pressure may be high enough to cause excessive 'splashing'.
Allen R. Sampson, Owner Advanced Research Systems, St. Charles, Illinois 60174 voice 630.513.7093 fax 630.513.7092
On Friday, June 30, 2000 6:35 AM, Everett Ramer [SMTP:Everett.Ramer-at-netl.doe.gov] 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 will getting my first SEM/EDS shortly and to obtain the required operating permit from my safety group I need a written procedure for handling LN2. Specifically I need a written procedure for filling the 3 L dewar on the EDS detector from a 50 L dewar mounted on a cart. I plan to make the transfer by using a lab source of N2 to pressurize the 50 L dewar and have obtained all the valves and fittings required to do this from another SEM lab. I would appreciate copies of the procedure. } Thanks, } } Everett Ramer } National Energy Technology Laboratory } P.O. Box 10940, Cochrans Mill Road } Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15236-0940 } Voice: 412-386-4920 } FAX: 412-386-4806 } ramer-at-netl.doe.gov } } }
We are looking for an used Oxford cryo-stage, prep-chamber and control panels for our Jeol 6400 SEM. If anybody wants to sell their old one, please let us know.
I am a microscopist who also has the misfortune to be the Departmental Safety Adviser and I have a few comments to make from the point of view of the enemy. While the jokey remarks about the advisability of wearing clothing, protective or otherwise, do have an element of truth, liquid nitrogen has the potential to do a great deal of harm. Last month there was a prosecution in Edinburgh where the Medical Research Council was found guilty of breaches of Health and Safety law after a technician died of asphyxiation while dispensing LN2 in a room with inadequate ventilation and three of his colleagues came close to suffering the same fate while trying to rescue him. The room was fitted with a low oxygen alarm but it was switched off because it went off too frequently and annoyed him. This is an example of familiarity leading to dangerous practices. (His bosses got hammered because they knew about the alarm being switched off.)
To write a procedure you need to think of what could go wrong, as well as the routine safe handling of the LN2, which is basically covered by - would you believe it -common sense. What would happen if the dewar shattered? A full shield should stop LN2 fron getting up your nose or in your mouth and is better than goggles which might trap liquid insude them. Drain holes in the bottom of the outer case of the dewar will reduce the risk of your hand freezing to it. What would happen if the main tank ruptured or fell over? I know that this is very unlikely, but a simple calculation based on the volume of the room and the capacity of the tank will tell you if oxygen depletion to a dangerous level is a significant possibility - and it will look good on your paperwork.
LN2 burns are particularly nasty as you may not be aware of them until the frozen bit thaws out again, by which time it may be too late to prevent serious damage so you might want to consider gloves if you are to handle cold parts of the apparatus. These must be proper cryo-gloves, but it has to be said that they offer limited protection and can in certain circumstances be worse than not wearing gloves at all.
Remember that if it can happen it will,
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
I can't really leave this one alone - it's just begging for a contrary opinion.
The point about gloves holding liquid nitrogen is of course true if they either fill from the wrist or are porous, but you should never wear tight gloves - it should always be possible to shake or flick them off (ideally without leaving fingers inside) and it is possible to get quite impervious gloves. I am extremely concerned about the rejection of need for protection because it could too easily mean that you didn't have any gloves handy when surfaces became cooled. More importantly if you handle super-cooled liquid nitrogen (or countless other cooling mixtures) for freezing samples then you just might forget. I am also interested in the comments about goggles and masks being more dangerous as my understanding was that liquid nitrogen is relatively safe on dry surfaces but presents a greater hazard to the wet surface of the eye - if only by temporary blinding the user or causing them to flinch.
You might also take for granted the nitrogen gas evolving and the consequences could be fatal in an enclosed space - see:
http://www.safetynews.co.uk/archivenews.htm#£25,000 fine for Human Genetics Unit liquid nitrogen fatality
I must admit that apart from the above I have seen little, but I would be interested to hear how a nudist colony would really fare with a major liquid nitrogen leak - remember the horror stories about frying sausages in nudist camps.
I would also like to counter the thought that gasoline is more dangerous than liquid nitrogen. It's different - I carry a 4.5 litre sealed container of gasoline/petrol around in my car quite safely but I wouldn't seal liquid nitrogen like that; open or poorly sealed storage can lead to icing or condensation of oxygen from air (now there's a good one to debate - has anyone heard of that causing an accident?) with possible disastrous consequences; surfaces in prolonged contact with gasoline would present less danger than with liquid nitrogen; and gasoline has a strong odour so I wouldn't expect to be asphyxiated by it so easily (OK it might ignite more easily and be harmful).
Now I must go because I'm on the third page of my triple distilled water risk assessment.
Malcolm Haswell University of Sunderland UK e-mail: malcolm.haswell-at-sunderland.ac.uk
Larry Stoter 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 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 completely agree with the comments by Warren Straszheim and Larry Stoter. A } } couple more points: } } 1 Gasoline is rather more dangerous then liquid nitrogen. If } } anybody would try } } to impose silly forms and rules and thus curtailing the publics access to } } gasoline, they be out on their ear fast. Access to gas is available to } } countless completely untrained people. } } 2 What evidence is there that serious accidents have occurred } } by small scale } } handling of liquid nitrogen. Golden rule of administration: Regulate only when } } there is a demonstrated need. } } 3 Its my observation that timid people (intimidated by } } overstated dangers) are } } more likely to cause accidents. I instructed first time users of liquid } } nitrogen that there is a danger when the substance is enclosed, that touching } } cold metal or pouring it into ones shoes causes burns and that cold tubing can } } fracture. } } As important, new users must learn that its quite harmless when a little is } } splashed and its worth demonstrating that a finger can be stuck into liquid } } nitrogen for a couple of seconds. This builds handling confidence. } } } } The safety officer's paper wastes time and paper. Users need to learn how to } } handle the substance; its simple enough. Writing up a procedure for pumping } } creates a delusion, which has no practical benefits. } } 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 } } ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com } } } } On Saturday, July 01, 2000 3:39 AM, Warren E Straszheim } } [SMTP:wesaia-at-iastate.edu] wrote: } } } } } } } } } Hi, Everett. I guess I am glad I am not working for a government anymore. } } } Otherwise I would probably be having to fill out similar forms. It would be } } } nice if the folks that review those forms knew what the issues were. I am } } } always afraid that they will know just enough to be dangerous and may } } } actually require some unhealthy procedures. But perhaps they are sensible } } } and only require that you have something officially in writing to document } } } your best practice. } } } } } } I found the following post in my files from 4 years ago. I hope Larry does } } } not mind me reposting it. His conclusions are quite interesting. } } } } } } Warren S. } } } } } } } } } Date: Sat, 30 Mar 1996 07:57:02 +0000 } } } } From: "Dr. L. P. Stoter" {LPS-at-teknesis.demon.co.uk} } } } } } } } Wil's recent comment on the safety hazards of distilled water brought to } } } } mind some peculiar safety regulations here in MD. In reference } } } to liquid N } } } ... } } } } officer listening in will recommend new safety procedures requiring } } } } protective booties! } } } } In the end, we can't legislate common sense, nor can we abdicate } } } } responsibility to those above. } } } } } } Try getting your safety officer to conduct an experiment: } } } } } } 1. Hold out hand, } } } 2. Pour a small volume of liquid N2 over hand } } } 3. Now the interesting bit - put on a glove, and pour the same quantity of } } } liquid N2 into glove. } } } 4. Phone for ambulance. } } } } } } The point is that a brief contact causes no problems, but if the contact is } } } continued you get a nasty burn. } } } } } } Gloves, goggles, masks (and shoes) are actually more dangerous when handling } } } liquid N2 than sandals and no protection. And clothes are actually more } } } dangerous than being naked. Get the safety officer to experiment. With a } } } little persuasion you can probably convince the safety officer that when } } } handling liquid N2, everybody should be naked. } } } } } } More seriously, bureaucrats, administrators and the inexperienced should } } } talk to somebody who has real knowledge. } } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } } } Dr. Larry Stoter } } } Technesis } } } 17, Rocks Park Road, Uckfield, E. Sussex, TN22 2AT, United Kingdom } } } Larry-at-teknesis.demon.co.uk } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } } Actually, not my comments, although it is a thread to which I } contributed and generally reflects my sentiments. } } Regards, } -- } Larry Stoter } 34, Astwick Road, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 4AU, UK } email: LPS-at-teknesis.demon.co.uk, Home Phone/Fax: +44 (0)1462 733309
as a manufacturer of large chamber SEMs with EDX it would be a pleasure for us to analyze your sample. The max. size of your sample should not exceed 28 inches in diameter and 24 inches in height.
To give you an impression about the technology of large chamber SEMs just click it http://www.visitec-em.de/tokyo.html
----- Original Message ----- } From: Becky Holdford {r-holdford-at-ti.com} To: Microscopy ListServer {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} Sent: Saturday, July 01, 2000 2:54 AM
Hi All, there is a serious side to LN2 handling even though many points discussed are valid. I have found most problems associated with LN2 are caused by things other than the LN2 itself. I remember when I first started using LN2 over 25 years ago I was filling a glass vacuum flask when it exploded and filled the room I was in with instant fog, tinsel and plenty of LN2 as a fine spray. I was unharmed apart from fine glass shards and Al foil in my hair. I was wearing no protective gear. The LN2 had also been in my hair as a fine spray thank goodness. I was amazed that I had no effect from the LN2. After that I started to wear thermal type gloves but soon found that these were more dangerous than no gloves at all. There are times when one does have to be careful in handling LN2 and these in my experience have been with 1/ glass containers. 2/ pressurised containers and 3/Accidental contact from surfaces at very cold temperatures.
I am sure that there have also been other experiences that we can learn from so that we can understand how we can avoid them.
Ken Moran.
Moran Scientific Pty Ltd P.O. Box 651 Goulburn NSW 2580 Australia Tel 02 4844 4234 (International, 61 2 48444234) Fax 02 4844 4291 (International, 61 2 48444291) Email {kmoran-at-goulburn.net.au} Web Page http://www.goulburn.net.au/~kmoran/ "Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds to its ruin. Gulistan 1258"
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Leona, I also have bottles of Epon 812 in my lab, some of which have been opened, and all of which are from the early 1970's. I still use it for certain applications when nothing else works. Epon 812 blocks will pop off some plastic culture wells when nothing else will. Even though the dishes are made of the same material there is some variation from brand to brand and when in doubt I use the old resin. I haven't varied the original recipe and have had no problems. I'll buy it from you if you decide not to keep it.
Mary Gail Engle Electron Microscopy & Imaging Facility University of Kentucky
I was searching through the archives - found numerous helpful suggestions, however no real answer to my recent problem.
Here it is: We were investigating cells in suspension and blood cells in the SEM. Very straight forward - after fixation in suspension the cells were filtered on to polycarbonate filters (0.4 um) with a 1ml syringe.
At this stage I removed the filters from the holder and put them into multiwell plates for additional washes with buffer and dehydration in alcohol. The multiwell plate was placed on a gently shaking rotator. The cells on the filter were dried via liquid substitution, gold coated and observed.
Although the cells survived the procedure structurally quite well I was surprised that we had to hunt a lot to actually find the cells on the filter. The pore size of the filter is too small for human blood cells to escape through - were has 90% of the population gone?
Would it be better to place unfixed cells on the filter?
Is there a way to make them adhere better?
Any suggestion is appreciated - this list is a fantastic source of know-how.
Thank you.
Claudia
Dr. C. Hayward-Costa School of Life Sciences Kingston University Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 2EE, UK 44(0)208 547 2000 x 2240 Email: c.hayward-at-kingston.ac.uk
Hi, I use Epofix epoxy. In a very short time after purchase the resin becomes cloudy and a white sediment forms at the bottom of the bottle. I have heard this sediment described as crystals. I have continued to use the resin---carefully avoiding agitation and entrainment of the sediment when I withdraw it from the bottle. Does anyone else have experience with this?
Everett Ramer National Energy Technology Laboratory P.O. Box 10940, Cochrans Mill Road Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15236-0940 Voice: 412-386-4920 FAX: 412-386-4806 ramer-at-netl.doe.gov
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I would require a used / 2nd hand Cambridge S360 IP backplane.Could anybody help me out ?
Thanks, Neville Baker
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
see you at ICEM 15 2002, Durban, South Africa www.icem15.com
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Colleagues,
We are looking into the possibility of mating a Zeiss AttoArc fluorescence lamphouse (for HBO100 bulb) to a Leica DMIRB inverted research microscope. Has anyone had experience doing such a thing?
We can certainly manufacture an adapter to mount the lamphouse to the Leica scope; that's a minor problem. But I am more concerned about the length of the beam path and whether the collector lens in the Atto source will bring the beam to the proper focus point.
I should mention that we have the Leica scope but we haven't yet found an Atto lamphouse and power supply. We have tried to contact Atto but so far we have not gotten a response. Perhaps the Atto rig is sold exclusively for Zeiss scopes? I have done some initial measurements on a Zeiss inverted scope that has an AttoArc lamphouse on it, and I do believe that it would work just fine. But some confirmation from another source would be appreciated!
If anyone has done this before, I would certainly like to hear from you. Please contact me off-list to discuss.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers,
Bob Chiovetti rchiovetti-at-aol.com
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Greetings,
We are currently planning to teach the introductory undergrad SEM course on our JEOL 840A with the digital output. In doing so we are dropping the 4 month/year service contract and most likely we are going to discontinue use of the AMRAY 1200.
I am trying to get a feel of the market for an old (early 1970s) solid-state SEM. The imaging is fantastic - really quite amazing. But there are quite a few limitations - resolution, magnification, only film output (4X5 Polaroid or Sheet film), scan speeds.
Is this a machine that anyone might be able to make use of? One idea I had was this little table top wonder machine would make a great personal SEM, although for me personally why take it home when I can use the 840A when ever I want.
Again, I am not committing this good old 'scope to the open market or the open scrap heap (the other possible avenue for this scope is to call the scrap yard to haul it off) yet, I just need some potential options to through at the Chairman and the Dean.
Any third party folks that are servicing these have a desire for some/all of it?
Geoff
-- Geoff Williams
Electron Microscope Facility Supervisor Biology Department Brooks Hall Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
We have a Kreonite automatic photographic paper processor that will go to the scrap heap very soon if no one wants it. You would probably have to arrange for shipping. If anyone would like to have it (and a few spare parts), it can be arranged. Preference will go to a university, but we are interested in getting it out of the storage area. It was working when we stored it. It comes with a cart that was made for it. If you process a lot of paper, this is the unit for you. Let me know this week.
-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 would also like to counter the thought that gasoline is more dangerous } than liquid } nitrogen. It's different - I carry a 4.5 litre sealed container of } gasoline/petrol } around in my car quite safely but I wouldn't seal liquid nitrogen like } that; open or } poorly sealed storage can lead to icing or condensation of oxygen from air (now } there's a good one to debate - has anyone heard of that causing an } accident?) with } possible disastrous consequences; surfaces in prolonged contact with } gasoline would } present less danger than with liquid nitrogen; and gasoline has a strong } odour so I } wouldn't expect to be asphyxiated by it so easily (OK it might ignite more } easily } and be harmful). }
Now there's a thought. To digress a little, we once had an instance where a guy came down to the SEM lab and asked if he could borrow a 5 litre dewar to take some LN2 home and show his kids. When asked for more details his game plan was to sit the dewar on the floor on the passenger side of the car so that he could make sure that it wouldn't fall over. The answer was "No, perhaps you should bring the kids to the LN2...."
The point being that even though LN2 use might seem less of a risk than boiling water when used "properly" and "common sense" is applied, it cannot be assumed without question that everyone's initial mental picture behind these two terms is exactly the same!!
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/
We were having a coffee break in a portacabin room used as a makeshift lab when a delivery lorry about to top up our cryogenic liquid N2 tank reversed into and broke the connecting refill valve . We were observing the resulting stream of liquid N2 spill over the tarmac when one of the guys remembered that his new car was parked in the enclosed area and his new tyres may be damaged . Without a word he pushed through the firedoor , ran the few yards through the increasingly heavy fog and managed to reverse his car in the few feet available out of the way of the liquid nitrogen . But when he went to return he found the fog too heavy to see the few yards to the portacabin , and quickly became disorientated . As panic set in he fell to his knees and ,becoming increasingly short of breath, started crawling- finally to the firedoor which by now was firmly closed as we had all run for safety . Fearing asphyxiation he managed to crawl around the building through the fog and emerged gasping a minute or so later . The contrast to one minute quietly having a coffee and the next to witness this life and death ? struggle and accusations of attempted murder as someone had closed the firedoor caused much merriment at the time . All except for the poor 'victim' ( sorry Leighton if your reading this ) .
I've avoided commenting on LN2 to this point, because one person became quite offended at my comments the 4-5 years ago when this thread was explored in a very similar manner. Ken's comments about shattered thermos is an experience, though, I've shared too many times.
Besides being the glass thermos being a different kind of hazard after breaking, a 5L dewar is very expensive. Just over a year ago I started using a 2 gallon plastic drink dispenser from WalMart. Cost less than $10. It lasted almost a year before the seal around the spigot failed. Of course you can't store LN2 for any length of time but for transport between tank and EDX detector, it does great. BTW, the top vent was permanently removed so no pressure buildup could occur.
Chuck Butterick Engineered Carbons, Inc. Borger, TX
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Hi All, there is a serious side to LN2 handling even though many points discussed are valid. I have found most problems associated with LN2 are caused by things other than the LN2 itself. I remember when I first started using LN2 over 25 years ago I was filling a glass vacuum flask when it exploded and filled the room I was in with instant fog, tinsel and plenty of LN2 as a fine spray. I was unharmed apart from fine glass shards and Al foil in my hair. I was wearing no protective gear. The LN2 had also been in my hair as a fine spray thank goodness. I was amazed that I had no effect from the LN2. After that I started to wear thermal type gloves but soon found that these were more dangerous than no gloves at all. There are times when one does have to be careful in handling LN2 and these in my experience have been with 1/ glass containers. 2/ pressurised containers and 3/Accidental contact from surfaces at very cold temperatures.
I am sure that there have also been other experiences that we can learn from so that we can understand how we can avoid them.
Ken Moran.
Moran Scientific Pty Ltd P.O. Box 651 Goulburn NSW 2580 Australia Tel 02 4844 4234 (International, 61 2 48444234) Fax 02 4844 4291 (International, 61 2 48444291) Email {kmoran-at-goulburn.net.au} Web Page http://www.goulburn.net.au/~kmoran/ "Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds to its ruin. Gulistan 1258"
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Hello, I've been cleaning and tweaking an older SEM we have in our laboratory. It is an ISI DS-130. I managed to improve the resolution of the lower stage from 2000x mag to 10000x magnification through cleaning the final aperture, cleaning the column liner, replacing the scintillators, and cleaning the anode. However, I would like to improve it up to at least 30000x mag for the lower stage. Could anyone send me some suggestions as how I may improve the performance of this SEM further?
I have an additional problem in using the upper stage of the SEM. It will not focus above 300x in magnification even though it is properly set up according to the manual. Anyone ever come across this problem before? Gordon.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ Gordon Ante Vrdoljak Electron Microscope Lab ICQ 23243541 http://nature.berkeley.edu/~gvrdolja 26 Giannini Hall gvrdolja-at-nature.berkeley.edu UC Berkeley phone (510) 642-2085 Berkeley CA 94720-3330 fax (510) 643-6207 cell (510) 290-6793
I have a customer who is considering the purchase of an SEM-EDS system. He has asked me if there are any EDS programs out there that can take the EDS data, and, given some minimal user input, provide a list of possible phases. For example, Fe and S alone and in various proportions may yield - iron sulfide FeS2 or FeS (pyrite or troilite) while the presence of a low level of O might get a result of iron sulfite or maybe iron sulfate, etc.
I know this is out there past the edge of real usable analytical information, but just thought I'd see if anything exists. I'm not talking about anything real fancy like the EBSP techniqes, but basically an "expert" EDS program that will return a list of potential phases or formulas based on a little quantitative and specimen knowledge/input from the real expert.
Like any SEM you need to be sure that you are not undersaturated and are very accurately aligned for maximum signal: use the wave form mode. Performance will be further improved if you run at between 5 and 8mm working distance. Also, as the HT tank needs time to warm up to give stability, do not try for performance until the HT has been on for at least 45 minutes.
The upper stage has two settings, high kV and low kV, where a shorter focal length is usable. In each case the secimen MUST be in exactly the correct position, not to high not too low as there is very little focal length adjustment compared with "normal" out of lens SEM.
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For professional training and consultancy in EM world wide www.emcourses.com Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280 914007
I have also had trouble with exploding glass dewars, I now use the plastic ones from the chem. suppliers for freezing samples.. For filling up our EDX I do that directly out of the 160L liquid nitrogen tanks from our supplier, I use a special liquid nitrogen flexible metal hose with a sintered brass end that lets the gas out the sides and liquid out the end. The 160L tank sits on a special movable dolly, so I unchain it and move it next to the EDX or whatever I need to fill up, it saves spillage and no dewar is needed for EDX fillups. I ordered the equipment from Southland Cryogenics, Inc. but I have seen the same stuff at different cryogenic internet sites.
I had to get 20,000 to 50,000x out of our DS-130 some years ago...I'll see what I remember. Since I don't know the details of your setup, I will just throw some questions at you. What spot size(s) are you using? What size column aperture? I'm pretty sure you'll need to stick with spot HR, or at least STD (Small) to reach 30000x. The TV image will be grainy, but photo scans will be fine. If the image gets TOO noisy, try a larger column aperture. For a given 'Z', a certain combination of spot/aperture will work best. Is your scope on air cushions? If so, are they inflated properly (not OVER inflated)? If not on cushions, do you know what your floor vibration is like? Relocating to ground floor did wonders for ours. You will also need quite high emission current: setup the filament for high-res. (per the manual) and crank up the bias as necessary. It's important to check the mechanical gun alignment frequently...ours drifted quite a bit. Align gun, column aperture, focus, correct astigmatism. In short, pretty standard stuff. I have some good pictures at 50,000, not-so-good pictures at 150,000 and that's on the second floor. Didn't have a functioning 1st stage, so I can't help you there. Wild guess: range of objective current is not switching over properly when you switch to 1st stage? Good luck.
Matt
Matthew J. Lynn, Ph.D. Center for Advanced Microscopy University of Miami (305)284-4736 mlynn-at-miami.edu
On Wednesday, July 05, 2000 4:25 PM, Gordon Vrololjak [SMTP:gvrdolja-at-nature.Berkeley.EDU] 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, } I've been cleaning and tweaking an older SEM we have in our } laboratory. It is an ISI DS-130. I managed to improve the resolution of } the lower stage from 2000x mag to 10000x magnification through cleaning } the final aperture, cleaning the column liner, replacing the } scintillators, and cleaning the anode. However, I would like to improve } it up to at least 30000x mag for the lower stage. Could anyone send me } some suggestions as how I may improve the performance of this SEM further? } } I have an additional problem in using the upper stage of the SEM. It will } not focus above 300x in magnification even though it is properly set up } according to the manual. Anyone ever come across this problem before? } Gordon. } } \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ } Gordon Ante Vrdoljak Electron Microscope Lab } ICQ 23243541 http://nature.berkeley.edu/~gvrdolja 26 Giannini Hall } gvrdolja-at-nature.berkeley.edu UC Berkeley } phone (510) 642-2085 Berkeley CA 94720-3330 } fax (510) 643-6207 cell (510) 290-6793
We are having problems with the hardware/software acquiring data from our JEOL JAMP-30. The unit uses an old PDP11. We are wondering if anyone has a similar system and can instruct us how to reformat the hard drive and reload the software on this system. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. ______________________________________________ Roberto Garcia Senior Analyst, Metallography NC State University / Analytical Instrumentation Facility Campus Box 7531 Room 318 EGRC 1010 Main Campus Dr. Raleigh, NC 27695-7531 (919) 515-8628 (919) 515-6965 Fax rgarcia-at-unity.ncsu.edu http://spm.aif.ncsu.edu/aif http://spm.aif.ncsu.edu/asm/asm_home.htm ____________________________________________
If anyone wants Geoff Williams' Amray 1200, I have some sample holders and tools left over from when we scrapped our Amray 1200 due to water damage. The only cost would be shipping.
Jane L. LaGoy Development Engineer Bodycote IMT, Inc. 155 River Street Andover, MA 01810 978-470-1620 jlagoy-at-bodycote-imt.com
I know this isnt't an EM related question but I'm in search of a couple of LM staining procedures. I'm looking for a good silver stain (s) for looking at neural structures preferably not using chloral hydrate, and a good acid fast procedure for mycobacterium. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.
I'm interested in why one would use a glass dewer for transporting LN2 (cost?). Our transportation dewer is metal - don't know how many walls but I assume it's got a vacuum between them. It's been in use for over 20 years and had its share of bumps (I'm sure if it was glass, it'd have been replaced a few times). It's made by Union Carbide, type UC-4.
It works great, has lasted 'forever' and doesn't have the safety issues of glass. Is glass that much cheaper?
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I've avoided commenting on LN2 to this point, because one person became quite offended at my comments the 4-5 years ago when this thread was explored in a very similar manner. Ken's comments about shattered thermos is an experience, though, I've shared too many times.
Besides being the glass thermos being a different kind of hazard after breaking, a 5L dewar is very expensive. Just over a year ago I started using a 2 gallon plastic drink dispenser from WalMart. Cost less than $10.
It lasted almost a year before the seal around the spigot failed. Of course you can't store LN2 for any length of time but for transport between
tank and EDX detector, it does great. BTW, the top vent was permanently removed so no pressure buildup could occur.
Chuck Butterick Engineered Carbons, Inc. Borger, TX
------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Hi All, there is a serious side to LN2 handling even though many points discussed are valid. I have found most problems associated with LN2 are caused by things other than the LN2 itself. I remember when I first started using LN2 over 25 years ago I was filling a glass vacuum flask when it exploded and filled the room I was in with instant fog, tinsel and plenty of LN2 as a fine spray. I was unharmed apart from fine glass shards and Al foil in my hair. I was wearing no protective gear. The LN2 had also been in my hair as a fine spray thank goodness. I was amazed that I had no effect from the LN2. After that I started to wear thermal type gloves but soon found that these were more dangerous than no gloves at all. There are times when one does have to be careful in handling LN2 and these in my experience have been with 1/ glass containers. 2/ pressurised containers and 3/Accidental contact from surfaces at very cold temperatures.
I am sure that there have also been other experiences that we can learn from so that we can understand how we can avoid them.
Ken Moran.
Moran Scientific Pty Ltd P.O. Box 651 Goulburn NSW 2580 Australia Tel 02 4844 4234 (International, 61 2 48444234) Fax 02 4844 4291 (International, 61 2 48444291) Email {kmoran-at-goulburn.net.au} Web Page http://www.goulburn.net.au/~kmoran/ "Patience accomplishes its object, while hurry speeds to its ruin. Gulistan 1258"
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Phillip Rutledge wrote:
} Microscopists, } } I know this isnt't an EM related question but I'm in search of a couple of LM staining procedures. I'm looking for a good silver stain (s) for looking at neural structures preferably not using chloral hydrate, and a good acid fast procedure for mycobacterium. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it. } } Thanks, } } Phil Rutledge } USDA/ARS } voice: (410) 778-4136, 2120 } fax: (410) 778-4399 } e-mail: prutledge-at-ars.usda.gov
Dear Phil:
Without knowing more specifics, the Bodain method is a good silver stain for CNS. Details in any good histotechnology text. Can't help with mycobacterium.
Geoff
-- ********************************************** Geoff McAuliffe, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Cell Biology Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854 voice: (732)-235-4583; fax: -4029 mcauliff-at-umdnj.edu **********************************************
Dorrance: Have look at ASTM Standard E 1558, Standard Guide for Electropolishing of Metallographic Specimens.
Sam Purdy Tech Center, National Steel Corp. Trenton MI } ---------- } From: McLean, Dorrance } Sent: 30, June 2000, 3:21 PM } To: 'Listserver' } Subject: Mat. Electropolishing. } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 List, } } Does any one have the dummies guide to electropolishing?? Some years } ago } } (3), I had a trouble shooting guide for electropolishing. This list had } } about 9 or 10 items, problems /solutions on it and it was very } } helpful...but it has found one of those very safe filing places (i.e. I } } can't find it!) If any one has access to this list or something } similar, } } I would appreciate it if you could send me a copy. } } } } Many thanks in advance. } } } } Dorrance } } PS I haven't been keeping up with the weather reports lately but it's 95 } } and clear in beautiful Livermore, California. } } }
Phil I wonder if Del Rio Hortega's silver stain would be good for your purpose. See Goldblatt & Trump (1965) The application of del Rio Hortega's Silver method to epon-embedded tissue. Stain Technology 40, 105-115.
Add 5ml of 10% AgNO3 to 20ml of 5% aq. sodium carbonate. Horrible precipitate occurs. Add 0.88 ammonia dropwise until precipitate has just cleared. Dilute to 45ml, filter.
Stain free-floating sections at 60oC for 30-120 min (use a solid watch-glass with glass cover). Transfer sections to distilled water to rinse, then dry down to slides from water at 60oC. reduce in 0.5% formaldehyde for 30-60 seconds, wash in distilled water, fix in 5% sodium thiosulphate (hypo), wash again and mount.
Chris
Date sent: Thu, 06 Jul 2000 06:49:00 -0600 } From: Phillip Rutledge {prutledge-at-ars.usda.gov} To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Course Announcement
Title: Optical Microscopy and Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences
When: October 11 - October 19, 2000
Where: Marine Biology Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
Tuition: $2150 (Includes room and board, text, handouts, supplies)
Application Deadline: August 1, 2000
Admission application and information: Carol Hamel, Admissions Coordinator Marine Biological Laboratory 7 MBL Street Woods Hole, MA 02543-1015 (508) 289-7401 Internet: admissions-at-mbl.edu WWW: http://www.mbl.edu (Application forms available via Adobe Acrobat)
Course Director: Colin S. Izzard, State University of New York -at- Albany Phone: [518] 442 - 4367 EMail: csizzard-at-csc.albany.edu
Course Description:
For Whom: Designed primarily for research scientists, physicians, postdoctoral trainees and advanced graduate students in animal, plant, medical and material sciences. Non-biologists seeking a comprehensive introduction to microscopy and video-imaging will benefit greatly from this course as well. There are no specific prerequisites, but an understanding of the basic principles of optics is desirable. Limited to 24 students.
The eight day course consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations, exercises and discussions that will enable the participant to obtain and interpret microscope images of high quality, to perform quantitative optical measurements, and to produce photographic and video records for documentation and analysis.
Topics to be covered include: principles of microscope design and image formation bright field, dark field, phase contrast, polarized light, differential interference contrast, interference reflection, and fluorescence microscopy confocal scanning microscopy, multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy and image deconvolution digital image restoration and 3-D reconstruction video imaging, recording, enhancement, and intensification analog and digital image processing and analysis fluorescent probes and ratiometric-imaging laser tweezers and laser scissors
Applications to live cells will be emphasized; other specimens will be covered as well.
Students will have direct hands-on experience with state-of-the-art microscopes, video cameras, recorders and image processing equipment provided by major optical and electronics companies. Instruction will be provided by experienced staff from universities and industry.
Students are encouraged to bring their own biological (primary cultures, cell lines, etc.) and material specimens and to discuss individual research problems with the faculty.
This isn't an EM question, but I'm hoping someone can give me an answer. I need postive control slides for PCP fluorescence testing. If anyone knows of any company that sells them, please let me know. Thanks
Email: lpeterso987-at-hotmail.com Name: lauren peterson School: university of michigan
Question: I bought an old student microscope (3 objectives) from a biology lab. It has a mirror and condenser lens (with iris) that can be focused up and down. It doesn't seem to make much difference how the lens is adjusted or how the iris is set -- both just seem to affect the brightness. Is there a procedure for adjusting it to get the best images?
I can help you on both stages. Following the ISI manual can be like many manuals, a little difficult.
The 1st stage is the simplest problem to fix. Select a tall or short specimen holder, mount your sample on the adjustable base of the holder. Turn the base until the top most portion of your sample is at the same height as the top of the holder. Not above!! If you selected the tall holder the 'Mode' button need to be on 2 and for the short holder the 'Mode' button needs to be on 1. Go ahead and put the sample and view. Increase the magnification up to 1 KX, adjust the focus knob. You should be able to find focus.
As for the 2nd stage, it sounds as you are close in your alignments. You should continue to practice. I find that it is difficult to routinely expect to take micrographs above 20 KX. The general rule around here is if you want to image above 20 KX go to the upper stage.
We use a LaB6 filament on our DS-130, I was imaging this week at 30KX on the lower stage and at 100KX on the upper.
Mike ============================================================ Michael Dunlap office (530) 752-0284 University of California lab (530) 752-5489 Chemical Engineering & Material Science Fax (530) 752-9554 110A EU-II mrdunlap-at-ucdavis.edu One Shields Ave. http://www.chms.ucdavis.edu/ Davis CA, 95616 ============================================================
} I have also had trouble with exploding glass dewars, ... } For filling up our EDX I do that directly out of the } 160L liquid nitrogen tanks from our supplier, } I use a special liquid nitrogen flexible metal hose } ...
The 160L dewar I fill from has a "nalgene" hose ... and I've never had a problem with it. However, one plastic hose exploded on me while filling, but it wasn't nalgene, and I can't remember what it was. But, it does underline the use of wearing protective eyewear while working with LN2!
We are planning to acquire a Phillips 300 TEM for our lab located on Long Island, NY. Does anyone have any recommendations for independent service/maintenance contractors who could provide a service contract in this area?
Also, we don't yet have a recirculating water chiller. If anyone has one that they could sell to us, please let us know.
Thanks in advance,
Rick Powell Nanoprobes, Incorporated
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This is my summary of that thread, reflecting my bias and my logic. Clearly there were divergent opinions. Everett had simply asked for a copy of "handling procedures". Hope that somebody could help him. The question though seems to be "is liquid nitrogen a dangerous substance"? Obviously yes, but so is water - to wit drownings. Danger is a comparative matter. The question "Is a written procedure required?" follows later.
Many common substances are dangerous when mishandled. Petrol/ gas in my opinion is rather more dangerous than liquid nitrogen. Gas is much more common than LN2, but few gas accidents are reported. LN2 accidents become folklore, not because of the greater danger of LN2 but because those accidents demonstrate ingenious, applied stupidity (hi, that would make a fine Uni course). Although gas and its dangers are well known, people inhale it (brain damage and death), start fires with it, store it in crummy plastic containers, siphon it by mouth, use it to re kindle a fire etc. I must agree though, gas is not a good comparison to LN2.
Boiling water is! Arguably its more dangerous than LN2 because it has no insulating layer. So boiling water poured onto skin will burn, whereas LN2 would only do so in extreme cases. Pressurized LN2 must be compared with pressurized boiling water, like in a pressure cooker or autoclave. Boiling water is undeniably dangerous and many, many burns occur every day. Of course its a very commonly used substance, but that means that all, except small children would know of the danger and should use care.
Why then is boiling water not a tightly controlled substance and why is no operator's license required to make a cup of coffee? Ask your safety officer. Our discussion concerns LN2 use in laboratories, by people with more training and understanding of physical properties than that of the general public. Why should these people be required to submit a procedural outline for simple tasks, such as transferring some LN2? Who trained the safety officer to recognize that the procedure makes sense? What is the cost benefit of introducing another bit of paper to the laboratory? How is safety enhanced by a single task written procedure? Most LN2 accidents are caused by lack of knowledge of the material's physical properties, or temporary "insanity"? A six minute briefing of LN2 properties and don'ts would benefits the neophyte and safety rather more than a cabinet full of paper. The required written procedure on decanting LN2 is a fig leaf for the safety officer. Unfortunately safety officers have become part of a bureaucratic system and frequently they are required to perform nonsensical tasks.
Overstated? Well, we now have in Australia legislation in place which makes the importation, sale and trans shipping of Uranyl Acetate virtually impossible. PST has given up on UA and I don't know of anybody who is willing to run that legislative gauntlet for the sale of a few jars of UA! This legislation applies in a country that produces thousands of tons of U Yellowcake (radiological and chem toxicity similar to UA), were jumbo jets carry 370 kg of U metal in the tail fin and were Americium smoke detectors are handled by the public. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
} On Friday, June 30, 2000 6:35 AM, Everett Ramer [S} MTP:Everett.Ramer-at-netl.doe.gov] wrote:
} I will getting my first SEM/EDS shortly and to obtain the required operating permit from my safety group I need a written procedure for handling LN2. Specifically I need a written procedure for filling the 3 L dewar on the EDS detector from a 50 L dewar mounted on a cart. I plan to make the transfer by using a lab source of N2 to pressurize the 50 L dewar and have obtained all the valves and fittings required to do this from another SEM lab. I would appreciate copies of the procedure. } Thanks, } } Everett Ramer } National Energy Technology Laboratory } P.O. Box 10940, Cochrans Mill Road } Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15236-0940 } Voice: 412-386-4920 } FAX: 412-386-4806 } ramer-at-netl.doe.gov
Been thinking about your problem and of course suddenly thought that I did not pass on the most important message last time!
If you want better performance from any SEM you must make sure that the emission current is high enough. For DS130 use a current 100uA above the standing current (the current that you have when the filament is off but the selected high voltage is on).
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For professional training and consultancy in EM world wide www.emcourses.com Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280 914007
Try www.kaker.com they have and online demo of electropolishing procedures. You can not search them but it will list all of the ones they have and then you just have to look for your material of interest. ______________________________________________ Roberto Garcia Senior Analyst, Metallography NC State University / Analytical Instrumentation Facility Campus Box 7531 Room 318 EGRC 1010 Main Campus Dr. Raleigh, NC 27695-7531 (919) 515-8628 (919) 515-6965 Fax rgarcia-at-unity.ncsu.edu http://spm.aif.ncsu.edu/aif http://spm.aif.ncsu.edu/asm/asm_home.htm ____________________________________________
Dear List, Here are my 2 cent's worth: 1) Teflon tubing does not become brittle at 77 K, so it is the best inexpensive material for transferring LN2 safely. Using insulating foam tubing around the teflon reduces LN2 boiling to a very acceptible degree. 2) Do not set up an automatic fill for LN2 for an EDS detector; when we tried that, the fill valve froze open, and the resulting LN2-fall broke the seal on the detec- tor dewar, which then became convex on the bottom. (We were able to fix it--I'll be happy to let anyone who is interrested know how.) Naturally, this occurred at the beginning of a long weekend; fortuitous, timely discovery prevented a worse disaster. And another penny's worth: 3) Glass dewars are not used because they're cheap; they're used because the silvered glass is an excel- lent insulator. They are very efficient for containing or transporting LN2, and they hold up very well, unless one drops a screwdriver into one. Stainless steel is tougher, but less efficient and more expensive. Yours, Bill Tivol
The following TEM position has been approved at Michigan State University. The individual selected will supervise a newly funded 200 kV field emission TEM fully equipped with EDS, PEELS, Gatan Image Filter, STEM, digital imaging, etc. Stanley L. Flegler, Acting Director Center for Advanced Microscopy Michigan State University
Full-time transmission electron microscopist. This is a teaching/service/support position at the Center for Advanced Microscopy at Michigan State University. CAM is the central microscopy laboratory for the MSU campus, serving users from a wide variety of disciplines. The appointment will be in the Academic Specialist category, one of the academic support ranks at the University. The appointment will be a 12 month, annual year appointment in the continuing appointment system. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Required: A Ph.D. in the physical sciences or a field of engineering and a minimum of three years experience in TEM instrument operation, maintenance, physical science sample preparation, and teaching. Experience in a multi-user facility and familiarity with biological TEM sample preparation is a plus. The individual must have a demonstrated competence in and a strong commitment to graduate level instruction and be willing to assist others in planning their research programs and/or sample preparation. U.S. citizenship is not required; applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must provide documentation evidencing employment authorization in the United States. The position begins effective Spring 2001. Submit a Curriculum Vita, transcripts of academic training, a statement describing your interest in the position, evidence of teaching ability, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to: Dr. Karen L. Klomparens, Chair, Search Committee, Center for Advanced Microscopy, B4 Center for Integrated Plant Systems, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Applications are due by Sept. 18, 2000. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.
I use "dewars" made of foamed polystyrene for transferring small volumes of LN2, and for any work where there is a risk of dropping heavy metal objects into the dewar. They are safe, light, robust, and inexpensive, although they do not have anything approaching the holding time of glass dewars. They should be obtainable through most EM supply houses. If you have difficulty sourcing them, contact me offline.
Just for the record, I have used glass dewars for LN2 for more than 30 years, and have never known one to break under thermal shock.
Chris Jeffree ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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
Please note the following job posting at Lehigh University:
RESEARCH ENGINEER
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Lehigh University is seeking a Research Engineer. This position will be responsible for high spatial resolution x-ray mapping of segregants in alloys using the VGHB603; theoretical spectral simulation using desktop spectrum analyzer; and zeta factor mapping and quantification.
Qualified candidates should have Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience. Experience with 300KeV Field Emission Gun STEMs is essential.
Anticipated starting date is April 1, 2001. Resumes should be sent to Deanne Hoenscheid, Materials Research Center, Lehigh University, 5 E. Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Lehigh University is an AA/EOE.
-- ********************************************************* Deanne L. Hoenscheid Phone: (610) 758-3863 Materials Research Center Fax: (610) 758-3526 462 Whitaker Laboratory E-mail: dlh3-at-lehigh.edu 5 E. Packer Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18015 *********************************************************
I believe the problems arise when scratches occur from filling and handling the glass dewars. These can be so fine, as to be difficult to see. (when cutting glass, a fine, chip free scribe does a better job than a heavy one) When the conditions are just right (stress from cooling down, or tipping the dewar up), the vacuum bottle will implode.
