Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (tkallison-at-comcast.net) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Sunday, May 1, 2005 at 12:35:13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The nature of the gas used in plasma cleaning is related to the material your trying to remove as well as the design of the actual plasma cleaner attached to your instrument.
For Carbon based contamination an Oxygen-based plasmas are generally better. However, for light cleaning Argon or Argon/Oxygen mixtures also works well. I generally plasma clean my samples in an stand alone unit before looking at it in any of my FEG TEMs or SEMs.
I have not had much success using pure Nitrogen in a plasma cleaning system (although I have used "room air" which contains alot of O2 which does the real work). That being said, clean low pressure Nitrogen purges were a technique developed by Ron Vane (of XEI Scientific) many years ago also to clean SEM columns. This worked reasonably well, however, I believe the active Oxygen base plasma systems which are now available work better.
I would suggest that you look at the WWW site of XEI Scientific http://www.evactron.com/index.html who markets plasma cleaning units that interface to EO Columns. In addition, you might look at the WWW sites of SouthBay Technology http://www.southbaytech.com/ , SPI http://www.2spi.com/ and Fischione Instruments http://www.fischione.com/ who also sell ancilliary units (but donot attach to columns). They have additional information on plasma cleaning which you might find useful.
Nestor Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp
Disclaimer: My employer Argonne National Laboratory, holds the original patent on Plasma Cleaning systems for use in Electron Microscope Columns and/or as stand alone ancillary devices. The above mentioned companies are all licensee's of that patent.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 1 21:40:49 2005
Having just come from the semiconductor industry, if your application is for the chamber of a CDSEM you're going to need something with higher wattage. MKS has some nice products and are widely accepted in the CDSEM market. http://www.mksinst.com/PRG1.html. Nitrogen is not the gas youre interested in, should be a mixture of argon and oxygen. --- "Nestor J. Zaluzec" {zaluzec-at-microscopy.com} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Ted } } The nature of the gas used in plasma cleaning is } related to the material your trying to remove } as well as the design of the actual plasma cleaner } attached to your instrument. } } For Carbon based contamination an Oxygen-based } plasmas are generally better. However, for } light cleaning Argon or Argon/Oxygen mixtures also } works well. I generally plasma } clean my samples in an stand alone unit before } looking at it in any of my FEG TEMs or SEMs. } } I have not had much success using pure Nitrogen in a } plasma cleaning system (although } I have used "room air" which contains alot of O2 } which does the real work). } That being said, clean low pressure Nitrogen purges } were a technique developed by Ron Vane } (of XEI Scientific) many years ago also to clean } SEM columns. This worked reasonably well, } however, I believe the active Oxygen base plasma } systems which are now available work better. } } I would suggest that you look at the WWW site of } XEI Scientific http://www.evactron.com/index.html } who } markets plasma cleaning units that interface to EO } Columns. In addition, you might } look at the WWW sites of SouthBay Technology } http://www.southbaytech.com/ , SPI } http://www.2spi.com/ } and Fischione Instruments http://www.fischione.com/ } who also sell ancilliary units (but donot attach to } columns). } They have additional information on plasma cleaning } which you might find useful. } } Nestor } Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp } } Disclaimer: } My employer Argonne National Laboratory, holds the } original patent on Plasma Cleaning systems for } use in Electron Microscope Columns and/or as stand } alone ancillary devices. The above mentioned } companies are all licensee's of that patent. } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } Below is the result of your feedback form } (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by } (tkallison-at-comcast.net) from } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on } Sunday, May 1, 2005 at 12:35:13 } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } Email: tkallison-at-comcast.net } } Name: Ted Allison } } } } Organization: HITACHI } } } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Plasma } Cleaning Speciman Chamber } } } } Question: I am using the Plasma cleaner on my } CDSEM. Should I be using a ultra-Pure N2 to backfill } chamber while plasma cleaning? } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 02:16:49 2005
Nestor et al, it is important to remind everyone that quantification of strata by HT variation does work, but you must know some details your sample ahead of time. Of coarse it is not an easy work and cross sections (on SEM or TEM) give a direct look at the specimen stratification. But cross section is destructive ! RBS or X-ray reflectometry are usefull methodes too, but each with it's one limits.
To do that work using HT variation, one need a way to modelize theoricaly the interactions in the stratificated sample. Since a few years, some software are avaible which can simulate such situations, and with which one can determine the appropriate energies to pick data and fit these data.
I know two (and use one) of such soft : Stratageme (http://www.samx.com) and X-film (http://www.synergie4.com)), and I heard from one less sophisticated from Noran. They use phirozed models to simulate what happends in a stratificated sample and are able to calculate thickness of layers and composition of these layers. One must measure the k-ratio from the elements which are present. The unknown parameter sometimes difficult to evaluate is the real density of le layer, which may be quite differente from the bulk one. One can have the same element in different layers. The interfaces beween layers are supposed to be steep, but in case of diffusion, or a gradiaant in composition, one can introduce one or a serie of suplementary alloy layers. With flat sample, typically MBE or sputter coated layers on a polished substrate, it gives the best results, but I know people in France which have done such work with success on rough samples made by wet chemistry. The thickness range and the Z of the elements will determine the energie range to be used. What is easy is a comparaison between samples in a serie, where the absolute values can be verified by an other methode, cross section for exemple.
One limiation is that these softwares cannot until now modelise situations with particules included in a layers, like it can be done in Monte Carlo simulation.
The steps of such analysis are the following :
-first one discribe the sample in the software, and calculate the k-ratio versus HV curves,which discribe the variation of X-ray emission with the primary energie. One choose than on them the right energies to do the acquisitions. Of coarse, better is this description of the sample, easier will be the choice of the conditions, and more accurate the results. Two or three energies are enough. The application ingenior of my soft tells one energy is enough, but I prefer to use 2 or 3.
-secondly one acquire the spectra at these energies, and calculate real k-ratio, using standard reference samples of the elements. This is much work, because one need accurate standards, what is not always easy. As Ritchie asked, what sample is good as standard for O, in particular when one must work at 3 or 5 keV, where a carbon layer on an oxyde will be well seen and will give a bad backgroud shape on the low energy side of O-K. Using WDS will give much better results, but one must have one (!) and it's possible to do nice works with EDS too. (By the way, I work with EDS and cold FE-SEM, the most difficult situation !) One must only work in the drasticals conditions, with a long "time constant" of the acquiring chain, a clean detector, monitoring the beam current, re-polishing often each standard witch could have an oxyde layer, counting 300, 500" or more at low enregy to have a good signal to noise ratio, etc.
-third one put the k-ratio in the software and run the fit calculation. It's an iterative procedure, which will stabilize more or less fast, depending of the good "tunning" between the describtion and the reality of the sample, and the accuracy of the measurements. But what is interesting, is thait if one start with different "false" describtions of the sample, good measurements will converge to the same final situation.
I've done such work for example on series of magnetic multilayers such as Fe25Ni25Pt50 (nominal) 50 nm layers on Mgo, after annealing. Here are results for two samples :
Fe %at Ni %at Pt %at thickness (nm) fnp11 28 30 41.9 42.9 fnp12 25.7 32.5 41.8 42.1
The energies were 4, 8 and 12 keV.
An other case was with FePt alloys on MgO, with a Pd or Pt coverlayer and with or without a Pt buffer between the MgO substrate and the alloy. Thickness are 5 nm cover, 50 nm layer and 5-10 nm buffer. The results in one case were interesting : the sample should be 5 nm Pt, 50 nm PtFe, 10 nm Pt buffer, on MgO. The results is : one 61 nm layer of Fe43-Pt56 ! The buffer and the cover mixed during the anealing with the alloy layer. Of coarse, a gradiant couldn't be seen. One must perform RBS for that. X-ray reflectometry was unable to detect that. In such exemples, the density varies much with the Pt concentration.
OK, that all is a lot of work, time consuming, and in somes cases, when the combination line-energie/primary energie/depth doesn't match, or when one have multiple line supperpositions (Pt-N with Pd-M and C-K !!!), it don't work.
Last but not least, these software are expensive, and with a quite "relative" ergonomy ! But they work, and it's what we need !
Hope it's help, and feel free to ask for more info.