We have some old metal outside, plastic inside dewars for transferring LN2 from the storage/supply dewar, to the system dewar. They are not used to store LN2, but are good and rugged for all of the handling they get. They were here when I started, so I do not know where they came from.
We are please to offer the following position at AMD Sunnyvale
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Hello, I am looking for a good review paper concerning immuno EM methods. There was a book suggested recently "Fine Structure Immunocytochemistry", which I am trying to locate through my library here at UNM, but I am really more interested in a few good papers. Thanks in advance, Joyce A. Kotzuk Univ. of New Mexico pathology dept.
} } Dear Lauren, } } While it looks to you like both of these adjustments affect just } brightness, they are actually have a profound influence on the coherence of } the light hitting the sample. To test, move the objectives out of position } and place a piece of white card vertically on the stage so that you can } catch the beam emerging from the condenser. Open and close the condenser } and watch the beam go from a wide angle to a narrow pencil. Open the } condenser then focus it up and down. Notice how the location of the cone } changes. } } The narrower the beam, the more coherent the light impinging on the sample. } The more coherent, the more visible the diffraction effects at edges. For } nearly invisible specimens like cheek cells, the diffraction will enhance } edge information. If you go to far, you will see the bright and dark } fringes which result from the constructive and destructive interference of } diffracted waves hitting the edges. } } 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 } } } } At 03:49 PM 7/6/00 -0500, you wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Yes, I did show my kids some spectacular show with LN2. You could make beautiful white clouds pouring LN2 in warm water. The most successful demonstration was, when I was using 1 liter calibrated flask with long neck. White cloud coming from the neck forms kind of shape my kids called jinn from "1000 +1 night Shaherezad". We also used LN2 in some shows at traditional New Year Party at my Institute in Russia. One time I was using regular thermos filled with LN2 to transport my samples from Novosibirsk to Moscow (8 hours fly). People at Novosibirsk were short in dry ice, we were using LN2 instead (smile). You could also put a small piece of dry ice into 1.5 ml Eppendorf tube and place it under the door of your boss (a couple of tubes are better). They are blow out with nice sound like a shot from good pistol (but less dangerous). Honestly speaking, I did it one time.
} Now there's a thought. To digress a little, we once had an instance where a } guy came down to the SEM lab and asked if he could borrow a 5 litre dewar } to take some LN2 home and show his kids. When asked for more details his } game plan was to sit the dewar on the floor on the passenger side of the } car so that he could make sure that it wouldn't fall over. The answer was } "No, perhaps you should bring the kids to the LN2...." } } The point being that even though LN2 use might seem less of a risk than } boiling water when used "properly" and "common sense" is applied, it cannot } be assumed without question that everyone's initial mental picture behind } these two terms is exactly the same!!
_____________________________________
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry Box 951737 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1737
} } * Hello to all. } * I am looking for a supplier of acrylic (Plexiglas) implosion guards for } a 12 } * inch diameter glass bell jar for a vacuum evaporator. I can only seem } to find } * the wire mesh or expanded metal types. I would like to know if anyone } has such } * a thing or knows who fabricates them or supplies them off the shelf. } } * Reply on line or off line direct to me at aberginc-at-cressington.com. } }
Acid alcohol removes tol blue and many other stains. Use 50 to 70% Ethanol with a 1ml of 1N HCl per 20ml, then rinse with water. When used quickly only little destaining occurs and the tol blue differentiates giving nice pinks and blues 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Friday, July 07, 2000 4:48 AM, "Michelle.Taurino-at-aventis.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com [SMTP:"Michelle.Taurino-at-aventis.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] wrote: } } } } Hello- } } I am looking for any suggestions on how to remove Tol. blue from Epon } embedded sections? } } I've tried warm water, 100% ethanol, and acetone. } } Any other recommendations? } } Will the Tol. blue interfere with UA/Pb staining if I do not remove the Tol. } Blue?? } } Thank you- } Michelle Taurino } Aventis Pharmaceuticals } Bioimaging and Molecular Histology } Tel-908-231-3357 } Fax-908-231-3962 } e-mail: Michelle.Taurino-at-aventis.com }
Hi, I am looking for 1) possible SEM accessory provider's list (that can supply straining stages) and 2) interaction with somebody with some prior experience with straining stages in SEM; since I want to perform the following experiment: Compression of a coated superally cube with adjustable dimensions (e.g. 10*10*6mm) either by direct compression or by bending. If possible, I would also like to repeat this experiment at various temperatures (say up to 1200C). The above experiment is to be observed under an SEM which is Hitachi S800.
Thanks Rahul Panat ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rahul Panat Dept of Theoretical & Applied Mechanics Univ of Illinois -at- Urbana-Champaign panat-at-students.uiuc.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am working on a resolving a bit of a sticky problem. A customer wants to confirm or disprove whether complex Ti/W/Nb carbo-nitrides in a Ni base alloy do indeed contain nitrogen. I have 2 SEMs, both with WDS. The better of the 2 uses an LSM080 crystal for the nitrogen wavelengths, the other has an LOD. My approach so far has been to establish peak ratios on cp titanium and a TiN standard. Some of the numbers look promising, but I suspect an influence on the ratios due to the presence of: W, Nb, and proximity of the matrix. The carbides are small and needle shaped, perhaps 1-2 by 10-15 microns. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Chris Holp Reply through: Hm: {mailto:cholp-at-ncweb.com} cholp-at-ncweb.com , Wk: {mailto:holpcr-at-earthlink.net} holpcr-at-earthlink.net , or through the group.
I am looking for low-budget camera w/board: -CCD digital monochrome (630 nm); -12-14 bit dynamic range; -min format 512x512; -shutter; -external triggering; -1 frame/s min rate; -PC-compatible board. Does anybody have any used equipment for sale? Any input on the sources for inexpencive new cameras with such specs will be appreciated.
Best regards
Dmitri Lapotko Luikov Heat and Mass Transfer Institute Minsk, Belarus
We use the Sevier-Munger modification found in Sheehan's Histotechnology text for our neuropath stains. It is more reproducible than the Bodian stain. The protocol is lengthy; will fax if you don't have access to the text.
-----Original Message----- } From: Phillip Rutledge [mailto:prutledge-at-ars.usda.gov] Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2000 8:49 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Microscopists,
I know this isnt't an EM related question but I'm in search of a couple of LM staining procedures. I'm looking for a good silver stain (s) for looking at neural structures preferably not using chloral hydrate, and a good acid fast procedure for mycobacterium. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.
Alan Berginc 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 to all. } } * I am looking for a supplier of acrylic (Plexiglas) implosion guards for } } a 12 } } * inch diameter glass bell jar for a vacuum evaporator. I can only seem } } to find } } * the wire mesh or expanded metal types. I would like to know if anyone } } has such } } * a thing or knows who fabricates them or supplies them off the shelf. } } } } * Reply on line or off line direct to me at aberginc-at-cressington.com. } } } } } } Regards.........Alan Berginc } Cressington Scientific, INC
Dear Alan,
Please check our web site, http://www.laddresearch.com for catalog # 30110 which I believe is what you are looking for.
Debbie Sicard --
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
EM people/, does anyone know of a supplier who sells the Zoakes Teflon Helix stirrer? I believe that was its name. It provided an efficient way to mix resins without entraining air into the mix. I haven't seen it listed in the any of the recent catalogues.
Hank Adams Manager Integrated Microscopy Core Molecular and Cellular Biology Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Tx 77030
At 01:48 PM 7/6/00 -0500, Michelle.Taurino-at-aventis.com"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Just wash you slids with 100% ETHYL ALCOHOL and after that wash with dd water it should do it
We are seeking a Material Scientist to perform TEM and SEM characterization of materials, particularly nuclear waste forms intended for repository disposal. Measure and evaluate the properties of all types. Participate in planning, developing, and implementing materials research to develop ceramic materials for waste forms and process equipment components.
The successful candidate will: o Conduct and direct materials characterization, with special emphasis on TEM examination of nuclear waste forms. o Analyze, evaluate, document, and communicate results of experiments and programs. o Contribute to and participate in internal and external Laboratory technical reporting and presentations. o Collaborate with other technical staff in the specialty area of materials science. o Ensure that the TEM is properly maintained.
We are seeking candidates with: o Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Ceramics or related field. o US Citizenship and ability to obtain DOE security clearance required.
Argonne offers a professional environment, excellent working conditions and fringe benefits. Please mail or e-mail your resume, quoting Ref: Material Scientist, ANL-W-1234, to: Argonne National Laboratory-West Human Resources P.O. Box 2528 Idaho Falls, ID 83403-2528. E-mail: hr-at-anlw.anl.gov Equal Opportunity Employer
Deear Chris, You might want to look at my article on N in Ti in the August, 1999 issue of Microscopy Today. By looking carefully at the peak shape of pure Ti vs. TiN , I found the optimum location on the peak to test for the presence of N. The W and Nb should not interfere at this wavelength and you should be able to see if there is N above a detection limit of less than 0.5 weight percent. The other thing that might help is to do an extraction replica of the inclusions, so that they are free of the Ni matrix. Lay this down on a carbon stub to reduce the background and improve your peak-to-background ratio. At 04:34 PM 7/8/00 -0500, you wrote:
} I am working on a resolving a bit of a sticky problem. A customer wants } to confirm or disprove whether complex Ti/W/Nb carbo-nitrides in a Ni base } alloy do indeed contain nitrogen. I have 2 SEMs, both with WDS. The } better of the 2 uses an LSM080 crystal for the nitrogen wavelengths, the } other has an LOD. My approach so far has been to establish peak ratios } on cp titanium and a TiN standard. Some of the numbers look promising, but } I suspect an influence on the ratios due to the presence of: W, Nb, and } proximity of the matrix. The carbides are small and needle shaped, } perhaps 1-2 by 10-15 microns. Any comments or suggestions would be } greatly appreciated! Thanks, Chris Holp Reply through: Hm: } {mailto:cholp-at-ncweb.com} cholp-at-ncweb.com , Wk: } {mailto:holpcr-at-earthlink.net} holpcr-at-earthlink.net , or through the group. Good luck, 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
I recently acquired a unitron MeC3-2313. It is a 30 year old, mono-ocular, metallurgical, inverted, optical microscope. The images are high resolution, bright, and the stage works well. I want to connect it to a digital camera. It came w/ a T-mount and I can get a C-mount from unitron for $625, I suppose I need a digital camera that has a removable lens. I have seen specs for a the SV Micro ($2200) and the Pixera ($1200). Does anybody have any other cameras they would like to suggest or experience w/ these camera? Is the overall image quality good for theses two cameras? I am afraid that the resolution would "not be there" in the color mode for the Pixera. I am not sure I want a consumer camera that has been adapted for a microscope like the Nikon and Kodak, since they include a lens that cannot be re-moved and therefore the minimum magnification work would be "upped" by 3X, if I could go thru the ocular. Plus, I am not sure I can get adaptors for my scope anyway. I would also like to keep my only ocular open, so I can skip the whole digital phase while doing sample inspection. Like to keep the entire endevor under $3K.
We have both of those cameras attached to two different stereomicroscopes. The SV-micro produces a bit better picture but is not as easy to work with especially getting the exposure just right. I like using the Pixera -its quick and easy. We don't do anything critical with these cameras however. But they work well for the price.
For adapters, contact the folks at Diagnostic Instruments. Their web site is http://www.diaginc.com/ccdguide.htm
-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: Smartech [mailto:smartech-at-javanet.com] } Sent: Monday, July 10, 2000 12:44 PM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Another digital camera question } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } 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 acquired a unitron MeC3-2313. It is a 30 year } old, mono-ocular, } metallurgical, inverted, optical microscope. The images are high } resolution, bright, and the stage works well. I want to } connect it to a } digital camera. It came w/ a T-mount and I can get a C-mount } from unitron } for $625, I suppose I need a digital camera that has a } removable lens. I } have seen specs for a the SV Micro ($2200) and the Pixera } ($1200). Does } anybody have any other cameras they would like to suggest or } experience w/ } these camera? Is the overall image quality good for theses } two cameras? I } am afraid that the resolution would "not be there" in the } color mode for the } Pixera. I am not sure I want a consumer camera that has been } adapted for a } microscope like the Nikon and Kodak, since they include a } lens that cannot } be re-moved and therefore the minimum magnification work } would be "upped" by } 3X, if I could go thru the ocular. Plus, I am not sure I can } get adaptors } for my scope anyway. I would also like to keep my only } ocular open, so I } can skip the whole digital phase while doing sample } inspection. Like to } keep the entire endevor under $3K. } } Thanks } } Ric } }
I am currently searching for a NIST traceable TEM mag. standard. The reason for a NIST traceable standard is that our EM facility is in transition to becoming GMP regulated. I have used the waffle grating replica and catalase crystals in the past and prefer this type of standard but they are not NIST traceable. I am aware that NIST offers polystyrene nanosphere particles for sizing but was hoping to avoid using because of the difficulty in producing a uniform monolayer without aggregate particles. I am also aware that there is a product called MAGICAL and am still waiting from a response from NIST as to whether or not it is traceable. Does anyone know of any 3mm prepared grid for use as a TEM mag std traceable to NIST. I am performing magnification checks from 1,000X through 200,000X. Any info would be much appreciated.
David Cugier Assistant Scientist Microscopy and Microanalysis Abbott Laboratories Abbott Park, Illinois 60064 847-938-6725
I have a Zeiss OPMI-1 binocular microscope. I got it as part of an auction lot. I believe it was used by the ENT department of a medical school.
If it can be restored to working condition, that would be great. If not, I'd be glad to sell it.
I don't know what it's worth, or really what it needs to be restored to working order. If it were pristine and on a stand, that would be another matter, it's clear. On the other hand, I don't know exactly which model it is.
I have several images of it at http://www.threedee.com/sales/zeiss.html . Any assistance would be appreciated!
I do not know what GMP certification, but our lab is QS9000 certified. That is the automotive ISO9001 equivalent. I use the Mag-i-cal sample since all lengths of the sample were traceable to lattice spacings of the Si crystal. John McCaffrey has a letter from NIST, a copy of which that can accompany the Mag-i-cal sample, that states that they do not currently have a standard for calibrating TEMs nor do they have a calibration for the crystalline lattice spacings of Si. They state that the crystalline lattice is an intrinsic property of a material, well characterized, well documented in the literature, and known to 6 decimal places. I have placed this letter in my calibration standards file along with the certification that comes with it. If the GMP is anything like ISO or Qs certification, what is important is it is that you have the paper work and procedures documented and that you follow them.
This should be close enough for government work.
-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: David Cugier [mailto:david.cugier-at-abbott.com] } Sent: Monday, July 10, 2000 3:54 PM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: NIST traceable TEM magnification standards. } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } 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 am currently searching for a NIST traceable TEM mag. } standard. The reason } for a NIST traceable standard is that our EM facility is in } transition to } becoming GMP regulated. I have used the waffle grating } replica and catalase } crystals in the past and prefer this type of standard but } they are not NIST } traceable. I am aware that NIST offers polystyrene } nanosphere particles for } sizing but was hoping to avoid using because of the } difficulty in producing a } uniform monolayer without aggregate particles. I am also } aware that there is } a product called MAGICAL and am still waiting from a response } from NIST as to } whether or not it is traceable. Does anyone know of any 3mm } prepared grid } for use as a TEM mag std traceable to NIST. I am performing } magnification } checks from 1,000X through 200,000X. Any info would be much } appreciated. } } } David Cugier } Assistant Scientist } Microscopy and Microanalysis } Abbott Laboratories } Abbott Park, Illinois 60064 } 847-938-6725 }
On Mon, 10 Jul 2000 RetTek2000-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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } }
There is no GMP/GLP certification given by the FDA nor are there FDA certified laboratories. There is only compliance and being subjected to an unannounced FDA audit. Where the various ISO9000 standards are orientated towards improvement of quality and yield, GMP is a different standard orientated towards having the sample used in a legal trial. For example, a company may tolerate 99% yield for economic reasons, however, how many babies on a percentage basis is a doctor allowed to drop a year. Failure to comply with ISO9000 may have some economic consequencies. Caught failing to comply with GMP, the FDA will consider the medical device or drug adulterated until proven otherwise.
J. Roy Nelson, Ph.D. Material Testing Laboratory mtl-at-njcc.com
"Walck, Scott D." 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 do not know what GMP certification, but our lab is QS9000 certified. That } is the automotive ISO9001 equivalent. I use the Mag-i-cal sample since all } lengths of the sample were traceable to lattice spacings of the Si crystal. } John McCaffrey has a letter from NIST, a copy of which that can accompany } the Mag-i-cal sample, that states that they do not currently have a standard } for calibrating TEMs nor do they have a calibration for the crystalline } lattice spacings of Si. They state that the crystalline lattice is an } intrinsic property of a material, well characterized, well documented in the } literature, and known to 6 decimal places. I have placed this letter in my } calibration standards file along with the certification that comes with it. } If the GMP is anything like ISO or Qs certification, what is important is it } is that you have the paper work and procedures documented and that you } follow them. } } This should be close enough for government work. } } -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: David Cugier [mailto:david.cugier-at-abbott.com] } } Sent: Monday, July 10, 2000 3:54 PM } } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } } Subject: NIST traceable TEM magnification standards. } } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } } ---------- } } 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 am currently searching for a NIST traceable TEM mag. } } standard. The reason } } for a NIST traceable standard is that our EM facility is in } } transition to } } becoming GMP regulated. I have used the waffle grating } } replica and catalase } } crystals in the past and prefer this type of standard but } } they are not NIST } } traceable. I am aware that NIST offers polystyrene } } nanosphere particles for } } sizing but was hoping to avoid using because of the } } difficulty in producing a } } uniform monolayer without aggregate particles. I am also } } aware that there is } } a product called MAGICAL and am still waiting from a response } } from NIST as to } } whether or not it is traceable. Does anyone know of any 3mm } } prepared grid } } for use as a TEM mag std traceable to NIST. I am performing } } magnification } } checks from 1,000X through 200,000X. Any info would be much } } appreciated. } } } } } } David Cugier } } Assistant Scientist } } Microscopy and Microanalysis } } Abbott Laboratories } } Abbott Park, Illinois 60064 } } 847-938-6725 } }
Do any of you have problems getting resin blocks to release from the flat, blue embedding molds? We have used these for years with no trouble but the newer molds don't let the blocks go after just a few embeddings. I have had to cut them out with a razor blade which of course ruins the mold. Has the formula for the molds changed or is it the resin? We use Spurr's and Eponate 12 primarily.
Thank you, Mary Gail Engle Electron Microscopy & Imaging Facility University of Kentucky Medical Center
David Cugier wrote: ============================================================== I am currently searching for a NIST traceable TEM mag. standard. The reason for a NIST traceable standard is that our EM facility is in transition to becoming GMP regulated. I have used the waffle grating replica and catalase crystals in the past and prefer this type of standard but they are not NIST traceable. I am aware that NIST offers polystyrene nanosphere particles for sizing but was hoping to avoid using because of the difficulty in producing a uniform monolayer without aggregate particles. I am also aware that there is a product called MAGICAL and am still waiting from a response from NIST as to whether or not it is traceable. Does anyone know of any 3mm prepared grid for use as a TEM mag std traceable to NIST. I am performing magnification checks from 1,000X through 200,000X. Any info would be much appreciated. =============================================================== This is a really tough question to answer. The Mag*I*Cal TEM calibration standard comes "close" but "close" in this business is not quite enough. But it might be the best there is. You can get information about the Mag*I*Cal at URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/standards/magical.html
You are correct about the problems associated with using the polystryene calibrated spheres.
It is sold by SPI Supplies as well as some of the other major suppliers of accessories and consumables for EM laboratories.
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 ######################## ============================================
This exactly mirrors the problem I have noticed in the last couple of years. My blue molds formerly lasted for years and now they deteriorate rapidly. We use an epon 812 style embedding medium. I have taken to spraying the molds with teflon spray (708 T.F.E. dry lube - a lot cheaper from the local hardware store than from EM supply houses!) and that seems to help without hurting morphology. but i can't help but wonder what has changed in molds!
} } } Do any of you have problems getting resin blocks to release from the } flat, blue embedding molds? We have used these for years with no } trouble but the newer molds don't let the blocks go after just a few } embeddings. I have had to cut them out with a razor blade which of } course ruins the mold. Has the formula for the molds changed or is } it the resin? We use Spurr's and Eponate 12 primarily. } } Thank you, } Mary Gail Engle } Electron Microscopy & Imaging Facility } University of Kentucky Medical Center
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)
It might have been a bit more helpful if you had suggested that users should contact NIST and request that they evaluate the MAG*I*CAL, since the industry now requires a traceable standard.
Cheers John
John P. McCaffrey, Ph.D. National Research Council of Canada M-50, Montreal Rd. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6 CANADA
-----Original Message----- } From: Garber, Charles A. [mailto:cgarber-at-2spi.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2000 2:38 PM To: MICROSCOPY BB
-- [ From: Garber, Charles A. * EMC.Ver #3.1 ] --
David Cugier wrote: ============================================================== I am currently searching for a NIST traceable TEM mag. standard. The reason for a NIST traceable standard is that our EM facility is in transition to becoming GMP regulated. I have used the waffle grating replica and catalase crystals in the past and prefer this type of standard but they are not NIST traceable. I am aware that NIST offers polystyrene nanosphere particles for sizing but was hoping to avoid using because of the difficulty in producing a uniform monolayer without aggregate particles. I am also aware that there is a product called MAGICAL and am still waiting from a response from NIST as to whether or not it is traceable. Does anyone know of any 3mm prepared grid for use as a TEM mag std traceable to NIST. I am performing magnification checks from 1,000X through 200,000X. Any info would be much appreciated. =============================================================== This is a really tough question to answer. The Mag*I*Cal TEM calibration standard comes "close" but "close" in this business is not quite enough. But it might be the best there is. You can get information about the Mag*I*Cal at URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/standards/magical.html
You are correct about the problems associated with using the polystryene calibrated spheres.
It is sold by SPI Supplies as well as some of the other major suppliers of accessories and consumables for EM laboratories.
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 ######################## ============================================
The Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University has an immediate opening for a Research Associate in Confocal/Electron Microscopy. Details are in the advertisement below.
Thanks
Michael Parrish, Professor and Chair Biological Sciences Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL 60115 815-753-1753
Research Associate:
The Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University has an opening for a Research Associate with expertise in Confocal and Electron Microscopy. The successful candidate will be expected to operate our confocal, transmission and scanning electron microscopes and to supervise both students and faculty in their use. Master's degree in Biology or related field required including at least two years' experience using confocal and electron microscopes in biological or chemical research. Ideally, the successful candidate should be able to calibrate and perform routine maintenance on the instruments. Submit letter of interest, resume and three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Michael Parrish, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115-2861; http:\\www.bios.niu.edu; phone: 815-753-0461; email: biosjobs-at-niu.edu. Review of applications will begin July 28, 2000 and continue until position is filled.
As a relative novice on JEOL 2010 TEM, I was recently advised to use a cold trap in the specimen area. Since I know some people don't use it even though it's mounted on their 'scope, I'd like to hear your opinion on when and how frequently to use it. I understand it improves the vacuum significantly; is there any drawback? Any guidelines or suggestions on the liquid N2 /heat-up cycle? Thank you, Alice.
Alice Dohnalkova Environmental Microbiology Battelle, PNNL Richland, WA (509) 372-0692
HI Alice, Use the cold trap. Use the cold trap. Did I say use the cold trap? Jeol calls it the anti contamination device (ACD). Your vacuum will be better, sample swap time quicker, much quicker. The cold trap will pump (trap) most emissions from your sample. This is a good thing. It keeps them from carbonizing on your apertures or oxidizing the filament. Ever noticed really strange images of your filament that eventually went away? Better vacuum will extend your filament life. I find it hard to believe (I believe you) that users in your facility are not using the ACD. I could rant on a bit longer.... There is one catch, a testament to it's pumping efficiency. When you are finished, you must use the ADC heat cycle. The ACD will have accumulated so many molecules that the ion pump can not handle the gas load if the ACD warms up on it's own. The ACD heat cycle will switch the column over to the diffusion pump for a period of time. In our lab, the last user signed up (weather or not they use the TEM) is responsible for tending to the ACD. In our lab, failure to use the ACD heat cycle is a high crime. It creates a vacuum condition (in our 2010) that causes the gun isolation valve to cycle at ~0.5 Hz. This then causes the bellows to fail, typically in ~10,000 cycles (a long weekend). The effect is cumulative. So now that I said use it. how... fill the dewier, wait ~5min & top it off. Put a foil cap or other loose fitting cap over the fill port. It should stay cold for 7 hours. That is the Spec. on our unit. It varies a bit with # of sample changes. I have seen it cold 11 hours later. Don't ask how I know this :)
Bruce Brinson Rice U.
"Dohnalkova, Alice" 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } As a relative novice on JEOL 2010 TEM, I was recently advised to use a cold trap } in the specimen area. Since I know some people don't use it even though it's } mounted on their 'scope, I'd like to hear your opinion on when and how } frequently to use it. I understand it improves the vacuum significantly; is } there any drawback? Any guidelines or suggestions on the liquid N2 /heat-up } cycle? Thank you, Alice. } } Alice Dohnalkova } Environmental Microbiology } Battelle, PNNL } Richland, WA } (509) 372-0692
I routinely use a combination of LN2 and ion getter pumps on my Zeiss EM 10. The scope is also kept running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This combination has afforded me with extremely good vacuum, less downtime, and an incredible life time on tungsten filaments. The filament I am currently using has 430 hours: my record is 520 hours! This of course is also relately to slow saturation and desaturation of the filament whenever I turn off or on the high tension, completely outgassing of film after film exchange and using the scope with liquid nitrogen.
The only disadvantage occurs when the LN2 is depleted and the cold finger around the specimen starts to return to ambient temperature, i.e., there is a substantial rise in vacuum pressure until the cold finger warms up. The advantages I have experienced include long filament life, clean high vacuum, and no contamination on the grid/specimen. I routinely use the scope at magnifications from x1600 to x125,000 and have not notice degradation of image quality, either from hydrocarbon contamination or an aged filament.
I pay about $47.00 for 50 liters of LN2 every 5 to 7 weeks: worth every cent!! One must however get into the habit of using filling the scope dewar about 20 to 30 minutes before using the scope.
Sincerely, Ken ------- Ken Tiekotter, Adjunct Professor The University of Portland Dept. of Biology 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland, OR 97203
Director, MicroImaging/Electron Micrscopy, G50 Legacy Holladay Park Medical Center 1225 NE 2nd Avenue Portland, OR 97232
TEL.: (503) 413-5391
On Tue, 11 Jul 2000, Dohnalkova, Alice 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } As a relative novice on JEOL 2010 TEM, I was recently advised to use a cold trap } in the specimen area. Since I know some people don't use it even though it's } mounted on their 'scope, I'd like to hear your opinion on when and how } frequently to use it. I understand it improves the vacuum significantly; is } there any drawback? Any guidelines or suggestions on the liquid N2 /heat-up } cycle? Thank you, Alice. } } Alice Dohnalkova } Environmental Microbiology } Battelle, PNNL } Richland, WA } (509) 372-0692 } } }
Hallo Folks! This is a reply to a previous posting of mine regarding a spurious B peak in carbonate spectra plus another matter altogether. Firstly, for Warren S's info, we have a refurbished Kevex detector with a Si (Li) crystal and an ultra thin Moxtex window (3 microns) attached to our JEOL 733. The pulse processing electronics are 1976 vintage Kevex 4050 which give us a pitiful ca. 1200 cps at 25% dead time. C peak occurs in the correct place. To answer Brendan G., the oxygen peak is in the correct place, and everything seems to be in order apart from the spurious peak. Basically, the system is calibrated to give the correct things in the correct place. Now to another problem, and this has to do with the window itself. We have been watching the Cu l:k alpha ratio deteriorate over time since installation 4 months ago from acceptable values over 1 to an alarming 0.44 (intergrated peak ratio specified within WinEDS software). Micro droplets of oil are starting to appear on other wise clean standards (although these are few and dispersed rather than a slick, and I am not alarmed by this considering all other things. I'm actually happy after 1.5 years to be able to analyse things!!), and I suspect that the window is in need of a wash off. The company who outsourced the refurbishment, chose the window, and installed the system have told me that ultra-thin Moxtex windows cannot be cleaned. If this is true, then we have been stitched up. Does anyone out there know anything about these things? Some advice, as usual, very helpful to us L-drivers. 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: m.roberts-at-ru.ac.za SOUTH AFRICA
Bruce has got it right - use the ACD and heat it up overnight. Any cold trap will help remove hydrocarbons and water vapour from your vacuum system.
A few of extra notes. - Fill the trap as soon as you get to the instrument to get it cold. It can be cooling down while you ramp up the HT and load a specimen. - Beware that some dewars throw out a quantity of gas and sometimes liguid N2 shortly after they have been filled from room temperature. Do not sit under the dewar for 5 minutes after first filling. - After you hit the ACD heat button the vacuum system locks up for about 2 hours while the ACD warms up and the trapped gasses are pumped away by the diff pump. Remember to change films and specimen and let them pump down properly before hitting the ACD button.
I am at a materials lab rather than a biological one, our users need the 2010 for small probe work and that shows up any contamination problem. A routine of column bake out and use of the ACD means that I can be sure that contamination problems come from their specimen.
Regards, Ron
On Tue, 11 Jul 2000, Dohnalkova, Alice 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } As a relative novice on JEOL 2010 TEM, I was recently advised to use a cold trap } in the specimen area. Since I know some people don't use it even though it's } mounted on their 'scope, I'd like to hear your opinion on when and how } frequently to use it. I understand it improves the vacuum significantly; is } there any drawback? Any guidelines or suggestions on the liquid N2 /heat-up } cycle? Thank you, Alice. } } Alice Dohnalkova } Environmental Microbiology } Battelle, PNNL } Richland, WA } (509) 372-0692 } } }
=========================================================================== 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. ============================================================================
While we are on a slight cold trap / ACD thread, I would greatly appreciate your views about the desirability of using cold traps and cold fingers in Field emission SEMs. Some manufacturers have them, others don't and regard them as unnecessary. Some manufacturers exchange specimens by opening the chamber to air, others do it via airlocks. If one is aiming to maximise the performance of a FESEM for low-kV and LTSEM imaging it would seem to me to be desirable not to expose the specimen chamber to atmospheric pressure during specimen changes, and to trap any volatiles to reduce specimen contamination, just as we would normally do in TEM practice. Do users of FESEMs find in practice that there are specimen contamination issues which make the use of cryo-trapping and airlocks desirable, or are these features unnecessary?
Best wishes Chris ===================================================================== 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 07710 585 401 email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk SEM / TEM bookings sem-at-ed.ac.uk =====================================================================
I am sending this request for a researcher who is not a memeber of the list so kindly respond to her (Aleksandra Perovic) directly at:
perovic-at-mcmaster.ca
We want to electropolish this alloy which contains the following phases.
1) Q phase: 30 wt% Mg 30 wt% Si 16 wt% Al & 20 wt% Cu.
2) Theta phase: Al2Cu
3) Si:
4) Beta phase: Mg2Si
We have already tried ion milling and also electropolishing with 10% perchloric/methanol, with no success.
If anyone has a recipe for such an alloy we would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks in advance
Fred
c/o Aleksandra Perovic
******************************************************** Fred Pearson Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research McMaster University 1280 Main St. West Hamilton, Ontario Canada L8S 4M1
We have an Hitachi S4700 FESEM, and we routinely use the LN2 coldfinger. In my experience, it reduces deposition of contamination under the beam, especially during low voltage operation (1-5kV, say).
The disadvantages so far have been vibration introduced by the boiling LN2, although this pretty much disappears after about 20-30 minutes, and the problem of retrieving a sample which has become dislodged inside the chamber. Although the latter occurrence is rare, it obviously requires opening up the entire chamber to atmosphere, which isn't a great thing to do with a chilly cold finger combined with the humidity of mid-Missouri. In this case, you need to wait until the system comes to room temperature, effectively shutting down the scope for several hours.
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/
-----Original Message----- } From: Chris Jeffree [mailto:cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk] Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 7:29 AM To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
While we are on a slight cold trap / ACD thread, I would greatly appreciate your views about the desirability of using cold traps and cold fingers in Field emission SEMs. Some manufacturers have them, others don't and regard them as unnecessary. Some manufacturers exchange specimens by opening the chamber to air, others do it via airlocks. If one is aiming to maximise the performance of a FESEM for low-kV and LTSEM imaging it would seem to me to be desirable not to expose the specimen chamber to atmospheric pressure during specimen changes, and to trap any volatiles to reduce specimen contamination, just as we would normally do in TEM practice. Do users of FESEMs find in practice that there are specimen contamination issues which make the use of cryo-trapping and airlocks desirable, or are these features unnecessary?
Best wishes Chris ===================================================================== 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 07710 585 401 email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk SEM / TEM bookings sem-at-ed.ac.uk =====================================================================
Dito here. The vendor asked if I was embedding at high temps but we use araldite or 812 at 60 - 65 degree. We sometimes sprayed the molds with high purity silicone which would extend the life after they started sticking. The clear ones also got hard and opaque, along with ambrose silicone molds.
The Australian, and now the various State Governments require permits for the import, storage and transshipping of UA (also a store and radiation safety officer). We will in future drop-ship to the end user direct and therefore not handle UA at all. The crazy rules are laid bare in page, which is linked from our UA item online.
I would like to know from international subscribers (can be back-channel) of any permits required to import or transship UA in other countries. I know that UA can be shipped by normal air freight and through the Postal system anywhere. The USA definition of a radioactive substance is 7x higher than the Australian one. The new legislation will cost Australian labs a good deal of extra time and money. It would be useful to protest to the various Health ministers, State and Federal.
I would also like to know of any significant incident involving UA anywhere. I should point out that radiation damage would not show for years and one would never know the original cause. The radiation though is low, so unless a person would take to sleeping with a jar of UA there is no real danger. The real danger of UA is as a non-cumulative (happily), but severe kidney poison, but this is of course no issue with the Radiation people. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
The P2 projector lens of our TEM Siemens Elmiskop 101 is out of order.
We need to replace it as soon as possible.
Could anyone help us ?
Here are the features of our microscope :
Siemens Elmiskop 101 - Fabrication number : 2368 Serial number : M31191-A5 High voltage working between 40 and 100 kV - 60 µA
Thanks in advance for your help
Best regards
Philippe Drouillon Solvay Research and Technology Analytical Technologies Dpt Electron Microscopy and Image Analysis Labs - IT coordinator of the Dpt Rue de Ransbeek, 310 B-1120 Brussels (Belgium) phone : (00 32) 2 264 24 47 mailto:philippe.drouillon-at-solvay.com
} -----Original Message----- } From: Bruce Brinson [SMTP:brinson-at-cnst.rice.edu] } Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 3:00 AM } To: Dohnalkova, Alice } Cc: 'Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com' } Subject: Re: JEOL 2010 Cold Trap } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 Alice, } Use the cold trap. Use the cold trap. Did I say use the cold trap? } Jeol calls it } the anti contamination device (ACD). Your vacuum will be better, sample } swap time } quicker, much quicker. The cold trap will pump (trap) most emissions from } your } sample. This is a good thing. It keeps them from carbonizing on your } apertures or } oxidizing the filament. Ever noticed really strange images of your } filament that } eventually went away? Better vacuum will extend your filament life. } I find it hard to believe (I believe you) that users in your facility } are not } using the ACD. I could rant on a bit longer.... } There is one catch, a testament to it's pumping efficiency. When you } are } finished, you must use the ADC heat cycle. The ACD will have accumulated } so many } molecules that the ion pump can not handle the gas load if the ACD warms } up on it's } own. The ACD heat cycle will switch the column over to the diffusion pump } for a } period of time. In our lab, the last user signed up (weather or not they } use the } TEM) is responsible for tending to the ACD. } In our lab, failure to use the ACD heat cycle is a high crime. It } creates a } vacuum condition (in our 2010) that causes the gun isolation valve to } cycle at ~0.5 } Hz. This then causes the bellows to fail, typically in ~10,000 cycles (a } long } weekend). The effect is cumulative. } So now that I said use it. how... fill the dewier, wait ~5min & top } it off. Put } a foil cap or other loose fitting cap over the fill port. It should stay } cold for 7 } hours. That is the Spec. on our unit. It varies a bit with # of sample } changes. I } have seen it cold 11 hours later. Don't ask how I know this :) } } Bruce Brinson } Rice U. } } "Dohnalkova, Alice" 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 } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } As a relative novice on JEOL 2010 TEM, I was recently advised to use a } cold trap } } in the specimen area. Since I know some people don't use it even though } it's } } mounted on their 'scope, I'd like to hear your opinion on when and how } } frequently to use it. I understand it improves the vacuum } significantly; is } } there any drawback? Any guidelines or suggestions on the liquid N2 } /heat-up } } cycle? Thank you, Alice. } } } } Alice Dohnalkova } } Environmental Microbiology } } Battelle, PNNL } } Richland, WA } } (509) 372-0692 }
It seems that it is a good idea to use a cold trap on JEOL 2010 TEM. But I have a concern if anyone has any suggestions. We have a LaB6 JEOL 2010. Once the ACD is hit, the HT is automatically drops down to zero. So for the next day, the HT has to be ramped up again. If we do like this, the HT will have to be ramped up everyday, and I am wondering whether this will do any harm in a long run. Thanks. Regards Yan Xin
======================================= Yan Xin Magnet Science & Technology National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Florida State University 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive Tallahassee, FL 32310 Tel: (850) 644 1529 Fax: (850) 644 0867 ========================================
Randy and Listies: I too have an S4700 with a cold finger. But I don't have the time to let the cold finger come to room temperature if I need to retrieve a dropped or stuck sample. Plant A/C keeps the lab humidity below 60% and if I work fast, there is minimal frost buildup. The main chamber is back under working vacuum in less than 1 hour. The scope is equipped with a diffusion pump instead of a TMP. My question: Am I causing any problems by letting the pump system sublime the frost off the cold finger?
"Tindall, Randy D." 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Chris, } } We have an Hitachi S4700 FESEM, and we routinely use the LN2 coldfinger. In } my experience, it reduces deposition of contamination under the beam, } especially during low voltage operation (1-5kV, say). } } The disadvantages so far have been vibration introduced by the boiling LN2, } although this pretty much disappears after about 20-30 minutes, and the } problem of retrieving a sample which has become dislodged inside the } chamber. Although the latter occurrence is rare, it obviously requires } opening up the entire chamber to atmosphere, which isn't a great thing to do } with a chilly cold finger combined with the humidity of mid-Missouri. In } this case, you need to wait until the system comes to room temperature, } effectively shutting down the scope for several hours. } } 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/ }
Hi All, The Anatomy / Cell Biology Department of TEMPLE UNIVERSITY / MED SCHOOL, has three (3) Electron Microscopes it would like to Donate to a good home, for the cost of removing the item you would like. The three are as follows:
1. Philips 300 TEM.
2. JEOL 100B TEM.
3. ETEC CORP. AUTOSCAN SEM.
If you have a need for one or all three microscopes, Please contact Dr. Joanne Orth by E-mail (ASAP) -at- "orthjo-at-astro.temple.edu". The Philips and ETEC were working well a couple of years ago, I have no knowledge of the JEOL.
Microscopy and Microanalysis 2000 is August 13-17 in Philadelphia. Today I received an email reminder to register: } Register at www.peregrine.net/mm2000 When I went to this site, the URL prefix was http:, not https: The latter would indicate a secure server. The text of the web page claimed that it is secure, but Netscape warned that it is not. Since this site is not secure, despite its claim, I did not submit my credit card information online. I advise other registrants to be cautious also.
Don Chernoff
} Questions? Please refer to the MSA web site at } www.msa.microscopy.com } or contact Meeting Management at (708) 361-6045.
Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc. E-Mail: donc-at-asmicro.com 6009 KNYGHTON RD. Voice: 317-251-1364 INDIANAPOLIS IN 46220 Toll free: 800-374-8557 (in USA) web: http://www.asmicro.com Fax: 317-254-8690 Please use the new web and email addresses shown above. (February 1999)
Here are my observations about cold fingers and cold traps in SEMs. They do a good job of fighting contamination but they do have the vibration and frosting problems noted by others. They require constant refilling to keep them cold. When they warm up the water and oil they collect mostly redistributes to the walls of the chamber and is not pumped away. After using a cold finger cold, the warm cold finger is a major source of contamination.
If a cold finger is frosted during opening a door for dislodging a sample, then pumping the frost should not overburden the vacuum pumps if done occasionally. They are designed to handle the water vapor in the atmosphere. Excessive water vapor pumping may condense water in rotary pump oil. More frequent oil changes are recommended if water vapor is pumped regularly.
I believe that some manufacturers claim cold traps are not needed because of cost and competitive issues. They are selling the merits of their dry pumping systems. However the vacuum system is not the only oil source for contamination. The specimens themselves unless they are freshly cleaned will carry a hydrocarbon scum into the chamber. Cold traps are effective for this problem even on dry pumped systems. Contamination is always observed even in the cleanest, dry-pumped SEM if long scans are used. Cold traps and cold fingers are some of the tools available to control the problem.
Notice: XEI Scientific makes anti-contamination systems for SEMs but not cold traps or cold fingers. See www.SEMCLEAN.com for information.