J. Faerber IPCMS-GSI (Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg Groupe Surface et Interfaces) 23, rue de Loess ; BP43 67034 Strasbourg CEDEX 2 France
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Stratification Analysis vai EDS by varying HT. } } Debbie } } IMHO, this is an inadvisable approach and will be potentially } frought with problems and inaccuracies. I certainly would } only try this as an absolute last resort. There are much better } and more accurate approaches. } } The simpliest would be for your user to make a cross-section of the sample, } (s)he can then image and analyze the respective strata by XEDS } using conventional approaches, geometries and correction factors. } } Talk to a Materials Scientist/Metallurgist at Purdue's Materials } Engineering / Microstructural Analysis Facility. They should } be able to help you, as this is a routine procedure in materials } characterization. } } Nestor } Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp. } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } Along these lines, I was recently asked if you could get an idea about } } stratification of different elements in a sample using EDS by adjusting the } } kV so that the beam would penetrate to different depths and then comparing } } the resulting spectra. The investigator expects that when a particular } } material (primarily light elements with some Zn and Mn of interest) dries } } down, some of the components will settle at different rates based on } } particle size and composition. He would be content with some very general } } data that would confirm or reject his theory. } } } } Is this possible or reasonable to get the desired information? Would Monte } } Carlo simulation be able to predict this type of information and help in } } determining the necessary sample thickness to make the results meaningful? } } } } Debby } } } } Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 } } Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 } } Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu } } S-052 Whistler Building } } 170 S. University Street } } West Lafayette, IN 47907 } } http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 05:06:15 2005
We are very glad to announce that for all of you that have been having problems with the smoothness of the surface as well as the thickness of the carbon tabs, 12 and 25 mm, we have a solution. After months of research and testing we have developed and have a tab which eliminates issues with rough surfaces, insufficient tackiness, hardness, and they have significant lower contaminant levels under EDS. These tabs mimic the old style tabs which became obsolete over one year ago. The part number for the New Improved Tabs are as follows: For the 12mm 77827-12 For the 25mm 77827-25
For more information please do not hesitate to contact us We look forward to hearing from you
Sincerely,
Stacie Kirsch Electron Microscopy Sciences P.O. Box 550 1560 Industry Road Hatfield, Pa 19440 Tel: 215-412-8400 Fax: 215-412-8450
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 05:06:35 2005
We are very glad to announce that for all of you that have been having problems with the smoothness of the surface as well as the thickness of the carbon tabs, 12 and 25 mm, we have a solution. After months of research and testing we have developed and have a tab which eliminates issues with rough surfaces, insufficient tackiness, hardness, and they have significant lower contaminant levels under EDS. These tabs mimic the old style tabs which became obsolete over one year ago. The part number for the New Improved Tabs are as follows: For the 12mm 77827-12 For the 25mm 77827-25
For more information please do not hesitate to contact us We look forward to hearing from you
Sincerely,
Stacie Kirsch Electron Microscopy Sciences P.O. Box 550 1560 Industry Road Hatfield, Pa 19440 Tel: 215-412-8400 Fax: 215-412-8450
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 08:06:01 2005
This is just a specific example of a new problem we'll all have to face in many aspects of our lives. With digital memory becoming exponentially cheaper, it will soon (if not already) be more-or-less 'free' to store just about everything - still photographs, video, audio recordings, DNA sequences, etc. (BIG BROTHER'S COMING - AAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH). But, how to find what you want (cataloging, screening, parsing ... maybe we need a new name). And we definitely need some bright young cybergeeks to work on this (as if they aren't already).
Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Art is long, and critics are the insects of a day. - Randall Jarrell
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 11:30:41 2005
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (cmagnus-at-virginia.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Friday, April 29, 2005 at 07:49:34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Are there any standardised systems for file naming and cataloging of digital images on computer which you could recommend as useful for a lab seeking to standardise its recording of microscope images?
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com) from on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:04:44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com Name: Rick Powell
Organization: Nanoprobes, Inc
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Vacancy: Microscopy Technician, Nanoprobes Inc.
Question: Nanoprobes, Incorporated is a developer and manufacturer of immunogold probes and reagents located on Long Island, NY.
We are looking for a MICROSCOPY TECHNICIAN (recent Associates or BS). We need someone to help us keep our TEM up and running, then use TEM, light and fluorescence microscopy to evaluate prototypes and new products.
Job functions:
(1) Maintain and operate our TEM, schedule and coordinate repairs, maintain and manage ancillary facillities - darkroom, processing equipment and chemicals, and film.
(2) Transmission electron microscopy of samples including gold and other metal nanoparticles, autometallographically enhanced gold, and biological specimens stained or labeled with these reagents; negative staining and counterstaining as required.
(3) Help us acquire and set up lab and equipment for biological specimen processing (embedding, sectioning, etc.), then apply these methods to develop systems in which to test new staining and immunolabeling reagents.
(4) Light microscopy and fluorescent microscopy, including correlative light/electron and fluorescence/electron microscopy.
You might also work with some other biological immunostaining and detection applications (blots, gels), depending on the workload for microscopy.
We are looking for someone who can develop standard procedures for microscope operation, and for staining procedures for use as test systems to evaluate new reagents. The successful applicant will also help us implement systems for archiving and sharing microscopic data and images.
If this is you, please fax your resume to (631) 980-3608, or e-mail rpowell-at-nanoprobes.com. Unfortunately we can't offer relocation, so local candidates will be preferred.
************************************************************* NANOPROBES, Incorporated * www.nanoprobes.com 95 Horse Block Road, Yaphank, NY 11980-9710, USA *************************************************************
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Hi, Michael
Coverslips are part of the optical train. If the system calls for "no coverslip" and you use one, you will get spherical abberrations (lack of focus, hazy image).
For your transmitted light work, I would recommend using a coverslip (#1-1/2). For your reflected light work, no coverslip. The objectives you use can also be y our guide.
Hope this is helpful.
Best regards, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 05:14 AM 4/26/2005, michael shaffer wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 11:31:02 2005
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (nair.ashwin-at-gmail.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 22:27:29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I would like to know if there were any Transmission Electron Microscopy labs in and around Dallas-Fort Worth area. I hope you can help me as it is very crucial from my project's point of view. Looking forward to a favorable response.
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Hi
I suspect that your experience illustrates more the problems with quantitative oxygen analysis (by EDS) than with the analysis of nonconducting samples.
EDS can and does give very good quantitative analytical results, for elements from sodium up, for all sorts of silicates, most if not all of which are nonconducting.
What oxygen standard(s) are you using?
cheers
rtch
} } Email: pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu } Name: Pat McCurdy } } Organization: Colorado State University } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } Question: To Whom It May Concern: } } What accuracy should I expect from my EDS system when analyzing } non-conducting samples? I have consistently been getting a ratio of } 1:2.5 for Si to O when analyzing a well-grounded piece of quartz. The } applications guy for our system told me even if I coat the outside I } will still get charging in the bulk which will skew my results. I } tried to take into account the charging by looking at where the } bremsstrahlung tailed off and adjusting the accelerating voltage by an } appropriate amount. Still the results show an oxygen-to-silicon ratio } greater than two. Any help would be greatly appreciated. } } Sincerely, } } Pat McCurdy } Research Scientist } Colorado State University } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } ----- }
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 11:41:33 2005
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (monica.iliescu-at-polymtl.ca) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 07:51:45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to learn if someone of you imagined, in conventional high vacuum SEM, samples of blood clots, and if yes, how proceed for the specimen preparation.
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Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (shaenon-at-hotmail.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:50:27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for softening insect cuticle for histological work. I am having much difficulty sectioning insect ears as the cuticle is so hard. Any ideas or suggestion?
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Stratification Analysis vai EDS by varying HT.
Debbie
IMHO, this is an inadvisable approach and will be potentially frought with problems and inaccuracies. I certainly would only try this as an absolute last resort. There are much better and more accurate approaches.
The simpliest would be for your user to make a cross-section of the sample, (s)he can then image and analyze the respective strata by XEDS using conventional approaches, geometries and correction factors.
Talk to a Materials Scientist/Metallurgist at Purdue's Materials Engineering / Microstructural Analysis Facility. They should be able to help you, as this is a routine procedure in materials characterization.