Ronald Vane XEI Scientific 650-369-0133
-----Original Message----- } From: Chris Jeffree {cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk} To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Not a good idea to have the pumps loaded up with so much water. It does not take long to warm the cold finger: A beaker with boiling water on the external finger will rise the internals of the trap within 5 minutes to above room temperature. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Thursday, July 13, 2000 4:50 AM, Becky Holdford [SMTP:r-holdford-at-ti.com] wrote: } } } Randy and Listies: } I too have an S4700 with a cold finger. But I don't have the time to let the } cold finger come to room temperature if I need to retrieve a dropped or stuck } sample. Plant A/C keeps the lab humidity below 60% and if I work fast, there } is } minimal frost buildup. The main chamber is back under working vacuum in less } than 1 hour. The scope is equipped with a diffusion pump instead of a TMP. } My } question: Am I causing any problems by letting the pump system sublime the } frost off the cold finger? } } "Tindall, Randy D." wrote: } } } } } } Chris, } } } } We have an Hitachi S4700 FESEM, and we routinely use the LN2 coldfinger. } } In } } my experience, it reduces deposition of contamination under the beam, } } especially during low voltage operation (1-5kV, say). } } } } The disadvantages so far have been vibration introduced by the boiling LN2, } } although this pretty much disappears after about 20-30 minutes, and the } } problem of retrieving a sample which has become dislodged inside the } } chamber. Although the latter occurrence is rare, it obviously requires } } opening up the entire chamber to atmosphere, which isn't a great thing to } } do } } with a chilly cold finger combined with the humidity of mid-Missouri. In } } this case, you need to wait until the system comes to room temperature, } } effectively shutting down the scope for several hours. } } } } 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/ } } } } -- } ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ } Becky Holdford (r-holdford-at-ti.com) } 972-598-1291 (pager) } KFAB Physical Analysis Lab--SEM/FIB/FA } Texas Instruments, Inc. } Dallas, TX } ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ } }
Gatan’s Inc. is currently looking for an enthusiastic and highly organized person to help maintain and develop our line of state-of-the-art Analytical TEM products.
In this position you will be responsible for maintaining and further improving the overall, system level, performance of our existing TEM instrumentation. You will work extensively with our mechanical, electrical and software engineering groups, as well as our manufacturing and service departments. Experience in these fields, and strong communication skills, are therefore a must.
This is a key position within our organization and will involve some national and international travel. You will be based in Pleasanton, California. Practical TEM experience will be considered as a strong plus.
Gatan offers an exciting, high technology environment within a small, but growing organization.
Interested parties, please submit your resume and salary requirements to Harold A. Brink at hbrink-at-gatan.com.
True. So this could be an argument for using turbomolecular pumps, which are tolerant of water vapour. Is it advisable to subject the cold finger dewar to thermal shock by putting boiling water into it? Chris
} From: jim {jim-at-proscitech.com.au} Send reply to: "jim-at-proscitech.com.au" {jim-at-proscitech.com.au} To: "'Becky Holdford'" {r-holdford-at-ti.com} , Microscopy ListServer {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Dear all, I have a set of the Journal 'Surface Science' and 'Surface Science reports', 1990-1993 (inclusive). If anyone wants it, please get in touch with me by 20th of this month or it will go in the skip.
Best regards,
Richard Beanland
============================================================== 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."
Could somebody briefly educate me on EBSD (Electron Backscattered ...?) . I am trying to find information for a friend. He would like to know the very basics, capabilities of the technique (for example, resolution) and if there are contract labs that do this. Since he is interested in quantitative texture analysis, crystal orientation and GB analysis I assume that he is talking about getting and analyzing channeling patterns, but I could be wrong. I did not get from him what materials he is interested in. So, any information on EBSD would be appreciated.
That is why I wrote "beaker" taking that little dewar from -180 to +100 could have a shattering result. Would be nice to have a spare for that purpose. Another point to be made: close of the high vacuum system when heating the cold finger, why get the rubbish of the cold finger into your pump, especially if its an ion getter type. Cheers Jim Darley ProSciTech
On Thursday, July 13, 2000 7:48 PM, Chris Jeffree [SMTP:cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk] wrote: } True. So this could be an argument for using turbomolecular } pumps, which are tolerant of water vapour. Is it advisable to subject } the cold finger dewar to thermal shock by putting boiling water into } it? } Chris } } From: jim {jim-at-proscitech.com.au} } Send reply to: "jim-at-proscitech.com.au" {jim-at-proscitech.com.au} } To: "'Becky Holdford'" {r-holdford-at-ti.com} , } Microscopy ListServer } {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } Subject: RE: Cold traps and cold fingers in SEM } Date sent: Thu, 13 Jul 2000 11:26:16 +1000 } Organization: ProSciTech } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } 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 } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } Not a good idea to have the pumps loaded up with so much water. It does not } } } } take long to warm the cold finger: A beaker with boiling water on the } } external } } finger will rise the internals of the trap within 5 minutes to above room } } temperature. } } 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 } } ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com } } } } On Thursday, July 13, 2000 4:50 AM, Becky Holdford [SMTP:r-holdford-at-ti.com] } } } } wrote: } } } } } } } } } Randy and Listies: } } } I too have an S4700 with a cold finger. But I don't have the time to let } } } the } } } cold finger come to room temperature if I need to retrieve a dropped or } } } stuck } } } sample. Plant A/C keeps the lab humidity below 60% and if I work fast, } } } there } } } is } } } minimal frost buildup. The main chamber is back under working vacuum in } } } less } } } than 1 hour. The scope is equipped with a diffusion pump instead of a } } } TMP. } } } My } } } question: Am I causing any problems by letting the pump system sublime } } } the } } } frost off the cold finger? } } } } } } "Tindall, Randy D." wrote: } } } } } } } } } } } } } } Chris, } } } } } } } } We have an Hitachi S4700 FESEM, and we routinely use the LN2 coldfinger. } } } } } } } } In } } } } my experience, it reduces deposition of contamination under the beam, } } } } especially during low voltage operation (1-5kV, say). } } } } } } } } The disadvantages so far have been vibration introduced by the boiling } } } } LN2, } } } } although this pretty much disappears after about 20-30 minutes, and the } } } } problem of retrieving a sample which has become dislodged inside the } } } } chamber. Although the latter occurrence is rare, it obviously requires } } } } opening up the entire chamber to atmosphere, which isn't a great thing } } } } to } } } } do } } } } with a chilly cold finger combined with the humidity of mid-Missouri. } } } } In } } } } this case, you need to wait until the system comes to room temperature, } } } } effectively shutting down the scope for several hours. } } } } } } } } 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/ } } } } } } } } } } -- } } } ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ } } } Becky Holdford (r-holdford-at-ti.com) } } } 972-598-1291 (pager) } } } KFAB Physical Analysis Lab--SEM/FIB/FA } } } Texas Instruments, Inc. } } } Dallas, TX } } } ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ } } } } } } } } } } } } } ===================================================================== } 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 07710 585 401 } email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk } SEM / TEM bookings sem-at-ed.ac.uk } =====================================================================
Electron BackScatter Diffraction. There's a recent overview and application articles in Journal of Microscopy 195 (3), 170-185 (September, 1999) also quite a bit of info at http://www.hkltechnology.com. These folks make hardware and software for this.
cheers, John
no commercial interest, just a student
"Marti, Jordi" 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Could somebody briefly educate me on EBSD (Electron Backscattered ...?) . I } am trying to find information for a friend. He would like to know the very } basics, capabilities of the technique (for example, resolution) and if there } are contract labs that do this. Since he is interested in quantitative } texture analysis, crystal orientation and GB analysis I assume that he is } talking about getting and analyzing channeling patterns, but I could be } wrong. I did not get from him what materials he is interested in. So, any } information on EBSD would be appreciated. } } Thanks } } Jordi Marti } Honeywell
Some years ago I stumbled over an article in the German issue of "Scientific American". I think it was Peter Barham, who wrote about things you can do with physics in the kitchen. So we tried to make ice with LN2 and the result was just wonderful. And you have a nice visual effect and your coworkers will praise you ...
Here is the howto for a small department:
We found strawberry ice the best - take 2 kilos of strawberries, clean them and mash them - take at least 1/2 kilo of sugar - 2 liters of milk - 1/2 liter of sweet cream - add vanilla sugar and skin of a lemon
- precool it in the fridge - fill all the ingredients into a metal bowl, plastic will crack, use gloves - add the LN2, you may need about the same amount as the ingredients - mix and mix and mix ... - important: you have to stir like an idiot to get small ice crystals
- bon appetite
Andreas Loewe
Ps: You'll find more about this in a book by: Herve This-Benckhard, "Les secrets de la casserole", Springer, 1993
=========================================================================== Andreas Loewe e-mail : loewe-at-uni-bonn.de Department of Inorganic Materials Research Phone : (+49-228)-73-4180 University of Bonn Fax : (+49-228)-73-4205 Roemerstr. 164 53117 Bonn ===========================================================================
Does anyone have information regarding performance standards for clinical technicians. ie. How many cases per month per technician? Thanks for any feedback.
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Dear Jordi, We have a EBSD system installed here. It is an SEM accessory that picks up the Kikuchi lines that scatter off a flat crystalline surface. It is the same as electron channeling, but picked up from the side by a TV camera. The sample must be strain-free (eg. electropolished) and tilted 70 degrees towards the fluorescent screen that shows the lines. A TV camera behind the screen picks up the lines, enhances and analyses them as the beam is steered across the sample, usually in a square raster at about 0.5 sec. per point. This data can be analysed and displayed a number of ways, such as grain maps, grain boundary maps, histograms of the various parameters, pole figures and many other forms. The HKL web site (www.hkltechnology.com) has a good overview and articles about the use of EBSP, also Oxford, who make a system called Opal, have a promotional CD that covers the technique well. You can request it from Oxford. The resolution depends on the SEM, but you need a high beam current and voltage to generate strong enough lines for the pickup system, so with the high tilt the resolution is about one micron with my W filament SEM. Field emmision SEMs will have higher resolution. The samples on my SEM have to be quite small and thin ( {8 mm.), but we have successfully analysed IF steels, various Al alloys and some minerals. These are well polished with colloidal silica and lightly carbon coated. Please contact me if you need any more information. At 04:38 AM 7/13/00 -0700, you wrote:
} Could somebody briefly educate me on EBSD (Electron Backscattered ...?) . I } am trying to find information for a friend. He would like to know the very } basics, capabilities of the technique (for example, resolution) and if there } are contract labs that do this. Since he is interested in quantitative } texture analysis, crystal orientation and GB analysis I assume that he is } talking about getting and analyzing channeling patterns, but I could be } wrong. I did not get from him what materials he is interested in. So, any } information on EBSD would be appreciated. } } Thanks } } Jordi Marti } Honeywell } 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
EBSD is very much like the production of Kikuchi lines in the TEM. The backscatter electrons while they are still inside the sample act as point sources that are attached to the sample. A fraction of them can diffract off the "front" and "back" side of crystal planes as they come out of the crystal. You get cones of diffraction intensity where the Bragg condition for a given crystallographic plane. The pattern is a fairly week signal on the total backscattered intensity and it carries the crystallographic symmetry and orientation of the illuminated volume. The sample is typically tilted to a high angle ~70 degrees. A piece of film or camera is used to capture the image. The cameras are better, because they can process the image to bring out the details and the analysis automated to determine phase or crystallographic orientation. There are mapping programs that can give you orientational maps of the grain structure of your samples. The resolution is essentially the same as that of a backscattered image. Anything at the surface that distorts or disturbs the quality of the lattice (contamination, oxidation, damage, etc.) will be reflected in the quality of the pattern.
Incidentally, you should take a look at the M&M MM program. Joe Michael has a special session on "Advances in the Instrumentation and Applications of Electron Backscatter Diffraction in the SEM" that should be of interest to you. There are also a number of vendors who have systems. You can see them at the meeting.
-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: Marti, Jordi [mailto:jordi.marti-at-honeywell.com] } Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2000 7:39 AM } To: 'Microscopy' } Subject: EBSD ? } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } 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.ht} ml } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } Could somebody briefly educate me on EBSD (Electron } Backscattered ...?) . I } am trying to find information for a friend. He would like to } know the very } basics, capabilities of the technique (for example, } resolution) and if there } are contract labs that do this. Since he is interested in quantitative } texture analysis, crystal orientation and GB analysis I } assume that he is } talking about getting and analyzing channeling patterns, but } I could be } wrong. I did not get from him what materials he is interested } in. So, any } information on EBSD would be appreciated. } } Thanks } } Jordi Marti } Honeywell }
Thanks for the suggestions on vendors and chillers - they were all very helpful, and I will follow up individually. Now, we are faced with the issue of whether we should convert the mercury diffusion pump in our proposed Phillips 300 TEM (it stilll has the mercury pump). If anyone has any opinions or experiences on this that they would like to share, I would be very grateful.
Thanks again,
Rick Powell Nanoprobes, Incorporated
********************************************************************** * - PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS - EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 15, 2000 - * * * * NANOPROBES, Incorporated | US Toll-free: (877) 447-6266 * * 95 Horse Block Road | Tel: (919) 510-0590 * * Yaphank, NY 11980-9710, | Fax: (919) 510-0590 * * USA | rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com * * * * NOW EASY TO FIND ON THE WEB: http://www.nanoprobes.com * **********************************************************************
Ron Thanks for this - I clearly need some retraining on high vacuum theory! Can you recommend a good review or textbook on this topic that a biologist could understand? Best wishes Chris
} From: "Ronald Vane" {RVaneXEI-at-concentric.net} To: {c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk}
Dear All, after receiving my 6th email this afternoon about the surface science journals, I'd like to say they have already found a good home with Rik Brydson in Leeds. Glad to see there is such a thirst for knowledge out there...
Richard
} Dear all, } I have a set of the Journal 'Surface Science' and 'Surface } Science reports', 1990-1993 (inclusive). If anyone wants it, please } get } in touch with me by 20th of this month or it will go in the skip. } } Best regards, } } Richard Beanland
============================================================== 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 have been watching with interest the talk about warming up a cold finger and what comes to mind is WHY?
Having used cold traps and fingers on vacuum systems as well as a wide variety of microscopes for many years, and never force warmed them, why suddenly is this important?
A paper by Hitachi in the 60's related cold finger temperature to vacuum level and contamination rate. The theory went that the vacuum level and contamination rate would fall whilst you were using liquid nitrogen in the traps, but once you stopped using LN2 it would take the same amount of time for the vacuum level and contamination rate to fall back to the original levels. So why heat the cold finger?
I also worked on the design of early SEM cryo systems where once again we do not heat the cold finger; I keep asking why?
Is there a proven scientific reason that helps us out in this area, practical reason I emphasize?
I do find it rather interesting!
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For professional training and consultancy in EM world wide www.emcourses.com Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280 914007
There have been several messages on these topics lately. The original message was specifically a TEM cold trap question but it has broadened out to SEM cold traps as well.
In answer to Yan's question; JEOL 2010 ACD. We have a JEOL 2010 and as I have previously reported we bake it out overnight. We always shut the HT down at the end of every day and restart it the following one. We have always done this on every instrument we have had. Over the past few years the instruments have become cleaner and higher performance, we leave our 2010 with the lenses set at the 200kV setting and at high (300K - 500K) mag. We do the same with our 4000 HREM and 3000F (but we leave the HT on as it is a FEG). This routine keeps the lenses warm so that they are stable when we want to use them and do not outgas when they increase temperature with higher lens currents.
Operation of cold traps. I would never think of venting a column (or SEM chamber) when the cold trap is cold. Although I am primarily interested in TEM the same principles must apply to a SEM. If you need to vent the chamber to insert a specimen then obviously this may affect your use of cold traps. Cold surfaces trap gasses, they do this by lowering the vapour pressure. If you have ice build up on a surface it will be more difficult to pump than a clean surface, you will have a build up of gasses already on the surface that will not only outgas for a long time but also decrease it's efficiency as a cold trap.
It is recognised that to get a good clean vacuum we must bakeout the vacuum system to increase the vapour pressure of the trapped (absorbed) gasses in the surfaces and pump them away. When the surfaces are then cooled down to room temperature the vapour pressure of any trapped gasses is lower than the vacuum system pressure so the gasses are firmly trapped. If we have gasses already trapped on a cold surface they will be released into the vacuum system (albeit at a reducing rate) all the time that system is pumping. This will give rise to contamination during the operation of the instrument which can only be cured by raising the temperture of the cold trap and cooling it down again.
Regards, 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. ============================================================================
There are two techniques associated with looking at the angular distribution of emerging radiations from a crystal.
Firstly there is Kossel diffraction, which is demanding experimentally. This requires a material with one dominant atomic element and what is looked at here is the angular distribution of emerging X-rays generated within the excitation volume. Kossel diffraction can be extremely accurate for lattice parameter measurements (I have heard of up to five/six significant figures in accuracy in certain cases).
Then there is EBSD in which inelastic back scattered electrons follow the crystallographic planes a la Kikuchi in the TEM. A scintillator with a high angular solid angle is used to capture the diffraction pattern. EBSD maps requires a scan over an area with a high pixel dwell time, from minutes to hours for a whole map. The technique requires a lot of memory since it records a pattern for point over pre-determined area. The computer usually fits a pre set range of materials of any crystallographic space group i.e. it helps if you know what you have in the first place. The pattern recognition works by an algorithm called a Hough transform, in which the intensity at every point is turned into a pair of angular coordinates. Lines of intensity show up a bright dots in Hough-space and the computer fits the different crystal types to this pattern. Once the whole area is done, it then gives you a scatter plot of all the crystal orientations. The better systems will allow you to do statistical analysis like correlation functions .etc.
A flat sample is quite a stringent condition and the seventy degree surface normal to beam angle means you get BS SEM resolution only parallel to this tilt axis i.e. side to side. Spatial resolution is limited in the other direction to around 1 micron in real terms. If you are trying to map micro precipitates less than a micron, then forget it. So the ideal sample has to be flat and have grains in excess of one micron in size.
As for systems on the market, the ones I have seen are TEXSEM and the Oxford Instruments systems. As far as I am aware, TEXSEM was the first commercial company to do EBSD mapping in the beginning and the others have come after them. TEXSEM was acquired by Edax a couple of years ago, but I am sure Edax can give you information on the EBSD system and maybe their new TEM crystallography mapping system as well. I know the TEXSEM system through Prof David Dingley one the founders on TEXSEM, and also the one who taught me most about SEM techniques when I was at Bristol. I don't know if he is on this listserver, but he's the one person who can tell you anything and everything about EBSD.
Regards, Jonathan ******************************************************** Dr Jonathan Barnard
Analytical Materials Physics The Angstrom Laboratory, Uppsala University P O Box 534, SE-751 21 Uppsala, Sweden Phone: +46-(0)18-4716838 Fax: +46-(0)18-500131 Phone: Microscope room +46 18 471 6365 http://www.angstrom.uu.se/analytical/home.html ********************************************************
I am hoping to upgrade to a better microscope but have a limited budget. I have seen Russian LOMO microscopes advertised on the web. Does anyone have experience with these that they can share - in particular are their objectives up to scratch? Thanks Andrew Logan
1) I presume that just as at atmospheric pressure, materials such as perspex, anodised aluminium, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, gold) differ significantly in their capacity to adsorb water vapour and hydrocarbons under high vacuum conditions? Presumably they would differ not only in their uptake kinetics but also in their desorption kinetics. If one were designing an ultraclean vacuum system, or an ultraclean specimen environment within a specimen chamber, with the objective of minimising deposition to a specimen surface during SEM examination, what materials would be best to use for the chamber surfaces? 2) Presumably the main source of hydrocarbon contamination in an SEM is oil vapour back-streaming from the the rotary and diffusion pump. Turbo pumps, particularly maglev pumps, must reduce this to very low levels while the pumps are running at full speed. However, there must be considerable potential for back streaming from the backing line during rough pumping from air and turbo run- up after specimen changes. This again would seem to me to argue in favour of a specimen air-locked system, so that the specimen chamber is exposed to air and rough-pumping cycles as little as practicable. Does anyone know of any data in the literature comparing the magnitudes of contamination in systems using different pumping and specimen exchange methods? Chris ========================================== Dr. Chris Jeffree University of Edinburgh BIOSEM - Biological Sciences Electron Microscope Facility Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology Daniel Rutherford Building King's Buildings, Mayfield Road EDINBURGH, EH9 3JH, Scotland, UK Tel. #44 (0) 131 650 5345 FAX. #44 (0) 131 650 6563 Mobile 07710 585 401 email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk =========================================
I'm not aware of a standard but at Childrens Hospital in Boston I have processed from beginning to end about 350 EM clinical cases per year for the past fifteen years. That is from embedding through photography and printing with fifteen to thirty photographs per case. The voluum of cases depends on several factors. The type of tissue, the number of blocks per case, possible special techniques (ex. glycogen stains), available equiptment ...tissue processors, knives, microtomes etc. and of course the technologists ability. A number of labs that I have visited require the technologist to limit their involvement to embedding ,sectioning and printing the negatives. The EM lab from a neighboring institution handles about 850 EM clinical cases, far exceding what their technologist could handle and so they use their residents to scope many of the cases. In my own situation I feel our voluum is very high for one individual and the results are reflected in my inability to get the cases out in a timely manner or take a vacation. I have always felt that it was a waste of time for a resident/rotator to come into the lab and scope cases without serious supervision. This has limited our ability to handle more cases but common sense and expierence has told me that someone who doesn't know the ultrastructural pathology, the microscope and is not a technologist and who just comes in the lab to take some photo's is using their time inneficiently. After all, taking an electron micrograph is about communication. If the technologist is capable and has the expierence to understand the pathology, certainly not in making a diagnosis, but in presenting to the pathologist a group of photo's that will stand out and either confirm or alter a suspected diagnosis that certainly is communication and is an efficient cost effective way of running the EM lab. Performance standards? The very words sort of indicate to me that all technologists and labs should be equal . That would take the fun out.
Howard L.Mulhern Childrens Hospital Dept. of Pathology EM Facility mulhern-at-hub.tch.harvard.edu
'cause Hitachi were talking about the cold finger warming under operating conditions. We were discussing opening the chamber when the finger is cold, which would then load up with ice. Also if warm, the roughing pump on immediate re-pumping would have a chance to remove some contaminants from the "warm coldfinger" 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Friday, July 14, 2000 5:50 PM, Steve Chapman [SMTP:PROTRAIN-at-CompuServe.COM] wrote: } } } } Hi } } I have been watching with interest the talk about warming up a cold finger } and what comes to mind is WHY? } } Having used cold traps and fingers on vacuum systems as well as a wide } variety of microscopes for many years, and never force warmed them, why } suddenly is this important? } } A paper by Hitachi in the 60's related cold finger temperature to vacuum } level and contamination rate. The theory went that the vacuum level and } contamination rate would fall whilst you were using liquid nitrogen in the } traps, but once you stopped using LN2 it would take the same amount of time } for the vacuum level and contamination rate to fall back to the original } levels. So why heat the cold finger? } } I also worked on the design of early SEM cryo systems where once again we } do not heat the cold finger; I keep asking why? } } Is there a proven scientific reason that helps us out in this area, } practical reason I emphasize? } } I do find it rather interesting! } } Steve Chapman } Senior Consultant Protrain } For professional training and consultancy in EM world wide } www.emcourses.com } Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280 914007
Can anyone on the list help here? We need a protocol for preparation of specimens for a training exercise. We will be doing an assay using Salmonella typhimurium positive control (5x10EE9 cells/ml) and fluorescein-labeled affinity purified antibody to Salmonella CSA-1 (0.5 mg/ml). We have protocols for rehydration/dilution of the reagents and for preparing slides after doing the assay in flasks/vials/plates, but what we would really prefer is something very simple that can be done in-situ on the slide. My first question is if anyone has or can provide a protocol for this and my second question is if anyone can tell us what would be the best dilutions to use for this exercise.
Thank-you in advance,
Erica Valdes US Army Soldier Biological Chemical Command Edgewood CB Center
We offer the Philips EM300 vac. system upgrade, which includes conversion to Hg-less pumping system. Philips Electron Optics (now part of FEI company) was offering the same upgrades, they probably still do.
Benefits one may expect from the upgrade:
1. Vacuum system performance (reliability, pumping speed, etc.) - none.
2. Health hazard reduction for the lab personnel - almost none. The Mercury is not in contact with the outside world, except for a few exotic accident scenarios or when grossly mishandled.
3. Possible future repairs of the vacuum system - upgrade makes for a great advantage, since one will not have to comply with numerous safety rules in order to work with the system containing toxic substance.
4. Speaking of exotic accidents - the probability of such is low, yet is greater than zero nonetheless. Room cleaning is costly and troublesome, shall room become Hg contaminated. An upgrade makes for a great advantage from this standpoint.
Vitaly Feingold Scientific Instruments and Applications 2773 Heath Lane, Duluth GA 30096 (770)232-7785 ph. (770)232-1791 fax -----Original Message----- } From: Rick Powell at Nanoprobes {rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com} To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Hello Steve, This all started around the 2010. With our 2010, the ion pump cannot handle the gas load while the ADC warms up on it's own. There is a regeneration cycle that switches over to the DP but should a user fail to start that cycle.... it goes like this... oh the current in the ion pump is too high, goto PD... the DP can out pump the virtual leak (gas load from the ACD regeneration) & the pressure drops. The system crosses over to the ion pump which can't handle the gas load & the cycle repeats at ~0.5 Hz. Along with the switching of pumps the gun isolation valve cycles. It has a bellows seal. Typical cycle life times of a bellows is 10,000. They fail. It is my opinion that this is a silly short coming of the system & could be solved with a simple counting circuit... maybe a ring counter, one shot & an AND GATE. Obviously a little programming could deal with this too. My suggestions to the vender about this issue have not gotten a fix.... so every couple of years we go down for a few days & they buy us a new valve... go figure. BTW I think they now use an o-ring seal in a new valve design. I was told it will not screw into the older machines. For systems that are only pumped by a diffusion or turbo pump, I think this is a non-issue & you can just walk away at the end of the day. This is true of our FESEM.
Bruce Brinson Rice U.
Steve Chapman 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 have been watching with interest the talk about warming up a cold finger } and what comes to mind is WHY? } } Having used cold traps and fingers on vacuum systems as well as a wide } variety of microscopes for many years, and never force warmed them, why } suddenly is this important? } } A paper by Hitachi in the 60's related cold finger temperature to vacuum } level and contamination rate. The theory went that the vacuum level and } contamination rate would fall whilst you were using liquid nitrogen in the } traps, but once you stopped using LN2 it would take the same amount of time } for the vacuum level and contamination rate to fall back to the original } levels. So why heat the cold finger? } } I also worked on the design of early SEM cryo systems where once again we } do not heat the cold finger; I keep asking why? } } Is there a proven scientific reason that helps us out in this area, } practical reason I emphasize? } } I do find it rather interesting! } } Steve Chapman } Senior Consultant Protrain } For professional training and consultancy in EM world wide } www.emcourses.com } Tel +44 1280 814774 Fax +44 1280 914007
} Hello, I'm a grad student attending the M&M2K meeting in Philadelphia next } } month, and I'm looking for a roommate. I'm a non-smoking, non-snoring female } } arriving Aug. 12. PLEASE REPLY TO gcelio-at-arches.uga.edu . } } Thanks, } --Gail Celio
************************************** Beth Richardson EM Lab Coordinator Botany Department University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602
Could I get opinions based on experience? I have a nice scanner with a SCSI interface. The vender says my 20 MHz SCSI card exceeds the scanner through put. The scanner would be the bottle neck on the SCSI buss no mater how fast the SCSI bus or drive is. So my question : once you have the image on your hard drive, is in terms of disk I/O for processing, by the time you go from the SCSI bus to the mother board & back, is there a still a speed advantage to SCSI over current IDE technology. Or put another way, can I justify buying a super duty SCSI HD & interface in the name of processing speed & what would be the relative improvement?
During my LM analysis of serial, toluidine blue-stained plastic sections of decalcified in tact mouse inner ears, I have encountered what appear to be dark-staining, elongated "crystals" in the supranuclear region of some Deiter's (support) cells in the organ of Corti. This region of the cells typically has numerous round lysosomes that stain dark blue; the vast majority of support cells have the usual round lysosomes present. Deiter's cells with the long crystals show crystals also in serial sections of the same cell. The appearance of the spikey "crystals" in serial sections of the same cell, the specificity of the inclusions for the support cells only, and the limited supranuclear location within these highly polarized cells suggest that these inclusions are not artifacts of staining. I have observed them in wildtype and mutant animals, but not in every ear of any genotype. I have done relatively little EM analysis of the ears so far, and no samples with these inclusions have been checked yet by EM. Are there lysosomal abnormalities that may result in their contents becoming crystalline? Why do relatively few Deiter's cells have the crystals? Apparently the genetic background of the mouse gene knock-out models I am analyzing includes the development of hearing deficits with aging. Is it possible that these "deviant Deiter's cells" may be related to impending changes in the inner ear due to aging (the oldest animals I've evaluated are 21 weeks old)? Have such inclusions been reported in Deiter's cells (or other cell types)? I hope someone has an answer! Thanks for your help or suggestions,
Emma Lou Cardell, Research Associate Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy University of Cincinnati Medical College 231 Albert Sabin Way Cincinnati, OH 45267-0667
Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy Wilbur C. Bigelow Portland Press, London, 1994
Ron Vane
-----Original Message----- } From: Chris Jeffree {cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk} To: Ronald Vane {RVaneXEI-at-concentric.net} Cc: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
An exciting and challenging opportunity is available with Gatan.
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Gatan Inc. has an immediate opening for a person to handle GIF and PEELS Product management. Individual should have either GIF or PEELS experience, a strong TEM background in Biological or Materials science, good computer skills, a willingness to travel and the vision and drive to help determine the future of these products. The position is based in Pleasanton, CA and carries a salary comensurate with experience as well as a bonus plan and Corporate success share plan. Please contact Ian Cotton, Director of Marketing at 925-224-7343 or email your resume to icotton-at-gatan.com.
********************************* Ian Cotton Marketing Director, Gatan, Inc. 5933 Coronado Lane Pleasanton, CA 94588 USA Phone 925-224-7343 Fax 925-463-0204 E-mail icotton-at-gatan.com Surf the Web to www.gatan.com *********************************
We've had the same experience but no answers. We have a bottle right now that is about one fourth filled with 'crystals'. Once it gets this full we dispose of it and move on to a fresh bottle. I always wonder about the quality of our mounts once the crystals start forming but it seems to work OK.
We store our bottles at room temperature and in the solvents cabinet.
Anybody else have any ideas?
Diane Ciaburri General Dynamics Pittsfield MA 01210 diane.a.ciaburri-at-gdds.com (413)494-2847
Hi, I use Epofix epoxy. In a very short time after purchase the resin becomes cloudy and a white sediment forms at the bottom of the bottle. I have heard this sediment described as crystals. I have continued to use the resin---carefully avoiding agitation and entrainment of the sediment when I withdraw it from the bottle. Does anyone else have experience with this?
Everett Ramer National Energy Technology Laboratory P.O. Box 10940, Cochrans Mill Road Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15236-0940 Voice: 412-386-4920 FAX: 412-386-4806 ramer-at-netl.doe.gov
by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id MAA17995 for dist-Microscopy; Fri, 14 Jul 2000 12:22:26 -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 MAA17992 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Fri, 14 Jul 2000 12:21:55 -0500 (CDT) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id MAA17985 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Fri, 14 Jul 2000 12:21:44 -0500 (CDT) Received: from [166.16.19.7] (helo=campfire.gdds.com) by net2.gendyn.com with esmtp (Exim 2.12 #1) id 13D943-000Dl6-00 for Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com; Fri, 14 Jul 2000 13:15:51 -0400 Received: from ccmail.gdds.com (ccmail.gdds.com [166.16.19.25]) by campfire.gdds.com (8.8.8/8.8.8) with SMTP id NAA24556 for {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.com} ; Fri, 14 Jul 2000 13:20:28 -0400 (EDT) Received: from ccMail by ccmail.gdds.com (ccMail Link to SMTP R8.31.00.5) id AA963594544; Fri, 14 Jul 2000 13:09:05 -0400 Message-Id: {0007149635.AA963594544-at-ccmail.gdds.com} X-Mailer: ccMail Link to SMTP R8.31.00.5
Thank you to all who sent ideas and procedures for de-encapsulating plastic encapsulated IC's. I haven't received any samples yet so haven't been able to try out any ideas. --The old hurry up and wait routine.
I'm always astounded by how helpful and knowledgeable everyone is. Thank you! and thanks for managing this listserver, Nestor!
Diane Ciaburri General Dynamics Pittsfield MA 01210 diane.a.ciaburri-at-gdds.com (413)494-2847
Does any one know the current phone number and or web site of Denton Vacuum? The ones I am using : 888-336-8661, www.dentonvacuum.com are not responding. I need some advice on one of their old evaporators and possibly puchase a couple of thermocouples (vacuum gage). Why do they call it a thermocouple? The TEM service person that was here didn't think that was a proper name. Thanks.
Some turbo pumped vacuum systems stop the turbo and rough pump through it when evacuating. I feel you are correct in your comments about such systems.
Other designs implement a valved vacuum bypass so that the chamber is directly roughed to about 100 microns. When, at this point, the flow is more random, the valves switch the turbo in series between the chamber and the roughing pump and continue to high vacuum. The turbo is allowed to run continuously, minimizing backstreaming.
The only disadvantage I know to this scheme is the added expense of controling circuitry and the (major) expense of a large hi-vac gate valve.
My old ETEC was plumbed like this and I replaced the dif pump with a Leybold mag-lev turbo (too much vibration from the ball bearing pumps). "Cooked" very little carbon on to the specimen surfaces and the vacuum (excluding outgassing specimens) was typically 1.0 E-6 Torr or better.
Hi All, I have a colleague who needs to do real-time confocal or multi-photon. Her minimum wavelength requirement is 488, although additional wavelengths would be useful. We are located in New York City, but she is open to anywhere in the northeast. If anyone can help her, please contact her directly:
Dr. Geri Kreitzer Dyson Vision Institute Weill Medical College of cornell University 1300 York Ave New York, NY 10021
(212)746-2277
e-Mail: ggurlan-at-med.cornell.edu
Thanks in advance, Lee
Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
I used Denton's site yesterday and today. No problem. Gregory W. Erdos, Ph.D. Assistant Director, Biotechnology Program PO Box 110580 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611
Hi - I am looking for a good/successful protocol (from fixation to polymerization) for LR white immunocytochemistry for cell culture. Can anyone help?. Thanks very much in advance.
G. Ning EM Facility Medical College of Wisconsin 414-456-8344 Fax 414-456-6535
Hi All We desperately need some help with our SEM. Our filament "appeared" to have blown during operation (I was out of the room for 5 mins and came back to a pretty green screen). I initially assumed that the electronics were playing up, which sometimes occurs, and all the settings are thrown out. While tweaking the Contrast/brightness controls, some kind of warning flashed on the screen. However, it dissappeared too quickly for me to figure it out, and it has not reappeared. We changed our filament after no emission current reading was found. No luck. The technicians then advised us to change and recheck the filament settings in the cap. Alas, still nothing. We have, however, found that the LC reading shoots up to about 190ua, during the 4th filament check but still no image on the screen. Between changing , cleaning & checking filaments, there has been an eerie inconsistency with the LC. Between three of us, we have twiddled here and twiddled there without success. Help!!!!! Any info would be greatly appreciated. Nazlia
The newer IDE technologies(Ultra DMA 66) approaches the "burst speed" read/write capabilities of the newer SCSI technologies. However, the newest emerging Ultra DMA 100 technology provides data transfer rates beyond SCSI. These new drives are going to hit the market any day now. Of course, you will need to buy a DMA 100 controller card to go along with the DMA 100 hard drive, unless you opt to buy an new computer with the capabilities built into the motherboard. If memory serves me right, Quantum Corp. patented the technology, but I think Maxtor is going to be first to the market with the drives. Look to Promise Technologies(www.promise.com) for the appropiate controller card. Good luck.
Gary M. Easton Scanners Corporation Third Party SEM Service 410-857-7633 x102 ----- Original Message ----- } From: "Bruce Brinson" {brinson-at-cnst.rice.edu} To: "MSA Listserver" {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} Sent: Friday, July 14, 2000 11:53 AM
Bruce writes ...
} I have a nice scanner with a SCSI interface. The vender } says my 20 MHz SCSI card exceeds the scanner throughput. } The scanner would be the bottle neck on the SCSI buss } no matter how fast the SCSI bus or drive is. } ...
I believe your "vendor" sells bridges too :o)
A slower SCSI device will not bottleneck the SCSI bus. The exception to this is putting a 68pin non-ultrawide (i.e. non-U2W) device on a U2W bus when you have U2W devices on it. This will slow "U2W" down to "UW". However, note I am talking about the wide 68pin bus (40Mbs), not the 50pin bus common to scanners. Even as slow as scanners are, the modern ones are fast-SCSI compatible ... meaning, even if they're not fast, they know how to communicate with a fast-SCSI controller and not slow it down. Of course ... this is the way it is supposed to work. If your scanner's fireware is not communicating with the controller properly, then who knows ... BUT generally speaking, your vendor is incorrect.
1. The numbers that you want are readily available in a number of Vacuum science books. Probably the best one with the most data about different materials is the one by Roth. Sticking coefficients, desorption, adsorption, and chemisorption of the different gases depend on the gas, temperature, material, and the surface roughness. That is why the relative partial pressures of different gases are so different at different vacuum regimes and vacuum histories (e.g. baked, not baked). If you want a great material to coat the inside of your vacuum system with that has very good properties, try gold. I once had a UHV system that was gold plated on the inside. It was also very pretty.
2. You will only get hydrocarbon (HC) contamination from the mechanical pump if you pump the system into the molecular range with this pump. The pump speed for HCs is extremely high. If you pump the system through the turbo pump, while the T-pump is starting, the mechanical pump is still in the viscous range. It doesn't take the T-pump to get up to enough speed before the pump speed will be sufficient to prevent the backstreaming of the mechanical pump oil. When a T-pump system vents, what is important is that there is a valve between the mechanical pump and T-pump to prevent oil from being sucked out of the pump and back into the chamber. A properly designed T-pump system should also have a gas inlet to help prevent this in case of a valve failure when a power failure occurs. On T-pumped systems, this is what you need to examine to see whether the system can be contaminated with pump oil. Essentially, turn off the power (hypothetically, of course) and see what happens. If it does not have several systems in place which includes valves and automatic venting in the correct places, don't buy the system.
With respect to pump down times, the pressure follows exponential curves. These curves have dominant regimes. Initially, the volume gas is pumped, but that is the very fast evacuation stage. Then it transitions over to virtual leaks (i.e. trapped gas), then desorption off walls, then outgassing of materials, then rate of gas diffusion through materials (permeation). If you plot the log of the pressure with time, you will see these changeover points. The longer the system is under vacuum, the better it gets, assuming that there are no leaks that set up a steady state condition. Your ultimate pressure is determined by a simple equation, SP=Q. S is the pump speed (liters/sec), P(Torr) is the pressure, and Q(Torr-liters/sec) is the throughput. The throughput is the sum of all leaks and outgassing at your ultimate pressure. These are all temperature dependent and will increase at higher temperatures -that's why you bake out.
If you pre-pump with an exchange system that is not designed to minimize backstreaming, it can lead to contamination of the system when you finally open the chamber valve.
If you have a chamber that pumps to the 10^-6 Torr region, and you can operate in the low 10^-5 Torr range while it gets into the 10^-6 range with time, then the only thing that the exchange system really buys you is time.
-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: Chris Jeffree [mailto:cjeffree-at-srv0.bio.ed.ac.uk] } Sent: Friday, July 14, 2000 8:12 AM } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Specimen and chamber contamination } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } 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 } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } 1) I presume that just as at atmospheric pressure, materials such } as perspex, anodised aluminium, borosilicate glass, stainless } steel, gold) differ significantly in their capacity to adsorb water } vapour and hydrocarbons under high vacuum conditions? } Presumably they would differ not only in their uptake kinetics but } also in their desorption kinetics. If one were designing an } ultraclean } vacuum system, or an ultraclean specimen environment within a } specimen chamber, with the objective of minimising deposition to a } specimen surface during SEM examination, what materials would } be best to use for the chamber surfaces? } 2) Presumably the main source of hydrocarbon contamination in an } SEM is oil vapour back-streaming from the the rotary and diffusion } pump. Turbo pumps, particularly maglev pumps, must reduce this } to very low levels while the pumps are running at full speed. } However, there must be considerable potential for back streaming } from the backing line during rough pumping from air and turbo run- } up after specimen changes. This again would seem to me to argue } in favour of a specimen air-locked system, so that the specimen } chamber is exposed to air and rough-pumping cycles as little as } practicable. Does anyone know of any data in the literature } comparing the magnitudes of contamination in systems using } different pumping and specimen exchange methods? } Chris } ========================================== } Dr. Chris Jeffree } University of Edinburgh } BIOSEM - Biological Sciences Electron Microscope Facility } Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology } Daniel Rutherford Building } King's Buildings, Mayfield Road } EDINBURGH, EH9 3JH, Scotland, UK } Tel. #44 (0) 131 650 5345 } FAX. #44 (0) 131 650 6563 } Mobile 07710 585 401 } email c.jeffree-at-ed.ac.uk } ========================================= }
I am currently looking into a confocal microscope system. Based on my Internet search, I have a feeling that most of the confocal microscope systems are primarily designed for "biology". My application will be investigation of (i)microstructure of ceramic and metallic coatings (mostly porous), and (ii) surface (including fracture surface) topology. I do not have any experience in confocal microscopy. I would like to get some of your opinions about confocal microscope systems for materials science applications.