Nestor Your Friendly Neighborhood SysOp.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 11:53:58 2005
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Along these lines, I was recently asked if you could get an idea about stratification of different elements in a sample using EDS by adjusting the kV so that the beam would penetrate to different depths and then comparing the resulting spectra. The investigator expects that when a particular material (primarily light elements with some Zn and Mn of interest) dries down, some of the components will settle at different rates based on particle size and composition. He would be content with some very general data that would confirm or reject his theory.
Is this possible or reasonable to get the desired information? Would Monte Carlo simulation be able to predict this type of information and help in determining the necessary sample thickness to make the results meaningful?
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
On 4/27/05 6:09 PM, "Mary Mager" {mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } Dear Pat, } The quantification of the EDS results on an SEM is complicated and very } dependant on many factors of the SEM, EDS system and sample. The } quantification of the very light elements is further complicated by the very } soft nature of the x-rays, which means that not all of them are detected, } and the very large correction factors that are calculated for atomic number } and absorption for the elements below sodium on the periodic table. If your } sample charges, then the apparent electron beam voltage drops as the sample } builds up a negative charge, which changes the calculation of the correction } factors. As a final problem, if the EDS detector gets contaminated with a } film of oil from the SEM pumping system, the softer x-rays from the lighter } elements get preferentially absorbed. I used to go from an oxygen peak half } the height of the silicon on my SiO2 standard, when the window was dirty, to } an oxygen peak twice the height of the Si, after I had cleaned the window. } Some questions: What is your EDS take-off angle? What is your EDS window } material? Is your SiO2 sample polished flat and exactly perpendicular to the } beam. Is it coated with a thin layer of carbon to prevent charging or are } you using variable pressure? Is your EDS window clean or can it be cleaned? } Sometimes it is better to use your sample as a standard in the EDS system, } than to try to get the EDS to produce the right numbers (standardless) for } these materials containing very light elements. In answer to your question, } not much accuracy. } Good luck, } Mary Mager } Electron Microscopist } Department of Materials Engineering } University of British Columbia } 6350 Stores Road } Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 } CANADA } Tel: 604-822-5648 } Fax: 604-822-3619 } e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca } ----- Original Message ----- } } From: "by way of MicroscopyListserver" {pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu} } To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} } Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:47 AM } Subject: [Microscopy] viaWWW: EDS Accuracy } } } } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } ---- } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } ----- } } } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu) from } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, April 25, 2005 at } 14:06:09 } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } } } } Email: pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu } } Name: Pat McCurdy } } } } Organization: Colorado State University } } } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } } } Question: To Whom It May Concern: } } } } What accuracy should I expect from my EDS system when analyzing } non-conducting samples? I have consistently been getting a ratio of 1:2.5 } for Si to O when analyzing a well-grounded piece of quartz. The applications } guy for our system told me even if I coat the outside I will still get } charging in the bulk which will skew my results. I tried to take into } account the charging by looking at where the bremsstrahlung tailed off and } adjusting the accelerating voltage by an appropriate amount. Still the } results show an oxygen-to-silicon ratio greater than two. Any help would be } greatly appreciated. } } } } Sincerely, } } } } Pat McCurdy } } Research Scientist } } Colorado State University } } } } } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- } - } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 11:46:55 2005
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Dear Pat, The quantification of the EDS results on an SEM is complicated and very dependant on many factors of the SEM, EDS system and sample. The quantification of the very light elements is further complicated by the very soft nature of the x-rays, which means that not all of them are detected, and the very large correction factors that are calculated for atomic number and absorption for the elements below sodium on the periodic table. If your sample charges, then the apparent electron beam voltage drops as the sample builds up a negative charge, which changes the calculation of the correction factors. As a final problem, if the EDS detector gets contaminated with a film of oil from the SEM pumping system, the softer x-rays from the lighter elements get preferentially absorbed. I used to go from an oxygen peak half the height of the silicon on my SiO2 standard, when the window was dirty, to an oxygen peak twice the height of the Si, after I had cleaned the window. Some questions: What is your EDS take-off angle? What is your EDS window material? Is your SiO2 sample polished flat and exactly perpendicular to the beam. Is it coated with a thin layer of carbon to prevent charging or are you using variable pressure? Is your EDS window clean or can it be cleaned? Sometimes it is better to use your sample as a standard in the EDS system, than to try to get the EDS to produce the right numbers (standardless) for these materials containing very light elements. In answer to your question, not much accuracy. Good luck, Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Department of Materials Engineering University of British Columbia 6350 Stores Road Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA Tel: 604-822-5648 Fax: 604-822-3619 e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca ----- Original Message ----- } From: "by way of MicroscopyListserver" {pmccurdy-at-lamar.colostate.edu} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:47 AM
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I would expect to get very good results. No matter what. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Some times, it is operator error...sigh.
What KV are you using? What probe size? What specimen current?
For light elements, low KV is fine/best. For Si and O and lower than Si, the K alpha shells are predominant. So I figure that you only need 4-5KV. This is what I use (5KV). I coat the specimen with around 50A of Au/Pd or Pt. No problem.
So, when done, EDAX Genesis will produce intensity error ratios for each detected and ID element. If the ratio is higher than about 12% or so, the quant is probably bad. Mostly this means to me that I made an error in Z ID. If the Genesis HPD curve says that the IDs are correct, but intensity ratios are bad, then either I missed something really close in Z value or there is indeed a specimen issue. Usually it is my fault. The intensity ratios and HPD help to sort this out.
I use SiO2 for Si and O but also X-Checker Extra BN for N. So this I think pretty much nails Si and Al. Then, I use C and N and F to close in on the lighter elements around O. X-Checker Extra goes down to Be. That is useful to check all elements from Cu on down and a test for Mn (the FWHM test).
I've not had a quant problem with Genesis. Many of these quants have been checked against other methods. I have seen no more than about 2-3%% or so of deviation. No guess why the difference. Perhaps it is volumetric interaction. And of course, which is right and which is wrong?
Also, which quant method are you using for your specimen? The default is ZAF. Fine. If you are using bulk specimens, I think that RhoZAF is better. For best results, PhiRhoZAF is IMO, better. But Genesis offers SEC correction factors to tweak the ZAF values based on whatever standard you use and admire.
Disclaimer: I use EDAX Genesis. I do not sell it, loan it or lease it. I am just a happy user. I also do not sell X-Checker.
gary g.
At 05:47 AM 4/27/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 12:02:43 2005
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Hi All,
I have just had to resurrect an old E306 coating unit which hasn't been used for a while and the manuals seem to have disappeared. The valve handle has an in and out position, with labels of, backing, roughing, valves closed, glow discharge, fine pumping and open. Which apply to the in and out position, and what should be the correct pumping sequence?
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 12:15:49 2005
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Dear Alicia,
We have had a Lynx processor for a while, so I can answer some of your questions:
1) We do not adjust the times compared to hand processing
2) We still do the osmium fixation step by hand - we were worried of getting an osmium deposit in the machine
3) Ethanol is all right as there is a rubber cover that closes the vessels most of the time, but propylene oxide does evaporate more quickly. I can not tell you whether propylene oxide is all right in long protocols since we work with acetone dehydration and do not use propylene oxide. You could fill the vessels up and do a test run with propylene oxide.
4) We have to clean all the vessels and the machine with acetone after each run. We embed in TAAB resin and are able to do the first 2 changes of 100% TAAB in the machine as long as we keep the incubation times low.
5) We do not use the Lynx for small or fragile specimens ( such as single cells or Vibratome sections ); I found it was rougher on the tissue than we are when we hand process it.