I am working on Mycobacterium marinum infection of frogs (Rana pipiens) which gives them a chronic tuberculosis-like disease. The frogs develop granulomas. We have done EMs of these frog granulomas and find certain cell types that we cannot identify (macrophages vs heterophils?). If any of you have expertise with amphibian tissues, could you get in touch with me? We could send you pictures or come down and see you if you are close by. We would greatly appreciate any help we can get. Thanks in advance.
You probably have a high voltage problem as indicated by the high LC current. Possibly a capacitor in the oil tank or defective high voltage cable.
The repairs are not for a novice or user as the voltages are potentially lethal. Call a service engineer.
Regards,
Earl Weltmer
Nazlia Samodien 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 } We desperately need some help with our SEM. } Our filament "appeared" to have blown during operation (I was out of the } room for 5 mins and came back to a pretty green screen). I initially } assumed that the electronics were playing up, which sometimes occurs, and } all the settings are thrown out. While tweaking the Contrast/brightness } controls, some kind of warning flashed on the screen. However, it } dissappeared too quickly for me to figure it out, and it has not } reappeared. We changed our filament after no emission current reading was } found. No luck. The technicians then advised us to change and recheck the } filament settings in the cap. Alas, still nothing. We have, however, found } that the LC reading shoots up to about 190ua, during the 4th filament check } but still no image on the screen. Between changing , cleaning & checking } filaments, there has been an eerie inconsistency with the LC. Between three } of us, we have twiddled here and twiddled there without success. Help!!!!! } Any info would be greatly appreciated. } Nazlia } } _____________________________________________________ } } Nazlia Samodien } } Cardiovascular Research Unit } Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery } University of Cape Town Medical School } Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa } } Tel. +27 21 406 6398 (office) } +27 21 406 6476 (Secretary) } Fax + 27 21 448 5935 } } Email: ctssamodien-at-samiot.uct.ac.za
Email: jyr15102-at-glaxowellcome.com Name: Jason Remillard School: University of Alberta
Question: Good Day;
My name is Jason Remillard, and I am a pharmacy student from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I am working as a summer student at GlaxoWellcome in Toronto, Ontario and one of my projects requires the use of the light microscope. Since I am not well trained in this area, I have a couple of questions that you may be able to help me with.
The purpose of my project is to help develop a faster method of determining particulate count for Flonase(TM) Nasal Spray (fluticisone propionate) - a corticosteroid nasal spray suspension for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The current counting method is labour intensive, and time consuming. It involves using a regular light microscope, and counting the particles in the field (and there are a lot). Based on this data, the particulate count for the entire bottle is determined. This is currently being done by the Quality Control Labs, who want to speed it up.
I have the following questions to ask:
Have you ever done any work with fluticisone propionate before? I thought that by the use of oil immersion microscopy, I would be able to get better magnification of the area, and have to count less particles. I would still be able to calculate particle count, but how would I go about using oil to increase the refractive index?
I have developed a computer program to process electron diffraction ring patterns. The program can be downloaded FREE from
http://www.mfa.kfki.hu/~labar/
I hope you will enjoy it. Future versions with enhanced functionality are coming. In case of any problem or suggestion or remark, do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards:
Dr. Janos L. Labar Research Institute for Technical Physics and Materials Science H-1121 Budapest, Konkoly-Thege u. 29-33 Postal address: H-1525 Budapest-114, Po Box 49 Tel: (36)(1) 392-26-92 Fax: (36)(1) 275-49-96 Fax/phone: (36)(1) 395-92-32 home page: www.mfa.kfki.hu/~labar
} } The phone number I have for Denton is 856-439-9100. I recently used the number so it should be good. } } } } At 12:48 PM 07/14/2000 -0500, you wrote: } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
wouldn't this be a good candidate for some type of optical particle counting method (hiac type)?? or maybe a coulter type method?
just my 2c...
b- ******************************************
Email: jyr15102-at-glaxowellcome.com Name: Jason Remillard School: University of Alberta
Question: Good Day;
My name is Jason Remillard, and I am a pharmacy student from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I am working as a summer student at GlaxoWellcome in Toronto, Ontario and one of my projects requires the use of the light microscope. Since I am not well trained in this area, I have a couple of questions that you may be able to help me with.
The purpose of my project is to help develop a faster method of determining particulate count for Flonase(TM) Nasal Spray (fluticisone propionate) - a corticosteroid nasal spray suspension for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The current counting method is labour intensive, and time consuming. It involves using a regular light microscope, and counting the particles in the field (and there are a lot). Based on this data, the particulate count for the entire bottle is determined. This is currently being done by the Quality Control Labs, who want to speed it up.
I have the following questions to ask:
Have you ever done any work with fluticisone propionate before? I thought that by the use of oil immersion microscopy, I would be able to get better magnification of the area, and have to count less particles. I would still be able to calculate particle count, but how would I go about using oil to increase the refractive index?
At 12:48 PM -0500 7/14/0, "rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Rick, I have some recent literature from Denton, and the telephone # listed is: (856)439-9100 The web site you have looks OK. I have and e-mail for them:info-at-dentonvacuum.com YOu can also get in touch with Dick Daniel, he is the sale/sevice fellow here in the NY Metro area. His number is" (201)847-8845. He is very helpful.
I have nofinfncial interests in Denton Vacuum.
Lee
Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
3rd Euroconference on NANOSCIENCE FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY
16 - 19 September 2000 Somerville College, Oxford
See: http://nano.org.uk/euro.htm
Special funds are available to support attendance by younger scientists (under the age of 35) from EU countries.
NOTE: Deadline for submission of abstracts: 1 August 2000.
Under the contract providing EU sponsorship, the organisers are requested to make special efforts to attract participants from the following target groups:
- Researchers aged 35 years or under at the time of the conference. - Researchers whose place of work is in a less-favoured region. - Women researchers. - Researchers who work in industry.
The sponsorship includes funding to facilitate participation of researchers under the age of 35 who are citizens of EU countries. In order to take advantage of the low cost air fares which are available for journeys which include a Saturday night stay, the meeting is being organised over a "long weekend" (Saturday to Tuesday). Only the lowest cost air fares can be reimbursed, within the available funds.
INTERNATIONAL STEERING COMMITEE Professor K. Schaumburg, University of Copenhagen Professor J.T. Devreese, University of Antwerp Professor G.D.W. Smith, University of Oxford
PARTIAL LIST OF INVITED SPEAKERS Professor G.A.D. Briggs, Oxford University Professor J. Chapman, University of Glasgow Professor J.M. Cooper, University of Glasgow Professor P.J. Dobson, Oxford University Dr. J. Gimzewski, IBM Zurich Dr. J.A. Liddle, Lucent Technologies Professor R. Palmer, University of Birmingham Professor A. Persoons, University of Leuven Dr. A.K. Petford-Long, Oxford University Professor J.B. Pethica, Oxford University Dr. Rasmita Raval, University of Liverpool Dr. T. Spiller, Hewlett Packard Professor M. Welland, University of Cambridge
SPECIAL EVENTS Meeting of the ORCHYD Network for Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Devices. Meeting of the U.K. Foresight Panel Task Force on Nanotechnology Meeting of Summer School working group 'Self Organisation of Nanoparticles' Workshop session on "The interaction of Organic Molecules with Surfaces". 'Consulting the Community' workshop session: "The impact of nanotechnology on society". Visits to nanoscience laboratories and nanotechnology spin-out companies in the Oxford area. Displays of books and product literature relating to nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology Networks: It is hoped to announce the successful applicants for EPSRC networks in nanotechnology, the application deadline for which is June 2000. These will be interdisciplinary networks including the full range of scientific and engineering disciplines. It is expected that successful networks will be actively looking to extend their membership at this meeting.
CONFERENCE VENUE Somerville College is one of the constituent colleges of Oxford University. With a superb location a few minutes walk from the city centre, and close to the University's main science and engineering laboratories, it provides an excellent, self-contained location for the conference.
PUBLICATION OF PROCEEDINGS Selected papers from the conference will, after peer review, be published as a special issue of Materials Science and Technology. This issue will be available for purchase by delegates at the special discounted price of £20 per copy.
CALL FOR PAPERS Contributed papers are sought, both for oral and poster presentation, in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Deadline for submission: 1st August 2000. Please state whether you wish to submit an oral presentation or a poster. Specified Format:
* Abstracts to fit on a single A4 page (21cm wide x 29.7 cm high), with 2cm margins to left and right, 3cm margins top and bottom. * Use Times font, 12 point size. * Start title on a line 3.5 cm from the top of the page. * Put title in bold, with upper/lower case print (i.e. only initial letters of title word capitalised). * Put names of authors on next line, with the name of the presenting author underlined. * Put addresses of authors on subsequent lines. * Leave gap of two lines before commencing text. * Do not indent at start of paragraphs, leave gap of one line between paragraphs. * Put any references at end, in numerical order. * Send abstract either in hard copy form, or by email as a Word attachment (specify Word 97).
Send abstracts to: Julie Hutcheon, Events and Membership Manager, The Institute of Nanotechnology, 9, The Alpha Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF, Scotland, UK Email: julie-at-nano.org.uk
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE The conference starts officially at 6 p.m. on Saturday 16th September, and ends at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday 19th. The first meal provided is the evening meal on the 16th, and the last meal is lunch on the 19th. Therefore the 'nightly' accommodation and meals charge refers to a 24-hour period, beginning with the evening meal on one day, and ending with lunch on the following day.
GRANT INFORMATION Grants are available to assist attendance by younger scientists from the European Union. Reimbursement can be provided for a limited number of researchers aged 35 years or younger, who are nationals of a member state of the European Union or of an associated state (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Israel). EARLY REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO ENSURE GRANT ASSISTANCE.
Please indicate on your registration form if you wish to apply for grant support, and include an estimate of your expected travel costs. Note that only the LOWEST COST return fares to Oxford can be reimbursed.
The organisers will notify you as soon as possible if your grant application has been accepted. Funds are limited, so early application is essential. Reimbursement can only be made retrospectively, AFTER the conference has taken place. You must provide the conference organisers with evidence of your citizenship, your age at the start of the conference, and the actual expenditure incurred. Please bring with you to the conference your passport or other original evidence of citizenship and date of birth, plus original receipts for all expenditure incurred.
Registration and payment may be made online - see http://www.nano.org.uk/euro.htm
REGISTRATION FEE Industry / Government participants: £300 University participants: £200 Registered students: £100
RESIDENTS AT SOMERVILLE COLLEGE An inclusive charge of £65 per night is payable for residential accommodation (in single rooms) at Somerville College, together with all main meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea.
I disagree that uranyl acetate is fairly innocuous. Using the appropriate dosimeters, we have measured increases of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation over background levels with the lid of the reagent jar open. Increased counts were still measured with the closed jar behind an alpha shield at some distance. We ask our scientific and support staff to take some necessary precautions for weighing uranyl acetate and other uranium salts (wear dust mask and latex/vinyl gloves, use a shield in front of the balance, etc.).
Of course, while the dilute stain solution poses no radiation hazard, it should be treated as heavy metal waste for disposal purposes. These are my own suggestions and not necessarily that of USDA.
Bruce F. Ingber, Biologist USDA-ARS, SRRC 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70124 (504) 286-4270 phone (504) 286-4419 fax bingber-at-commserver.srrc.usda.gov
-----Original Message----- } From: jim [mailto:jim-at-proscitech.com.au] Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 8:21 AM To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Hello Microscopist & Lab Managers, well it's old news to a lot of you but the time has come for us to try to support service contracts with user fees. I guess we should be grateful to have deferred this expense to our users for this long. If we pick a rate based historical usage, all is well? I don't think so. The old cost vs demand has to come into play. My questions to those of you that have lived this experience:
1. What was the impact of significant increases in user fees with respect to hours logged? 2. Did use come back to historical levels after the sticker shock wore off? 3. Has anyone on the university level actually been able to support their contracts & related expenses with user fees.
Your experiences & insights would be greatly appreciated. Also I recall that there was an meeting being organized on this & similar subjects at M&M 2000. Would the the organizers please contact me.
just to say thanks for all your formaldehyde recipes, they solved my polymerisation problem just in time so we had plenty of formaldehyde to take on our field-collection trip.
cheers Elizabeth McKenzie -------------------------------------------------- Geomicrobiology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory Room S9 Cramer Hall 1721 SW Broadway Portland State University Portland OR97201
I have a professor here that wants to determine the subsurface crack shape in a ceramic by placing a drop of fluorescent dye-penetrant onto indentations. The cracks are forced open after the dye is allowed to penetrate and the pre-existing crack area will be covered with dye penetrant. Our reference says to use external ultraviolet illumination in an optical microscope to distinguish the pre-cracked area.
It is my understanding that we will need a mercury vapor light and a fluorescent dye penetrant that is made for weld crack detection. Why do I need a mercury vapor light? Where would I find out about the basics of this technique? Will I also need some sort of filter for the microscope?
Has anyone out there done something similar? What supplies and microscope attachments did they use?
Post-Doctoral Research Position Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A post-doctoral fellowship position is available to investigate structure-function relationships of the mammalian cell nucleus. Specifically, the goal of the research is to determine at high resolution the spatial relationships of transcriptionally active genes with sub-nuclear domains, and how particular gene families are recruited to these domains. The research will involve dynamic fluorescence microscopy, digital confocal microscopy and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy, together with traditional biochemical and molecular biological approaches. Interested applicants should refer to the following recent publications: Kruhlak et al (2000) J. Cell Biol. 150, 41-51; Boisvert et al (2000) J. Cell Biol. 148, 283-292; Hendzel et al (1998) Mol. Biol. Cell 9, 2491-2507. The position includes salary, benefits and the opportunity to work in a well-equipped and dynamic environment in the Cancer Biology Research Group. Send C.V. and the names of three references to: Dr. David P. Bazett-Jones Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy 3330 Hospital Dr Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 Canada TEL: (403) 220-3025, FAX (403) 270-0737 email bazett-at-ucalgary.ca
Hello Lou, Slow down... Trying to look good? Obviously something has been lost in the translation & someone has given you the shaft in the past. I am looking for a solution to things beyond my control. I Personally have no control over the rates unless I can produce a solution (like yourself?). I view my self as a (under paid) scientist & I am very pissed off at our university's attitude toward supporting research facilities. I live eat & breath research. We drag in mega bucks for tools & nothing for staff or support. I am hoping to confirm by the voices of experience that this is not a solution. Ya know a defense without data doesn't go far. FYI our past (93-2000) fees were $5/hour on state of the art TEM, SEM, AFM ... come on whine about that! Mean while if our locals will get their bowl in a up roar like you seem prone to do, we may get a solution. I appreciate the sincerity of your support even though you missed the target.
Bruce
Lou Solebello wrote:
} Do you imply keeping fees the same as in past contracts? Forget it } guy.....that mentality is putting scientists out of work. Nothing goes down } in prices, and the COL has increased. USA scientists are already under paid } and over worked because of people like you who want to look good at the } expense of others. } ----- Original Message ----- } From: Bruce Brinson {brinson-at-cnst.rice.edu} } To: MSA Listserver {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 7:59 AM } Subject: CvsD,Fees } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } 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 Microscopist & Lab Managers, } } well it's old news to a lot of you but the time has come for us to try } } to support service contracts with user fees. I guess we should be } } grateful to have deferred this expense to our users for this long. } } If we pick a rate based historical usage, all is well? I don't think } } so. The old cost vs demand has to come into play. My questions to those } } of you that have lived this experience: } } } } 1. What was the impact of significant increases in user fees with } } respect to hours logged? } } 2. Did use come back to historical levels after the sticker shock wore } } off? } } 3. Has anyone on the university level actually been able to support } } their contracts & related expenses with user fees. } } } } Your experiences & insights would be greatly appreciated. } } Also I recall that there was an meeting being organized on this & } } similar subjects at M&M 2000. Would the the organizers please contact } } me. } } } } thanks, } } Bruce Brinson } } Rice U. } } } } } }
High pressure mercury vapour lamps are used in most fluorescence microscopes because they are very intense sources producing strong emissions only at UV, blue and green wavelengths. A great many fluorescent dyes are excited by wavelengths in the visible spectrum, and various lamps can be used to excite them if the intensity is great enough. Fluorescein, for example can be excited by blue light, and rhodamine by green. For many applications, e.g. using rhodamine isothiocyanate, all you need for illumination is a powerful source of green light, such as a tungsten halogen lamp, and a filter which transmits green efficiently but cuts all other wavelengths. An interference filter would be the best choice. For viewing or photography you will need a filter which efficiently blocks green light, but efficiently transmits orange/red. Again an interference filter is best, but you will get a result with a red or orange photographic filter.
For fluorescence applications at low magnification, using a macro setup or a low power binocular microscope, and where the dye concentrations are fairly high, black UV tubes, such as those battery-powered hand lamps sold to read security marks can provide enough intensity to be useful for excitation of a wide range of fluorescent dyes. If you use these to excite rhodamine, keep the incident light off the orange barrier filter - red, orange and yellow dyed glass photographic filters are usually fluorescent themselves.
Chris
} From: "rgriffin-at-eng.uab.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Denton's web site is up and running at www.dentonvacuum.com. You can call or fax at: Phone: (856) 439-9100 Fax: (856) 439-9111 Thermocouple gauges are called that because they measure the conductive heat loss from a heated filament with a thermocouple attached to the filament. Your TEM tech is probably more familiar with Pirani gauge, which measures the conductive heat loss by measuring the resistance of a heated filament. The Pirani gauge is commonly used on European and Asia instruments, where American instruments are more likely to use thermocouples.
Allen R. Sampson, Owner Advanced Research Systems, St. Charles, Illinois 60174 voice 630.513.7093 fax 630.513.7092
On Friday, July 14, 2000 12:48 PM, "rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com [SMTP:"rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] wrote: } Does any one know the current phone number and or web site of Denton } Vacuum? } The ones I am using : 888-336-8661, www.dentonvacuum.com are not } responding. } I need some advice on one of their old evaporators and possibly puchase a } couple of thermocouples (vacuum gage). Why do they call it a thermocouple? } The TEM service person that was here didn't think that was a proper name. } Thanks. } } Rick Vaughn } rlvaughn-at-unmc.edu } } }
From root Mon Jul 17 14:16:29 2000 Return-Path: {Microscopy-request-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} Received: (from daemon-at-localhost) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id NAA23550 for dist-Microscopy; Mon, 17 Jul 2000 13:35:14 -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 NAA23547 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Mon, 17 Jul 2000 13:34:44 -0500 (CDT) Received: from renko.ucs.ed.ac.uk (renko.ucs.ed.ac.uk [129.215.13.3]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id NAA23540 for {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Mon, 17 Jul 2000 13:34:32 -0500 (CDT) Received: from inveresk (dialup-108.publab.ed.ac.uk [129.215.38.108]) by renko.ucs.ed.ac.uk (8.8.7/8.8.7) with SMTP id TAA27752; Mon, 17 Jul 2000 19:28:52 +0100 (BST) Message-Id: {200007171828.TAA27752-at-renko.ucs.ed.ac.uk}
Our experience was that in 1986, when charges were first imposed on our users, numbers of users crashed and stayed low, even when rates of charge were insufficient to cover the bills. When charges were raised towards realistic rates usership fell even further. Even in today's environment, where people know that charges are a fact of life, and that they should be raising them in grant funding, users are rarely prepared to include funding for em in their proposals. They want em free at the point of use, or they leave em out of the equation, or get some of it done as a favour by someone in another institution who doesn't apply charges.
Date sent: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 09:59:08 -0500 } From: Bruce Brinson {brinson-at-cnst.rice.edu} Send reply to: brinson-at-rice.edu Organization: Rice University To: MSA Listserver {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Hi! I don't know much about the specificsof your test but you will need a source of UV light, such as mercury lamp, to excite the fluorescing material. Go to the Bio Dep't and talk to them about fluorescence microscopy. I would be very cautious about interpreting the results. Crack penetrating fluid have very low viscosities and surface tensions in order to penetrate the crack. Once you have broken open the specimen, I would expect the fluid to creep over the newly generated surfaces. A better way, I would think, would be to obtain a low viscosity epoxy resin ( back to the Bio Dep't), add some fluorescent dye, and vacuum impregnate the specimen. After curing the epoxy, break open the specimen. The cracked surfaces will be covered with a solid fluorescing compound that will not creep. A complication will be that the epoxy may cement together the cracked surfaces and fracture will occur elsewhere. Another approach woud be to use image analysis techniques. See Jon Russ' book "Image Processing Handbook" or "The Image Processing Tool Kit" from Reindeer Games, PO Box 37188, Raleigh, NC 27627.
I have no financial intersest in the company.
Sam Purdy Technical Center, National Steel Corp 1745 Fritz Dr, Trenton,MI 48183 spurdy-at-nationalsteel.com
Several years ago, we had some precision X-sections done using a microtome. This was done to create TEM samples of gold metalization in a low-k dielectric. Since that time, we've been unable to find the service offered in an outside lab. Does anyone know a lab offering this type of X-sectioning? Any info would be appreciated.
Steve Brockett Customer Returns and Failure Analysis Manager TriQuint Semiconductor 2300 NE Brookwood Parkway Hillsboro, OR 97124 503-615-9303 sbrockett-at-tqs.com
} Leica S 360 SEM, $35,000 } Purchased 1989, LaB6 filament. } Cathode luminescence, Robinson BSE, Solid state BSE, } Oxford 3 position EDS detector (BE, thin window, windowless), 4PI system for EDS & digital image acquisition. } Buyer pays for the move. All systems are operational and available for demo. } } Hitachi H-600 TEM, $20,000 (without CCD camera)- $50,000 (with CCD camera) } Purchased 1988, } 100 keV, W filament, } Gatan Model 791 digital camera YAG with Digital Micrograph ( 2 years old). } Buyer pays for move. All systems are operational and available for demo. } } Topcon DS 130 F, $40,000 } Purchased 1989 } Schottky field emission gun SEM, } Dual stage system } Resolution (top stage- 10 Angstroms at 30keV, 40 Angstroms at 1keV) (bottom stage-20 Angstroms at 30keV, 100 Angstroms at 1keV), Robinson BSE on lower stage, Oxford Be window EDS detector on lower stage, 4PI system for EDS and digital image acquisition, IP30 frame over imaging system. } Buyer pays for move. All systems are operational and available for demo. } } } contact: } } John Blackson } The Dow Chemical Company } Midland, MI 48667 } 517-636-6316 office } 517-638-6443 fax } jhblackson-at-dow.com } or
} Steve Rozeveld } The Dow Chemical Company } Analytical Sciences Laboratory } 1897 Bldg., Door E43 } Midland, MI 48667 } 517-636-5167 office } 517-638-6443 fax } sjrozeveld-at-dow.com }
Anyone interested in the Yearbooks of the New York Microscopical Society for 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958,1961, and 1968? All or nothing. I'll even pay the postage for domestic mailings.
Don 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.)
Wondering if you can recommend a good penetrant and epoxy to use and where to get it. I am in the middle to source for the penetrant to perform solder joint crack (BGA etc), molded parts crack and plating crack. Perhpas you can advice if this method will be the simplest method to identify the crack/craze line.
My understand from our local supplier is they have an external accessory that can attach to the scope. The cost of the external features is about USD5000 (Olympus). The bulb is mercury lamp that can last only 200 hours.
Regards, YH Koh (MQE Engineer) Motorola CGISS Penang, Bayan Lepas FIZ, Phase 3, 11900 Penang, Malaysia. Tel : 60-4-8504089 Fax: 60-4-6124903
-----Original Message----- } From: Purdy, Sam [mailto:SPurdy-at-nationalsteel.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 7:27 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Hi! I don't know much about the specificsof your test but you will need a source of UV light, such as mercury lamp, to excite the fluorescing material. Go to the Bio Dep't and talk to them about fluorescence microscopy. I would be very cautious about interpreting the results. Crack penetrating fluid have very low viscosities and surface tensions in order to penetrate the crack. Once you have broken open the specimen, I would expect the fluid to creep over the newly generated surfaces. A better way, I would think, would be to obtain a low viscosity epoxy resin ( back to the Bio Dep't), add some fluorescent dye, and vacuum impregnate the specimen. After curing the epoxy, break open the specimen. The cracked surfaces will be covered with a solid fluorescing compound that will not creep. A complication will be that the epoxy may cement together the cracked surfaces and fracture will occur elsewhere. Another approach woud be to use image analysis techniques. See Jon Russ' book "Image Processing Handbook" or "The Image Processing Tool Kit" from Reindeer Games, PO Box 37188, Raleigh, NC 27627.
I have no financial intersest in the company.
Sam Purdy Technical Center, National Steel Corp 1745 Fritz Dr, Trenton,MI 48183 spurdy-at-nationalsteel.com
In the past, EM/microscopy facilities I've been part of and used in Australia have not charged fees, and most still don't charge users within their institutions, or have a very minimal charge, e.g. $5/hour for confocal just to put something into laser replacement, and $500-$1000 per year for use of all EM facilities, including costs to prepare tissue, etc. To external users, government facilities are supposed to charge commercial rates, so they don't compete unfairly with fully commercial facilities. I believe it's similar in the USA.
But "full cost recovery" is coming, even for users of facilities within their own institutions. It has come to a few facilities, and the result is a dramatic fall-off in users. Even when fairly minimal fees are imposed, this breaks the bank for some people, especially for undergrad student projects.
To be more specific: 1. What was the impact of significant increases in user fees with respect to hours logged? Hours logged for TEM dropped to 30% and continued to decline. Hours on SEM dropped 50% and stayed low.
2. Did use come back to historical levels after the sticker shock wore off? No, though there was a little recovery.
3. Has anyone on the university level actually been able to support their contracts & related expenses with user fees. In my experience in 5 institutions, no, even when high fees were charged.
I don't know how to fight this, you need strong support from a large user base. Even then, you can be beaten by the bean counters if they are in ascendency.
Rosemary White Microscopy Centre CSIRO Plant Industry GPO Box 1600 Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
Ed, You were the first to reply and they are yours for the museum. Should go out today.
Don Marshall
} From COURYHOUSE-at-aol.com Tue Jul 18 01:10:29 2000 } } From: COURYHOUSE-at-aol.com } Received: from COURYHOUSE-at-aol.com } } Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 01:06:41 EDT } Subject: Re: new york microscopical society } To: dmrelion-at-WORLD.STD.COM } } } we would like to have these for the museums collection. } many will get use of them. } thanks Ed Sharpe archivist for SMECC } } Coury house / SMECC } 5802 w Palmaire Ave } Glendale AZ 85301 } } { { Subj: new York microscopical society } Date: 7/17/00 9:16:22 PM US Mountain Standard Time } From: dmrelion-at-world.std.com (donald j marshall) } To: 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Anyone interested in the Yearbooks of the New York Microscopical Society } 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958,1961, and 1968? All or nothing. I'll even pay the } postage for domestic mailings. } } Don Marsha } } }
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.)
One of our researchers is having trouble with cryo-thin sections jumping back onto the face of the block. Apparently this is a static problem. Does anyone use an anti-static device for this? If so, what is available. Also any thoughts for this cure would be appreciated. Thanks.
I am wondering if someone could help me out with trying to use John Russ's Image toolkit for putting on scale bars for digital plates. I have light micrographs that were taken at 20 and 40x magnification, and also 20 and 40x magnification of calibration grid slides of 25 and 250 micrometers from MicrobrightField Inc. These calibration images I tried to set up a txt file using calibrate by marking out the points from one grid bar to the next, and specifying it as either 25 or 250 micrometers depending on which calibration grid I used. I saved this file and imported it on a light micrograph of similar magnification. When I do this importing, and then use the magnification bar option, the bar does not reflect the calibration scale. Also, if I just use the magnification bar on the original calibration grid, it comes out to be 7micrometers for each division rather than the 25 or 250 that I have specified. If someone could suggest where I am going wrong, I would very much appreciate it. I hope I haven't completely confused people!
Thanks, Susan
Susan Carbyn Electron Microscopy Technician Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 32 Main Street, Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 1J5 Canada
i've been in a "cover costs or die" situation for the past 6 years. at first usage stayed about the same...then dropped off as my user base found cheaper and better alternatives on the equipment side of the equation (a happier and more accomodating microscopist they'll never find!), at other less "cost recovery" oriented universities. i was then funded by the NSF to update some of the lab (a new FESEM in particular). with this came a new influx of users. i'm now able to cover nearly all of the lab expenses (contracts, supplies, upgrades, and salary). i still have a slush fund to cover unsponsored research and classroom activities, but have imposed a user fee for specialized training courses.
hope this helps... b- **************************
} Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 12:19:25 -0500 } From: Bruce Brinson {brinson-at-cnst.rice.edu} } Reply-To: brinson-at-rice.edu } Organization: Rice University } X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.06 [en] (Win95; U) } To: Lou Solebello {microls1297-at-mindspring.com} , } MSA Listserver {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } Subject: Re: CvsD,Fees } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Are you sure that the scale is wrong? There could be two different kinds of problems here. One is that the tool kit draws a line whose length is determined by the size of the image, and labels it with the length in the calibrated measurement units. This might not (would not, in general) be the same length as the distance that you originally marked for establishing the calibration. The other problem might be that the calibration is in fact wrong, possibly something wrong with the file, etc., but the first explanation is more likely. If you want to create markers that are exactly a certain length then the best way to do it is to draw the line in a blank image, label it as you wish, crop to just the region around the label and line, and save it as a file. Then copy and paste this onto your images. The calibration routine in the tool kit is primarily aimed at making measurements come out in the right units, and the scale marker was more-or-less an afterthought. Hope this helps and doesn't add to the confusion.
I agree, its certainly not innocuous, but neither are many common household goods. The questions really are: is it more dangerous than other substances, which are not subject to permits and would regulations and permits improve safety in any significant way? Regulations should be relative to risks. I think its absurd that we as a reseller are required to have permits and many other regulations under the new Australian system. A reseller is not opening the jar, or even the outer metal container. A 25g glass jar of UA is enclosed in heavy Al foil (to produce low energy Al X-rays) and then enclosed in a tin can, which shields most of the remaining radiation. What about the end-user? Should they need a permit? To see that in perspective, just imagine running a lab that requires a couple dozen permits for things like OsO4, the aldehydes, cacodylic acid and many more substances including liquid nitrogen and I suggest boiling water. You'd better hire a secretary and obtain more funds to pay for those permits. I have a full discussion of the topic -at-
www.proscitech.com/uranyl.htm
The other point you are making about it being a heavy metal was rebutted recently and nicely in this forum. Gold, platinum and iridium are very heavy metals. In fact you cannot get heavier than Iridium! You can eat these heavy elements in great quantity if you can afford it and suffer no ill effect. "Heavy metal" has become a slur, but its meaningless. Uranyl acetate is fully water soluble and is not cumulative in organisms. So, however toxic as a chemical poison (and less so radiologically), its not a problem in the environment, unless you are emitting very high doses. Some locations will have laws dis- allowing the discharge of tiny quantities of a 1% UA solution; so people accumulate the material and create a problem. Much smarter to discharge UA down the sink with plenty of water. Please read up on our site if you are interested in the topic. Regarding your safety precautions: I think that the people handling 200 litre drums of uranium oxide (yellow-cake) or underground uranium miners would find your precautions highly entertaining. Yet its these people who need to be concerned, not laboratory staff who weigh out 0.25grams of UA once a month. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Tuesday, July 18, 2000 12:41 AM, Ingber, Bruce F. [SMTP:bingber-at-commserver.srrc.usda.gov] wrote: } } } I disagree that uranyl acetate is fairly innocuous. Using the appropriate } dosimeters, we have measured increases of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation } over background levels with the lid of the reagent jar open. Increased } counts were still measured with the closed jar behind an alpha shield at } some distance. We ask our scientific and support staff to take some } necessary precautions for weighing uranyl acetate and other uranium salts } (wear dust mask and latex/vinyl gloves, use a shield in front of the } balance, etc.). } } Of course, while the dilute stain solution poses no radiation hazard, it } should be treated as heavy metal waste for disposal purposes. These are my } own suggestions and not necessarily that of USDA. } } Bruce F. Ingber, Biologist } USDA-ARS, SRRC } 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd. } New Orleans, LA 70124 } (504) 286-4270 phone } (504) 286-4419 fax } bingber-at-commserver.srrc.usda.gov } } -----Original Message----- } } From: jim [mailto:jim-at-proscitech.com.au] } Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 8:21 AM } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: want to know national permit requirements for Uranyl } Acetate } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 would also like to know of any significant incident involving UA anywhere. } I should point out that radiation damage would not show for years and one } would never know the original cause. The radiation though is low, so unless } a person would take to sleeping with a jar of UA there is no real danger. } The real danger of UA is as a non-cumulative (happily), but severe kidney } poison, but this is of course no issue with the Radiation people. } 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 } ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com }
} 1. . . . If you want a great } material to coat the inside of your vacuum system with that has very good } properties, try gold. I once had a UHV system that was gold plated on the } inside. It was also very pretty.
Dear Scott, Maybe it's my high-voltage upbringing, but I'd be careful about using high-Z materials (except for apertures). The scattering and brehmsstrahlung production cross-sections are much higher for high-Z, so stray electrons and x-rays will be higher. This leads to high background for microanalysis and (for sufficiently high beam energies) x-rays emerging from the column. Yours, Bill Tivol
I have a good experience and can recommend DiATOME Static line (this particular one is Static line II), the ionizer with variable voltage. If you're sectioning with a diamond cryo knife, it should really help. Let me know if you need more info. Alice.
Alice Dohnalkova Environmental Microbiology Battelle, PNNL MS P7-50 Richland, WA 99352 tel. (509) 372-0692 fax (509) 376-1321
-----Original Message----- } From: Chris Edwards [SMTP:fishon-at-umich.edu] Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 5:55 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
One of our researchers is having trouble with cryo-thin sections jumping back onto the face of the block. Apparently this is a static problem. Does anyone use an anti-static device for this? If so, what is available. Also any thoughts for this cure would be appreciated. Thanks.
Seems I am stucked with another sample for XTEM. :) I was preparing a sample, metal thin film on MgO (100) substrate. I am having a hard time to get it thin, monitoring the thickness with a Si piece on top. The problem is that the MgO has a bad habit of chipping even before the Si get thin enough to be light transparent. I observed a piece of the substrate after ion milling in TEM and there was a network of dislocations. Probably introduced by the polishing on diamond films. Does someone else tried to do tripod polishing with MgO to make a wedge shaped sample? Thanks.
Carlos
o-------------------------------------------------------o | Carlos Kazuo Inoki | | Department of Physics - University at Albany | | 1400 Washington Ave.- Albany - NY - 12222 | o-------------------------------------------------------o
A trick which I have found useful during tripod polishing is to use a 1/4" thick mirror instead of a clear glass on the polishing wheel. The mirror allows you to easily see if there are any contamination particles on the surface before placing the polishing disk on the glass. I got mine made at the local glass company for $6.50. I specifically asked them to insure that there weren't any scratches on the surface.
Please forgive if this is common knowledge...
************************************************************** Kim W. Pierson, Ph.D. Dept of Physics & Astronmoy University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (715) 836-5009 FAX 836-3955
Our small educational TV production company is working on a half hour video project on VIRUSES. It is intended for classroom and library use and is for middle school age kids. We are looking for electron microscope photographs of various viruses including TMV, HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis B, and Rabies. We are also interested in images showing the invasion of a bacterium by a bacteriophage. More generic images of viruses could also be used in certain portions of the program. Our preferred format for delivery is 35mm slides, but we are flexible on that point. Reasonable image clarity is important, but images can be either B&W or colorized. We can cover all expenses, and offer a modest fee for image use. We will need a signed non-exclusive release from the owner (broad in rights, but limited to this series), and we can credit the appropriate person in the credits of the program. Images can be scanned and e-mailed to us for review, or we can log on to your site to view them. Please e-mail me at Stnehouse-at-aol.com if you would like to discuss this further.
I believe that my book "Vacuum Methods in Electron Microscopy" (Portland Press, London, 1994. ISBN I85578-052-6) provides a discussion of viscous (p. 29) and molecular (p.32) flow, and of the significance of these two modes of flow in the overall evacuation process (Ch. 2) that can be understood by anyone, who has had basic training in any field of science. Dr. Audrey M. Glauert was the Editor who monitored the writing and publication of this book, and since she is a biologist you can be sure it can be understood by biologists.
The use of specimen anticontamination devices is also discussed (pp. 12), as well as procedures for warming them up (p.400).
Reviewers' comments and a general description of this bok can be found at http://pup.princeton.edu, and http://www.2spi.com/catalog/books/book48.html
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
Maddeningly, my e-mail program destroyed my microscopy mailbox earlier today, so I lost all correspondence from several people who were interested in this microscope.
I started the bidding at $1,500, which I thought was a reasonable mid-point given the range of offers ($20 .. $600 .. $1,200 .. $2,000) I'd received on it in e-mail.
thanks much! the collection grows ed sharpe archivist for smecc
{ { Subj: Re: new york microscopical society Date: 7/18/00 5:56:08 AM US Mountain Standard Time From: dmrelion-at-world.std.com (donald j marshall) To: COURYHOUSE-at-aol.com CC: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
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Ed, You were the first to reply and they are yours for the museum. Should go out today.
Date sent: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 17:50:02 -0400 To: Microscopy Listserver {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } From: Wil Bigelow {bigelow-at-engin.umich.edu}
Hi,
I have been asked to section undecalcified bone that has been embedded in histo-technik resin at a section thickness up to 20 um. Has any one any experience or know of any references, in cutting with this medium that they would like to share eg type of knife/microtome, optimum thickness, mounting sections onto slides and staining. any info would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance
Phil Mr Philip Mutch, School of Biomedical Science, E Floor Medical School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH. UK. E-mail Philip.Mutch-at-nottingham.ac.uk
Hi, does anybody knows where I could purchase a specific cytokinin antibody? thanks in advanced Nuria
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nuria Cortadellas Unitat de Microscopia de Transmissio Serveis Cientifico-Tecnics Universitat de Barcelona C/ Sole i Sabaris, 1-3 08028 Barcelona Tel: +34 3 402 13 52 Fax: +34 3 402 13 98 E-mail: nuriac-at-giga.sct.ub.es
Title: Optical Microscopy and Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences
When: October 11 - October 19, 2000
Where: Marine Biology Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
Tuition: $2150 (Includes room and board, text, handouts, supplies)
Application Deadline: August 1, 2000
Admission application and information: Carol Hamel, Admissions Coordinator Marine Biological Laboratory 7 MBL Street Woods Hole, MA 02543-1015 (508) 289-7401 Internet: admissions-at-mbl.edu WWW: http://www.mbl.edu (Application forms available via Adobe Acrobat)
Course Director: Colin S. Izzard, State University of New York -at- Albany Phone: [518] 442 - 4367 EMail: csizzard-at-csc.albany.edu
Course Description:
For Whom: Designed primarily for research scientists, physicians, postdoctoral trainees and advanced graduate students in animal, plant, medical and material sciences. Non-biologists seeking a comprehensive introduction to microscopy and video-imaging will benefit greatly from this course as well. There are no specific prerequisites, but an understanding of the basic principles of optics is desirable. Limited to 24 students.
The eight day course consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations, exercises and discussions that will enable the participant to obtain and interpret microscope images of high quality, to perform quantitative optical
measurements, and to produce photographic and video records for documentation and analysis.
Topics to be covered include: principles of microscope design and image formation bright field, dark field, phase contrast, polarized light, differential interference contrast, interference reflection, and fluorescence microscopy confocal scanning microscopy, multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy and image deconvolution digital image restoration and 3-D reconstruction video imaging, recording, enhancement, and intensification analog and digital image processing and analysis fluorescent probes and ratiometric-imaging laser tweezers and laser scissors
Applications to live cells will be emphasized; other specimens will be covered as well.
Students will have direct hands-on experience with state-of-the-art microscopes, video cameras, recorders and image processing equipment provided by major optical and electronics companies. Instruction will be provided by experienced staff from universities and industry.
Students are encouraged to bring their own biological (primary cultures, cell lines, etc.) and material specimens and to discuss individual
} I was just visited by one of our EH&S folks who wanted to know why I had } 1,2 dichloroethane. } } Seems they track purchases and I bought some last year to make formvar films. } } 1,2 dichloroethane is on their bad list as a carcinogen. He was actually } here to figure out how much might be going up the fume hood so he could } make a report to the local air quality agency. But as we talked, it seemed } like it would be better to not have the stuff around.
Yes, 1,2 dichloroethane is a carcinogen; it's also a hepatotoxin. However, so is chloroform, and I don't know that there is a significant difference in the toxicities of these two compounds. Neither is as toxic as carbon tetrachloride.