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (Alicia.Roh-at-carolinashealthcare.org) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 11:26:56 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: Alicia.Roh-at-carolinashealthcare.org } Name: Alicia Roh } } Organization: Carolinas Medical Center } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Lynx Automatic Tissue Processor } } Question: We have recently purchased a Lynx el Automatic Tissue Processor from EMS to help } assist with our clinical tissue processing. It appears that this machine has } been utilized in other laboratories for a number of years, and we would like to } know if anyone has any successes/challenges they would like to share with us. } Currently we use an 8-hour protocol for soft tissue (prior to embedding in 100% } resin). Our main inquires at this moment are: } } 1) Do any of the hand-processed protocol times need to be adjusted for use with } the automatic processor? } } 2) Is Osmium fixation recommended with the machine, or should that be hand } processed separately? } } 3) Is there excessive evaporation of 100% ethanol and/or propylene oxide that we } would have to account for by increasing volume? } } 4) Any challenges with the resin polymerizing in the vials, or excessive } dripping between vial rotations? } } 5) Does anyone use optical lens paper to 'wrap' the specimens prior to insertion } into the baskets. (Sometimes our samples are small enough to fall through the } holes). } } Any advice would greatly be appreciated! Thanks! } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- }
Dr. Gerd Leitinger
Institut für Zellbiologie, Histologie und Embryologie Medizinische Universität Graz Harrachgasse 21 A-8010 Graz Austria
I am posting on behalf of the daVinci Academy of Sciences and Arts, a new charter school in Ogden Utah.
My company, Mt Ogden Scientific Services (MOSS) is establishing a mentoring program with daVinci and the school is in need of a small SEM. If anyone has, or knows of a working SEM, that could be donated to the school, we would be very greatful to hear from you. This would be a fully tax deductible donation, and full acknowlegdement of this gift would be given, including the possibility of dedicating a science room to the donor.
Bill McManus Mt Ogden Scientific Services Ogden UT 84401 877/331-6677 www.mtogdensci.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 12:27:48 2005
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} The Minnesota Microscopy Society invites you to its Annual MMS Spring } Symposium to be held on Friday May 6, 2005 at the Science Museum of } Minnesota , 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul in the Discovery Hall } (www.sci.mus.mn.us). } } This year's focus is "Cutting Edge Technologies in Microscopy" } } Schedule } 7:30 - 8:15 AM Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Vendor Displays } 8:15 - 9:00 AM Tom Isabell, JEOL USA, Inc. } Trends in Electron Microscopy, A Corrected View of the Future } 9:00 - 9:45 AM David Larson, Imago Scientific Instruments; } Analysis of Materials on an Atomic Scale } 9:45 - 10:30 AM Break and Vendor Displays } 10:30 - 11:15 PM Scott Chumbley, Iowa State University } WebSEM: Interactive, On-Line Microscopy for Education } 11:15 - 12:00 PM Scott Chumbley and Amy Chumbley - WebSEM Demo } 12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch and Vendor Displays } 1:00 - 1:30 PM Business Meeting (Society elections, Project MICRO, } etc.) } 1:30 - 2:15 PM Paul Voyles, University of Wisconsin, Madison } Imaging Single Impurity Atoms with Z-contrast STEM } 2:15 - 3:00 PM Break and Vendor Displays } 3:00 - 3:45 PM Duane Krueger, University of St. Thomas } Windows into Fragile Materials: Confocal Light Microscopy and ESEM } } Registration } The cost of the meeting will be $75 for MMS members and $85 for } nonmembers. For students and K-12 teachers the registration fee is } $35. This fee includes the meeting, buffet lunch, breakfast, coffee } breaks, and a free pass to the Museum exhibits (a $7 value). } Registrants can pay at the door, but reservations must be made in } advance. } } The Science Museum of Minnesota always has an exciting array of } exhibits. In addition, the Omnitheater features are "Kilimanjaro" and } "Mars 3D". Tickets to the Omnitheater are extra. } } You must make your reservations by Tuesday, May 3rd, and you can do so } by contacting Robert Lundquist (robltt-at-juno.com; 763-494-7945). } Include your name, address, and phone number or e-mail address with } your reservation. Due to the high cost to the Society, we will have to } bill those who make reservations but do not show.
Prof. Stuart McKernan IT Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota E-mail : stuartm-at-umn.edu 12 Shepherd Labs, Office: (612) 624-6009 100 Union Street S. E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 Lab: (612) 626-7594
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 13:00:41 2005
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Believe it or not, I saw somebody successfully use Nair, the cosmetic hair remover product, for this very purpose. As I recall it was a project at the Southern Illinois University EM facility years ago involving serial LM sections through the abdomens of flies (affectionately referred to as the "bug butt" project).
For what it's worth.
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! 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.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:shaenon-at-hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:15 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (shaenon-at-hotmail.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:50:27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---
Question: Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for softening insect cuticle for histological work. I am having much difficulty sectioning insect ears as the cuticle is so hard. Any ideas or suggestion?
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Hitschfel Instruments, Inc, the St. Louis based Olympus Microscope dealer is seeking applicants for a microscope sales position in the St. Louis Metro area. If you are interested and want to learn more or submit your resume, please visit us by pasting this link into your browser:
hitschfel.com/employment.html
Thanks to all respondents and to Nestor for providing this valuable forum.
David L. Kinast Hitschfel Instruments, Inc. 2333 South Hanley Rd. St. Louis, MO 63144 Phone: 800/242-3501 Phone: 314/644-6660 Fax: 314/644-5877 dkinast-at-hitschfel.com hitschfel.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 13:06:51 2005
I would use the normal sort of processing: fix with 1.25% (maybe a little higher) glutaraldehyde in 0.1M PO4 buffer at pH 7.4 (if this is a mammalian system). If your clots have lots of cells in them, add 1% tannic acid (Mallinckrodt 1764 seems to work best). 2 hr or overnight in the refrigerator. Dehydrate through an EtOH series and critical point dry. Osmium usually isn't needed (for TEM yes) for things like this. IF the clot is dry, like happens on the skin, then just mount and coat, don't bother with anything else. A wet clot does require processing.
Phil
} Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (monica.iliescu-at-polymtl.ca) from } http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on } Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 07:51:45 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: monica.iliescu-at-polymtl.ca } Name: Monica ILIESCU } } Organization: Ecole Polytechnique } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } Question: Hello all: } } I would like to learn if someone of you imagined, in conventional } high vacuum SEM, samples of blood clots, and if yes, how proceed for } the specimen preparation. } } Thank you and best greetings, } } Monica } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax) http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/facstaff/Faculty/pages/albrecht/albrecht_web/Programs/microscopy/home.html
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 13:18:26 2005
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Hi Colin
referring to the arrow/pointer end of the handle (opposite the bit you hold on to):
1 IN and fully CCW, arrow pointing to "VALVES CLOSED" is the off position, in which you can switch off the rotary pump. For startup, turn on the rotary pump, let it run a minute or so before turning the handle:
2 90 deg CW, handle pops out, arrow points to 'BACKING" is the standby position, you can turn on the water, push the DIFF PUMP button, give the DP 30 mins or so to warm up, load samples and fresh carbon rod while you're waiting, Pirani should reach about 10 to the -1, then:
3 Push the handle in, turn 180 deg CCW, arrow points to "ROUGHING", rotary pump evacuates belljar while DP gets backed by ballast chamber, so don't spend too much time in this phase in case ballast runs out of suck, just until Pirani gets to about 2 by 10 to the -1, then:
4 Turn handle CW 180 deg back to "ROUGHING", allow it to pop out, then turn a further 180 deg CW to the "OPEN" position (same position as ROUGHING but with handle out, not in). This is the full evacuate mode, with the DP sucking on belljar and the RP sucking on the DP, in which you can switch on the Penning gauge, and when the vacuum is OK, you can turn on the power to the rods and do your coating.
I don't know about the Glow discharge position.
I can fax you some manual pages if you want.
cheers
rtch
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This isn't microscopy, but...
I need recommendation for a procedure to determine the Al content in kaolin clay by flame AA. Our "library" doesn't have any references and we are a little isolated from the local university...
If anyone has a procedure they don't mind sharing or a citation to a reference book please contact me.
Thanks!!!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
frank.karl-at-degussa.com
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 13:23:28 2005
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Hello Everyone,
A colleague of mine is interested in removing trichomes and fungal teliospores from grass leaf epidermis to do PCR. Is there any way she can remove individual trichomes/teliospores while looking under a microscope or there is some other way this can be achieved.