} } Anyone have experience with formvar in chloroform? I read it works but have } never tried it. According to our EH&S guys, chloroform would be better than } 1,2, dichloroethane. }
I have used formvar in chloroform and in 1:1 chloroform-acetone; either will work. Yours, Bill Tivol
} I am working on powders of mixed WC and Co and I have some problems with EDS. } EDS analysis on grains whose diffractions patterns are unambiguously } indexed in the Co structure give a majority of W, and EDS analysis on } grains whose diffractions patterns are unambiguously indexed in the WC } structure (without distortion and superstructures) always indicate the } presence of Co (with a majority of W). So I was wondering if there could be } any problem with EDS on Cobalt (because of magnetism????) }
Dear Christine, The magnetic properties of Co should not affect EDS. The incoming electrons have sufficient energies that it takes fields on the order of kilogauss to deflect them (typical EM lens fields). If you can get an undistorted image, the fields in your sample will not affect the electrons' path. Because electrons scatter strongly, the volume of the specimen where x-rays are generated may be much larger than you would predict from the size of the beam. Also, scattering within the specimen area may result in parts of the specimen being illuminated be stray electrons and producing x-rays. You do not mention such relevant parameters as the beam and grain sizes, which lines you're looking at, or the incident electron energy. I might be able to say more if I knew these things. Yours, Bill Tivol
} This doesn't seem to cover it. Gold and platinum are heavy metals. } So are we to treat them as we treat osmium tetroxide? } Where does light end and heavy begin anyway? There is a real } need here for a proper definition of the risk. } } } } } The problem is that any form of osmium is a heavy metal, and therefore } } should be treated as one would cadmium or arsenic. It is not innocuous. } }
Dear Chris, Don, etc., It's not the atomic mass, but the chemistry that's important. Many heavy elements mimic the effects of lighter--and essential--elements, so Cd and Hg can mimic Zn, Ra can mimic Ca, and Tl can mimic K, etc. In all these cases, the heavier element has sufficiently different properties that it interferes with the function of something that the lighter element is involved with. As was pointed out, OsO4 is very toxic, but Os metal is not. In fact, Os metal has properties very much like Pt. (Again to ill- ustrate the importance of chemistry, Pt metal is harmless, but cis-platin is a toxic chemotherapy agent). Yours, Bill Tivol
I have a customer from the chemistry department that wants to obtain some SEM images of zeolite crystals in a flyash material (fine grain powder). My question is how to prep this material to get it into the probe? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Roy Beavers Southern Methodist University Dept. of Geological Sciences Electron Microprobe Lab P.O. Box 750395 Dallas, Tx 75275 voice: 214-768-2756 fax: 214-768-2701 E-mail: rbeavers-at-mail.smu.edu
I am in need of an AFM for the purpose of measuring the pit structure of compact disc and DVD stampers and replicas. I am considering a Q-Scope 350 from Quesant. I am wondering if anyone has any experience, good or bad, with this system or anything else from this company. Also, I am open to other suggestions if anyone has any.
When working with fly ash in the past, I would usually use a double-sticky carbon tab on an SEM stub and press it down into the ash, then gently blow off the loose particles with compressed air. Double-sided carbon tape would probably work, although the tabs seem less likely to engulf very small particles with excess adhesive.
Another alternative might be a product called "Mikrostik", a clear liquid you paint onto a stub and which dries to a tacky finish. It's good for fine particulates. It's available from Ted Pella (cat.no. 16033) and possibly other places, as well. (No financial interest in Ted Pella here.)
A problem with fly ash is that it is difficult to avoid charging, since it's basically a pile of spheres and irregularly shaped chunks in not-very-continuous contact with each other. A low vacuum SEM makes this much easier, but at the expense of high resolution. Try to blow off as many particles as possible, so the ones left are in tight contact with the adhesive. If that's not an option, you will have to coat your stub from different angles, preferably on a tilting, rotating stage in the sputter coater/vacuum evaporator.
Good luck, 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/
-----Original Message----- } From: Beavers, Roy [mailto:rbeavers-at-post.cis.smu.edu] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 10:49 AM To: 'Microscopy Listserver'; Microprobe List (E-mail)
List,
I have a customer from the chemistry department that wants to obtain some SEM images of zeolite crystals in a flyash material (fine grain powder). My question is how to prep this material to get it into the probe? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Roy Beavers Southern Methodist University Dept. of Geological Sciences Electron Microprobe Lab P.O. Box 750395 Dallas, Tx 75275 voice: 214-768-2756 fax: 214-768-2701 E-mail: rbeavers-at-mail.smu.edu
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When working with fly ash in the past, I would usually use a double-sticky carbon tab on an SEM stub and press it down into the ash, then gently blow off the loose particles with compressed air. Double-sided carbon tape would probably work, although the tabs seem less likely to engulf very small particles with excess adhesive.
Another alternative might be a product called "Mikrostik", a clear liquid you paint onto a stub and which dries to a tacky finish. It's good for fine particulates. It's available from Ted Pella (cat.no. 16033) and possibly other places, as well. (No financial interest in Ted Pella here.)
A problem with fly ash is that it is difficult to avoid charging, since it's basically a pile of spheres and irregularly shaped chunks in not-very-continuous contact with each other. A low vacuum SEM makes this much easier, but at the expense of high resolution. Try to blow off as many particles as possible, so the ones left are in tight contact with the adhesive. If that's not an option, you will have to coat your stub from different angles, preferably on a tilting, rotating stage in the sputter coater/vacuum evaporator.
Good luck, 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/
-----Original Message----- } From: Beavers, Roy [mailto:rbeavers-at-post.cis.smu.edu] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 10:49 AM To: 'Microscopy Listserver'; Microprobe List (E-mail)
List,
I have a customer from the chemistry department that wants to obtain some SEM images of zeolite crystals in a flyash material (fine grain powder). My question is how to prep this material to get it into the probe? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Roy Beavers Southern Methodist University Dept. of Geological Sciences Electron Microprobe Lab P.O. Box 750395 Dallas, Tx 75275 voice: 214-768-2756 fax: 214-768-2701 E-mail: rbeavers-at-mail.smu.edu
Does anyone have a positive experience getting a TEM viewing screen re-coated? I've got a small focusing screen for a Philips 410 , viewed with binoculars, that needs re-coating with minimal grain size. If you have used a vendor successfully, would you please forward their contact information to me?
Thank you in advance,
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 used to buy boats from LKB for 6 mm knives. Now I can't locate LKB and the other companies seem to sell only for larger knives. Does anyone know where I can get boats for 6 mm knives? I really don't want to go back to the tape method. Thanks. Joyce Craig Chicago State University
Here's the summary (long) for all those interested in deencapsulating plastic encapsulated ICs. I have no prefferences as I haven't tried any yet, but thought the fuming sulfuric acid might be 'fun'. Thanks again!
The way this is generally done is to mill the plastic down on a grinding wheel to the point where only a fairly thin layer of plastic remains. Then, using a plasma etcher, and a mixture of oxygen to CF4 (for example, 30% oxygen/70% CF4), whereby the oxygen etches away the plastic and the CF4 etches away the glass frit that is usually found in the plastic, you can remove the remaining plastic (package) without damaging the device itself. Different people like to use different gas ratios, of course, and that is probably a function, at least to some degree, of the concentration of glass frit in their particular plastic.
The SPI Plasma Prep II unit, as shown on URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/instruments/etchers1.html in the world, is probably the most widely used unit for doing this type of operation. It is inexpensive and highly reliable, and requires virtually no maintenance.
Chuck ____________________________________________________________________________ ******************************************************************************** *************************** The ion beam approach works well. I have not used it recently on finer pitch ICs. With as-built feature sizes of 2-4u, it is fine. It will stop at the passivation and leave the Al bond wires intact. The resulting package looks like it has a V-shaped pit in it (which it does). The extent of the pit depends on the size of the die and if you want to blast down to the lead frame or substrate.
I have not done this on finer pitch devices. I would be a bit skeptical about these mostly because of the smaller bond pads. The etching would still stop at the passivation.
There are numerous places in Silicon Valley that do this on an outsource basis. Typical costs are about $75 per IC. I can get some contacts for you if you'd like.
gary g. ___________________________________________________________________________ ******************************************************************************** *************************
Diane: attached is a text document outlining the procedure my FA lab uses. Yellow fuming nitric is usually the acid of choice. If you can get a few extra parts to practice on, that would be best. And you're right, plasma takes FOREVER. If I can be of any more help, please let me know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Becky Holdford (r-holdford-at-ti.com) 972-598-1291 (pager) KFAB Physical Analysis Labs--SEM/FIB/FA Kilby Center West Texas Instruments, Inc. Dallas, TX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, & SUPPLIES 1. Milling machine and appropriate end mills 2. Stabilo SuperFine OH pen or equivalent 3. Fume hood properly equipped for exhausting acid fumes and solvent vapors (see reference 3.4) 4. Explosion proof hot plate (see reference 3.4) 5. Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 6. An optical microscope capable of 100X to 500X magnification, equipped with a lighting system. 7. Chemical resistant latex gloves 8. Chemical resistant laboratory coat 9. Chemical resistant safety glasses (see reference 3.5) 10. Hand tools (tweezers, scalpels and etc.) 11. Plastic micro-pipette 12. Fuming red nitric acid 13. Yellow nitric acid 14. Methyl alcohol 15. Acetone
1. RECORDING OF PACKAGE MARKINGS Record all of the device markings that are on the top and bottom sides of the devices prior to starting any of the decap operations. 2. CAVITY MILLING Determine the exact location of the chip within the package and mark the top of the device package showing the chip perimeter, using a Stabilo SuperFine OH pen and a straight edge. A SAM plot or X-ray image may be used to help determine the exact location of the chip and also to determine the thickness of the mold compound covering the chip. Note: This should be done on devices having large chips. Devices with small chips (less than 0.125 inches in their longest dimension) do not require this step. Mill a cavity out of the plastic package that is centered over the chip. The size of the milled cavity should typically be .050 to .100 inches larger than the length and width dimensions of the chip. The depth of the milled cavity depends on the thickness of the mold compound and the location and loop height of the bond wires. During the milling operation use a vacuum line to pick up the loose plastic particles generated. Caution: do not mill into the bond wires or the chip. Mill counter bores on devices with chip dimensions greater than 0.400 inches on a side. These counter bores should be made on one or more levels within the bond pad perimeter and at the outermost corners of the cavity (this is necessary to facilitate etching of the mold compound at the corners of the chip before the sides are exposed and subsequent damage to the leadframe). Care must be taken during the milling operation to avoid excessive pressure on the mill resulting in filler induced damage to the chip P.O. The end mill should not bind, bend, or "smoke" during the milling operation. 3. PACKAGE ETCHING All etching must be performed in a chemical hood that meets the requirements defined in references #.3 and 4.Heating of acid or device prior to application of acid must be done using an explosion proof hot plate that meets the requirements of reference #4. Obtain the appropriate acid for use on the mold compound being removed. Following are the acids that have been identified for the removal of the various mold compounds. Mold Compound Acid/Temperature Shinetsu Red fuming nitric acid at 140-150 degrees Celsius Plascon & Sumitomo Red fuming or yellow nitric acid 140-150 degrees Celsius Note: Fuming sulfuric acid reacts with exposed aluminum bond pad metallization and may result in ball bond discontinuity thus hampering further analysis.
· When using red fuming nitric acid it may be helpful to start the etching process using a mixture of red and yellow nitric acids in order to slow down the etch process until a "residue crust" is formed over the cavity and then switch to the red nitric acid. · Apply the acid in drops using a plastic micro-pipette. The drops should be placed in the center and at the corners of the cavity in approximately a 1:1 ratio. · Allow the acid to react with the mold compound and form a crust of dissolved compound. Caution: Do not allow the crust to dry out completely before adding additional drops of acid. · Remove the dissolved material using cotton swabs or by rinsing with acetone when the dissolved materials threaten to spill over the cavity. Caution: Rinse the device immediately with acetone if acid spills onto the package pins. · Soak the device in acetone for a minimum of 10 minutes, followed by a spray of methanol to remove loose residue and to clean the residue from the cavity rim. · Perform a thorough microscopic inspection to determine whether all necessary areas of the chip are exposed. · If dried mold compound residue persists on the chip surface, use the following in the order shown to attempt removal: · Solvent bath (such as methyl alcohol) in ultrasonic cleaner · Several drops of room temperature fuming sulfuric acid applied to the chip (with the chip at room temperature) for several seconds then rinse the device in DI water. · Several drops of fuming sulfuric acid applied to the chip with the chip on a 100 degree Celsius hot plate. Note: Fuming sulfuric acid will attack aluminum bond pads and is therefore the method of last resort.
_____________________________________________________________________ ********************************************************************* Can't comment on sulfuric, but I have used red fuming nitric at near boiling temperature. Apply acid, let react. Flush witn more acid, let react, etc.
Diane, Yes, hot fuming sulfuric and/or hot fuming nitric are used as standard procedures for removing plastic from IC's. The process is not quite that simple. For example, water rinses will almost certainly etch the bond pads on the IC and thus removing connection to the outside world. Additionally, the plastic contains fire retardants which some regions don't like being washed down the drain. There is more detailed help through EDFAS.org (one of ASM's branches). B&G International sells a very safe, effective etcher which performs decapsulation automatically in minutes.
I have no association with B&G International.
David Saxon Analytical Microscope Services 11826 Reservoir Rd. E. Puyallup, WA 98374 253-848-7701 voice & fax email: info-at-analyticalmicroscope.com website: www.analyticalmicroscope.com
I used to do failure analysis on semi conductor memories which were starting to be made of plastic/epoxy with glass rods about 20 years ago.
I have some technics and possible help but its too much to write. Basically you drill a small hole about 0.1" deep then heat the IC on a hot plate and then you drop your acid to remove the plastic. I dont know chemistry, I'm and Electronics Technician. I did this work with a meterial sicentist, my mentor. We used fumming sulfuric acid and fuimg nitric acid, also some type of organic pink and blue solutions to stop some of the acids etching effect.
The company back then was Burroughs Corp. today is Unysis.
I presently work for the U S Department of Energy in New York City. My phone number is 212 6203650, I'll be happy to walk through some ideas and things I learned.
Regards Peter Roiz ______________________________________________________________________ **********************************************************************
Perhaps it's time to comment on this thread.
Dichloromethane and dimethylformamide are relatively effective disrupters of most epoxies but their action is accompanied by great swelling because the polymer becomes engorged with the liquid before any significant solvation takes place. This will destroy wire bonds on an IC.
Fuming (essentially anhydrous) sulfuric acid acts by the completely different process of sulfonating reactive groups that remain on the polymer. The depolymerized and sulfonated byproducts are quite soluble not only in the acid but usually in water as well. The worst thing that you could do in this relatively straightforward process is to wash with water at intervals because this would initiate almost instantaneous corrosion. It would be advisable for a chemist, as someone trained in the handling of reactive materials, to carry this out or at least to establish procedures and train others with less experience. The action of sulfuric acid in this regard is quite different than that of nitric. Nearly anhydrous nitric acid (completely anhydrous is extremely difficult to prepare) is a very powerful oxidizer and could lead to unstable, dangerous byproducts whereas the sulfonates resulting from the sulfuric acid reaction are relatively stable. Water must, of course, be prevented from splashing into any concentrated acid, especially sulfuric.
A very strong acid such as sulfuric behaves completely differently in the absence of water. Since most acids are highly hygroscopic and are sold as water solutions, most people do not observe this other side of their behavior. Without water to create an ionized electrolyte, corrosion of metals will not take place. I have de-encapsulated ICs for failure analysis in 200 degree sulfuric acid and been able to operate the IC without replacing the .001" aluminum wirebonds that it came with. I recall one instance where our company built prototype hybrid microelectronic circuits out of such de-encapsulated ICs when their supplier was late getting a new design on the market and the only ones available were already encapsulated.
The key is to realize that water must be excluded until the sulfonating acid has been completely rinsed away by a non-aqueous liquid. As Mr. Saxon said, there are simple and safe devices available for doing this operation. However, with proper care and protective gear it can be done in a beaker on a hot plate in a fume hood. A few ml.s of sulfuric acid are heated to drive off water until heavy vapors are observed over the liquid (which may darken during heating due to trace impurities). The IC is carefully lowered into the hot acid and a vigorous reaction ensues with the epoxy almost instantly washing into the solution. After a few seconds the IC is then quickly lifted out and held over a receiving vessel and flooded with a stream of ethanol. Only after this is a final rinse in deionized water carried out, followed by fresh electronic grade ethanol and forced drying in warm air.
The ready made devices which carry out the operation are typically a small bowl with a hinged lid from which air is withdrawn by a gentle vacuum. An inert metal feeder tube leads from a heated reservoir for the sulfuric acid and passes through the wall of the bowl to a position where the encapsulated device is secured. When the lid is closed and the slight vacuum applied, the hot acid is pulled into the bowl over the device. It is somewhat self-limiting in that, if the lid is opened, there is no driving force to bring more acid into the container. Naturally, the vacuum source needs to be protected by a trap and all waste products properly handled no matter how the procedure is carried out.
John Twilley Conservation Scientist (formerly, Manager of the Reliability Analysis Center, Teledyne Microelectronics)
I have been asked to pass the word on a possible upcoming EM Tech. position at UC Santa Cruz.
The position has not yet been formalized but will involve doing biological TEM in the lab of Yishi Jin, a recently funded Howard Hughs investigator. Jin does serial sectioning of C. elegans and needs someone who is familiar with the trials and tribulations of biological TEM and would be willing to see this position as a longer term commitment.
The exact job description and salary etc. have not been set. It will probably be a Hughs title with some EM experience required, probably not more than a BA needed, experience and trainability might count more than degrees.
Be aware that the cost of living in Santa Cruz is significantly higher than most places in the US.
If you would like more information regarding this position when it finally materializes, please send me your contact information and I will see that you get the announcement.
Jonathan Krupp Microscopy & Imaging Lab University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (831) 459-2477 jmkrupp-at-cats.ucsc.edu
I have imaged replicas from compact discs an CD-R without any problems using Multimode and D3000 (both in contact mode) from di, for Measuring the dimensions of the pits (height, width...) this technique is also very useful. Other AFM should work in the same manner.
Those of you who are still waiting for accommodation in Philadelphia and who are appalled at the room rates might like to know about the Windsor Hotel (A Big Ten Discounted Hotel, which is how Iknow about it). http://www.windsorhotel.com/ Rooms are $119 per night and they have availability for the week we are at the M&M conference. Just a little info. to save a little money!
It is 5 blocks from the convention center. Check out the map at: http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?BFCat=&Pyt=Tmap&newFL=Use+Address+Below&addr=1700+Benjamin+Franklin+Parkway&csz=Philadelphia%2C+PA%2C+19103&country=us&Get%07Map=Get+Map This is no worse that the Wyndham which is about 6 blocks away.
Hope this is useful to someone.
Cheers 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"
In looking for a substitute for dichlorethane, there is another hazard. Chloroform-acetone mixtures can be explosive, especially where even traces of base (in the glass of the container, even) might generate dichlorocarbene, leading to a runaway reaction leading to an explosion. Storage in particular is out of the question, and we always make sure that these two do not share the same waste bottle.
I asked our Head of Chemical Safety, and he tells me that the use of this mixture was specifically discontinued round about 1975, when he was doing his exams. I also remember reading about this in "Chemistry in Britain" long ago, but this was certainly before 1981, which is as far back as our literature database goes.
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 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 | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+
For our quality system, I need to get a process going whereby I can monitor the performance of our SEM/EDS system over a period of time. Things that I am doing are e.g. resolution tests, checking the EDS calibration and so on.
I would really appreciate input from you and methods/checks you have found that work.
If this has been discussed before, maybe give me a pointer to when, so I can search the archives more effectively.
Date sent: Wed, 19 Jul 2000 14:59:39 -0500 } From: Joyce Craig {j-craig-at-csu.edu} Send reply to: j-craig-at-csu.edu Organization: Chicago State University To: microscopy listserver {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Another option for hotels in Philly is the Hilton Garden Center located at the convention center. I was able to get rates of $104/night through travelocity.
The Microscopy Society of America
Those of you who are still waiting for accommodation in Philadelphia and who are appalled at the room rates might like to know about the Windsor Hotel (A Big Ten Discounted Hotel, which is how Iknow about it). http://www.windsorhotel.com/ Rooms are $119 per night and they have availability for the week we are at the M&M conference. Just a little info. to save a little money!
It is 5 blocks from the convention center. Check out the map at: http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?BFCat=&Pyt=Tmap&newFL=Use+Address+Below &addr=1700+Benjamin+Franklin+Parkway&csz=Philadelphia%2C+PA%2C+19103&cou ntry=us&Get%07Map=Get+Map This is no worse that the Wyndham which is about 6 blocks away.
Hope this is useful to someone.
Cheers 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"
Dear All, I am a first year Ph.D student in Entomology at FPRC, Buckinghamshire college, UK. My project is got to compare the gut structure of several Cerambycid woodborers and their relevance in taxonomy. I have given some of the wood borers which I am gonna work with. Can any one tell me of which fixative( with its chemical constituents) will be the best for me to use on for each beetles in order to get best results?????
Hylecoetus dermestoides Lymexylon navale (The above two species belongs to Lymexylidae but are closely related to the family cleridae). Nacerdes melanura (oedemeridae), Rhagonycha fulva (oedemeridae?), Phymatodes testaceus Hylotrupes bajulus , Stromatium barbatum ( both species belongs to cerambycidae-subfamily: cerambycinae).
We urgently require a carbon evaporator capable of shadowing. If anyone in this area has surplus equipment they would like to sell/unload, please contact me off-line.
Thanks,
Karen Rethoret Biology Department Microscopy Laboratory York University, Toronto 416-736-2100 x33289
I've done this before and it works very well. It is important to make sure that the dye is completely dry before opening the crack. Otherwise, the dye will creep across your surface of interest (yes, I've done that).
The materials we've used are from Magnaflux's Zyglo line: www.magnaflux.com
They can probably help with selection of materials and drying requirements.
These chemicals are typically used for liquid penetrant testing of materials as a nondestructive method of finding cracks and surface discontinuities. The general procedure includes 1)surface cleaning, 2)application of the dye for a prescribed period of time, 3)cleaning the dye from the surface (but not out of cracks), 4)applying a 'developer' to the surface to draw the dye out of the cracks, and 5)examination under a black light.
Since you want to look at the opened cracks, the developer step probably won't be appropriate.
The dye has a low viscosity and low surface tension so it will creep into cracks well, but to improve on this, you might want to pressurize a submersed specimen to about 2 atm. Or possibly drawing a vacuum on a submersed specimen would pull out bubbles trapped in the cracks.
The light used for fluorescent liquid penetrant testing is typically a black light consisting of a current regulating transformer, a mercury arc bulb and a deep red-purple filter (for safety and to pass appropriate wavelengths). This is a fairly common type of industrial black light. The light is supposed to produce an intensity of at least 800 microwatts per square cm at the test surface. I use one of these black lights with my stereomicroscope (not attached to the microscope - just next to it).
Hope this helps.
Diane Ciaburri General Dynamics Pittsfield MA 01210 diane.a.ciaburri-at-gdds.com (413)494-2847
I have a professor here that wants to determine the subsurface crack shape in a ceramic by placing a drop of fluorescent dye-penetrant onto indentations. The cracks are forced open after the dye is allowed to penetrate and the pre-existing crack area will be covered with dye penetrant. Our reference says to use external ultraviolet illumination in an optical microscope to distinguish the pre-cracked area.
It is my understanding that we will need a mercury vapor light and a fluorescent dye penetrant that is made for weld crack detection. Why do I need a mercury vapor light? Where would I find out about the basics of this technique? Will I also need some sort of filter for the microscope?
Has anyone out there done something similar? What supplies and microscope attachments did they use?
by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id KAA07389 for dist-Microscopy; Thu, 20 Jul 2000 10:21:21 -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 KAA07384 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Thu, 20 Jul 2000 10:20:50 -0500 (CDT) Received: from newton.wadsworth.org (newton.wadsworth.org [199.184.18.6]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id KAA07376 for {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 20 Jul 2000 10:20:39 -0500 (CDT) Received: from wadsworth.org (ithaca [172.16.1.89]) by newton.wadsworth.org (8.8.8/8.8.8) with ESMTP id LAA26387 for {microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 20 Jul 2000 11:15:02 -0400 (EDT) Sender: tivol-at-wadsworth.org Message-ID: {39771609.BC8579A5-at-wadsworth.org}
Warren E Straszheim wrote:
} On the side, I had a chemist tell me some years back that the reason that } chloroform got a bad rap was because of the minute amounts of carbon } tetrachloride that were almost inevitably present. He said chloroform was } not so bad in its purest form. Any comments? }
Dear Warren, I looked up the three compounds--CCl4, CHCl3, and (CH2Cl)2-- in the Merck Index (11th Edition). CCl4 is the worst: "Poisoning by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption", followed by a list of nasty symptoms; CHCl3 is not nearly as bad; however, "Inhalation of large doses may cause hypotension, respiratory and myocardial depression and death. Banned by FDA from use in drug, cosmetic and food pack- aging products in 1976.", although it was in use in cough syrups and throat lozenges before that; (CH2Cl)2 does not have a section on Human Toxicity, but under Caution, "Vapors may produce irritation of respira- tory tract and conjunctiva, corneal clouding, CNS depression, liver and kidney impairment." All three "may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogenic." The 12th edition lists fewer symptoms for (CH2Cl)2 and CHCl3 and does not have a Human Toxicity section for CCl4, although the same quotation and nasty symptoms are listed in the Caution section. I'm sure from the above that CCl4 impurities in CHCl3 would make it much more toxic, but CHCl3 is not innocuous. Of course, all these compounds should be used in a hood. Yours, Bill Tivol
} For our quality system, I need to get a process going whereby I can monitor the performance of our SEM/EDS system over a period of time. Things that I am doing are e.g. resolution tests, checking the EDS calibration and so on. } } I would really appreciate input from you and methods/checks you have found that work. }
Dear Loukie, Resolution tests for Si(Li) detectors--the usual ~145 eV resolution EDS detector--are done with the Mn K-alpha line, so evaporating Mn on a formvar grid, placing it in the scope, and measuring the FWHM of the peak will give you the resolution of your system. Using a 55Fe source with the detector not mounted in the scope will test the resolution of the crystal apart from noise introduced by the scope, e-beam, etc. If these two mea- surements differ, and the resolution from the latter measurement is OK, then the detector is OK, but something in the probe system is lowering the resolution. I use Al evaporated onto a formvar-coated Cu grid for calibra- tion. I set up the conditions such that I get roughly equal count rates from Al and Cu K-alpha lines by putting the beam near a grid bar and tweaking the appropriate adjustments on the analyser according to the manual. The software for all these measurements was included in the analyser we bought nearly 20 years ago, and, I'm sure, is included in every system now on the market. These checks take ~10 min each at most. Yours, Bill Tivol
A post-doc in our Chemical Engineering department came to me with this need - to quote:
"Is there a way to distinguish between white polymer "buds" and microorganisms in a black-and-white SEM picture at a magnification of 8000X ? Both the cultured "bugs" and "buds" have the same size, shape, and appearance in/on spherical carbon/polymer beads that are sliced in half, fixed, mounted, and then viewed under the SEM".
As you can see, it would appear that the polymer beads have surface textures/features ("buds") that are of comparable "shape" and "size" to the microorganisms cultured on the surface of the beads. I have yet to see the photos, so I can not comment on just what he is, or is not, seeing. The sample prep, as I understand it (never having done it!):
1. fixation in 1% glutaraldehyde with 0.1 molar cacodylate (excuse any misspellings) 2. post-fix of 1% osmium tetroxide in 0.1 molar cacodylate 3. dehydration in ethanol 4. critical point drying 5. sputter coating
(whew!.....a lot more complicated than powder on a carbon sticky tab!!)
So, based on this information, can any of you suggest a/other (pre-SEM) processing technique(s) (stains?) that he and our microscopist (in the Biology department) might utilize to help "differentiate" these "buds" from the cultured microorganisms?
Winton
PS: you can direct your feedback to me or the listserv - in either case I will compile the responses and have them available should any of you out there have need for them
PS #2: I have an SEM too, with a Be-windowed EDX detector (= no light-element detection)
--
Winton C. Cornell, Ph.D. Department of Geosciences The University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK 74104 phone: 918-631-3248 fax: 918-631-2091
Does anyone have a positive experience getting a TEM viewing screen re-coated? I've got a small focusing screen for a Philips 410 , viewed with binoculars, that needs re-coating with minimal grain size. If you have used a vendor successfully, would you please forward their contact information to me?
Dear Doug,
Some years ago we had a very good experience with Grant
Scientific. We talked to Dana Dunkelberger; his phone # then was
(803) 892-2841--I'd make it better than even that the area code
has been changed. We sent him blanks for both standard high-
brightness and high-resolution focussing screens and have been
using them ever since. The quality is excellent and the prices were
OK at several hundred dollars each screen. I also have a procedure
we have used to coat screens ourselves. Other than as a satisfied
customer, I have no relationship with Grant Scientific.
} From: "Tindall, Randy D." {TindallR-at-missouri.edu} To: "'Beavers, Roy'" {rbeavers-at-post.cis.smu.edu} Copies to: "'microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com'" {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
Please reply to: kimwin-at-eecs.umich.edu
A colleague of mine (Kim Winnick) has a ion miller that needs service and I was wondering if anyone knows of any service organization that could help him out.
Ion Mill System Description: Manufactured by CVC (Commonwealth Scientific Corp): Millatron IV G Ion Beam Source with a Millatron 400 Power Supply, an ID-3500 Beam Controller and a Single Wafer Load Lock Assembly.
ADVThanksANCE
Cheers 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"
LKB is now part of Leica and the 6mm (actually, they're 6.4mm) boats or "Trufs" are available from Leica distributors like ourselves in cases of 500, part #16840042.
Best regards, Steven Slap
****************************** Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. The Laboratory Microwave Company http://www.ebsciences.com Adding Brilliance to Your Vision ******************************
-----Original Message----- } From: Joyce Craig [SMTP:j-craig-at-csu.edu] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 4:00 PM To: microscopy listserver
I used to buy boats from LKB for 6 mm knives. Now I can't locate LKB and the other companies seem to sell only for larger knives. Does anyone know where I can get boats for 6 mm knives? I really don't want to go back to the tape method. Thanks. Joyce Craig Chicago State University
I am a student with a great deal of SEM-EDX mapping data that was obtained on an Amray 1830 SEM with a Noran Pioneer Series II x-ray analyzer with micro-Z detector. I am trying to use this data to look at the differences between uranium precipitates obtained in a batch study with apatite (Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH)) and potassium. I'm getting interesting trends based on the area% association of U-Ca-K-P and pH. However, there is a huge difference between the sum of all of the area%s reported for a given sample (which includes a "no element" area%). The total summed area % for these sample/scans ranges from 20% to 87%. The elemental analyses of these precipitates indicated that most (97 to 99.9 wt%) of any given sample was made up of U, K, Ca, and P. Can anyone explain to me what it means when the total area% of all of the possible associations mapped sums to much less than 100%? What are the possible differences between samples or scans that sum to near 100% and those that sum to 20%? Tami Thomas - tthomas-at-ch2m.com -
Please reply directly;Somayyah is not on this listserver.
} Fabian-Baber is a small production and communication company in Primos, } Pennsylvania that creates educational materials. We are currently producing } a ten-part video series for middle school children on the human body, which } includes segments such as The Brain & Nervous System, Cells, Genes & } Heredity, The Immune System, etc. We have just begun an arduous search for } a broad variety of interesting, creative, and dynamic images and animations } of the inside of the human body. } One of the things we are looking for are images using a variety of } microscopy techniques, both still and moving, of any aspect of the human } body. As we are a small company which produces only educational material, } our budget is fairly modest, however we still strive to produce high quality } material. Thus we are looking for images donated by researchers and } research institutions. Donors of course will be acknowledged in the } credits. If necessary, we do have some funds allotted for obtaining images } and footage for this series. } If you are interested in helping this project or learning more about it, } please get in touch with me, Somayyah, at the contact listed below. I would } be most appreciative of any assistance you could offer. Thank you in } advance for your time and attention. } } Somayyah Siddiqi } Fabian-Baber Communications, Inc. } 525 Mildred Ave. } Primos, PA 19018 } e-mail: sam-at-fabian-baber.com } phone: 610 623 7812 } fax: 610 623 8970
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/marinelab.html
Hello, Can anyone out there help me. I am not sure if this is the right forum for this question. I am still looking for a film scanner for 4X5 film. The work is mainly technical macro work in the magnification range 1X to 50X, the subject matter being mainly aero engine parts. We have decided that we do not need more than about 1000dpi as most of our scans will be at about 300dpi as the prints are for reports and are rarely enlarged. So far I have seen good reports on the Microtek and the Agfa Duoscan. Any comments and also any comments on others such as the Umax Powerlook 3 or the Epson would be welcome. Thanks in advance for any help. Cheers Richard Black
Email: cresponc-at-moffitt.usf.edu Name: Nichole Crespo School: University of South Florida
Question: I have a little experience with fluorescence microscopy and am looking for a good course (a week or so) on fluorescent microscopy techniques (fixation, confocal microscopy, etc.) Know of any?
Hi Knowledgeable Ones, A few weeks ago I sent in a question regarding problems a colleague of mine had been having with Vectashield and autofluorescence on tissue that had been labeled with a secondary antibody conjugated to FITC, and received many emails of support and suggestions. For anyone curious, the theme was two part. The first thing to try was a new mounting medium. Secondly a different fluorophore (especially favoured was Alexa 488). Thanks to all of you who responded. Here's the question. We decided to try a different mounting medium, specifically Citifluor. Moments before I sat down to write this, there was a small scream of exasperation from the microscope area as my colleague noticed that what she had just used was Citifluor non-fluorescent immersion oil. We quickly looked up its specifications in the catalog, and its usefulness in this application is still nebulous. Does anyone have any thoughts/advice? Thanks again, 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
There is a complex interaction between the beam and the specimen. Usually standardisation is performed in spot mode or by simply selecting the highest magnification buttons. If you repeat the standardisation on a homogeneous standard using a lower magnification your results will be different to a spot analyses. There are many reasons including: the spatial resolution for your atomic number specimen (using a spot) will be several micrometers in area, so the area analysed is not the actual. Furthermore, the beam deflection system does not necessarily deliver the same number of electrons at various magnifications, there will for instances be different losses at the apertures. To do area analyses you would at least need to also standardise using the same area. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Friday, July 21, 2000 4:33 AM, Thomas, Tami/SEA [SMTP:tthomas-at-ch2m.com] wrote: } } } I am a student with a great deal of SEM-EDX mapping data that was obtained } on an Amray 1830 SEM with a Noran Pioneer Series II x-ray analyzer with } micro-Z detector. I am trying to use this data to look at the differences } between uranium precipitates obtained in a batch study with apatite } (Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH)) and potassium. I'm getting interesting trends based on } the area% association of U-Ca-K-P and pH. However, there is a huge } difference between the sum of all of the area%s reported for a given sample } (which includes a "no element" area%). The total summed area % for these } sample/scans ranges from 20% to 87%. The elemental analyses of these } precipitates indicated that most (97 to 99.9 wt%) of any given sample was } made up of U, K, Ca, and P. } Can anyone explain to me what it means when the total area% of all of the } possible associations mapped sums to much less than 100%? What are the } possible differences between samples or scans that sum to near 100% and } those that sum to 20%? } Tami Thomas - tthomas-at-ch2m.com -
This equipment in almost new condition. If some one needs this it is in vary good shape.
I was helping Bob Taig sort out a Raman Spectrometer. It uses a 4 or 5 watt laser(tunable I think but I am not sure) and a frequency doubler through a 1 meter long 4 reflector monocromater with a cooled detector and cooled photomultliplier. It uses an Olympus BH2 microscope with transparent and opaque lighting and 100 X.95, 50x.80 and 5X.13 Plan objectives. The microscope has 4 stages and a flip top 1.3 condenser.
It was removed from a working lab when the entire lab was dismantled. It is in almost new condition. The plastic covering on the microscope stage is still attached and almost perfect. This is normally discarded at installation. It was billed in February of 1988 for a little over a quarter million dollars.
It is marked Yobin Yvon and Mole systems.
It appears to work by sending the laser into the monocromater and into the microscope and the light is reflected off the sample back out the same path as it came in and is split off in the monocromater to the detector.
It a appears all MSDOS computers, software and documentation is intact. The only thing we could find missing was the video camera that mounted on the microscope and the table that held the monocromater and microscope above the laser and the mirrors and lenses that manipulated the light from what came out of the laser to what the moncromater needed.. The Microscope is set up to feed directly into a video camera. A binocular head could be used if some one wanted to set it manually insted of remotely.
There is a lot of very nice equipment here if someone has a use for it. It has some very nice hardware for a optical bench.
If you are interested contact Bob Taig : 580-765-9727 ustrade-at-fullnet.net The equipment is located at Ponca City Oklahoma.
I have some pictures I will have up tomorrow at http://www.couger.com/gcouger/raman/
Gordon Gordon Couger gcouger-at-couger.com Stillwater, OK www.couger.com/gcouger 405 624-2855 GMT -6:00
Randy and Kent I also use the double sticky (conductive) tape procedure to mount zeolites and fly ash specimens. The only additional caution I would add, is to avoid blowing the specimen across the stub. Because of the significant difference in shape/size of the zeolite crystals and the fly ash agglomerates, you may change the distribution of the particles in the specimen that you examine. For example, if bigger less dense flocs of fly ash exist, they may readily blow away. Rather than blowing onto the stub, I try to get several representative micro samplings and disperse those across the tape surface, and then blow away the excess to achieve a "mono-layer" of particles. Good Luck, Brad
} ---------- } From: Kent Hampton[SMTP:khampton-at-oz.oznet.ksu.edu] } Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2000 11:44 AM } To: Tindall, Randy D. } Cc: 'microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com' } Subject: RE: Images of Zeolites } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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: "Tindall, Randy D." {TindallR-at-missouri.edu} } To: "'Beavers, Roy'" {rbeavers-at-post.cis.smu.edu} } Copies to: "'microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com'" } {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} } Subject: RE: Images of Zeolites } Date sent: Wed, 19 Jul 2000 12:45:58 -0500 } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } 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 } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } Here, we routinely work with starches and do so in a similar } manner. Regular double sided tapes works fine for us. To help get } some area with a "mono-layer" of particles we use a spatula to } place a small pile of the powder on one edge on the stub and then } blow across the stub spreading the powder. } } } } When working with fly ash in the past, I would usually use a } double-sticky } } carbon tab on an SEM stub and press it down into the ash, then gently } blow } } off the loose particles with compressed air. Double-sided carbon tape } would } } probably work, although the tabs seem less likely to engulf very small } } particles with excess adhesive. } } } } Another alternative might be a product called "Mikrostik", a clear } liquid } } you paint onto a stub and which dries to a tacky finish. It's good for } fine } } particulates. It's available from Ted Pella (cat.no. 16033) and } possibly } } other places, as well. (No financial interest in Ted Pella here.) } } } } A problem with fly ash is that it is difficult to avoid charging, since } it's } } basically a pile of spheres and irregularly shaped chunks in } } not-very-continuous contact with each other. A low vacuum SEM makes } this } } much easier, but at the expense of high resolution. Try to blow off as } many } } particles as possible, so the ones left are in tight contact with the } } adhesive. If that's not an option, you will have to coat your stub from } } different angles, preferably on a tilting, rotating stage in the sputter } } coater/vacuum evaporator. } } } } Good luck, } } 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/ } } } } } } } } } } } } -----Original Message----- } } } From: Beavers, Roy [mailto:rbeavers-at-post.cis.smu.edu] } } Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 10:49 AM } } To: 'Microscopy Listserver'; Microprobe List (E-mail) } } Subject: Images of Zeolites } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } 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 } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } List, } } } } I have a customer from the chemistry department that wants to obtain } some } } SEM images of zeolite crystals in a flyash material (fine grain powder). } My } } question is how to prep this material to get it into the probe? Any } ideas or } } suggestions would be appreciated. } } } } Thanks } } } } Roy Beavers } } Southern Methodist University } } Dept. of Geological Sciences } } Electron Microprobe Lab } } P.O. Box 750395 } } Dallas, Tx 75275 } } voice: 214-768-2756 } } fax: 214-768-2701 } } E-mail: rbeavers-at-mail.smu.edu } } } } } } } } } Kent Hampton } } } Department of Entomology } khampton-at-oz.oznet.ksu.edu } Phone: 785 532-4746 }
We purchased a new 15cm diam. screen a year ago from the Electron Optics division of Phillips S.A for about R12000. They had quoted an amount of around R13500 for having our phospherous screen resurfaced. This amount probably included the shipping of the screen to and from the Phillips agents. Obviously, from South Africa everything appears to escalate, the further across the ocean we go, due to our exchange rates. However, since then, an American based company (Sorry I don't have the name) has taken over Phillips and Zeiss has been given the contract for the service of the equipment. Just something to consider before you make your decision. Nazlia
I have a March Plasmod (Plasma Etcher) which no longer produces the rf needed to generate the plasma. Does anyone have a surplus/broken/obsolete unit that could possibly still have operable electronics that they want to get rid of? I'd like to try to repair mine before declaring it junk. (if it can't be repaired economically, perhaps someone will need the parts on it that are still good.)
Email: ay813-at-chebucto.ns.ca Name: Robert Harnum
Question: 1. Which books do you recommend that a person new to light microscopes read regarding the use and care of light microscopes? I cannot find very much about the care of light microscopes. I want to look at bacteria.
We purchased a new 15cm diam. screen a year ago from the Electron Optics division of Phillips S.A for about R12000. They had quoted an amount of around R13500 for having our phospherous screen resurfaced. This amount probably included the shipping of the screen to and from the Phillips agents. Obviously, from South Africa everything appears to escalate, the further across the ocean we go, due to our exchange rates. However, since then, an American based company (Sorry I don't have the name) has taken over Phillips and Zeiss has been given the contract for the service of the equipment. Just something to consider before you make your decision. Nazlia
Date sent: Fri, 21 Jul 2000 08:14:13 -0500 To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } From: ay813-at-chebucto.ns.ca ()
Tami writes ...