Any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Soumitra
************************************************************* Soumitra Ghoshroy College Associate Professor, Biology Director, Electron Microscopy Lab Box 3EML New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003 Tel: 505-646-3268 (office), 646-3283 (lab) Fax: 505-646-3282 e-mail:sghoshro-at-nmsu.edu http://biology-web.nmsu.edu/ghoshroy/ghoshroy.htm http://emldata.nmsu.edu/eml/
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 13:23:40 2005
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Hi Frank, it has been a while since I did trace metals analysis, but these links below are a good place to start. They are from the EPA's site for SW-846 methods. I assume that you have all the particulars for setting up the atomic absorption instrument. It is imperative that you suppress aluminum's tendency to ionize by adding 1000 ppm potassium as KCl: see this link http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/pdfs/7000a.pdf , and read section 3.1.4:
"Ionization interferences occur when the flame temperature is sufficiently high to generate the removal of an electron from a neutral atom, giving a positively charged ion. This type of interference can generally be controlled by the addition, to both standard and sample solutions, of a large excess (1,000 mg/L) of an easily ionized element such as K, Na, Li or Cs."
Be sure to add the KCl to both samples and standards. You will also have to make sure your aspiration "blank" is made up so that it has the same general concentration of acid and KCl as your digestion blank, samples and standards will have. A quick and dirty prep for the KCl solution is to keep adding KCl to about 100 mL of deionized (or demineralized) water until no more will go into solution. Then add 1 mL of it to each 100 mL of your working standard or digested sample - add it before you make the solutions up to final volume. Make a series of standards that will bracket the concentration of your sample. You may have to dilute your unknown to get it into the linear range for aluminum, and if that is the case, remember to add another mL of your saturated KCl solution. I cannot remember the linear range for aluminum in flame AA, but 30 mg/L sticks in my mind - though it may be higher. At any rate, that should be in the manual that came with your instrument.
Incidentally, you can use NaCl (table salt) instead of KCl, but you will have to put up with the fiercely bright orange light caused by the sodium. Not a pretty sight. Really tires the eyes!
This is a good first stop to look around: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm
Go to this link and check it out for the exact method you want: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/pdfs/chap3.pdf
For example, Method 3005 prepares ground water and surface water samples for total recoverable and dissolved metal determinations by FLAA, ICP-AES, or ICP-MS. The unfiltered or filtered sample is heated with dilute HCl and HNO prior to metal determination.
Then there is Method 3050 which prepares waste samples for total recoverable metals determinations by FLAA and ICP-AES, or GFAA and ICP-MS depending on the options chosen. The samples are vigorously digested in nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide followed by dilution with either nitric or hydrochloric acid. The method is applicable to soils, sludges, and solid waste samples.
Then go to this link for Method 7020 for the specifics for aluminum by flame AA: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/pdfs/7020.pdf
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Regards, Beth Bray bbray-at-sc.rr.com
-----Original Message----- } From: frank.karl-at-degussa.com [mailto:frank.karl-at-degussa.com] Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 3:50 PM To: microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com
This isn't microscopy, but...
I need recommendation for a procedure to determine the Al content in kaolin clay by flame AA. Our "library" doesn't have any references and we are a little isolated from the local university...
If anyone has a procedure they don't mind sharing or a citation to a reference book please contact me.
Thanks!!!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
frank.karl-at-degussa.com
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 13:16:20 2005
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I have a need to embed for ultramicrotomy a non-woven PTFE fibrous pad made out of nano-fibers. Spurrs and Epo-fix do not adhere well to the materials and ultra-sections tend to split along epoxy-pad interface. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Jerzy
****************************************************** Jerzy Gazda, Ph.D. CeriumLaboratories L.L.C.
Supervising Engineer 5204 E. Ben White Blvd. - MS 512 Austin, TX 78741 TEL: 1-800-538-8450, Ext. 51453 jerzy.gazda-at-ceriumlabs.com ******************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 14:01:54 2005
Is there any not to expensive upgrades that we could do for a Zeiss Axioskop microscope with Kontron Electronik image analysis system with automated stage? Currently it runs, I hope, under Win95. Any recommendations?
Regards, Pavel Lozovyy ATC SEM Lab (216)692-6637 http://www.atclabs.com/SEM.htm
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 15:12:39 2005
I need to dispose of these scopes. Does anyone know of a market for the Hitachi S450 SEM (circa 1978)or Jeol 100CX TEM (circa 1980)? I need to establish values, if any, for them. If they have no value I can donate them or give them away; so any takers? Both need ? minor repair I am told. The S450 has a second parts scope that goes with it. Thanks
Mike ****************************************************************** Michael L. Boucher Sr. mboucher-at-tc.umn.edu Lab Manager Rm 18 Office Ph 612-624-6590 I.T. Characterization Facility Rm 12 Main Off Ph 612-626-7594 MiNTeC node of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
University of MN Fax 612-625-5368 12 Shepherd Labs 100 Union Street S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 http://www.charfac.umn.edu ********************************************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 2 18:25:01 2005
I just posted today looking for a scope ( SEM) that could be donated to a new charter school here in Ogden UT. If the Hitachi has manuals and extra parts we can repair it. As the school is a public school this would be a fully tax deductible contribution.
Bill McManus 877/311-6677 } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } I need to dispose of these scopes. Does anyone know of a market for the } Hitachi S450 SEM (circa 1978)or Jeol 100CX TEM (circa 1980)? } I need to establish values, if any, for them. } If they have no value I can donate them or give them away; so any takers? } Both need ? minor repair I am told. The S450 has a second parts scope that } goes with it. } Thanks } } } Mike } ****************************************************************** } Michael L. Boucher Sr. mboucher-at-tc.umn.edu } Lab Manager Rm 18 Office Ph 612-624-6590 } I.T. Characterization Facility Rm 12 Main Off Ph 612-626-7594 } MiNTeC node of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network } } University of MN Fax 612-625-5368 } 12 Shepherd Labs } 100 Union Street S.E. } Minneapolis, MN 55455 http://www.charfac.umn.edu } ******************************************************************** } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 06:13:35 2005
I think you have two options: Find a Silane Coupling agent that with work with PTFE and your embedding resin of choice or CryoUltramicrotomy. Gelest Inc.( www.gelest.com ) has a nice booklet on the properties of the ones they offer but since I'm not a polymer chemist I'm not sure which one might work if any. I did not see one specifically for PTFE but they can tell you if this is a viable option or not. We use them in our Materials Microtomy course for just such an application with fantastic results with other materials. As for Cryoultramicrotomy; I know from personal experience that this works quite well but requires additional hardware and a different skill set. That's all I can think of regarding this slippery subject.
Cheers!
Al Coritz Electron Microscopy Sciences www.emsdiasum.com
} The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } I have a need to embed for ultramicrotomy a non-woven PTFE fibrous pad } made out of nano-fibers. Spurrs and Epo-fix do not adhere well to the } materials and ultra-sections tend to split along epoxy-pad interface. } Any suggestions will be appreciated. } } Thank you in advance. } } Jerzy } } ****************************************************** } Jerzy Gazda, Ph.D. CeriumLaboratories L.L.C. } } Supervising Engineer 5204 E. Ben White } Blvd. - MS 512 } Austin, TX } 78741 } TEL: 1-800-538-8450, Ext. 51453 } jerzy.gazda-at-ceriumlabs.com } ****************************************************** } } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 07:55:40 2005
We are using a 'home grown' software package for image analysis of digital photomicrographs. The author works here but might move soon which makes me think about the future.
Can anyone give me tips about good all-round image analysis software with standard forms of analysis - feature counts, areas etc. Preferably that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We are using PCs here.
Gareth Morgan MPhil MSc FIBMS, Department of Histo/cytopathology, Laboratory Medicine (Labmed), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, F46 SE 141 86 Stockholm Sweden
OBS! Besöksadress: F-Huset, Forskningsgatan 2 F52, Rum 2.10. Laboratoriet för klinisk patologi och cytologi.
NB! Visiting address: Building F, Research Corridor 2 F52, Room 2.10. Clinical Histo- and Cytopathology Laboratory.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 08:35:49 2005
In the past this forum has reviewed the work of students in the EM Practicum class at the Univ of Rochester. We have found this helpful in a variety of ways.
This year's class had some interesting self-proposed projects. The web version of these projects has been posted for your review and enjoyment (as well as comments). Please navigate to: http://xray.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/cml/opt307/spr05/index.html to see them.
Thanks! Brian McIntyre ____________________________________________________ Brian McIntyre University of Rochester Institute of Optics RCEMLab 585-275-3058 585-244-4936 fax
"Be well, do good work, and keep in touch"
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 08:43:50 2005
} Group, } } I would like to have some input from anyone who has experienced any negative effects on SEM operation as a result of wireless systems being installed near their instruments. We have two possible systems being considered for our building. One is a wireless Internet system and the other is a GPS based wireless clock system. Some specs on the wireless clock are listed below: } } Frequency Range: 72.100 to 72.400 MHz. } } Transmission Power: 1 watt (30dBm) maximum } } Radio technology: narrowband FM } } Transmitter output power: +26 to +30 dBm } } Thanks } } Roy Beavers } } Southern Methodist University } Department of Geological Sciences } P.O. Box 750395 } Dallas, TX 75275 } Voice: 214-768-2756 } Fax: 214-768-2701
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 09:22:41 2005
Hi everyone; I have a user who would like to look at the soluble phenolics in her tissues. We are planning on using cryosections of fresh tissue. I have some experience with using fluorescence to look at wall-bound phenolics, but I am wondering if anyone has any insights about keeping soluble phenolics in place for imaging?
thanks in advance shea
Dr. S. Shea Miller Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Telephone/Téléphone: 613-759-1760 Facsimile/Télécopieur: 613-759-1701 Rm 2068 K.W. Neatby Bldg 960 Carling Ave. Central Experimental Farm Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 millers-at-agr.gc.ca
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 09:51:57 2005
I'm seeking user feedback on the turbo model of the Denton Desk IV with or w/o Carbon yarn option.
I've been using the Denton Desk II with excellent results. However, with a higher resolution FESEM, I'm seeing effects of backstreaming from the mech pump even at just 5KV. Additionally, I am seeing the metal grains.
Any comments? Off-list is best. I'm trying to sort out equipment options and budgets based on what is out there.
tnx, gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 10:05:23 2005
I run a wireless LAN bridge at 5GHz with no problems. It an Airaya system. The only problem with it is aligning the antennas. The antennas are directional. Thus, if not pointed to the SEM, no big deal.
I can't see why you would have a problem at 72MHz. If an antenna was pointed directly at the SEM, you might. However, the frequency is so high the energy ought to be sucked to ground. If this system uses omnidirectional antennas (probably one at least at the TX side) then distance from the TX to the SEM might be an issue.
gary g. N6OIJ
At 07:11 AM 5/3/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 10:07:05 2005
I suppose you will get a lot of answers now: Buy this package or buy that package. I could do the same for our software, but rather I would like to give you a few general pointers:
1) Make sure you know what you are looking for. Take a good look at your workflows and what the important issues are. It would not be good to buy a package with all the bells and whistles just to find out that it cannot do a critical element of your workflow.
2) You may want to spend a little time with a demo version of the software you are contemplating to see if it fits your working style. A demo is good, but try to use the software yourself.
3) make sure that you can get support easily. If you cannot get support, you might be in a tight spot later.
4) Make sure to know what kind of licensing and how many licenses you want. network licensing can drastically reduce the cost.
5) Make sure the software that you purchase has programming capabilities so you can transfer some of your home-brewed applications.
6) By the same token, make sure that you have some overlap between installing the new software and your programmer leaving. My guess is that it will be very hard to transfer any application from a home-made system to a commercial system without the original programmer.
7) Make sure that the new software interfaces with your instruments and cameras (if applicable). Put together a list and send it to the potential vendors.
8) Check for workgroup requirements and capabilities. Do you need many people working on the same projects? Central storage of images? Reports?
These are just my 2 cents worth of advice. Contact me off-line if you want to discuss this further or if you want to get information about our products.
mike
Michael Bode, Ph.D. Soft Imaging System Corp. 12596 West Bayaud Avenue Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80228 =================================== 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: Gareth Morgan [mailto:Gareth.Morgan-at-labmed.ki.se] Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 07:25 To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi
We are using a 'home grown' software package for image analysis of digital photomicrographs. The author works here but might move soon which makes me think about the future.
Can anyone give me tips about good all-round image analysis software with standard forms of analysis - feature counts, areas etc. Preferably that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We are using PCs here.
Gareth Morgan MPhil MSc FIBMS, Department of Histo/cytopathology, Laboratory Medicine (Labmed), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, F46 SE 141 86 Stockholm Sweden
OBS! Besöksadress: F-Huset, Forskningsgatan 2 F52, Rum 2.10. Laboratoriet för klinisk patologi och cytologi.
NB! Visiting address: Building F, Research Corridor 2 F52, Room 2.10. Clinical Histo- and Cytopathology Laboratory.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 10:44:06 2005
I will probably be one of many to recommend ImageJ. (http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/) It is essentially a Java version of the old NIH Image software and thus is cross platform-- Windows, Mac and Linux. It is quite powerful and flexible. One of the great aspects of ImageJ is it's Java platform--a lot of folks can program Java and are always updating the site with new and exciting plugins. Also, the price it right, free!! Hope this works for you.
Sköl!
Tom Moninger
-----Original Message----- } From: Gareth Morgan [mailto:Gareth.Morgan-at-labmed.ki.se] Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 8:25 AM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi
We are using a 'home grown' software package for image analysis of digital photomicrographs. The author works here but might move soon which makes me think about the future.
Can anyone give me tips about good all-round image analysis software with standard forms of analysis - feature counts, areas etc. Preferably that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We are using PCs here.
Gareth Morgan MPhil MSc FIBMS, Department of Histo/cytopathology, Laboratory Medicine (Labmed), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, F46 SE 141 86 Stockholm Sweden
OBS! Besöksadress: F-Huset, Forskningsgatan 2 F52, Rum 2.10. Laboratoriet för klinisk patologi och cytologi.
NB! Visiting address: Building F, Research Corridor 2 F52, Room 2.10. Clinical Histo- and Cytopathology Laboratory.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 11:16:31 2005
Hi, A while back John Bozzola asked how to print out the files on a CD or any folder for that matter since OSX doesn't do that. In the recent MacWorld found a piece of software that does just that. There is a free version and an advanced version. See below for more info and URL. Have been using the free version which works just fine. I have no financial interest in this product, but definitely a happy user.
Print Window at http://swssoftware.com/products/printwindow/
We've brought back what Apple forgot.
Ever since Apple introduced Mac OS X, users have been complaining about the inability to easily print a file listing from directly within the Finder.
Enter Print Window.
Print Window offers the ability to print a file listing from directly within the Mac OS X Finder. No more taking screenshots of window or setting for text-only printouts of filenames only. Print Window provides the works: icons, file information, sorting and more!
Print Window Standard Features
Print Window provides you with the ability to fully control what your printed listings look like. You can decide whether or not to include icons, file information and page headers. You can pre-sort file listings by a variety of criteria. You can even print your file listings in multiple columns on the same page!
* Icons - If you want your file listings to include icons, you can. If you don't want icons, don't worry, they're not required. If you do print icons, you can also decide how large you want them to be (16x16 pixels to 128x128 pixels). * File Information - With Print Window, you can decide if you want your file listing to include just the file names or if you want to print a wide variety of information about each file. * Look Deeper - Have a folder that contains multiple sub-folders that also have files you want to include in your file listing? No problem! Print Window will allow you to automatically expand subfolders so that your file listing will include those files as well.
Print Window Advanced
Print Window Advanced is new for Version 3! Along with all the other great features in Print Window Standard, Print Window Advanced provides even more great features to provide even greater control of the final look of your file listings.
* CD and DVD Covers - If you've just burned a CD or DVD and want to include a list of files found on the disk, now you can! Print Window Advanced will print your file listing pre-formatted to fit in a standard CD or DVD case. CD Covers will even print as a booklet, if your listing takes up more than one finished page! * Manual Expansion - Print Window Standard provides the ability to expand subfolders. Print Window Advanced also allows you to manually select what folders to expand. So, if you want to expand some and not others, that's fine. It's your choice. * File Information - Print Window Standard allows you to print information for each file included in your file listing. However, it doesn't allow you to decide what information to include. Print Window Advanced allows you to pick and choose what information to include about each file.
} } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 15:04:54 2005
Dear Listers while I'm not a Power user of Macs, my colleague is and he uses a keyboard short cut for a screen capture which can then be dumped directly to the printer or a software package(Word, Illustrator, etc) for resizing and printing. He uses this function all the time to print Data CD and DVD covers and inserts.