} ... } ... I am trying to use this data to look at } the differences between uranium precipitates } ... } ... However, there is a huge difference between the sum } of all of the area%s reported for a given sample } (which includes a "no element" area%). The total summed } area % for these sample/scans ranges from 20% to 87%. } ... } Can anyone explain to me what it means when the total area% } of all of the possible associations mapped sums to } much less than 100%? } What are the }
The results of this type of spacial elemental analysis should have resulted in two other calculated percentages ... (1) undefined pixels and (2) multiply defined pixels. Depending on the software, the first is generally included in the total you report, but not the second. It is even possible neither have been included in the total. Do you have access to these numbers, or the pixel maps???
cheerios, =shAf= :o)
{} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} Michael Shaffer, R.A. - mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon http://epmalab.uoregon.edu/
The following tip was passed to me by a user in the Scottish Agricultural College for spreading a monolayer of starch granules:
Dip a polished acrylic plastic rod into the powder and roll it gently on the surface of a double-sided carbon tab. The method has two advantages - grains are electrostatically attracted to the surface of the rod forming a monolayer, and the rod applies enough pressure to ensure that the particles are stuck down across a broad base, improving continuity of the metal coating on the grain with that of the tab surface and stub, minimizing charging.
It works for other particulates too, but can only be recommended for hard particulates that will withstand light compressive forces without damage.
Chris
} From: "Huggins, Bradley J" {HUGGINBJ-at-bp.com} To: "Tindall, Randy D." {TindallR-at-missouri.edu} , "'Kent Hampton'" {khampton-at-oz.oznet.ksu.edu} Copies to: "'microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com'" {microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
richard writes ...
} ... } I am still looking for a film scanner for 4X5 film. } ...
Flatbed scanners will not adapt very well to the optical density of films. At best, they may not achieve 3.0. If yours are TEM films then you probably want a scanner which is capable of near OD=4. The only scanner I'm aware of, rated at OD=3.8, also reasonably priced is the Polaroid 4x5 Ultra (~$4500). I realize this is much more expensive than the scanners you are asking about, although they should be adequate for SEM films.
cheerios, =shAf= :o)
{} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} Michael Shaffer, R.A. - mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon http://epmalab.uoregon.edu/
Does anyone have any recommendations for a conductive epoxy (other the Ag paint) that can be used to mount specimens to a stud that will be used for both polishing and subsequent analysis? (i.e., mechanically durable, water resistant and stable under ion bombardment)
Any info would be appreciated.
Brenda I. Prenitzer, Ph.D. Member of Technical Staff Cirent Semiconductor (Lucent Technologies) 9333 S. John Young Parkway 6D-Lab Orlando, FL 32819-8612
For Sale: Noran Oz Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope System with a new Krypton-Argon laser, red HeNe, SGI O2 (acquisition), SGI Indy R5000 (analysis) and an Olympus IX 50 inverted microscope with 20x, 60x and 100x Plan Apo lens'. This system is only 4 years old and fully operational. Some highlighted features are:
AOD laser scanning, allows for very fast acquisition rates (up to 480 frames/sec), for live localization, and slow scan for fixed material.
Triple label capability (488, 568 and 633nm excitation) with broad and narrow band emission filter sets.
Two and Three dimensional analysis software by Intervision, Tiff and RGB formats (amoung others).
Deconvolution software allows for thinnest possible z-sectioning for light microscopy.
Primary dichroic filter wheel upgrade for precise fluorophore registration.
We are offering this system for $180,000, buyer to pay shipping. I will personally give free on-site setup and training. Please contact Michael Delannoy for further information (410) 955-1365.
Michael Delannoy Assistant Director JHMI Microscopy Facility Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland
Dear Winton, With my experience of looking at organic materials, there is usually a sulfur peak from the protein. If your specimen prep doesn't wash it away and your sputter coat is thin, you might use the EDX to distinguish bacteria from polymer. BTW, you should be able to look at both the polymer and bacteria with no fixing or dehydrating, ad this should simplify identification. At 11:20 AM 7/20/00 -0500, you wrote:
} Microscopists: } } A post-doc in our Chemical Engineering department came to me with } this need - to quote: } } "Is there a way to distinguish between white polymer "buds" and } microorganisms in a black-and-white SEM picture at a magnification of } 8000X ? Both the cultured "bugs" and "buds" have the same size, } shape, and appearance in/on spherical carbon/polymer beads that are } sliced in half, fixed, mounted, and then viewed under the SEM". } } As you can see, it would appear that the polymer beads have surface } textures/features ("buds") that are of comparable "shape" and "size" } to the microorganisms cultured on the surface of the beads. I have } yet to see the photos, so I can not comment on just what he is, or is } not, seeing. The sample prep, as I understand it (never having done } it!): } } 1. fixation in 1% glutaraldehyde with 0.1 molar cacodylate (excuse } any misspellings) } 2. post-fix of 1% osmium tetroxide in 0.1 molar cacodylate } 3. dehydration in ethanol } 4. critical point drying } 5. sputter coating } } (whew!.....a lot more complicated than powder on a carbon sticky tab!!) } } So, based on this information, can any of you suggest a/other } (pre-SEM) processing technique(s) (stains?) that he and our } microscopist (in the Biology department) might utilize to help } "differentiate" these "buds" from the cultured microorganisms? } } Winton } } PS: you can direct your feedback to me or the listserv - in either } case I will compile the responses and have them available should any } of you out there have need for them } } PS #2: I have an SEM too, with a Be-windowed EDX detector (= no } light-element detection) } } } -- } } Winton C. Cornell, Ph.D.
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
We are also pricing scanners now. If anyone out there has experiences with the Umax Powerlook 3000, particularly used to scan TEM negatives, I'd be grateful for your insights.
Thanks, Wharton Sinkler UOP LLC Des Plaines, IL
} -----Original Message----- } From: michael shaffer [SMTP:mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu] } Sent: Friday, July 21, 2000 10:06 AM } To: richard black; Microscopy news group } Subject: RE: Film Scanners } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } richard writes ... } } } ... } } I am still looking for a film scanner for 4X5 film. } } ... } } Flatbed scanners will not adapt very well to the optical density of } films. At best, they may not achieve 3.0. If yours are TEM films } then you probably want a scanner which is capable of near OD=4. The } only scanner I'm aware of, rated at OD=3.8, also reasonably priced is } the Polaroid 4x5 Ultra (~$4500). I realize this is much more } expensive than the scanners you are asking about, although they should } be adequate for SEM films. } } cheerios, =shAf= :o) } } {} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} } Michael Shaffer, R.A. - mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu } Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon } http://epmalab.uoregon.edu/ } }
Dear Brenda, We, Electron Mictroscopy Sciences, did offering this TWO PART CONDUCTIVE SILVER PAINT, product number 12642-14. Please contact us at 1-800-523-5874. Meatime, we believe some other EM supply houses also carrying this product. Regards, Bang Nguyen
I would strongly guess that the answer will lie with how the area fractions are determined as Michael Sshaffer (shAf) has suggested. I am not familiar with the Noran system so I can only offer general comments.
Depending on the collection conditions, it is possible that you have a lot of pixels with no x-ray counts, or counts that are indistinguishable from background. What are you conditions and counts per pixel?
I would certainly think that with a proper map that you would approach 100% coverage. Perhaps you can put some images up on a web site so those of us interested might take a look at them. Or you might e-mail a copy _just to those of us interested_. Do not send a copy to the whole list!
Warren S.
At 12:33 PM 7/20/2000 -0600, you wrote: } I am a student with a great deal of SEM-EDX mapping data that was obtained } on an Amray 1830 SEM with a Noran Pioneer Series II x-ray analyzer with } micro-Z detector. I am trying to use this data to look at the differences } between uranium precipitates obtained in a batch study with apatite } (Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH)) and potassium. I'm getting interesting trends based on } the area% association of U-Ca-K-P and pH. However, there is a huge } difference between the sum of all of the area%s reported for a given sample } (which includes a "no element" area%). The total summed area % for these } sample/scans ranges from 20% to 87%. The elemental analyses of these } precipitates indicated that most (97 to 99.9 wt%) of any given sample was } made up of U, K, Ca, and P. } Can anyone explain to me what it means when the total area% of all of the } possible associations mapped sums to much less than 100%? What are the } possible differences between samples or scans that sum to near 100% and } those that sum to 20%? } Tami Thomas - tthomas-at-ch2m.com -
---------------------- Warren E. Straszheim Materials Analysis and Research Lab Iowa State University 23 Town Engineering Ames IA, 50011-3232
I am tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM images, and I'm looking for good database software applications for cataloging and viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software technical support are primary requirements. What are my options?
} Greetings! } } Does anyone have any recommendations for a conductive epoxy (other the Ag } paint) that can be used to mount specimens to a stud that will be used for } both polishing and subsequent analysis? (i.e., mechanically durable, water } resistant and stable under ion bombardment) } } Any info would be appreciated. } } Brenda I. Prenitzer, Ph.D. } Member of Technical Staff } Cirent Semiconductor (Lucent Technologies) } 9333 S. John Young Parkway } 6D-Lab } Orlando, FL 32819-8612 } } Phone: 407 371 7108 } Fax: 407 371 6999 } } prenitzer-at-lucent.com } bsp101-at-worldnet.att.net
You might contact Ablestick Adhesive in Gardena, CA. I worked for them on summer many (and I do mean many) years ago, they made silver epoxy and copper epoxy that might fill the bill.
Geoff -- ********************************************** Geoff McAuliffe, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Cell Biology Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854 voice: (732)-235-4583; fax: -4029 mcauliff-at-umdnj.edu **********************************************
Sorry to be fielding another question so soon after my "bugs and polymer beads" question; this time, however, I am on a very different track.
In a paper on nanowire arrays (nano-scale nickel wires) I note a technique entitled "nuclear track etching" by which porous templates were constructed in single-crystal muscovites. Apparently a collimated alpha-particle beam was used to generate the porous templates. (in which the Ni was later electrochemically deposited)
Do any of you know what sort of instrumentation this requires? We would like to produce sub-micron-scale holes in polymers for specialized battery development, and right now we're searching for a technique to do this. (nuclear etching?)
Winton
PS: the paper on nanowires does not mention the instrumentation
.respond directly to me or to the listserv
--
Winton C. Cornell, Ph.D. Department of Geosciences The University of Tulsa Tulsa, OK 74104 phone: 918-631-3248 fax: 918-631-2091
At 08:45 AM 7/21/00, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Try the Powerlook III. It does a nice job with chromes and negs. Since the TEM neg does not have a color cast, best scanning is by setting the scanner to transparent positive and reverse the image in Photoshop.
Depending on what you intend to do with the image file, this scanner should do it all. They run about $1100 with SCSI interface or a bit more with USB.
gary g.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Modern surfers use PC boards. You can too at http://photoweb.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The silver epoxy that we use for the small angle cleavage technique and for mounting samples on SEM stubs is H-22 epoxy from Epoxy Technology in Billerica, Mass. This epoxy is viscous, has a long working time, and needs to be heat cured.
-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: prenitzer,brenda s [mailto:prenitzer-at-lucent.com] } Sent: Friday, July 21, 2000 11:21 AM } To: 'List Server' } Subject: Conductive Epoxy? } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } 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/MicroscopyListse} rver/FAQ.html } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } } Greetings! } } Does anyone have any recommendations for a conductive epoxy } (other the Ag } paint) that can be used to mount specimens to a stud that } will be used for } both polishing and subsequent analysis? (i.e., mechanically } durable, water } resistant and stable under ion bombardment) } } Any info would be appreciated. } } Brenda I. Prenitzer, Ph.D. } Member of Technical Staff } Cirent Semiconductor (Lucent Technologies) } 9333 S. John Young Parkway } 6D-Lab } Orlando, FL 32819-8612 } } Phone: 407 371 7108 } Fax: 407 371 6999 } } prenitzer-at-lucent.com } bsp101-at-worldnet.att.net } }
Try Thumbsplus at www.cerious.com This is a great program. It is shareware and relatively inexpensive.
-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: default [mailto:byron.johnson-at-medtronic.com] } Sent: Friday, July 21, 2000 1:46 PM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: image database 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/MicroscopyListse} rver/FAQ.html } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } I am tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM } images, and I'm } looking for good database software applications for cataloging and } viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software } technical support } are primary requirements. What are my options? } }
I have a open post-doc position and I am looking for a "hands-on" microscopist who can do excellent science. The position is in the materials science department, university of illinois, urbana-Champaign. I'd appreciate your help in passing this along to potential applicants.
Here is the job ad: ****************************************************************************
Postdoctoral Research Associate in In-Situ Thin Film Growth and Electron Microscopy
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral associate position at the Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering of University of Illinois at Urbana and Champaign to begin as soon as possible. The position will involve in-situ thin film growth in a UHV transmission electron microscope and study of interface structures using advanced electron microscopy at the Frederick-Seitz Materials Research Laboratory. A vita and three letters of recommendation should be sent to Prof. J.M. Zuo, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana and Champaign, 1304 W Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801; 217-333-2736 (fax); (217) 244-6504 (phone); jianzuo-at-uiuc.edu (email). The successful candidate should have experience with UHV instruments and thin-film deposition. Experience with RHEED and transmission electron microscopy is strongly desired. A Ph. D. in Physics or Materials Science is required. The appointment is initially for one year and may be renewed for second year.
To be advertised in Physics today ****************************************************************************
Sorry to be fielding another question so soon after my "bugs and polymer beads" question; this time, however, I am on a very different track.
In a paper on nanowire arrays (nano-scale nickel wires) I note a technique entitled "nuclear track etching" by which porous templates were constructed in single-crystal muscovites. Apparently a collimated alpha-particle beam was used to generate the porous templates. (in which the Ni was later electrochemically deposited)
Do any of you know what sort of instrumentation this requires? We would like to produce sub-micron-scale holes in polymers for specialized battery development, and right now we're searching for a technique to do this. (nuclear etching?)
Winton
PS: the paper on nanowires does not mention the instrumentation
.respond directly to me or to the listserv Dear Winton, In order to etch tracks with alpha particles, you need to give them kinetic energies of at least a few MeV--nuclides which undergo alpha decay typically produce ~5 MeV alphas. Thus, either a suitable radionuclide source or a cyclotron would be required. However, even with this kind of source there may be problems. The text for my radiation sciences course, Nuclear and Radiochemistry, by G. Friedlander, et al., has a section on nuclear track detectors in which it is stated, "For each material there is a critical value of specific ionization, (dE/dx)c, below which tracks are not registered. For example, (dE/dx)c is ~ 13 MeV mg^-1 cm^2 for mica and ~4 MeV mg^-1 cm^2 for Lexan, two of the most widely used detectors. As a result mica does not register ions with A {~30, Lexan is insensitive to ions with A {~12." Alphas have A = 4. Now this text is old (1981) and not too good, so the technique for producing appropriate tracks may have been improved or Friedlander may be incorrect for the kind of tracks you need. Also, the tracks are produced when the incident particles ionize and/or displace atoms in the target, so the tracks may not be as small as you would like. Bear in mind that electrons incident on a specimen generate x-rays throughout a teardrop-shaped volume about 1 micron across. Although alphas do not have as great a spread as electrons, much of the ionization produced is from secondary particles, and these will be electrons. If the paper you refer to tells you how to generate suitable tracks given a source of alphas, then you are probably OK. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol
At 10:46 AM 7/21/00, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Consider ImageAXS. It is set up to manage your image database and also to allow you to set up CDs with thumbnails and full resolution files.
The other option is ThumbsPlus--but Cerious Software is rather dysfunctional based on my experience with them.
Other options are Canto Version 5 Cumulus, Kudo Image Browser {http://www.imspace.com} , Extensis/CreativePro Portfolio {http://creativepro.com} . See {http://riecks.com/redbarns.html} or {http://riecks.com/crash/} . I believe the Kudo software is still $49 for the web download version. You can download a demo version for free and give it a spin. Then there is Gallerymaker (www.rjhsoftware.com) which produces thumbnails and webpages, all of which are customizable. Cheap as I remember too. I just use it to batch process thumbs from whole directories.
*snip* Winton A brand of commercially-available polycarbonate filters is made using this method. Nuclepore have pores mostly with perfectly circular cross sections sizes from about 50nm to 12µm. I am writing from home so unable to check, but I think they are marketed by Whatman. Your usual supplier of filter media should be able to source.
Chris
} We } would like to produce sub-micron-scale holes in polymers for } specialized battery development, and right now we're searching for a } technique to do this. (nuclear etching?) } } Winton } } PS: the paper on nanowires does not mention the instrumentation } } .respond directly to me or to the listserv } Dear Winton, } In order to etch tracks with alpha particles, you need to give them } kinetic energies of at least a few MeV--nuclides which undergo alpha decay } typically produce ~5 MeV alphas. Thus, either a suitable radionuclide } source } or a cyclotron would be required. However, even with this kind of source } there may be problems. The text for my radiation sciences course, Nuclear } and Radiochemistry, by G. Friedlander, et al., has a section on nuclear } track } detectors in which it is stated, "For each material there is a critical } value of } specific ionization, (dE/dx)c, below which tracks are not registered. For } example, (dE/dx)c is ~ 13 MeV mg^-1 cm^2 for mica and ~4 MeV mg^-1 } cm^2 for Lexan, two of the most widely used detectors. As a result mica } does not register ions with A {~30, Lexan is insensitive to ions with } A {~12." } Alphas have A = 4. Now this text is old (1981) and not too good, so the } technique for producing appropriate tracks may have been improved or } Friedlander may be incorrect for the kind of tracks you need. Also, the } tracks are produced when the incident particles ionize and/or displace } atoms } in the target, so the tracks may not be as small as you would like. Bear } in } mind that electrons incident on a specimen generate x-rays throughout a } teardrop-shaped volume about 1 micron across. Although alphas do not } have as great a spread as electrons, much of the ionization produced is } from secondary particles, and these will be electrons. If the paper you } refer } to tells you how to generate suitable tracks given a source of alphas, then } you are probably OK. Good luck. } Yours, } Bill Tivol } } }
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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
Brenda I. Prenitzer wrote: ================================================================ Does anyone have any recommendations for a conductive epoxy (other the Ag paint) that can be used to mount specimens to a stud that will be used for both polishing and subsequent analysis? (i.e., mechanically durable, water resistant and stable under ion bombardment) ================================================================= The softness of silver generally makes it less than desired as a conductive filler in this kind of application because of silver smearing, although silver filled epoxies are available from SPI and others such as described on URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/spec_prep/cond_adhes2.html
Can you consider using a conductive copper-filled diallyl phthalate such as is available from both SPI and others. This is a thermoset resin system (it requires a mounting press) and you can get an excellent metallographically polished surface. See URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/spec_prep/metall2a.html#12 It is certainly mechanically durable, water resistant and so far as it is possible for any polymer, it is also stable under ion bombardment.
You would then literally glue the polished mount to the SEM mount of your choice, which you would then prepare using your standard procedures.
This "solution" permits you to have the best of both worlds, first, a mounting medium that was specifically designed for this kind of application plus a final SEM mount ready to put into your SEM.
Disclaimer: SPI offers both silver filled epoxies as well as conductive metallographic mounting media. But similar materials are available from some of the other major firms supplying the microscopy and microanalysis market as well.
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
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William H. Roberts wrote: ====================================================== I have a March Plasmod (Plasma Etcher) which no longer produces the rf needed to generate the plasma. Does anyone have a surplus/broken/obsolete unit that could possibly still have operable electronics that they want to get rid of? I'd like to try to repair mine before declaring it junk. (if it can't be repaired economically, perhaps someone will need the parts on it that are still good.) ======================================================
If what you are asking about is the pair of power tubes, then new ones can be purchased from SPI Supplies, our part number 11022-AC for the pair of power tubes. Details can be found on the SPI website given below. This was a well built unit and there is not reason why it can't continue to give you good service for years into the future.
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 tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM images, and I'm } looking for good database software applications for cataloging and } viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software technical support } are primary requirements. What are my options?
Another very powerful database management option is Ugather®. UGather® is a free multimedia database manager that can catalog images, QuickTime movies, and audio files and store information related to each file. The databases can be imported easliy into UPresent®. UPresent® is a free multimedia presentation application designed for flexible, interactive control of presentations. It is available for Windows and Mac OS. You can download it from http://upresent.umn.edu/. I have no commercial interests, just a satisfied user. Cheers, Mark **************************************************** Mark A. Sanders University of Minnesota Program Director Twin Cities Campus Imaging Center St. Paul, MN 55108 23-35 Snyder Hall ph: 612-624-3454 1475 Gortner Ave. fax: 612-624-1799 http://biosci.umn.edu/imagingcenter
Allied High Tech has just introduced an image acquisition, measurement, DATABASE, archiving and report generation software package (Micro-Vision and Micro-Vision Explorer). The software is modular so the database portion (Micro-Vision Explorer) can be purchased separately.
Micro-Vision Explorer has thumbnails for each image and search features for the data you enter into the customizable fields. All fields are set up by an administrator to meet your needs. Unique fields can be created for text input or numeric input. The fields can have drop down menus if you choose. Each field can have specific attributes such as: flagged for required input, read only, archive, clear last input plus more. The search features include: file name, date, specific field search, text contained any where in the properties, fuzzy searches plus much more. It supports an unlimited number of images. It has built in archiving capability with volume control. Micro-Vision Explorer has an easy to use Windows interface and will run on Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000 computers. All of the popular image formats are supported. The software can be networked and password protection can be implemented.
In addition to images, Micro-Vision Explorer is also capable of indexing, searching and achieving plain text, Lotus AMI Pro, HTML, Microsoft Word, Excel, Works, RTF, PowerPoint 97, Adobe Acrobat PDF, Word Perfect versions 5.0 thru 7, and Word Star versions 4 to 6 and 2000.
If you require more information please let me know off-line.
I work for Allied High Tech and have a financial interest in this and all products Allied High Tech sells.
Sincerely,
Ed Hirsch
************************************************* Edward A. Hirsch Product Application Specialist Allied High Tech Products 2376 East Pacifica Place Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220 ph: (919) 846-9628 vm:(800)675-1118 x245 fx: (310)762-6808 http://www.alliedhightech.com
Equipment and Consumables for Metallurgical Sample Preparation *************************************************
-----Original Message----- } From: default [mailto:byron.johnson-at-medtronic.com] Sent: Friday, July 21, 2000 12:46 PM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
I am tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM images, and I'm looking for good database software applications for cataloging and viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software technical support are primary requirements. What are my options?
Job description for analytical engineer, Defect and Thin Film Characterization Laboratory (DTCL), Applied Materials, Inc. Santa Clara, CA
Job Summary Active participation in product division contamination control and defect reduction programs. Prioritized by value to the product divisions, conduct internal and external defect characterization focused on defect root cause analysis. Interact with external experts and DTCL members to leverage value to product divisions. Document and communicate root cause solutions and strategic information to internal customers and strategic personnel in product divisions and functions.
Minimum Requirements: MS in Material Science/ Physics with 3 years hands-on experience in analytical instrumentation applied for defect/ thin film analysis. Must demonstrate: (1) Good hands-on capabilities as well as sound theoretical understanding of SEM, EDX, WDX, and FIB applications for particle defect/ thin film analysis. In addition, practical experience with Auger is a plus. (2) Experience in wafer surface defect detection using light scattering technique, e.g. Applied Materials WF736, Excite, Tencor 62XX and SP1-TBI. (3) Experience in TEM sample preparation and bulk samples cross-sectioning. (4) Ability to work independently with minimum of supervision. Must have good technical documentation/computer skills and is a team player.
Please send resume via e-mail to: richard_savoy-at-amat.com
I am seeking a Transmission Electron Micoscopy Position in the Chicago, IL or Los Angeles, CA area. I have 34 years of experience as a Biological Transmission Electron Microscopist in research and clinical areas, have held MSA certification for 21 years, and have a Bachelors Degree. If you know of positions in the above areas or know of resources for job postings in Electron Microscopy, please contact me via the following:
Elaine R. Sundin 6033 N. Sheridan Rd. #38L Chicago, IL 60660 Phone 773-728-8083 e-mail djemge-at-aol.com
TNT (Trends In Nanotechnology) 2000 will take place this year in the UNESCO World heritage city of Toledo. The aim of this conference will be to focus on the applications of Nanotechnology and to bring together in a Forum many of the major European groups working in this field. www.cientifica.com {http://www.cientifica.com} TNT 2000 will be held in the Monastery 'San Pedro Mártir' in the historic city of Toledo, Spain from the 16th - 20th October 2000. The aim of this conference will be to focus on the applications of Nanotechnology and to bring together in a Forum various groups working in this field. In addition to the normal program of keynote speakers, oral presentations and poster sessions, it is also planned to hold workshops on topics such as "overcoming obstacles to industrial production". The first announcement is available here as a MS Word or Acrobat pdf document In addition to the normal program of keynote speakers, oral presentations and poster sessions, it is also planned to hold workshops on topics such as "overcoming obstacles to industrial production". Currently 2 workgroups, "Nanofabrication: printing" and "Nanofabrication: Self-Assembly" from the 5th MEL/ARI-NID program (European Commission) have decided to actively participate at this conference. They will hold their NID (Nanotechnology Information Devices) meeting during TNT2000. Scientific Program The scientific program will cover a wide range spectrum of Nanotechnology research and related areas including keynote lectures, oral presentations, posters and a product/instrument exhibition. A crucial issue during a conference is time allowed to discussions between participants in order to exchange ideas and therefore possibly define strategies in order to solve real problems. During TNT'2000, following each session, large breaks will be set-up in order to allow these discussions. This allows a high degree of interactivity both between research groups, and between researchers and exhibitors. The TNT conference will allow either Academic institutions or Industrials (such as IBM, Lucent, Philips, Thomson, Sony, etc.) to present their research and foster cooperation between both. Key topics * Nanotubes * Local Electromagnetic Phenomena * Quantum + DNA Computing * Devices and Machines * Nanoscale Integration * Nanobiology * Nanotechnology for space Applications * Molecular Nanotechnology * Nanomedicine * Nanostructure Behaviour Modelling * Nanomaterials * Nanofabrication Tools and Techniques * Ultimate Limits of Measurement
More information about the Workshop (Keynote Speakers, Accommodation, Committees, schedule, social events, etc.) is available at: http://www.cientifica.com/ {http://www.cientifica.com/}
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards Tim E. Harper
***************************************************************** Tim E. Harper Managing Director CMP Cientifica s.l. Space & NanoTechnology Division Phone +34 91 640 71 85 Fax +34 91 640 71 86 http://www.cmp-cientifica.com/ {http://www.cmp-cientifica.com/}
Dear Byron, You will find that the Quartz Imaging Corp. (www.quartzimaging.com) image databasing software is very complete, easy to use and access and fully supported. It has several options for intranet or web-based access and is the fastest I've ever seen. At 12:46 PM 7/21/00 -0500, you wrote: } } I am tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM images, and I'm } looking for good database software applications for cataloging and } viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software technical support } are primary requirements. What are my options? } 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
Dear Brenda, I use the Cu-filled Kulzer Technovit 5000 cold-curing resin to mount and polish metal samples that I do not want to carbon-coat. I believe it is made in Germany, but imported by Energy Beam Sciences.} } Greetings! } } Does anyone have any recommendations for a conductive epoxy (other the Ag } paint) that can be used to mount specimens to a stud that will be used for } both polishing and subsequent analysis? (i.e., mechanically durable, water } resistant and stable under ion bombardment) } } Any info would be appreciated. } } Brenda I. Prenitzer, Ph.D.
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
} A colleaque needs to know the value of an ISI Super IIIA that was } dontated to their institution (probably for tax credit purposes to } the donor). } } If someone is able to give a reasonable figure to this individual, } please send the figure to the following address: } } DWARD-at-flemingc.on.ca } } Thank you on his behalf. -- #################################################################### John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director Micro-Imaging and Analysis Center 750 Communications Drive - MC 4402 Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Fax: 618-453-2665 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu Web: http://www.siu.edu/departments/shops/cem.html ####################################################################
Gary, Let me know where I can get an O2 for only $750, also where I can get a confocal system (not pcm) for under 200K. The point is we are not dumping the system, it is heavily used, check out www.med.jhu.edu/micfac/reserve.cgi, for availability, we simply need a Uv laser and rather than retro-fitting we decided to buy a new one. I would put any of our deconvoluted confocal images up agaisnt any system out there and feel confident that they are as good if not better.
Mike D.
On Fri, 21 Jul 2000, Gary Gaugler 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } At 10:46 AM 7/21/00, 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 am tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM images, and I'm } } looking for good database software applications for cataloging and } } viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software technical support } } are primary requirements. What are my options? } } } Consider ImageAXS. It is set up to manage your image database } and also to allow you to set up CDs with thumbnails and full } resolution files. } } The other option is ThumbsPlus--but Cerious Software is rather } dysfunctional based on my experience with them. } } Other options are Canto Version 5 Cumulus, Kudo Image Browser } {http://www.imspace.com} , } Extensis/CreativePro Portfolio {http://creativepro.com} . See } {http://riecks.com/redbarns.html} or {http://riecks.com/crash/} . I believe } the Kudo software is still $49 for the web } download version. You can download a demo version for free and give it a spin. } Then there is Gallerymaker (www.rjhsoftware.com) which produces thumbnails } and webpages, all of which are customizable. Cheap as I remember too. I just } use it to batch process thumbs from whole directories. } } There are other options too. } } gg } } }
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I'm passing this along if anyone is interested. Reply to CMI..
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If you are interested in pursuing a career with us please email your resume to rklein-at-cmiinternational.com or fax your resume to R. Klein -at- (847) 439-4425. If you would like to discuss potential opportunities at the Denver X-ray Conference please leave a note at the front desk of the Denver Marriot Tech Center Hotel. Look us up at our web site which is: cmiinternational.com.
} Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 17:04:44 -0700 } To: MICHAEL DELANNOY {delannoy-at-mail.jhmi.edu} } From: Gary Gaugler {gary-at-gaugler.com} } Subject: Re: Confocal sale } } I just sold an Indigo 2 Extreme complete system for $900. There } are numerous O2 boxes around for between $600-$1200, depending } on whether it is a 5K or 10K CPU and how much memory it has. } The O2 is a nice toaster for sure. But it is rather dated. } } Any inverted scope is not going to have the image quality and } resolution of a vertical unit. My worst experience was with an } Olympus IMT-2. I dumped it for $6K and was glad to be rid of it. } } If your system is working OK for you, all the better. I was just } trying to point out the impact of technology advancement on } after-the-purchase value. } } gary g } } } At 12:15 PM 7/24/00, you wrote: } } } Gary, } } I don't know where you estimates come from, but let me know where } } I can get an O2 for $750. Anyway we aren't dumping this system, } } this system is still making money for our facility (check out our reservation } } scheduler www.med.jhu.edu/micfac/reserve.cgi), the Noran Oz is always booked. } } The reason for the sale is to get a confocal system with a Uv laser, we don't } } want to retro fit this one, so it seemed simplier to sell it. I would put } } any of our deconvoluted confocal images up against any other system } } available, } } and feel confident that the imaging is as good if not better. } } } } } } On Fri, 21 Jul 2000, Gary Gaugler wrote: } } } } } How many Mercedes come with this? The O2 is worth about } } } $750. The Indigo 5000 is not worth more than $750. And the } } } inverted Olympus is barely worth a mention. } } } } } } No wonder you want to dump it. } } } } } } gg } } } } } } } } } } } } At 08:19 AM 7/21/00, 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 } } } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } For Sale: } } } } Noran Oz Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope System with a new } } } } Krypton-Argon laser, red HeNe, SGI O2 (acquisition), SGI Indy R5000 } } } } (analysis) and an Olympus IX 50 inverted microscope with 20x, 60x and } } 100x } } } } Plan Apo lens'. This system is only 4 years old and fully operational. } } } } Some highlighted features are: } } } } } } } } AOD laser scanning, allows for very fast acquisition } } } } rates (up to 480 frames/sec), for live localization, and } } } } slow scan for fixed material. } } } } } } } } Triple label capability (488, 568 and 633nm excitation) } } } } with broad and narrow band emission filter sets. } } } } } } } } Two and Three dimensional analysis software by Intervision, } } } } Tiff and RGB formats (amoung others). } } } } } } } } Deconvolution software allows for thinnest possible z-sectioning } } } } for light microscopy. } } } } } } } } Primary dichroic filter wheel upgrade for precise fluorophore } } } } registration. } } } } } } } } We are offering this system for $180,000, buyer to pay shipping. } } } } I will personally give free on-site setup and training. Please contact } } } } Michael Delannoy for further information (410) 955-1365. } } } } } } } } } } } } Michael Delannoy } } } } Assistant Director } } } } JHMI Microscopy Facility } } } } Johns Hopkins School of Medicine } } } } Baltimore, Maryland } } }
} Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 17:07:20 -0700 } To: MICHAEL DELANNOY {delannoy-at-mail.jhmi.edu} } From: Gary Gaugler {gary-at-gaugler.com} } Subject: Re: Confocal sale } } Check out this link for an almost complete O2/10K system. } It is in the range I quoted. } } http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=388534054 } } gg } } } At 12:15 PM 7/24/00, you wrote: } } } Gary, } } I don't know where you estimates come from, but let me know where } } I can get an O2 for $750. Anyway we aren't dumping this system, } } this system is still making money for our facility (check out our reservation } } scheduler www.med.jhu.edu/micfac/reserve.cgi), the Noran Oz is always booked. } } The reason for the sale is to get a confocal system with a Uv laser, we don't } } want to retro fit this one, so it seemed simplier to sell it. I would put } } any of our deconvoluted confocal images up against any other system } } available, } } and feel confident that the imaging is as good if not better. } } } } } } On Fri, 21 Jul 2000, Gary Gaugler wrote: } } } } } How many Mercedes come with this? The O2 is worth about } } } $750. The Indigo 5000 is not worth more than $750. And the } } } inverted Olympus is barely worth a mention. } } } } } } No wonder you want to dump it. } } } } } } gg } } } } } } } } } } } } At 08:19 AM 7/21/00, 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 } } } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } For Sale: } } } } Noran Oz Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope System with a new } } } } Krypton-Argon laser, red HeNe, SGI O2 (acquisition), SGI Indy R5000 } } } } (analysis) and an Olympus IX 50 inverted microscope with 20x, 60x and } } 100x } } } } Plan Apo lens'. This system is only 4 years old and fully operational. } } } } Some highlighted features are: } } } } } } } } AOD laser scanning, allows for very fast acquisition } } } } rates (up to 480 frames/sec), for live localization, and } } } } slow scan for fixed material. } } } } } } } } Triple label capability (488, 568 and 633nm excitation) } } } } with broad and narrow band emission filter sets. } } } } } } } } Two and Three dimensional analysis software by Intervision, } } } } Tiff and RGB formats (amoung others). } } } } } } } } Deconvolution software allows for thinnest possible z-sectioning } } } } for light microscopy. } } } } } } } } Primary dichroic filter wheel upgrade for precise fluorophore } } } } registration. } } } } } } } } We are offering this system for $180,000, buyer to pay shipping. } } } } I will personally give free on-site setup and training. Please contact } } } } Michael Delannoy for further information (410) 955-1365. } } } } } } } } } } } } Michael Delannoy } } } } Assistant Director } } } } JHMI Microscopy Facility } } } } Johns Hopkins School of Medicine } } } } Baltimore, Maryland } } }
Dear All, Just wondering if anyone out there uses a nitrogen bubble system to agitate their film processing solutions in tanks. We are considering such a system but I would like a clearer idea about the set-up before going ahead and asking our workshop to make the system. At present we use Kodak 4489 film and ordinary tanks with Kodak D19 developer and Ilford Hypam, this works fine except occasionally when people forget to agitate the film.
If anyone has such a system which is being used for sheet negs I would appreciate a rough description how it works. ie
1) what the layout of tubes on the bottom of the tanks is like
2) what kind of control system is used to set the bubbling intervals (presumably something like a solenoid on a timer connected through a regulator on to a N2-filled cylinder?)
Are there any problems or drawbacks to the systems which are in use? Are they worth the trouble of setting up and maintaining?
Best regards,
Richard
Richard Easingwood South Campus Electron Microscope Unit School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago PO Box 913, Dunedin NEW ZEALAND
Proscitech offers very pure, very fine silver powder in 20 g tubes. This can be mixed with any suitable compound, which has several advantages. I believe that using silver powder for mixing in with epoxy and similar applications has several advantages. Obviously ProSciTech has an interest in the use of this product. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
-----Original Message----- } From: Mary Mager [SMTP:mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca] Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 1:46 AM To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
On Tue, 25 Jul 2000, Richard Easingwood wrote:
Hi Richard,
We have been using N2 burst in our developing tanks since long before I came here over 20 years ago and I think that it is a great facility. We are a large multi user facility that can be processing between 200 and 2000 sheets a week in two different processing lines. The only problem we have is that occasionally users do not check that there is N2 in the gas bottle before processing and hence it does not work. The importance of correct agitation is obvious and lack of agitation is easily spotted when a users has got it wrong (very rare).
We use systems bought from Kodak 30(ish) years ago. There are 6 tubes with small holes in the bottom of our deep tanks, a solenoid valve controlled by a timer and a N2 bottle with regulator. The timer can be set for off, continous and timed (with variable burst times and off intervals). We generally use 1 second burst every 10 seconds. The gas pressure is adjusted to ensure we have the minimum flow with a good agitation (around 10 psi).
An added advantage is that I can reload the films during the developing time instead of hanging around, occasionally shaking the films. Maybe it does not save that much time but it seems like it late at night.
Ron
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 All, } Just wondering if anyone out there uses a nitrogen bubble system to agitate } their film processing solutions in tanks. We are considering such a system } but I would like a clearer idea about the set-up before going ahead and } asking our workshop to make the system. At present we use Kodak 4489 film } and ordinary tanks with Kodak D19 developer and Ilford Hypam, this works } fine except occasionally when people forget to agitate the film. } } If anyone has such a system which is being used for sheet negs I would } appreciate a rough description how it works. ie } } 1) what the layout of tubes on the bottom of the tanks is like } } 2) what kind of control system is used to set the bubbling intervals } (presumably something like a solenoid on a timer connected through a } regulator on to a N2-filled cylinder?) } } Are there any problems or drawbacks to the systems which are in use? Are } they worth the trouble of setting up and maintaining? } } } Best regards, } } Richard } } } Richard Easingwood } South Campus Electron Microscope Unit } School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago } PO Box 913, Dunedin } NEW ZEALAND } } Telephone: 64-03-479 7301 Facsimile: 64-03-479 7254 } mailto:richard.easingwood-at-stonebow.otago.ac.nz } http://anatomy.otago.ac.nz:800/Department/EMUnit.html } http://www.otago.ac.nz/anatomy/emunit/ } } } } } }
=========================================================================== 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. ============================================================================
Just an additional comment on this. Late '99 we evaluated several database packages: ImageCentral from Advanced Imaging Concepts (Princeton, NJ), ElectroImage (ElectroImage, Great Neck, NY) and Archive4Images (Long Island Instruments, East Meadow, NY). Each system has its pros and cons. The ElectroImage database package has since been upgraded with Java and Web enabling; ImageCentral is a network-enabled package; Archive4Images includes some processing tools. ElectroImage is an outstanding product, but has a limited number of fields for searching, whereas ImageCentral has a much larger number of fields--the single feature that the Experimental Pathology group found to be most important. None of these packages is inexpensive--expect $1500 to $4K for cost of the database alone. If cost is not a factor, check out these systems. Of course, you can always develop your own using Paradox or Access. On the non-scientific side, check out the current version of ULead's ImagePals--I have been using this at home since v.2 came out a very long time ago.
Roger Moretz, Ph.D. Dept of Toxicology BI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
I have no interest in any of the products, vendors or suppliers other than to have evaluated or used the product(s) somewhere in my life. On Fri, 21 Jul 2000 12:46:21 -0500, default 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 am tasked with setting up an electronic library of SEM images, and I'm } looking for good database software applications for cataloging and } viewing images. Multi-user access and strong software technical support } are primary requirements. What are my options? } }
Roger C Moretz, Ph.D.
_______________________________________________________ Say Bye to Slow Internet! http://www.home.com/xinbox/signup.html
Anyone out there know of any antibody that would be specific for mouse endothelial cells?? We are trying to identify endothelial cells in tumors as well as cultured endothelial cells. I know a lot of them work for LM after various treatments. I seem to have had no luck so far staining at EM level. I would appreciate all the input.Thanks in advance..... Neelima Shah.............. Biomedical Imaging Core Facility Uni of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pa.
There has been a creeping effect in postings over time where individuals are listing items "for sale" on the listserver.
Let me once again remind you all of our rules (from the FAQ sheet you ALL received) that this is not permitted and it applies to everyone (including Universities) not just Commerical organizations.
The general public does not know but every posting that I see (I do miss some) that breaks the Listserver rules generates a PRIVATE warning from me. If the transgressions continue it will culminate with exclusion (ie. filtering/banning) of an individual's privilege of posting to the Listserver. For the record, nearly a dozen individuals have been barred from posting (but they may still receive mail) for extended periods.
Returning to the subject of providing a forum for listing/offering used equipment it is obvious that the community needs an electronic forum for this function.
To this end, I will create a WWW site which will allow this and will announce it as soon as it is operational.
It will be seperate from the Listserver and will be purely WWW based. The model for this is the Vendor news site which I created over a year ago and continues to operate successfully.
Exerpt from the Microscopy Listserver Rules ---------------------------------------------------- Can I post an Advertisement / Commerical / Marketing Survey Message(s)? ---------------------------------------------------
No, that does not fit within the bounds of this discussion forum.
This listserver is not intended to be a Sales/Marketing/Survey mechanism for organizations, but rather it is an open discussion area about microscopy and microanalysis problems and solutions.
If you are an organization and have equipment you wish to donate, or sell, for nominal cost (i.e. no profit) then this is generally an acceptable posting. If you are not sure then send a copy of the announcement in question to Zaluzec-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com and I will give you my opinion. An example of this type would be an old decommissioned instrument which someone is trying to give away for removal/shipping costs, that would fit within the bounds of the purposes of this list.