This command works in OS 9 and OS X: "Command key + Shift key + 4 key + spacebar" will display a camera symbol and capture the currently active window to the clipboard and display an icon below your drive Icon on the right hand edge of the screen. It's the equivalent of the Windows keyboard command "Alt key + PrtScn key" to capture the currently active window to the clipboard. "Command key + Shift key + 4 key" will display a '+' symbol and allow you to drag an marquee around whatever in the window you'd like to capture. "Command key + Shift key + 3 key" will capture the whole desktop
Drag and drop the icon onto your printer or in the software package of your choice for printing.
No extra programs needed!
Richard Harris Laboratory Supervisor, Imaging and Analysis Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London Ontario, CANADA. N6A 5B7 Ph. 519-661-2111 ext. 86780 Fax 519-661-3935
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 16:57:08 2005
As Richard mentioned, for screen shots I also use image capture command all the time, but most of my hard drives are much longer than a screen's length and taking several screen shots is a pain, thus Print Window is a godsend for old Mac users that are used to that function. Text Wrangler works well (as mentioned previously to John Bozzola's request), but it opens all the folders and doesn't print the size and kind of file out. Different strokes for different folks.
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 18:44:05 2005
I have to embed some lung tissue into plastic and also prepare some for cryo-ultramicrotomy and immuno-gold labeling. I was wondering if I need to take some precautions to prevent collapse of the tissue during embedding and sectioning (especially cryosectioning)?
Any advise and/or protocol would be most welcome!
Marc
-- Marc Pypaert Department of Cell Biology Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Yale University School of Medicine 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 New Haven, CT 06520-8002 TEL 203-785 3681 FAX 203-785 7446
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 20:33:28 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (tiaross-at-comcast.net) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 09:38:46 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: tiaross-at-comcast.net Name: Tia Ross
Organization: Savannah College of Art & Design
Education: Graduate College
Location: Savannah, GA, USA
Question: I'm working on my MFA thesis in Historic Preservation and attempting to conduct the following test on architectural paint samples, looking for the presence of zinc white [the test is from an artilce written by Casas & Llopis in "Studies in Conservation" 47 (2002)]. I don't think I'll have trouble interpreting the results, but I'm unsure of how to actually measure the chemicals.
Here are the preparation instructions: "dilute sulfuric acid added to solution of potassium dichromate (1% by weight, 50ml) until the pH reaches 1.6; silver nitrate solution (0.125M, 10ml) is added slowly with vigorous stirring."
Does that mean that I add 1% by weight of sulfuric acid to 50ml of potassium dichromate? How do I measure 1% by weight? Then I add 10ml of silver nitrate? If someone could give me the 'dummies' version of how much of each chemical I need to add I'd be most grateful!
Since you are not familiar with handling chemicals you should try to find a faculty member at your school to supervise this the first time that you try it. If there isn't a chemist around, put in a call to the local high school science teacher and get some tips from him or her. They can explain what a .125M (.125 Molar) solution is and how to calculate the weight of silver nitrate to make it. More importantly, they can give you the necessary precautions in handling these things. Each of these three chemicals is capable of doing serious damage to your eyes so wear goggles. If you have to make your own dilute sulfuric acid from the concentrated variety NEVER add water to the acid or position the bottle so that water can splash into it, as it may boil out on you.
The procedure should be understood to mean that the amount of dilute sulfuric acid is not critical, you are only using it to adjust the pH. The weights pertain to the amount of potassium dichromate in water. Since the density of water is 1.0, 50ml of water weighs 50 grams. In order to make that 50 ml have 1% by weight of dichromate in it, you need to add .01 x 50 gm = 0.5g of potassium dichromate. Once you have that dissolved then you will add dilute sulfuric acid a drop at a time until the pH goes down to 1.6. For that you have to have some means of measuring the pH, normally a pH meter. (The dichromate is highly colored and you also can't rely on pH test paper due to the oxidizing ability of this substance.) Next goes in 10 ml of the .125 M silver nitrate, but you have to make that up first.
John Twilley
by way of Ask-A-Microscopist wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (tiaross-at-comcast.net) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 09:38:46 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: tiaross-at-comcast.net } Name: Tia Ross } } Organization: Savannah College of Art & Design } } Education: Graduate College } } Location: Savannah, GA, USA } } Question: I'm working on my MFA thesis in Historic Preservation and attempting to conduct the following test on architectural paint samples, looking for the presence of zinc white [the test is from an artilce written by Casas & Llopis in "Studies in Conservation" 47 (2002)]. I don't think I'll have trouble interpreting the results, but I'm unsure of how to actually measure the chemicals. } } Here are the preparation instructions: "dilute sulfuric acid added to solution of potassium dichromate (1% by weight, 50ml) until the pH reaches 1.6; silver nitrate solution (0.125M, 10ml) is added slowly with vigorous stirring." } } Does that mean that I add 1% by weight of sulfuric acid to 50ml of potassium dichromate? How do I measure 1% by weight? Then I add 10ml of silver nitrate? If someone could give me the 'dummies' version of how much of each chemical I need to add I'd be most grateful! } } Thank you for your help, } Tia Ross } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 23:01:51 2005
I've looked at paint samples before and find that they are not easy. Not all specimens are easy!!
A nice way to analyze them is an EDS line scan across the section accompanied by a map of the section. Try this and see what you get. BSE also helps. But if you want elemental analysis, you will need EDS.
Initially, don't do anything to the specimen. Do EDS/maps and see what you get. Otherwise, your specimen prep may alter the actual specimen--Heisenberg uncertainty principle in action.
Just a thought...
gary g.
At 07:01 PM 5/3/2005, you wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 3 23:55:48 2005
Tia, I read your post on Microscopy. It sounds to me like they are asking you to acidify 50 mL of a 1% potassium dichromate solution, (prepared as a weight to volume (W/V) solution). It's the dichromate that is weighed. The H2SO4 is added (they use "dilute") to bring the pH down to 1.6. Then, after the pH has been reached, add the silver nitrate solution drop by drop. Be very careful when you do this becayse the dichromate/sulfuric acid solution can be volatile and I'm guessing the silver will probably precipitate if it is added too quickly.
Before you do this, be certain to wear safety goggles, nitrile gloves, a barrier lab coat and work in a fume hood with this stuff. It's all very nasty to breathe or get on your skin.
I hope this has been helpful to you. IMO, the wording you have given us seems antiquated and ambiguous. I don't blame you for scratching your head on this one! *g*
Have fun and good luck!
-- Connie McManus Mt Ogden Scientific Services 950 W Kershaw, Suite E Ogden UT 84401 tel: 801/334-6677 direct: 801/745-2583 cell: 435/757/2975 fax: 435/514-1781 conniemoss-at-relia.net www.mtogdensci.com
Question: I'm working on my MFA thesis in Historic Preservation and attempting to conduct the following test on architectural paint samples, looking for the presence of zinc white [the test is from an artilce written by Casas & Llopis in "Studies in Conservation" 47 (2002)]. I don't think I'll have trouble interpreting the results, but I'm unsure of how to actually measure the chemicals.
Here are the preparation instructions: "dilute sulfuric acid added to solution of potassium dichromate (1% by weight, 50ml) until the pH reaches 1.6; silver nitrate solution (0.125M, 10ml) is added slowly with vigorous stirring."
Does that mean that I add 1% by weight of sulfuric acid to 50ml of potassium dichromate? How do I measure 1% by weight? Then I add 10ml of silver nitrate? If someone could give me the 'dummies' version of how much of each chemical I need to add I'd be most grateful!
Thank you for your help, Tia Ross
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 4 06:24:14 2005
Hi Tia, I'm a little confused by your test. I checked Feigl (Inorganic Spot Test) and was unable to find a test for zinc using these reagents. While Feigl isn't the last word, he's a good starting place. More to the point, I would expect your reagents to form silver chromate and silver sulfate. The CRC handbook indicated silver sulfate has low solubility and I would expect it to precipitate out. The formation of silver chromate is a test result for microchemical testing for chromate. Make sure you try this test on paint that doesn't have zinc in it and a sample you know has zinc in it. Good luck!!