If you are interested in using the Internet for Commerical Advertising of Microscopy/Microanalysis Related Products/Services, you may wish to contact MSA at it's WWW site (http://www.msa.microscopy.com) or the MSA Business Office (MSABusinessOffice-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com). These alternative Internet services, are provided independently of the Listserver Operation, which MSA provides as a FREE service to the WorldWide Microscopy and Microanalysis Community. Any funds derived from the above are used to defray the costs of running MSA's Internet site.
If you wish to purchase a copy of the MSA Membership directory/Mailing list please contact the MSA Business Office .
There is a mechanism to post Commerical NEWS to the Microscopy Community. If you have something of a purely Commerical Nature and wish to make it known to the community you may FREELY use the following WWW site (just follow the on-line instructions)
We have a nitrogen burst system that we use for the developing tank. It consists of an open metal rack with five metal tubes at the bottom, each with a series of tiny holes spaced about 1-1.5 cm apart and facing the bottom of the tank. Our plexiglass negative rack fits inside the gas rack, and both fit in our 9x5.5 inch developing tank. The rack is connected to a nitrogen tank via a burst regulator (Arkay Corp.) with variable burst frequency and duration.
One caution: about a year ago we noticed that our developed negatives were coming out uneven, even when they were exposed to an absolutely uniform electron beam. On examination, some of the holes were found to be encrusted with metal salts. Once cleaned out, the negatives became uniform again. This was only after many (15+) years of operation, so it isn't a big problem if you watch out for it.
Marie
Dr. Marie E. Cantino Dept. of Physiology and Neurobiology, U-2131 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT 06269-2131 Phone: 860-486-3588 Fax: 860-486-1936
Since we (and probably others) use this film, I'm curious what is the hazardous/toxic part. Is it the Na sulfite solution, the goop on the film, or the coater?
Marie
Dr. Marie E. Cantino Dept. of Physiology and Neurobiology, U-2131 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT 06269-2131 Phone: 860-486-3588 Fax: 860-486-1936
I think both. I know on the pieces of film, there was some kind of warning about getting the goop (Na sulfite) on your skin. Before we went to the coaterless film (type 53) way back when, we had a special hazmat can for the coaters.
Would anyone have a wavelength sensitivity curve for photoconversion of diamonobenzidine?
M. Malecki, M.D., Ph.D. Director and Principal Investigator
Molecular Imaging Laboratories University of California at San Diego address: 1500 Suite Bonner Hall, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0368 phone: 8588223373 fax: 8588223715 pager: 8586161420 e.mail: mmm-at-ucsd.edu e.pager: 1620024619-at-alphapage.airtouch.com www site: http://mil.ucsd.edu/ ftp site: mil1.ucsd.edu
Harry Ekstrom wrote: ============================================================ I think both. I know on the pieces of film, there was some kind of warning about getting the goop (Na sulfite) on your skin. Before we went to the coaterless film (type 53) way back when, we had a special hazmat can for the coaters. ============================================================ Over the thirty plus years we have used the Polaroid P/N film , the type that took the sodium sulfite clearing solution (but we hardly use any today) , it was my recollection that we had cases of what seemed like contact dermatitis from more than several employees, with some being sensitive to the chemicals in the coaters. The sodium sulfite solution seemed to be a mild irritant to others. I don't recall anyone being affected by the chemicals in the composite film pack, but then again, the strong warning might have given everyone a special "heads up". But I would avoid having any of these kinds of chemicals come in contact with your skin.
Another thing I found out is that one can develop a sensitivity to at least the coater chemicals, that is one might not be initially reactive to them, but with time, one could develop a sensitivity to them.
Disclaimer: Digital microscopy has put an almost complete stop to the sales of these kinds of film products.
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 ######################## ============================================
Did you try PECAM-1/CD31 (rat) from Pharmingen? It must work well at least using a pre-embedding protocol without permeabilization.
Greetings, Michael Reiner
University of Cologne, Germany Department of Anatomy I
} Anyone out there know of any antibody that would be specific for mouse } endothelial cells?? We are trying to identify endothelial cells in tumors } as well as cultured endothelial cells. I know a lot of them work for LM } after various treatments. I seem to have had no luck so far staining at EM } level. I would appreciate all the input.Thanks in advance..... } Neelima Shah.............. } Biomedical Imaging Core Facility } Uni of Pennsylvania } Philadelphia, Pa. } } } } } http://www.MED.upenn.edu/morphlab/ } } è
Hello Microscopists I have a client who wants to image (SEM) thermophile bacteria in situ in a bioleaching environment. Any one have any experience in this regard? We have tried the conventional prep procedure: .2u filter GA-----CPD, but with no luck. Any pointers will be appreciated
How large are your samples? Are you going to do UV cure or heat? I have procedures for embedding cells on coverslips as well as "normal" samples that need flat-embedding....let me know which samples you have!
Tamara Howard CSHL
On Tue, 25 Jul 2000, Sarah Peters 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 would appreciate any hints, tips, or procedures available on flat embedding using LR White. } Thanks! } S. Peters } } Sarah Peters NRC04 } Oregon Hearing Research Center } 3181 SW Sam Jackson Pk Rd } Portland, Or. 97202 } Ph:(503) 494-2942 } Fax: (503) 494-5656 } } } }
------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
To all you struggling managers of multi-user or service facilities:
This is a reminder that there will be a special "EXPERTS" session to discuss topics of interest in this area. The session will be help from 9:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday, August 16 in Room 106.
Format of the session will be as follows: 1) 3 topics recommended by you will be initially presented with each introduced by an expert on that topic. 2) The order of the discussion will be announced in advance so those of you with conflicts will have an idea of when to attend this session. 3) The initial introduction of a topic will be short (5-10min) so as to leave maximum time for questions and discussion from attendees. 4) We will try to limit open discussion on any one topic to no more than 30min so that all 3 topics can be discussed in approximately a 2 hr. time period. The remaining time can be used to revisit one of the topics or introduce new topics from the floor for discussion.
In an earlier E-mail, I requested suggestions for topics be sent to me. Of the ones received, those listed below seemed to be the most popular.
1. Maintenance of equipment: service contracts ; service contracts vs. third-party vs insurance company or self-insure; timely service
2. Justification of costs/ cost recovery….electronic bookkeeping and billing
3. login systems for instruments/lab security/training
You will notice that they are quite broad and may have to be narrowed down by the "expert" introducing them in order to have a meaningful discussion. I am now looking for the "experts" to introduce topics 1 and 2. Keith Darlington from Elf ATOCHEM North America, Inc has gratiously consented to introduce topic #3. Please E-mail me if you would like to introduce topics 1 or 2 or can recommend someone to do so.
Also, if any of you have information relating to the above topics that can be made available to those attending, please bring handouts or send the info to me and I will have it copied for distribution.
There has been requests to record the session so that those not in attendance can benefit from the discussions. I will try to arrange this if appropriate recording equipment is available.
One final note...I will not arrive at the meetings until Monday so would appreciate a volunteer to put up notices about the session throughout the convention hall on Sunday. Please contact me if you are willing to do this and I will get the notices to you.
Many thanks and PLEASE send me names of individuals I can ask to introduce topics. Also, if you have suggestions about the format of the session, please contact me...there is still plenty of time to modify it.
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
by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id JAA08852 for dist-Microscopy; Wed, 26 Jul 2000 09:32:57 -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 JAA08848 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Wed, 26 Jul 2000 09:32:27 -0500 (CDT) Received: from denexc2.timet.com ([63.102.13.36]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id JAA08841 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Wed, 26 Jul 2000 09:32:16 -0500 (CDT) Received: by denexc2.timet.com with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) id {NJ3XTDDN} ; Wed, 26 Jul 2000 08:31:53 -0600 Message-ID: {90F2CBD1ADD9D3119A3A00A0C9A94BA302E770-at-henexc1.timet.com} {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com}
We must obtain and pay for a permit for any item put into our process waste stream. Any item not permitted, is considered a "hazardous" waste, and must be disposed of at great cost.
Also, all waste water must either be ponded or reclaimed, this is now becoming a large expense for our facility.
Our enviormental department examined each departments waste stream and in cooperation with the individual departments (thank goodness) made some determinations as to where we could save not only permit costs but water usuage.
The processing of the p/n film uses a rather significant amount of water for my department, not to mention the occassional print production.
Also, you can check Polaroid's site for it's MSDS sheets for all it's products.http://www.polaroid.com/service/msds/index.html
One positive outcome of this, my request for a new metallograph with a high end digital camera has been approved!
Anyway, that's the basic scenario. No Federales came in and spanked us, rather it was a cost-saving(??) measure implemented by our enviormental group.
Back to my original question: What type of Polaroid do you all use?
William T. Giles Sr. Electron Microscopist Met. Lab. Coordinator Henderson Technical Laboratory TIMET PO Box 2128 Henderson NV 89009 Ph: (702)566-4436 Fax: (702)564-9038 E-mail: Bill.Giles-at-timet.com
} -----Original Message----- } From: Marie E. Cantino [SMTP:cantino-at-uconnvm.uconn.edu] } Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 8:53 AM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: Re: Polaroid Film Choices } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } Since we (and probably others) use this film, I'm curious what is the } hazardous/toxic part. Is it the Na sulfite solution, the goop on the } film, } or the coater? } } Marie }
We have been using an old model Leedal Sink with nitrogen burst system for about 12-14 years. Other than having the temperature gauge (which regulates the temperature of the developer) replaced, the system has been great! It has metal tanks that have metal rods with holes on the bottom (where the nitrogen comes through). You regulate the duration of the burst and the interval between the bursts with a timer built into the sink. Hoses connect the tanks to the nitrogen tank. The developing and fixing tanks float in water that is temperature-regulated. This system gives good, even distribution of the chemicals over the negatives.
(The best part is I got this refurbished sink, racks, darkroom lights, etc. for $750.00! Can't complain.)
Peggy Sherwood MGH-Wellman Labs of Photomedicine (W224) 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114
Dear listers, We have been using AGFA scientia 23D56 (3.25x4 ") film for years now until AGFA discontinued that product. I would greatly appreciate any help in finding a suitable replacement for this film
I need to measure the dislocation density in an Al-30Si alloy.
I've been told there is a condition that will give the optimum dislocation contrast which will give some proportion of the total dislocations.
Does anyone know what these conditions are and the proportion that this gives (and a reference if possible?)
Also any comments on other methods that don't require one to measure the thickness of the sample e.g. simply counting the intersections of dislocations with the surface and dividing by the area?
Thank-you,
Simon Hogg
University of Sheffield Department of Engineering Materials Sir Robert Hadfield Building Mappin Street Sheffield S1 3JD Tel. 0114 222 5934 Fax. 0114 222 5943
Where can I find prepared microscope slides that use flourescence? Or, where can I find information about how to prepare my own slides with flourescent stains? I would like such samples for research on 3D microscopy.
} Back to my original question: What type of Polaroid do you all use?
Oh yea ... the question.
Type 52 is what we use when we aren't grabbing digital ... but even then, printing four 1024x800s to the dye-sub proves more cost effective ... needless-to-say, my type 52 is all past its use-by date.
Type 52 is also ASA400, so you will have to re-calibrate your exposure. It also doesn't require the smelly "goop".
I've studied Goldstein's book to try and accurately compute the true spot size of a SEM beam based on the myriad of factors which influence it. At issue is how to determine the actual spot size of a beam, in microns, at the specimen.
SEMs from various makers use relative numbers for spot size. These indicate the relative size of the beam from "really small" to "largest." "Really small" means low specimen current but high resolution and the converse for the large spot size. If one is doing x-ray analysis, the spot size may or may not be an issue.
If the area being analyzed is large, the spot size is most likely not all that important. But for the analysis of small feature size and sub-micron semiconductor devices, true spot size is an issue. If the beam covers more than the area of interest, the x-ray data will not accurately reflect the composition of the intended material.
Therefore, is there some basic limitation of the applicability of quantitative SEM x-ray analysis based on the size of the specimen? If so, what is this limit? Also, is there some way to accurately define the physical size of a beam at the specimen? If so, what is this method?
For those of you planning on attending the Microscopy Society of America in Philadelphia August 13-17 (coming up in a few weeks), I wanted to alert you to the following program setup.
***** Please note: due to a scheduling snafu, David DeRosier's talk will be in the morning whereas the other two talks are scheduled for the afternoon session *****
There are 3 biological tutorials being presented:
David DeRosier: DeRosier's Guide to Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Helical Structures Tuesday 11:00 AM Room 103
Liz Wilson-Kubalek: Structural Analysis of Proteins on Lipid Substrates Tuesday 3:00 PM Room 103
Steve Ludtke: Single Particle Analysis of Macromolecules and Complexes: How to Get Started Tuesday 4:00 PM Room 103
Sincerely, Gina Sosinsky Session Chair for Biological Sciences Tutorial
P.S. For those of you who yearn to go beyond electrons, there is also a joint biological/physical sciences tutorial being given by Dave Piston from Vanderbilt University on Multi-Photon Excitation Microscopy: An Old Idea in Quantum Theory Applied to Modern Scientific Problems. Monday 3:00 PM Room 103 ***************************************** * Gina Sosinsky, PhD. * * University of California at San Diego * * 365 San Diego Supercomputer Center * * 9500 Gilman Drive * * La Jolla, CA 92093-0505 * * * * Note new area codes: * * 858-534-6264 (office phone & * * voice mail) * * 858-534-4583 (lab phone) * * 858-822-0861 (fax) * * gsosinsky-at-ucsd.edu (email) * *****************************************
You can replace the Agfa Scientia Film with Kodak´s SO-163 EM Film without any Problems. Greetings, Michael
Michael Reiner University of Cologne, Germany Dept. of Anatomy I _______________________________________________________________________ 1.000.000 DM gewinnen - kostenlos tippen - http://millionenklick.web.de IhrName-at-web.de, 8MB Speicher, Verschluesselung - http://freemail.web.de
} From: "Gary Gaugler" {gary-at-gaugler.com} } } I've studied Goldstein's book to try and accurately compute } the true spot size of a SEM beam based on the myriad of } factors which influence it. At issue is how to determine the } actual spot size of a beam, in microns, at the specimen. } } SEMs from various makers use relative numbers for spot } size. These indicate the relative size of the beam from } "really small" to "largest." "Really small" means low } specimen current but high resolution and the converse } for the large spot size. If one is doing x-ray analysis, } the spot size may or may not be an issue. } } If the area being analyzed is large, the spot size is } most likely not all that important. But for the analysis } of small feature size and sub-micron semiconductor devices, } true spot size is an issue. If the beam covers more than } the area of interest, the x-ray data will not accurately } reflect the composition of the intended material. } } Therefore, is there some basic limitation of the applicability } of quantitative SEM x-ray analysis based on the size of } the specimen? If so, what is this limit? Also, is there } some way to accurately define the physical size of a } beam at the specimen? If so, what is this method? }
Gary,
It was a good deal different set up but the idea should be the same. We were working with a scanning gamma ray device and the resolution was measured in hundredths of an inch but we built test samples that we knew the size of the metal slug and we knew how far it was between them. We would do a scan and see if we could resolve them.
It would be a lot tougher to build the model for what you want to do than for us. We used drill bits in Plexiglas. But if you coat various spacing grids with something that shows up in your X-ray scans and then polish the peaks off you should be able to get islands of various sizes and spacing to do your calibration.
We were primarily using gamma rays for image reconstruction using a Raydon
transform but we did some work with fluoresced x-rays. The gamma beam was about 3/32 of an inch. The customer did some direct imaging of Plutonium intrusion into various rocks with it as well. Better him than me.
The device was a gamma source and a detector with the subject on a rotary table that would move in the X and Z axis.
Gordon Gordon Couger gcouger-at-couger.com Stillwater, OK www.couger.com/gcouger 405 624-2855 GMT -6:00
*From: "S.C.Hogg" {S.C.Hogg-at-sheffield.ac.uk} *To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com *Date sent: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 18:58:25 +0100 *Subject: TEM dislocation density measurment in Al *Priority: normal
*------------------------------------------------------------------------ *The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Hello,
It seems to me that the proportion of the total dislocation density which are people talking about is very rough estimate. But for sure two beam condition is the proper one to visualise dislocations. So, if you want to be acurate try to obtain an image of dislocation structure in the same area using two perpendicular g vectors, for example in the [001] zone axies. Your accuracy in dislocation density estimate depends also on deformation mode like slip systems involved, cross slip etc. so using more g vectors you'll be obtaing higher accuracy.
Good luck,
Witold Z.
* *Hello, * *I need to measure the dislocation density in an Al-30Si alloy. * *I've been told there is a condition that will give the optimum *dislocation contrast which will give some proportion of the total *dislocations. * *Does anyone know what these conditions are and the proportion *that this gives (and a reference if possible?) * *Also any comments on other methods that don't require one to *measure the thickness of the sample e.g. simply counting the *intersections of dislocations with the surface and dividing by the *area? * *Thank-you, * *Simon Hogg * * *University of Sheffield *Department of Engineering Materials *Sir Robert Hadfield Building *Mappin Street *Sheffield *S1 3JD *Tel. 0114 222 5934 *Fax. 0114 222 5943 * * %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Witold Zielinski, Ph.D. Warsaw University of Technology Department of Materials Science and Engineering 02-507 Warszawa, Woloska 141 POLAND
I was asked before I leave to post this job opening. It's been great reading about all our trials and tribulations. I have probably ran into some of you at the meetings which were always fun. Dr. Rodriguez-Sierra is attempting to go to the meetings to place an advertisement at the Forums' booth. Thanks for all the help in the past.
Rick Vaughn
The Electron Microscopy Core Research Facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, NE has an opening for a Biomedical EM Technologist to direct the laboratory and support research projects that involve transmission electron microscopy. The laboratory is well equipped and has a history of excellent productivity and adequate funding.
The successful candidate for this position will possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Biology with experience in electron microscopy. Additional courses or experience in immunocytochemistry, Cell Biology, and digital imaging is desirable. Operating knowledge of transmission electron microscopes is preferred. The applicant must have excellent communicative skills and the ability to work well with a variety of personalities.
The EM technologist interacts with all laboratory users in order to accomplish specific research goals with respect to preparation for a variety of biomedical samples for TEM, operation of TEM, darkroom developing and printing, digital image capture and reporting. The technologist will also assist the faculty in the laboratory section of EM graduate courses.
UNMC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. UNMC is a equal opportunity employer.
If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Dr. Jorge F. Rodriguez-Sierra Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6395 Fax: 402-559-7328 Phone 402-559-6259 e-mail: jrodrigu-at-unmc.edu
We have been recommended Kodak SO-163 3 1/4" x 4" Film to replace, it has a similar speed, transfer to this type should be accomplished with minimal changes to exposure and development. Alternatively the Kodak 4489 which is slower film, which has been widely used for biological applications where high contrast is desirable. we can supply if required Boxes of 100, please contact off line.
Kind Regards,
Christine Fitzgerald
In message {Pine.HPP.3.93.1000726100957.15489F- 100000-at-merle.acns.nwu.edu} , Arun Kumar Subramanian {ksu973-at-merle.acns.nwu.edu} writes } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Simon Hogg wrote: } I need to measure the dislocation density in an Al-30Si alloy. } } I've been told there is a condition that will give the optimum } dislocation contrast which will give some proportion of the total } dislocations. } } Does anyone know what these conditions are and the proportion } that this gives (and a reference if possible?) } } Also any comments on other methods that don't require one to } measure the thickness of the sample e.g. simply counting the } intersections of dislocations with the surface and dividing by the } area?
Hi Simon,
There are a number of problems to consider if you want to measure dislocation density by TEM. (i) The dislocations may rearrange during preparation of the thin foil because of image forces. (ii) Some of the dislocations may be out of contrast under the diffraction conditions used. (iii) There may be a preponderance of certain Burgers vectors. (iv) The line vectors may not be evenly distributed in space.
I think most dislocation density measurements have been made under some simplifying assumptions that make them - as Witold Zielinski wrote - very rough estimates. Images are taken with a given two-beam condition. If, for instance, the material is fcc and the reflection is 200, it is then assumed that 1/3 of the dislocations will be out of contrast for this reflection. It is further assumed that the stereological equation (which assumes a random line vector distribution) is valid. A result obtained under such assumptions is not necessarily very exact.
As Witold wrote, you can try to image all dislocations by taking several images under different diffraction conditions. (You can also do this in a single image with a hollow-cone technique). This still leaves you with points (i) and (iv).
With respect to (i) you will e.g. in pure Al find that the dislocation density varies with foil thickness because relatively more dislocations are lost from the thinner parts of the foil. In other words use as thick a foil as possible.
With respect to (iv): the method that requires measurement of the foil thickness gives you the advantage that you can count intersections with lines of various orientations (or with a circle). If you count intersections with the surface, you have to assume that the line vectors are evenly distributed in space (consider the extreme case that all dislocation lines are parallel to the surface).
Instead of counting individual dislocations in a TEM it is also possible to measure line broadening in selected area channelling patterns in a scanning microscope or in X-ray diffractograms.
Best regards, Jorgen
***************************** J. B. Bilde-Soerensen Senior Research Scientist, Ph. D. Materials Research Department Risoe National Laboratory DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark
The beam size plays an important role in determining the size of a particle or feature one can analyze. Obviously the beam diameter must be smaller than the location to be analyzed and typically larger beam diameters indicate hagher current and count rates. The real determinant of what size can be analyzed without influence from surounding material is what "analysis volume" size is generated. The diameter of the analysis volume will never be smaller than the beam. It is usually much larger due to scattering within the specimen. Parameters which influence the analysis volume size and shape include the composition of the material being analyzed, the surface condition of the specimen, the angle of the incident beam, and the potential of the beam (kV). Hope I didn't forget one... If I recall correctly, Goldstein, et al, does cover this effect in the book.
Don Chernoff has available (http://www.small-world.net/efs.htm) a program which models the analysis volume. A similar but less flexable program came with my (former) Kevex EDS in the mid 80s. I have not tried the EFS software, nor have I any ties to small-world.
Arkay makes an affordable gas burst controller as well as water jacket/ tank systems for sheet film developing. Leedal also produces excellent jacket/tank systems. Both are available with gas burst plenums as required. Neither Leedal or Regal/Arkay has an active website that I could find. I will forward information to anyone who wishes to contact me directly.
George Laing National Graphic Supply scisales-at-ngscorp.com
} Dear All, } Just wondering if anyone out there uses a nitrogen bubble system to agitate } their film processing solutions in tanks. We are considering such a system } but I would like a clearer idea about the set-up before going ahead and } asking our workshop to make the system. } } If anyone has such a system which is being used for sheet negs I would } appreciate a rough description how it works. ie } } 1) what the layout of tubes on the bottom of the tanks is like } } 2) what kind of control system is used to set the bubbling intervals } (presumably something like a solenoid on a timer connected through a } regulator on to a N2-filled cylinder?) } } Are there any problems or drawbacks to the systems which are in use? Are } they worth the trouble of setting up and maintaining? } } } Best regards, } } Richard } } } Richard Easingwood } South Campus Electron Microscope Unit } School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago } PO Box 913, Dunedin } NEW ZEALAND } } Telephone: 64-03-479 7301 Facsimile: 64-03-479 7254 } mailto:richard.easingwood-at-stonebow.otago.ac.nz } http://anatomy.otago.ac.nz:800/Department/EMUnit.html } http://www.otago.ac.nz/anatomy/emunit/ } } } } } }
=========================================================================== 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. ============================================================================
Simon, My advice would be to do a series of two-beam dark field images with the Bragg reflection (g) chosen to optimise the g.b condition (b = Burgers vector). First find out the dominant dislocation types in Al & Si alone (or any other similar alloy) as a guide for the Burgers vectors you could possibly expect. If you can, try a reflection which makes g.b non zero for all dislocation types (giving contrast for all dislocations), and then subsequently select reflections that give g.b=0 for each type of dislocation (or g.b non-zero for one dislocation type). This procedure will allow you to deduce population densities for each dislocation type. If the dislocation density is too high i.e. you cannot resolve individual dislocations, then try a weak beam dark field imaging instead e.g g-3g (3g set to Bragg, g imaged). Contrast in these images come from the more highly strained crystal regions close to the dislocation core and one can narrow the contrast down to the order of nanometers.
A note on your definition of dislocation densities. You mention dividing by an area. Does this mean you are calculating the areal density or a volume density? The former is usually attributed to growing thin films, and most of the dislocation emanate from the initial interface. In that case you if you are looking at a cross-section, you will need to know the thickness, whereas a plan-view sample doesn't. For volume densities again you will need the thickness too. Areal densities are pretty meaningless in 3D.
Dislocation analysis is a fantastic area with a huge history, and I would advise you take a look at two books. Firstly Hirsch, Howie, Nicholson, Whelan & Pashley (Electron Microscopy of Thin Crystals), described as the Bible of transmission electron microscopy, has several chapters related to imperfect crystals, and the black and white photos are quite beautiful, even just to look at. Any time invested with this book pays off big. A more modern book is Williams & Carter (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and is extremely helpful. Again a superb selection of pictures and diagrams will help you with the theory and practice. ******************************************************** Dr Jonathan Barnard
Analytical Materials Physics The Angstrom Laboratory, Uppsala University P O Box 534, SE-751 21 Uppsala, Sweden Phone: +46-(0)18-4716838 Fax: +46-(0)18-500131 Phone: Microscope room +46 18 471 6365 http://www.angstrom.uu.se/analytical/home.html ********************************************************
Whatever for? What would the environmental folks disagree about with the 55 processing? The sulphite? That's sprayed on fruit at the grocery store. The coater? I hate that myself, but it's no worse than regular darkroom chemicals.
T 52 won't replace T 55, as it has no negative. I don't think T 53 or T 54 do either, but I'm not sure. The T 55 negative is an *excellent* negative (in spite of some folks' comments otherwise) with about 3X the resolution of the T55 positive and 2 more zones of contrast. No positive-only film or digital camera can equal it. If you have to get rid of T 55, you're better off changing camera backs and using 4X5 negative sheet film. Good photo stores should have this, or the big mail-order companies like Helix or Shutan (in the back of photography mags).
Phil
} Howdy List, } } I need to stop using Polaroid T-55 p/n sheet film in my lab(good bye old } friend). The enviormental guys got to us. } } The question is, what to replace it with? T-52, T-53 or T-54. } } We will be using it primarily in our old Cambridge 250, inverted } metallograph, and some macro stand usage. } } Its use will be limited as our new JEOL SEM and inverted metallograph are } going digital. } } Any suggestions? } } } William T. Giles } Sr. Electron Microscopist } Met. Lab. Coordinator } Henderson Technical Laboratory } TIMET } PO Box 2128 Henderson NV 89009 } Ph: (702)566-4436 } Fax: (702)564-9038 } E-mail: Bill.Giles-at-timet.com
-- }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ 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)
} } } Where can I find prepared microscope slides that use flourescence? Or, where } can I find information about how to prepare my own slides with flourescent } stains? I would like such samples for research on 3D microscopy. } } Sincerely, } } Jennifer Delille } } jen-at-sl3d.com ********************** Jennifer, Its unclear what you wnat to do....Are you planning to work with biological samples that have been labelled with fluorescent markers, or is this a materials-related project? For biological samples, "normal" glass slides are fine. You usually do need to treat the slides in some way to get your samples (sections of tissue) to stick well enough to survive the multiple steps involved in the labelling process. The traditional method is to sub (coat) the slides with a gelatin-chrom alum solution. You can also use slides that have been treated by the manufacturer (silanized or the mysterious but useful "plus" slides).
The fluorescent labelling protocols depend on what you wih to look at. some are quite simple, such as the use of propidium iodide to label nuclei, others are multi-step, antibody protocls. You can find descriptions of these in the many good texts about immuncytochemistry.
If you have some materials-related project in mind, someone else will have to address that, I'm atrictly a biologicals person.
Lee
Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
Its some time since I've looked at Goldstein's book, but I am sure you have missed a chapter. First, its important to note that in microanalyses the area irradiated is always smaller than the area you are collecting X-rays from. Its all related to the penetrating envelope, Monte Carlo patterns, kV used and average atomic number of the area under the beam. Typically, using a small spot, you may at 15kV collect X-rays from a 20 um radius and depths if your specimen is biological and only from 3um if its moderately heavy in atomic numbers. A good analyst would standardize all parameters, but probe current is more important than spot size. A dedicated microprobe is equipped with a lightmicroscope which has two main functions: Adjusting the specimen height to the correct position (taking advantage of the lightmicroscope's poor depths of view (or field) and visualising the beam spot so this can be centered, so the spot is were we think it is. The beam is visualised through the lightmicroscope by using a fluorescent mineral (Willemite). Centering using deflection coils and adjusting the beam (or spot) size is easy with that scope. Without an attached lightmicroscope, a small intense beam could be measured later by the burnmark left on a sensitive specimen. As an aside, geologists new to microanalysis are generally appalled by the poor quality of the lighmicroscope. They are rarely fond of learning to use atomic number contrast and to do their lightmicroscopy before a probe session. However, I wonder about the usefulness of the proposed exercise, because the relative beam size is usually less important because X-ray resolution is much less than beam size anyway. All of the above applies of course to SEMs/Probes since in a TEM (thin sections) the penetrating envelope is chopped off and the beam diameter plus a bit becomes the area analysed. Don't rush off and buy a TEM with analytical facilities, they have other disadvantages in microanalyses. Hope this clarified something . . I should also disclaim: ProSciTech supplies WDS/EDS standards. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Thursday, July 27, 2000 10:23 AM, Gary Gaugler [SMTP:gary-at-gaugler.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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } } I've studied Goldstein's book to try and accurately compute } the true spot size of a SEM beam based on the myriad of } factors which influence it. At issue is how to determine the } actual spot size of a beam, in microns, at the specimen. } } SEMs from various makers use relative numbers for spot } size. These indicate the relative size of the beam from } "really small" to "largest." "Really small" means low } specimen current but high resolution and the converse } for the large spot size. If one is doing x-ray analysis, } the spot size may or may not be an issue. } } If the area being analyzed is large, the spot size is } most likely not all that important. But for the analysis } of small feature size and sub-micron semiconductor devices, } true spot size is an issue. If the beam covers more than } the area of interest, the x-ray data will not accurately } reflect the composition of the intended material. } } Therefore, is there some basic limitation of the applicability } of quantitative SEM x-ray analysis based on the size of } the specimen? If so, what is this limit? Also, is there } some way to accurately define the physical size of a } beam at the specimen? If so, what is this method? } } Any thoughts on this? } } gary g. }
} Therefore, is there some basic limitation of the applicability } of quantitative SEM x-ray analysis based on the size of } the specimen? If so, what is this limit? Also, is there } some way to accurately define the physical size of a } beam at the specimen? If so, what is this method?
The applicability for the spot size regarding x-ray analysis would have as much to do with the energy of the beam, i.e., the interaction volume for x-ray generation (not to mention the possibility of x-ray fluorescence within the surrounding material.
The best method for determining the spot size for any beam parameter, is to examine the y-modulated intensity for a "knife edge". For example, a perfect orthoganal slope would indicate infinitely small .. for anything else you would determine the 'x' distance at 80% and 20% of the 'y' intensity (although these numbers could be debated).
cheerios, =shAf= :o)
{} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} Michael Shaffer, R.A. - mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon http://epmalab.uoregon.edu/
} I've studied Goldstein's book to try and accurately compute } the true spot size of a SEM beam based on the myriad of } factors which influence it. At issue is how to determine the } actual spot size of a beam, in microns, at the specimen. }
As others have already said, the relevant size is that of the volume from which x-rays are generated, and that is larger than the beam due to scattering within the specimen.
} } SEMs from various makers use relative numbers for spot } size. These indicate the relative size of the beam from } "really small" to "largest." "Really small" means low } specimen current but high resolution and the converse } for the large spot size. If one is doing x-ray analysis, } the spot size may or may not be an issue. }
If the spot size is small compared to the distances that the electrons will typically be scattered, then the x-ray emission volume will be nearly independent of spot size, but if the relevant scattering distance is small, then the spot size will affect the spatial resolution of the analysis. Fur- thermore, the emission volume will be smaller if the over- voltage for the line of interest is low. This is because scat- tering through large angles--which leads to large trans- verse momentum and large effective spot size--results in large transfer of kinetic energy, thus lower (or zero) cross section for the production of the line of interest. So if you use the k-lines and a relatively low voltage, the x-rays will be emitted from a smaller volume than if you use l- lines with the same voltage or k-lines with a higher vol- tage.
} If the area being analyzed is large, the spot size is } most likely not all that important. But for the analysis } of small feature size and sub-micron semiconductor devices, } true spot size is an issue. If the beam covers more than } the area of interest, the x-ray data will not accurately } reflect the composition of the intended material. }
Yes, although knowing the characteristics of the emission volume could allow you to deconvolute that effect and get a better idea of the compositions of the small areas of interest. That is, if you know the compo- sition of one area and the apparent composition of an adjacent area, you could use a Monte Carlo simulation to compute the part of the apparent composition due to x-rays generated within the first area. There are many such simu- lation programs out there, and you want one which will calculate not only the paths of the electrons, but also the x-ray production. I do not know which of the simulation programs will do this, but perhaps their authors will tell you.
} } Therefore, is there some basic limitation of the applicability } of quantitative SEM x-ray analysis based on the size of } the specimen? If so, what is this limit? Also, is there } some way to accurately define the physical size of a } beam at the specimen? If so, what is this method? }
Yes. It depends on specimen composition and what is of interest. Yes. Either simulation or doing an experiment with a specimen that has well characterized features of known size and composition. This specimen should be as similar to what you're trying to measure as possible to assure that both features of interest and matrix effects are well modelled. In the case of semiconductor devices, perhaps the Ge stripes in Si matrix of a MAGICAL test specimen could be used. (I have no connection with MAGICAL except as a user.) Yours, Bill Tivol
Dear Gary, Yes, there certainly is a size limit to a specimen or phase or particle in the specimen to get accurate SEM x-ray analysis. I use the Small World's Electron Flight Simulator to get a good estimate of the size of the electron interaction volume in a given material. These are all Monte Carlo mathematical simulations, since the SEM spot is not a spot, but a fuzzy disk and the volume is a randomly generated approximation based on the factors influencing the interaction of the electrons and material of the solid. What is seldom mentioned is that the the x-rays generated by the primary electrons can also spread laterally in the solid and these x-rays can spread much further than the initial excitation volume and excite secondary x-rays several microns away. These secondary x-ray effects vaary widely, dependant on which elements are being excited and fluoresced. There are two ways to test these effects. The first is to carefully scan the SEM beam across a sharp interface between two materials, such as Ni plated on polished Cu, and record the shape of the Ni and Cu line scans. The length of the curve dropping between 100% Cu and 0% Cu will tell you the size of the beam interaction volume in the solid (which is not the spot size, but the size of the x-ray generation volume). The second is to drill a small hole in a copper planchet and stick a tungsten aperture over the hole. Slowly scan the beam over the Cu, W and Faraday cup and see where you can see Cu and W x-rays. This gives you some idea of the beam spread and x-ray scatter. At 05:22 PM 7/26/00 -0700, you wrote:
} I've studied Goldstein's book to try and accurately compute } the true spot size of a SEM beam based on the myriad of } factors which influence it. At issue is how to determine the } actual spot size of a beam, in microns, at the specimen. } } SEMs from various makers use relative numbers for spot } size. These indicate the relative size of the beam from } "really small" to "largest." "Really small" means low } specimen current but high resolution and the converse } for the large spot size. If one is doing x-ray analysis, } the spot size may or may not be an issue. } } If the area being analyzed is large, the spot size is } most likely not all that important. But for the analysis } of small feature size and sub-micron semiconductor devices, } true spot size is an issue. If the beam covers more than } the area of interest, the x-ray data will not accurately } reflect the composition of the intended material. } } Therefore, is there some basic limitation of the applicability } of quantitative SEM x-ray analysis based on the size of } the specimen? If so, what is this limit? Also, is there } some way to accurately define the physical size of a } beam at the specimen? If so, what is this method? } } Any thoughts on this? } } gary g.
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
Hello everyone, I have a TEM Philips CM12 and one problem of this type of microscope is to know all the rotation angles between the SAED pattern and the image in every magnification. Surely it is possible to use a test specimen to determine this angles, but may be there is someone had done this and he have this list and he can help me.
Thank you everyone, Elena Belluso
---------------------------------------------------- Elena BELLUSO Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche Via Valperga Caluso, 35 I-10125 TORINO - ITALIA tel:(39) 011 670 7135 - fax: (39) 011 670 7128 e-mail: belluso-at-dsmp.unito.it http://www.dsmp.unito.it ----------------------------------------------------
Our roughing pump which service our JSM6300 has began making a rumbling noise which I might believe is bearings ... altho it could be the pump's bearings or the motor's. Has anyone serviced this problem?
tia and cheerios, =shAf= :o)
{} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ cogito, ergo zZOooOM /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {\/} /\ {} Michael Shaffer, R.A. - mshaf-at-darkwing.uoregon.edu Geological Science's Electron Probe Facility - University of Oregon http://epmalab.uoregon.edu/
Would someone direct me to websites and/or texts about in situ hybridization techniques? I'll be working with gene expression in shoot meristems from plant material (in vivo and in vitro). For regular LM I use glutaraldehyde+paraformaldehyde as a fixative and Historesin (Leica) for embedding, but I don't think this method would be appropriate. I'd appreciate some input. Thank you very much in advance
Are you sure the endothelial cells you're after express PECAM1/CD31 in appreciable amounts. I have found a great deal of disparity in CD31 staining in mouse tissue. I would suggest vWF or factor VIII or AP2 as potential substitutes.
Ramin Rahbari Pfizer Global Research & Development Drug Safety Evaluation 2800 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Voice (734) 622-3383 Fax (734) 622-5001 Ramin.Rahbari-at-WL.COM
-----Original Message----- } From: Michael Reiner [mailto:Elektronenmikroskopie-at-web.de] Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 5:32 AM To: Neelima Shah; Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com
Hello Neelima Shah!
Did you try PECAM-1/CD31 (rat) from Pharmingen? It must work well at least using a pre-embedding protocol without permeabilization.
Greetings, Michael Reiner
University of Cologne, Germany Department of Anatomy I
} Anyone out there know of any antibody that would be specific for mouse } endothelial cells?? We are trying to identify endothelial cells in tumors } as well as cultured endothelial cells. I know a lot of them work for LM } after various treatments. I seem to have had no luck so far staining at EM
} level. I would appreciate all the input.Thanks in advance..... } Neelima Shah.............. } Biomedical Imaging Core Facility } Uni of Pennsylvania } Philadelphia, Pa. } } } } } http://www.MED.upenn.edu/morphlab/ } } è
Jackson, D.P. 1991. In situ hybridization in plants. In: Molecular Plant Pathology - A Practical Approach. (sorry, I don't have the page numbers)
McFadden, G.I. 1995. In situ hybridization. Meth. Cell Biol. 49:165-183
Good luck!
Tamara Howard CSHL
On Thu, 27 Jul 2000, Adriana Pinheiro Martinelli Rodriguez 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 list member: } } Would someone direct me to websites and/or texts about in situ hybridization techniques? I'll be working with gene expression in shoot meristems from plant material (in vivo and in vitro). } For regular LM I use glutaraldehyde+paraformaldehyde as a fixative and Historesin (Leica) for embedding, but I don't think this method would be appropriate. } I'd appreciate some input. } Thank you very much in advance } } Adriana } }
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I have recently inherited a great deal of equipment (stage warmers, micro-incubators, perfusion chambers, etc) distributed by Medical Systems Corp. of Greenvale, NY. I've been told that they're still productive, yet I've been unable to locate any current contact information. Does anyone know whether they still exist and how I might be able to contact them?
Warren Davis Cell Imaging Facility School of Medicine University of Utah 40 N. 2030 E. Bldg. 585, Rm. 55 Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Ph: (801) 587-7964 email: warren.davis-at-path.utah.edu
by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) id OAA12567 for dist-Microscopy; Thu, 27 Jul 2000 14:44:55 -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 OAA12563 for "MicroscopyFilteredEmail-at-msa.microscopy.com"; Thu, 27 Jul 2000 14:44:25 -0500 (CDT) Received: from risc4.numis.nwu.edu (risc4.numis.nwu.edu [129.105.122.70]) by ultra5.microscopy.com (8.9.1b+Sun/8.9.1) with ESMTP id OAA12556 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 27 Jul 2000 14:44:14 -0500 (CDT) Received: from localhost (ldm2-at-localhost) by risc4.numis.nwu.edu (8.9.3 (PHNE_18979)/8.9.3) with ESMTP id OAA19622 for {Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com} ; Thu, 27 Jul 2000 14:53:25 -0500 (CDT)
A postdoctoral position is open immediatesly for work on Environmental Catalysts using UHV-TEM. The position will involve looking at the the surface structure of a number of different oxides as a function of gas treatments using our UHV instrument (see http://www.numis.nwu.edu .) Experience in catalysis, UHV systems and a strong background in TEM (not just a few courses) preferred. Send a CV and letters of recommendation (or referees names) to
Laurence Marks Department of Materials Science and Engineering Northwestern University ldm2-at-risc4.numis.nwu.edu
What is frequently measured in TEM is scalar dislocation density (the sign of dislocations is not taken into account), even though this is not the only thing that it is possible to measure (e.g. excessive dislocation density).
Concerning the scalar dislocation density (which is simply called dislocation density), it is better to use such diffraction conditions when there are several strong reflections present, then most of the dislocations should be visible. I would recommend to use this condition. However, as Witold Zielinski wrote, you can use two-beam conditions but then you should take several images at different conditions and analyze what is visible and what is not. Alternatively, using two beam conditions a correction factor can be introduced (see ref. 1 below).
It is also very important to know the thickness of the analyzed area, you will need it to calculate dislocation density in your material.
Another important consideration is rearrangement of dislocations due to the stress relaxation after removal of the load and during thinning due to the image force. Therefore, it is better to analyze thicker area of the sample. You can calculate this force (ref 3) and estimate the thickness of the sample where you should perform your measurement for a particular material.
Total error of your measurements, which you can estimate (e.g. ref 10), will be around 20%.
I would recommend to look through this references. If you won't find everything you need, you can contact me directly and I will fax you some additional information.
1. Hirsch et al. 1965 Electron Microscopy of thin crystals
2. D.G. Brandon, Y. Komem Metallography, 1970, v.3, 111
3. A. Seeger, Handbuch der Physik, 1955, v. VII/1, 560.
4. J.W. Steeds, Roc. Roy. Soc., 1966, A292, p.343
5. J.E. Bailey, Phil. Mag. 1963, v. 8, p.223.
6. J.R. Hancock, Phil. Mag., 1968, 18, p. 1235
7. Baker T.N., ed. 1983 Yield, flow and fracture of polycrystals London, Applied Science, 1983
8. Ecob R.C., J. Microscopy, 137, 1985, p. 3
9. Ivanov A.I.Y., Mezhennyi O., Ostrov A.E., Fomicheva E.I. Zavodskaya laboratoriya, 53 (2), 1987, p.43 (this is in Russian, but there is a copy of this paper in English).
10. Staker M.R. and Holt D.L Acta metall. 20, 1972, p. 569
11. Finally, there is an excellent book in Russian, may be you can find somebody to translate to you several pages from there. Utevskii L.M. "Diffraction elecron microscopy in metallurgy", Moscow, Metallrgiya, 1973.
Good luck,
Evgenia
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****************************************** Evgenia Pekarskaya Materials Science Mail Stop 138-78 California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA tel: 1-626-3953571 fax: 1-626-7956132
For those of you attending Microscopy & Microanalysis 2000 in Philadelphia next month-
Once again, MSA's Education Committee is organizing mini-seminars or tutorial demonstrations known as "Exhibitor Demonstrations". These sessions are conducted by Exhibitors in their booths on Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 pm (or some fraction thereof). To attend one of these demonstrations you must sign up at MSA's Education Booth, now part of the MSA "Mega-Booth", before Tuesday noon. You will be issued a ticket that will allow you back into the Exhibit Hall after it is closed to regular attendees that evening. A list of titles and a short description of each demonstration will be available at the Education Booth. While you are there, see what else the Education Committee has to offer! Below is a current list of participating Exhibitors:
Advanced Microscopy Techniques Digital Instruments/Veeco Metrology Group E.A. Fischione Instruments EDAX Electron Microscopy Sciences Energy Beam Sciences Evex Analytical FEI Company Illumea Corp. KS Electron Technologies LEO Electron Microscopes Microbiology International/Syncroscopy Micro Photonics Microscopy/Marketing & Education Motic NORAN Instruments Photon Technology International SELA USA South Bay Technology Ted Pella TSL
See you in Philly-
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* ****************************************************************************
At 05:59 AM 7/27/00, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Yes, it is covered but does not seem to lead one to a finite conclusion. The big variable is electron optics. My current FESEM has a flat pole piece. My LaB6 SEM has a 60 degree conical lens. Other units have different angles. The lens design must play some major portion of the whole operation of getting from the emitter to the specimen. It is a tight system.
} Don Chernoff has available (http://www.small-world.net/efs.htm) a program } which } models the analysis volume. A similar but less flexable program came with } my } (former) Kevex EDS in the mid 80s. I have not tried the EFS software, nor } have } I any ties to small-world. } } Woody White } McDermott Technology, Inc.
Since so many variables come into play, it is not surprising that details are a bit vague in the book. Haven't referred to it in quite a while and I forget the exact wording... Taming the variables is where the statistical software is handy.
I can't imagine differing lens construction making a difference in the analysis volume other than a conical lens permitting higher tilt angles for certain specimens which will cause the volume to skew along the surface (the incident beam angle variable). Have I missed something?
Since the beam diameter is typically MUCH smaller than the analysis volume, variations in its size will not significantly affect the x-ray analysis resolution. One exception to this is WDS analysis. Sometimes HUGE beam currents are desired. This can lead to a(fat)beam that will limit x-ray resolution. Generally speaking, if you can see a crisp SE image at the desired magnification, the lens configuration and beam diameter are not part of the analysis volume equation. At this point you may or may not have enough beam current to achieve the desired count rate. Rule of thumb: Only if you must increase the beam current/spot size (to raise the count rate) until the SE image is no longer well resolved is it time consider beam size affecting the outcome.
Woody ------------------------------------------------------------- At 05:59 AM 7/27/00, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Yes, it is covered but does not seem to lead one to a finite conclusion. The big variable is electron optics. My current FESEM has a flat pole piece. My LaB6 SEM has a 60 degree conical lens. Other units have different angles. The lens design must play some major portion of the whole operation of getting from the emitter to the specimen. It is a tight system.
} Don Chernoff has available (http://www.small-world.net/efs.htm) a program } which } models the analysis volume. A similar but less flexable program came with } my } (former) Kevex EDS in the mid 80s. I have not tried the EFS software, nor } have } I any ties to small-world. } } Woody White } McDermott Technology, Inc.
Hello I am observing a double image from my TEM filament. The microscope has been aligned over and over. If anyone has seen this please help Thanks Wilbur
A few days ago I reminded everyone about the abuses that were starting to creep into the Listserver Re: Selling of Items.
At that time I promised to create something which would address that issue. Well I've bitten the bullet and got the prototype completed and running.
There now exists a WWW site where any individual can post an electronic advertisement to dispose of SURPLUS equipment (ie not new instrument sales). This site is open to all individuals, organizations and vendors. The URL is:
All postings to the Surplus Equipment Forum are reviewed (by guess who) to make sure they are not junk/spam/bogus postings but not reviewed for accuracy.
There are no charges to use this Forum, however, I am suggesting an honor system. If you use the Forum to dispose of excess equipment and you receive more than shipping costs, then you should consider voluntarily donating an appropriate amount to the Society to help defray operating costs of this site. I will not monitor this aspect as I have neither the time nor the inclination to do so.
Remember, if you have items that you are giving away for at most nominal shipping costs, then by all means continue to use the Microscopy Listserver. It was created with that spirit in mind and I wish that tradition to continue.
This is clearly an experiment. There will of course be some problems and growing pains and if it doesn't work then I've only lost a few hours of time. However, I expect that it could be reasonably successful and fill a need in our community. So have at it.
Cheers....
Nestor Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp..
.. as he heads off to the sun set to get dinner and a beer....
Does some one know of a source for: Soft Touch II grey tips Catalog Number #00593, manufactured by the Boehringer Mannheim Company of Indianapolis, IN (for use with Soft Touch II Lancet Device) in or near the Washington, D. C. -- Northern Virginia -- Maryland area?
They are still being manufactured, as per our conversation with the manufacturer (last month - June) even though it is an older item.. However the manufacturer only ships to wholesalers. Many suppliers no longer carries them. . .
OR perhaps someone in the DC area has switched to a newer Lancet device and might still have some grey tips in stock..
Also need a local source for frosted slides 25x75 mm x 1mm thick.
OR would there be a source of help near Atlanta, GA? I'll be in Atlanta in conference (July 30-August 4). The need is immediate -- I am traveling with an Olympus CH30 phase contrast microscope, performing live blood cell demonstrations and these are no longer available from our own supplier. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance...
Gratefully, Ann Soleman, BA, BS, ThM. Certified Nutritional Microscopist
Wellness-4-All Post Office Box 250 Oakton, VA 22124 USA www.wellness4all-at-eyionline.com + Visit My Web Site + passcode: wellness4all E-mail: wellness4all-at-juno.com E-mail: RASoleman-at-aol.com E-mail: anns-at-eyionline.com Voice Mail: 1-877-881-2593 Electronic Fax: 1-877-881-2593 Phone 1-703-591-1232 ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
we are having serious problems with the resolution of our EDS detector - the peak height-width ratio is terrible, around 450 counts. Consequently, our peaks look more like rolling hills and one peak blurs into another. I have callibrated the machine using an Al-Cu standard, checked that the detector is kept cool, sample is tilted at 30 degrees, etc etc. I also got another microscopist to come and have a look to check my methods and he also concluded there was a serious problem.
Is there anything else I could try before I phone the Noran technicians and pay them a lot of $$$ to fix/replace the detector?
regards Liz McKenzie -------------------------------------------------- Geomicrobiology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory Room S9 Cramer Hall 1721 SW Broadway Portland State University Portland OR97201
At 03:50 PM 7/27/00, you wrote: } Since so many variables come into play, it is not surprising that details } are a bit vague in the book. Haven't referred to it in quite a while and } I forget the exact wording... } Taming the variables is where the statistical software is handy. } } I can't imagine differing lens construction making a difference in the } analysis volume other than a conical lens permitting higher tilt angles } for certain specimens which will cause the volume to skew along the } surface (the incident beam angle variable). Have I missed something? } } Since the beam diameter is typically MUCH smaller than the analysis } volume, variations in its size will not significantly affect the } x-ray analysis resolution. One exception to this is WDS analysis. } Sometimes HUGE beam currents are desired. This can lead to a(fat)beam } that will limit x-ray resolution. Generally speaking, if you can see a } crisp SE image at the desired magnification, the lens configuration } and beam diameter are not part of the analysis volume equation. } At this point you may or may not have enough beam current to achieve } the desired count rate. } Rule of thumb: Only if you must increase the beam current/spot size } (to raise the count rate) until the SE image is no longer well resolved } is it time consider beam size affecting the outcome. } } Woody
The link below shows what I am trying to analyze.
http://photoweb.net/ICxsect.jpg
I know that PSG, Al and poly si are correctly marked. The poly gate is what is confusing me. Its contrast is like the surrounding oxide while its interior is like the poly layer....or it could be metal over poly.
Based on these rather small feature sizes, will quantitative x-ray analysis produce viable results? If I probe the small central area of the gate, will I get the results of that area or the results of it and the surrounding material?
when the pumps start to go bad, it seems to be preceded by leaking at the motor-pump interface. The unit goes downhill from there.
If you don't have any leaking oil, does the pump sound like knocking? I've heard this and found that it was due to an air leak. If the exhaust close off control on the pump is closed, and the knocking persists, it means there is an air leak somewhere. You should see this in poorer vacuum readings.
Have you ever changed the oil?
gary g.
At 09:39 AM 7/27/00, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
We recommend nitrogen-burst agitation for one second out of every three seconds. This timing is built into our Autoprocessor. We will have a small model system in our booth at M & M in Philadelphia.
Best regards, Steven Slap
****************************** Energy Beam Sciences, Inc. The Laboratory Microwave Company http://www.ebsciences.com Adding Brilliance to Your Vision ******************************
Thank you very much for mineralogical samples I have received from Martin J. Roe.
Regards, Elena
---------------------------------------------------- Elena BELLUSO Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche Via Valperga Caluso, 35 I-10125 TORINO - ITALIA tel:(39) 011 670 7135 - fax: (39) 011 670 7128 e-mail: belluso-at-dsmp.unito.it http://www.dsmp.unito.it ----------------------------------------------------
Part-time Laboratory Assistant Position - 20 hours/week
The American Museum of Natural History is seeking a Part-Time Laboratory Assistant for its state-of-the-art core imaging and image processing facility. The Interdepartmental Laboratory houses an Hitachi Cold Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope/PGT EDS, a Zeiss Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope, and image processing/high quality output resources.
Major responsibilities include assisting scientific staff with imaging and x-ray microanalysis projects, and training users in independent operation of microscopes and computers. Other laboratory duties include minor equipment maintenance, occasional specimen preparation, and other general lab-related tasks.
A Bachelors degree in biology is preferred, along with some knowledge of or interest in other scientific disciplines such as geology or materials science. Candidates who are currently enrolled in a scientific undergraduate or graduate program will also be considered. The position requires some knowledge of SEM and strong computer skills. Other qualifications include willingness to learn, flexibility, and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Hourly rate is commensurate with experience. Interested candidates can contact me directly.
--------------------------------------------- Angela V. Klaus
Director - Interdepartmental Laboratories American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024-5192 USA
I'm seeking recommendations for 20-21 color monitors to use for histological image analysis. Important parameters are high resolution and color reproduction, refresh rates of at least 85Hz and , of course, reliability. I've heard some good things about Viewsonics and the Sony GDM-500PS. Are there any I should avoid?
Thanks, Brett
Brett M. Connolly, Ph.D. Merck Research Laboratories Department of Pharmacology WP26A-3000 PO Box 4 West Point, PA 19486 Ph. 215-652-2501 FAX 215-652-2075 e-mail: brett_connolly-at-merck.com
Microsope Folks, I am going to have the fun of doing a minor rebuild on an old ISI 100B SEM. Alas, the manual seems to not have arrived with this old beast and I am in need of pointers to where I can obtain a copy. Thanks in advance!
I just got this Oxford EDS Link QX2000 attached to JEOL JSM 5300. I wonder if someone can enlighten me on way the Gross Integral and Net Integral are calculated from the EDS Link QX2000 and also what is that STRB?
Hi, The rotation calibration is described in Edington, using MoO3 samples. If you have any kind of sample for which a crystallographic direction is unambiguously known with respect to some linear feature of the sample then you can use that too. It is not hard to do this calibration. Just make double exposures (SAED and BF image) at each magnification for each camera length you are interested in. I think you can use a short cut: once the entire rotation calibration is done for a single camera length, then you need only do one magnification at any other camera length to get the whole thing - on the Philips microscopes I've used in the past, diffraction patterns do not rotate with change in camera length.
Milo
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Hi, It's likely caused by EMI, but could also be caused by a ground loop, or a noisy power supply.
Regards, Dave Harrison
On 27 Jul 00, at 17:21, waltew82-at-eng.uab.edu wrote:
} Hello I am observing a double image from my TEM filament. The microscope has } been aligned over and over. If anyone has seen this please help Thanks Wilbur }
By chance, has anyone run any calibration coatings with the Hummer VII using an Au/Pd target? The coating thickness is dependent on the thickness setting but also on the nm/minute rate. While the system is not meant to be absolute, it does provide a general idea of thickness. The question is whether there is one or more rate settings which have corresponding tables or relationships to end-point thickness settings? I am running at 80mTorr.
Hello Brett, I personally have a PS 790 & it's predecessor (both 19" View Sonic). I am quite happy with them. Max. refresh rates are 90hz at 1280x1024 & 76Hz at 1600x1200.... a no $ interest disclaimer applies here. The price of large monitors has dropped significantly which puts good monitors in the price range of not so good units. When looking at large monitors one thing to be weary of is a spatial non linearity across the screen (distortion). Unless your trying to make measurements on the screen with a hand ruler this is generally not noticeable. The larger the monitor, the more difficult this is to control. It is not uncommon to find small magnets glued to the CRT. This is obviously not an adjustable parameter. An easy way to look for/qualify the problem is to look to see if a round object in the middle is round or oval by the edge. This can vary with individual monitors. I have an expensive 19" (not VS) that has this problem to a greater extent than my 2 VS monitors in which it exist just a bit. Actually I hadn't even checked them 'til just now. The other thing I have run it to (and not recently) is color or brightness non-uniformity across the screen. Again this is often not noticed in normal computer applications. Try putting up a white screen & working with the brightness & contrast to check for this problem.
good luck, Bruce Brinson Rice U.
"Connolly, Brett" 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 seeking recommendations for 20-21 color monitors to use for histological } image analysis. Important parameters are high resolution and color } reproduction, refresh rates of at least 85Hz and , of course, reliability. } I've heard some good things about Viewsonics and the Sony GDM-500PS. Are } there any I should avoid? } } Thanks, } Brett } } Brett M. Connolly, Ph.D. } Merck Research Laboratories } Department of Pharmacology } WP26A-3000 } PO Box 4 } West Point, PA 19486 } Ph. 215-652-2501 } FAX 215-652-2075 } e-mail: brett_connolly-at-merck.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 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------. } } Hello I am observing a double image from my TEM filament. The microscope has } been aligned over and over. If anyone has seen this please help } Thanks } Wilbur
} } There now exists a WWW site where any individual can post } an electronic advertisement to dispose of SURPLUS equipment (ie not } new instrument sales). This site is open to all individuals, } organizations and vendors. The URL is: }
} } This is clearly an experiment. There will of course be some problems } and growing pains and if it doesn't work then I've only lost a few hours } of time. However, I expect that it could be reasonably successful } and fill a need in our community. So have at it. }
This is a wonderful thing, I'm sure it will work and will be much appreciated.
Will it be appropriate to post queries from those seeking items also, such as me in my ceaseless quest for 840 accessories?
cheers (at least three)
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 are having serious problems with the resolution of our EDS detector - the peak height-width ratio is terrible, around 450 counts. Consequently, our peaks look more like rolling hills and one peak blurs into another. I have callibrated the machine using an Al-Cu standard,
You do not say what your total count rate is or whether it is the same as it used to be for the standard you are using. I assume that both count rate and dead time are what they should be. I also assume that the FWHM of the Mn k-alpha peak is } 150 eV (regardless of height).
checked that the detector is kept cool, sample is tilted at 30 degrees, etc etc. I also got another microscopist to come and have a look to check my methods and he also concluded there was a serious problem.
When this happened to us, it turned out that the vacuum had deteriorated. After having sent the detector back for reconditioning, we designed and installed a valve which could be attached to the EM column pumping system. This enabled us to warm up and pump out the detector ourselves. After about 15 years, however, this no longer worked, and we had to send the detector for a pro- fessional cleaning.
Is there anything else I could try before I phone the Noran technicians and pay them a lot of $$$ to fix/replace the detector?
Get estimates for the various repair options. We decided to have Doug Connors of TNAS clean and overhaul our unit, since his price for that service was the cheapest. After the bakeout and pumpdown he performed, the resolution had returned to 147 eV (from ~200 eV when we sent it in). His charges for other services--which we hoped would not be needed--were comparable to Noran's and others'. We have no affiliation with Doug or TNAS except as customers. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol
} } } Our roughing pump which service our JSM6300 has began making a } rumbling noise which I might believe is bearings ... altho it could be } the pump's bearings or the motor's. Has anyone serviced this problem? }
I guess that this isn't your problem, but a couple of times I've had alarming sharp knocking noises from my belt-drive JEOL pumps, which have been completely cured with a few squirts of drive-belt dressing compound from an aerosol can. Seems to be some sort of sticky tacky lubricant, works well for me.
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
From looking at the image, I'd estimate that the features you need to analyse are about 1/2 micrometer for the body of the gate, and 100 nm for the surrounding material. For sufficiently low voltage and a sufficiently small beam you might have an emission volume small enough to obtain an analysis from the body. It's less likely that a meaningful analysis can be obtained just from the surrounding layer. However, you might be able to measure apparent elemental concentrations as a function of po- sition and calculate the concentrations in the layer with the assumption that both body and layer have uniform compositions--this is not a trivial assumption.
I know that PSG, Al and poly si are correctly marked. The poly gate is what is confusing me. Its contrast is like the surrounding oxide while its interior is like the poly layer....or it could be metal over poly.
Here may be a problem. In order to reduce the size of the emission volume, you need to lower the voltage; however, if the voltage is too small, there might not be a enough overvoltage to obtain sufficient yield of a suitable x-ray line from the elements in the layer.
Based on these rather small feature sizes, will quantitative x-ray analysis produce viable results? If I probe the small central area of the gate, will I get the results of that area or the results of it and the surrounding material?
Could be. Probably just from the body with the right exsperimental parameters. Good luck. Yours, Bill Tivol
You can do in situ hybridisation on plant material embedded in wax, LRWhite, LRGold, BMM (butyl methyl methacrylate) and probably historesin. I haven't looked for references on in situs in non-embedded material, but there is no reason why you couldn't do this in the same way people do antibody labelling of plant material for immunofluorescence. I've seen bacteria processed for in situs without resin embedding.
Good review article: McFadden (1989) Cell Biol Int Rep 13:3-21 covers use of wax and resin for in situs.
Quite a few people still use FAA as a fixative, which is OK for tissue work but makes my cell biologist hair stand on end! However, you usually need to do protease digestion if you fix with aldehydes as the probes have a hard time getting in through a highly cross-linked protein matrix.
If you fix in 4% paraformaldehyde and embed in BMM, you can do both antibody labelling and in situs on the same material. See Kronenberger et al. (1993) Cell Biology International 17:1013-1021 for BMM embedding protocol for in situs.
cheers, Rosemary
} } Dear list member: } } Would someone direct me to websites and/or texts about in situ } hybridization techniques? I'll be working with gene expression in shoot } meristems from plant material (in vivo and in vitro). } For regular LM I use glutaraldehyde+paraformaldehyde as a fixative and } Historesin (Leica) for embedding, but I don't think this method would be } appropriate. } I'd appreciate some input. } Thank you very much in advance } } Adriana
Rosemary White Microscopy Centre CSIRO Plant Industry GPO Box 1600 Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
The Gross Integral and NetIntegral values on Oxford Instruments (ex Link) EDS systems refer to the total number of counts in a set energy window (Gross Integrals) and the number of counts in the energy window after subtracting the background (Net Integrals). The background is calculated by drawing a line between the top of the first window channel and the top of the last window channel, all the area under that line is assumed to be the background.
STRB is the zero energy strobe.
Have fun with your QX2000,
Ron
On Sat, 29 Jul 2000, Fauzi Mohd Som wrote:
} I just got this Oxford EDS Link QX2000 attached to JEOL JSM 5300. I wonder } if someone can enlighten me on way the Gross Integral and Net Integral are } calculated from the EDS Link QX2000 and also what is that STRB? } } TQ. } } } }
=========================================================================== 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. ============================================================================
We are looking for TEM capability to run a few thin film cross section samples. The films are ~100nm thick, & we need full crystallographic analysis, as well as imaging of the top surface, interface with substrate etc.
If anyone has these capabilities, preferably in Europe, can you contact me off list?
Thanks
Tim
***************************************************************** Tim E. Harper Managing Director CMP Cientifica s.l. Space & NanoTechnology Division Phone +34 91 640 71 85 Fax +34 91 640 71 86 http://www.cmp-cientifica.com/
Bill - you are an optimist. Very much doubt that anything close to 2 um diameter or less can be truly quantitative (in SEM type instrument; within +/- 1% of reality). If you lower the kV you run out of oomph, if the specimen is light (not needing much oomph, then the volume is even greater. I like optistist because they persevere. 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 ABN: 99 724 136 560 www.proscitech.com
On Monday, July 31, 2000 7:53 AM, "wft03-at-health.state.ny.us"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com [SMTP:"wft03-at-health.state.ny.us"-at-sparc5.microscopy.com] wrote: } } } Dear Gary, } } The link below shows what I am trying to analyze. } } http://photoweb.net/ICxsect.jpg } } From looking at the image, I'd estimate that the features you need to } analyse } are about 1/2 micrometer for the body of the gate, and 100 nm for the } surrounding } material. For sufficiently low voltage and a sufficiently small beam you } might have } an emission volume small enough to obtain an analysis from the body. It's } less likely } that a meaningful analysis can be obtained just from the surrounding layer. } However, } you might be able to measure apparent elemental concentrations as a } function of po- } sition and calculate the concentrations in the layer with the assumption } that both body } and layer have uniform compositions--this is not a trivial assumption. } } I know that PSG, Al and poly si are correctly marked. The poly } gate is what is confusing me. Its contrast is like the surrounding } oxide while its interior is like the poly layer....or it could be metal } over poly. } } Here may be a problem. In order to reduce the size of the emission } volume, you } need to lower the voltage; however, if the voltage is too small, there } might not be a enough } overvoltage to obtain sufficient yield of a suitable x-ray line from the } elements in the layer. } } Based on these rather small feature sizes, will quantitative x-ray } analysis produce viable results? If I probe the small central } area of the gate, will I get the results of that area or the results } of it and the surrounding material? } } Could be. Probably just from the body with the right exsperimental } parameters. } Good luck. } Yours, } Bill Tivol } }
Broadened peaks can be caused by electromagnetic interference. We experienced this problem several years ago when we decided to "tidy-up" the maze of cables lying around on the floor. Without thinking, we neatly coiled up the detector signal cable and hung it on a clip attached to the back of the EDS monitor. Soon after, we began realizing that our peak width had increased significantly. It was only after much pain and grief that we realized what we had done. The intense electromagnetic field generated by the flyback coil in the monitor was the culprit. As soon as we un-coiled the cable the peak width returned to normal.
Look for sources of fields such as monitors, fluorescent lights, etc. Moving them as little as a foot or so can make a big difference.
Dennis B. Barr (dennbarr-at-eastman.com) Physical Chemistry Research Laboratory Physical & Analytical Chemistry Research Division Eastman Chemical Company Kingsport, TN 37662-5150
B-150B, R-132E, (423) 229-2188
} -----Original Message----- } From: E. J. McKenzie [SMTP:elizm-at-pdx.edu] } Sent: Friday, July 28, 2000 12:31 PM } To: microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: EDS resolution } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } 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, } } we are having serious problems with the resolution of our EDS detector - } the } peak height-width ratio is terrible, around 450 counts. Consequently, our } peaks look more like rolling hills and one peak blurs into another. I have } callibrated the machine using an Al-Cu standard, checked that the detector } is kept cool, sample is tilted at 30 degrees, etc etc. I also got another } microscopist to come and have a look to check my methods and he also } concluded there was a serious problem. } } Is there anything else I could try before I phone the Noran technicians } and } pay them a lot of $$$ to fix/replace the detector? } } regards } Liz McKenzie } -------------------------------------------------- } Geomicrobiology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory } Room S9 Cramer Hall } 1721 SW Broadway } Portland State University } Portland } OR97201 } } ph:503 725 3362 } fax:503 725 3025 }
Shut down the instrument and remove the drive belt from the mechanical pump/Motor. Restart the instrument to power the vacuum pump motor to isolate which is faulty. Chances are that it is the vacuum pump and you will hear the motor running quietly. If it is the motor, replacement of the motor is required. If the noise is coming from the vacuum pump you could change the oil, and that is worth a try. If one or more of the bearings are defective they are easily replaced but you will need a gasket kit.
If you are under a service contract that would be the best place to start. Hope this helps
John Humenansky/Staff Scientist Physical Electronics, Inc. (PHI) 6509 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-828-6387
I have been invited to present an overview talk on elemental microanalysis in botany during the 7th International Conference on Nuclear Microprobe Technology and Applications (ICNMTA'2000), Bordeaux 10-15 September 2000. I would like to cover recent applications in research areas such as plant physiology, agriculture and environmental pollution. Special emphasis will be made on an update of nuclear microprobe applications, following the research summarised during the Santa Fe conference in 1996 and published in Nucl. Instr. Meth. B130 (1997) 335. I also intend to report on problems solved using other microanalytical techniques such as EDX, SIMS, LMMS, SXRFM and EELS. I will greatly appreciate your cooperation in that matter as I do not want to miss any related work in the overview. Please send me any information of relevance, a reprint, fax copy or just an e-mail with the list of publications. Due to time restrictions I would be grateful for your fast reply.
Best regards
Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybylowicz
Dr Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybylowicz Materials Research Group National Accelerator Centre PO Box 72 Faure 7131 South Africa E-mail: mesjasz-at-srvnac3.nac.ac.za Fax: +27-21-8433543 Phone: +27-21-8433820
We recently purchased a Nikon Coolpix 990 for documentation use, but I am absolutely loving the resolution and capability of this camera. Does anybody know where I can find an adapter to use it on my various scopes throughout the lab? I know that they make some lenses for this camera, but does anybody know of any third party adapters or methods besides some duct tape and a steady hand holding to an eyepiece (just kidding...)?
Thanks for your help, ~Jonathan Dunlap
Jonathan Dunlap Electronic Components and Materials Analytical Laboratory Manager Osram Sylvania Inc. 816 Lexington Avenue Warren, PA 16365 Ph: 814-726-6991 Fax: 814-726-6956
} Bill - you are an optimist. Very much doubt that anything close to 2 um } diameter or less can be truly quantitative (in SEM type instrument; within +/- } 1% of reality). If you lower the kV you run out of oomph, if the specimen is } light (not needing much oomph, then the volume is even greater. } I like optistist because they persevere. }
Guilty. On the HVEM--much different, but with relatively large beam size (~0.5 mu-m)--I was able to distinguish a feature ~0.25 mu-m across. You're correct about quantitation.
} } I know that PSG, Al and poly si are correctly marked. The poly } } gate is what is confusing me. Its contrast is like the surrounding } } oxide while its interior is like the poly layer....or it could be metal } } over poly.
To distinguish between oxide and a metal surrounding the poly, all you would need is a qualitative analysis. That's what I am optimistic about. You're right about the greater volume for less dense materials. Since the range of electrons is roughly the same in units of mg/cm^2 for all materials with the same number of protons as neutrons in the nucleus, scattered electrons will travel further. The hope is that there is enough oomph and small enough volume at a particular energy. This could happen if there is a good low-energy (m or n) line for a heavier element which is not either on top of a k or l line for a lighter element and which is not buried in noise or too low a cross section. Yours, Bill Tivol
} I have a TEM Philips CM12 and one problem of this type of microscope is to } know all the rotation angles between the SAED pattern and the image in every } magnification. Surely it is possible to use a test specimen to determine } this angles, but may be there is someone had done this and he have this list } and he can help me. } Dear Elena, The Mag-i-cal specimen has instructions for doing this. I am not affiliated with this specimen or its vendor(s) except as a user. Yours, Bill Tivol
To the wealth of knowledge on the Microscopy Listerver,
We are looking into purchasing a digital camera for our TEM... We have a Philips 208S and do mostly diagnostic work here in the EM lab related to kidney biopsies...
I have looked at two cameras.. The AMT 1K and the Gatan Dual view 1K.. They both deliver acceptable images.. I was just wondering what kind of problems have occurred with both cameras after that have been set up and in operation? i.e. customer service? problems? breakdowns?
As was mentioned, the Mag-i-cal sample is really good for determining the roation calibration. You can either buy or make a sample of MoO3 by heating wire or foil in air until you get white smoke and waving a coated grid around in the smoke.
You do have a 180 degree ambuguity in the diffraction pattern. To eliminate that, go to a convergent beam mode and underfocus the pattern (decrease the condenser lens strength) until you see the BF image in the disk. That will correlate with both the image and the diffraction pattern.
-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: Belluso elena [mailto:belluso-at-dsmp.unito.it] } Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2000 12:33 PM } To: Microscopy-at-sparc5.microscopy.com } Subject: rotation angle between SAED and image in TEM } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------- } 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/MicroscopyListse} rver/FAQ.html } } } -------------------------------------------------------------- } ---------. } } } Hello everyone, } I have a TEM Philips CM12 and one problem of this type of } microscope is to } know all the rotation angles between the SAED pattern and the } image in every } magnification. Surely it is possible to use a test specimen } to determine } this angles, but may be there is someone had done this and he } have this list } and he can help me. } } Thank you everyone, } Elena Belluso } } } } ---------------------------------------------------- } Elena BELLUSO } Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche } Via Valperga Caluso, 35 } I-10125 TORINO - ITALIA } tel:(39) 011 670 7135 - fax: (39) 011 670 7128 } e-mail: belluso-at-dsmp.unito.it } http://www.dsmp.unito.it } ---------------------------------------------------- } }
Dear Gary, I had a look at your image and I recently had a similar problem with the analysis of fine layers in a GaAs/Al device. I was able to get good analyses by lowering the acc. voltage to 3 to 5 kV. In that case I used the L lines of Ga and As and the K line of Al to probe each layer in turn. My Monte Carlo program tells me that the x-ray generation volume for carbon, aluminum and silicon is 0.2 microns in depth and diameter at 3 kV, giving you the resolution you need to analyse the edge and centre of the gate, assuming that C, O, Al and Si are all the elements present. The 3 kV is almost a doubling of the highest energy line analysed (1.74 keV Si Ka line) and should excite all the lines you need. At 08:29 PM 7/27/00 -0700, you wrote:
} At 03:50 PM 7/27/00, you wrote: } } Since so many variables come into play, it is not surprising that details } } are a bit vague in the book. Haven't referred to it in quite a while and } } I forget the exact wording... } } Taming the variables is where the statistical software is handy. } } } } I can't imagine differing lens construction making a difference in the } } analysis volume other than a conical lens permitting higher tilt angles } } for certain specimens which will cause the volume to skew along the } } surface (the incident beam angle variable). Have I missed something? } } } } Since the beam diameter is typically MUCH smaller than the analysis } } volume, variations in its size will not significantly affect the } } x-ray analysis resolution. One exception to this is WDS analysis. } } Sometimes HUGE beam currents are desired. This can lead to a(fat)beam } } that will limit x-ray resolution. Generally speaking, if you can see a } } crisp SE image at the desired magnification, the lens configuration } } and beam diameter are not part of the analysis volume equation. } } At this point you may or may not have enough beam current to achieve } } the desired count rate. } } Rule of thumb: Only if you must increase the beam current/spot size } } (to raise the count rate) until the SE image is no longer well resolved } } is it time consider beam size affecting the outcome. } } } } Woody } } The link below shows what I am trying to analyze. } } http://photoweb.net/ICxsect.jpg } } I know that PSG, Al and poly si are correctly marked. The poly } gate is what is confusing me. Its contrast is like the surrounding } oxide while its interior is like the poly layer....or it could be metal } over poly. } } Based on these rather small feature sizes, will quantitative x-ray } analysis produce viable results? If I probe the small central } area of the gate, will I get the results of that area or the results } of it and the surrounding material? } } gary g. } 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
} I'm seeking recommendations for 20-21 color monitors to use for histological } image analysis. Important parameters are high resolution and color } reproduction, refresh rates of at least 85Hz and , of course, reliability. } I've heard some good things about Viewsonics and the Sony GDM-500PS. Are } there any I should avoid? }
I use Viewsonic P185 monitors. I have 7 of them. I understand there is an updated model (perhaps the P817?). I much prefer them to Sony. Sony uses an aperture grill supported by wires that create two very fine lines visible on the screen. We use the monitors at our graphics workstations, on our Hitachi S3500n SEM and on our Gatan CCD camera on the Philips TEM.
Rick A. Harris, Director Microscopy and Imaging Facility Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology 1241 Life Sciences Addition University of California Davis, CA 530 752 2914 530 754 7536 fax http://katie.ucdavis.edu raharris-at-ucdavis.edu
Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth...I agree with Jonathan Dunlap - the Nikon CoolPix 990 is a great digital camera. Ours was purchased for departmental use so it's used out in the field, on the copy stand, etc. Everyone has been very pleased with the images. best regards, Beth
************************************** Beth Richardson EM Lab Coordinator Botany Department University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602
I just saw that Bruce mentioned measurements with a ruler on the computer screen:
I don't think, that is a viable method of measuring something. The glass on the monitors is quite thick to withstand the enormous forces at the center of the screen (at 1kg/cm2 the screen glass has to be thick!!). Since the image is created on the inside, while the ruler is on the outside, the angle at which you look at the ruler plays a significant role. Just place a ruler on the screen and move your head. The measurements will change by much more than the distortion of the screen (unless it's really bad).
For accurate measurements, one should always (in my opinion) use software to do the measurements. That makes the measurement completely independent of display devices.
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: Bruce Brinson [mailto:brinson-at-cnst.rice.edu] Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2000 9:35 PM To: Connolly, Brett Cc: 'MSAMicroscopy'
Hello Brett, I personally have a PS 790 & it's predecessor (both 19" View Sonic). I am quite happy with them. Max. refresh rates are 90hz at 1280x1024 & 76Hz at 1600x1200.... a no $ interest disclaimer applies here. The price of large monitors has dropped significantly which puts good monitors in the price range of not so good units. When looking at large monitors one thing to be weary of is a spatial non linearity across the screen (distortion). Unless your trying to make measurements on the screen with a hand ruler this is generally not noticeable. The larger the monitor, the more difficult this is to control. It is not uncommon to find small magnets glued to the CRT. This is obviously not an adjustable parameter. An easy way to look for/qualify the problem is to look to see if a round object in the middle is round or oval by the edge. This can vary with individual monitors. I have an expensive 19" (not VS) that has this problem to a greater extent than my 2 VS monitors in which it exist just a bit. Actually I hadn't even checked them 'til just now. The other thing I have run it to (and not recently) is color or brightness non-uniformity across the screen. Again this is often not noticed in normal computer applications. Try putting up a white screen & working with the brightness & contrast to check for this problem.
good luck, Bruce Brinson Rice U.
"Connolly, Brett" 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 seeking recommendations for 20-21 color monitors to use for histological } image analysis. Important parameters are high resolution and color } reproduction, refresh rates of at least 85Hz and , of course, reliability. } I've heard some good things about Viewsonics and the Sony GDM-500PS. Are } there any I should avoid? } } Thanks, } Brett } } Brett M. Connolly, Ph.D. } Merck Research Laboratories } Department of Pharmacology } WP26A-3000 } PO Box 4 } West Point, PA 19486 } Ph. 215-652-2501 } FAX 215-652-2075 } e-mail: brett_connolly-at-merck.com }
we have several CoolPix here with adapters for different scopes - the folks at Diagnostic Instruments are very helpful in discussing and selecting components. You can then purchase through one of their distributors. Be aware that depending on your microscope you'll need some relatively expensive components to couple to the photo port because the CP has a non removeable lens. For others it is as simple as an adapter tube. Make sure you also get the Nikon shutter release bracket (unless the 990 has a remote shutter release - the 800/950 doesn't)
regards, Wolfgang Ziegler
At 10:34 AM 7/31/00 -0400, you wrote: } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Hi. I am a studant from Brazil and I´m trying to measure the grain size of my samples (They are Niobium 9%Tantalun). I know there are a lot of softwares available on the internet, but I don´t know where and if there is a specific program to analise the grain size of metals. Please, remember that I work at Brazil, so I don´t have any money buy a software. We allways try to do the best we can.
Thank you very much..... João Paulo Barros Machado.....
Please answer this email for: jpbm-at-easygold.com.br
A few weeks ago, I asked if there was interest in having an Emispec Users Group meeting at M&M. Emispec is willing to have one if there is interest. So far, I have not received very many replies. I will have to let Emispec know what the interest level is and if there isn't much, it will not fly.
If you have an Emispec system and you have an interest in having this meeting at M&M, please let me know.
Please pass this message on to Emispec users and have them respond to me.
If you already responded to me, it wouldn't hurt to do so again.
Thanks,
-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
FALL 2000 COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT - Transmission Electron Microscopy (BIO. 221-E2)
NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Long Island, NY)
A fourteen week, Fall 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 ONE EVENING PER WEEK, Thursdays, starting at 5:30pm. Classes will begin on Sept. 7 and end on Dec. 14, 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.
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} .
For those without www access, the catalog description is specified below. If you have further questions, you should e-mail me directly at the address below.
Interested individuals should register early (by Aug. 10) since the course is limited to a total enrollment of ten (10) students.
Questions regarding the actual registration process can be directed to our registrar at (516) 572-7355. ________________________________________________________________________________
CATALOG DESCRIPTION BIO 221: Transmission Electron Microscopy -- 4 credits Prerequisites: BIO 109-110 (Intro. Bio.) or equivalent, CHE 151-152 (Inorganic Chem.) An introduction to the basic principles of transmission electron microscopy including tissue preparation, microscope (TEM) operation, black & white photography, and micrograph interpretation. The entire laboratory is devoted to the development of skills and preparative techniques involved with the operation of an actual transmission electron microscope. (3 lecture, 3 laboratory hours). Laboratory fee applies. ________________________________________________________________________________
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}
Thanks very much to all who have responded to this initial posting. It seems to me that the data I have received confuses me for than before. But the ideas presented are great to consider. Proving them out is quite another matter.
At 09:14 AM 7/30/00, you wrote: } Gary, } } It is common for IC manufacturers to use metals in direct contact with poly } gates thus reducing the sheet resistance of the poly especially for } interconnects such as in your image. It could be that the similar contrast } means a titanium-silicide or something like that. Therefore, to excite the } higher x-ray lines will require higher beam voltage and you are correct in } wondering about the volume which is generating the detected x-rays. } } I have had much better success analyzing semiconductor cross sections with } Auger than EDS. Auger's built-in ion gun sputtering provides a good means } of cleaning the face of the cross section, the resolution (for imaging and } analyzing) is certainly adequate for this size structure and once you have } identified the elements present over an area, a line scan nails the elements } present in the gate. } } I have some question about the labels on the photo. Are you really sure } about those?
I offer a second image at
http://photoweb.net/icxsect2.jpg
which is a different and augmenting image of the IC structure.
I am not sure of the identification of each layer but I am pretty sure of them. However, I can be dissuaded by alternate opinions. The main point here is I think to keep in mind that this is a fifteen year plus construction...it is not modern. Therefore, what would be vogue or state-of-the-art back then?
The ability of x-ray analysis to quantify the various layers seems to be easy or impossible, based on the feedback I have received. On first blush, it does seem difficult based on the small geometric area available for probing. I do not yet have an x-ray capability but will be receiving one soon. It is a 133eV light element dewar system. It will be interesting to see how it performs in this application.
I forgot to add the URL to a second image. Here it is:
http://www.photoweb.net/icxsect2.jpg
This and the previous image are BSE. The Z contrast in these images is telling, I think. The problem is that they are not conclusive. The particular problem is the area at the substrate surface. I think that this is a gate area, surrounded by field oxide. But I am not sure. What is really troubling is the central portion of the structure in the center of the image. It has the same contrast as the poly Si....but how could such a structure be made?
A puzzle.
gary g.
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