I'll have to get a copy of the article, this test has me interested.
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
tiaross-at-comcast.n et (by way of To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com Ask-A-Microscopis cc: t) Subject: [Microscopy] AskAMicroscopist: test on architectural paint samples
The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (tiaross-at-comcast.net) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 09:38:46 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: tiaross-at-comcast.net Name: Tia Ross
Organization: Savannah College of Art & Design
Education: Graduate College
Location: Savannah, GA, USA
Question: I'm working on my MFA thesis in Historic Preservation and attempting to conduct the following test on architectural paint samples, looking for the presence of zinc white [the test is from an artilce written by Casas & Llopis in "Studies in Conservation" 47 (2002)]. I don't think I'll have trouble interpreting the results, but I'm unsure of how to actually measure the chemicals.
Here are the preparation instructions: "dilute sulfuric acid added to solution of potassium dichromate (1% by weight, 50ml) until the pH reaches 1.6; silver nitrate solution (0.125M, 10ml) is added slowly with vigorous stirring."
Does that mean that I add 1% by weight of sulfuric acid to 50ml of potassium dichromate? How do I measure 1% by weight? Then I add 10ml of silver nitrate? If someone could give me the 'dummies' version of how much of each chemical I need to add I'd be most grateful!
A book that you may find very helpful is "Laboratory Mathematics", subtitled Medical and Biological Applications, by June and Joe Campbell. It addresses concentration and solutions among other things.
Ron L
-----Original Message----- } From: John Twilley [mailto:jtwilley-at-sprynet.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 12:46 AM To: tiaross-at-comcast.net Cc: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Tia,
Since you are not familiar with handling chemicals you should try to find a faculty member at your school to supervise this the first time that you try it. If there isn't a chemist around, put in a call to the local high school science teacher and get some tips from him or her. They can explain what a 125M (.125 Molar) solution is and how to calculate the weight of silver nitrate to make it. More importantly, they can give you the necessary precautions in handling these things. Each of these three chemicals is capable of doing serious damage to your eyes so wear goggles. If you have to make your own dilute sulfuric acid from the concentrated variety NEVER add water to the acid or position the bottle so that water can splash into it, as it may boil out on you.
The procedure should be understood to mean that the amount of dilute sulfuric acid is not critical, you are only using it to adjust the pH. The weights pertain to the amount of potassium dichromate in water. Since the density of water is 1.0, 50ml of water weighs 50 grams. In order to make that 50 ml have 1% by weight of dichromate in it, you need to add .01 x 50 gm = 0.5g of potassium dichromate. Once you have that dissolved then you will add dilute sulfuric acid a drop at a time until the pH goes down to 1.6. For that you have to have some means of measuring the pH, normally a pH meter. (The dichromate is highly colored and you also can't rely on pH test paper due to the oxidizing ability of this substance.) Next goes in 10 ml of the .125 M silver nitrate, but you have to make that up first.
John Twilley
by way of Ask-A-Microscopist wrote:
} -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (tiaross-at-comcast.net) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 09:38:46 } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- - } } Email: tiaross-at-comcast.net } Name: Tia Ross } } Organization: Savannah College of Art & Design } } Education: Graduate College } } Location: Savannah, GA, USA } } Question: I'm working on my MFA thesis in Historic Preservation and attempting to conduct the following test on architectural paint samples, looking for the presence of zinc white [the test is from an artilce written by Casas & Llopis in "Studies in Conservation" 47 (2002)]. I don't think I'll have trouble interpreting the results, but I'm unsure of how to actually measure the chemicals. } } Here are the preparation instructions: "dilute sulfuric acid added to solution of potassium dichromate (1% by weight, 50ml) until the pH reaches 1.6; silver nitrate solution (0.125M, 10ml) is added slowly with vigorous stirring." } } Does that mean that I add 1% by weight of sulfuric acid to 50ml of potassium dichromate? How do I measure 1% by weight? Then I add 10ml of silver nitrate? If someone could give me the 'dummies' version of how much of each chemical I need to add I'd be most grateful! } } Thank you for your help, } Tia Ross } } -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 4 12:51:58 2005
You might investigate the vacuum mounting system from Buehler. It is great for infiltration of delicate tissue like this.
Caveat: MME has no vested interest in this product.
Best regards, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 07:11 PM 5/3/2005, Marc Pypaert wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 4 12:53:18 2005
Just a reminder that if you are going to do any optical microscopy on cross-sections, darkfield is the way to go.
Thanks, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 09:01 PM 5/3/2005, tiaross-at-comcast.net wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 4 13:36:17 2005
What you need to do depends on what your concerns with collapse are. If you want to maintain the more than 80% of the lung that is air as empty space, you can freeze the lung while it is inflated. Freezing will be relatively slow, however. If you want to examine the structure of the cells and tissue components, you will get smaller ice voids if you allow the lung to collapse (become nearly airless) and freeze then. For plastic embedding you can inflate the lung with liquid fixative ( we use 2.3% glutaraldehyde in sodium cacodylate paying attention to the osmolarity, pH, and inflation pressure. Details if you wish.
Jacob
} } ---------------------------------------------------------------------- } } --------- } } } } I have to embed some lung tissue into plastic and } } also prepare some for cryo-ultramicrotomy and } } immuno-gold labeling. I was wondering if I need to } } take some precautions to prevent collapse of the } } tissue during embedding and sectioning (especially } } cryosectioning)? } } } } Any advise and/or protocol would be most welcome! } } } } Marc } } } } -- } } Marc Pypaert } } Department of Cell Biology } } Center for Cell and Molecular Imaging } } Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research } } Yale University School of Medicine } } 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208002 } } New Haven, CT 06520-8002 } } TEL 203-785 3681 } } FAX 203-785 7446 } } } } } } Jacob Bastacky, M.D. Associate Scientist Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute 5700 Martin Luther King Junior Way Oakland, California 94609 Telephone: 510.450.7639 Email: jbastacky-at-chori.org FAX: 510.450.7910
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 5 07:43:02 2005
Marc There was a group here years ago that did a lot of cryostat work on lung, and I've been trying to remember what they did (they had their own technician, and only came here to use my equipment). I don't remember the details unfortunately, but I do remember that they would fill the lungs with the freezing medium (OCT, perhaps mixed with sucrose). The PI of the project was Spencer Danto. Perhaps a Medline or Google search for his name would help. (Last I knew, he was in southern CA). Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 5 15:33:26 2005
Marc There was a group here years ago that did a lot of cryostat work on lung, and I've been trying to remember what they did (they had their own technician, and only came here to use my equipment). I don't remember the details unfortunately, but I do remember that they would fill the lungs with the freezing medium (OCT, perhaps mixed with sucrose). The PI of the project was Spencer Danto. Perhaps a Medline or Google search for his name would help. (Last I knew, he was in southern CA). Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 5 21:58:04 2005
} Date: Thu, 5 May 2005 07:00:26 -0500 } To: Zaluzec-at-MICROSCOPY.COM } From: coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw () } Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MicroscopyListserverviaWWW: } Status: RO } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw) from } http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on } Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 07:00:26 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw } Name: Stephan H Coetzee } } Organization: University of Botswana } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: } } Question: Urgent request. Our Technai12 Dual processor board has died. A } } Altos 1000 P3 server. Urgently searching for a M9-GX-CPU (97506-2) } } DUAL PROCESSOR CONTROL CARD TO FIT A M9L-LB MAIN BOARD (99712-2) } } fei is a bit expensive. First try the list, then cough up I would guess... } } Thanks } } } } Since some mail do get Lost, Bounces, etc Please send a } } duplicate/copy of all urgent mail to: } } } } coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk {mailto:coetzeesh-at-yahoo.co.uk} } } } } Mr S. H. Coetzee } } Electron Microscope Unit } } University of Botswana } } Private Bag 0022 } } Gaborone } } Botswana } } Phone : +267 355 2462/5222 } } Mobile : +267 718 36547 } } Fax : +267 318 5097 } } e-mail : coetzees-at-mopipi.ub.bw } } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 5 22:26:31 2005
Firstly, thank you to all those who replied to my question on the E306 evaporator - I think I have it nutted out now. It didn't help that the valve handle was out of alignment by around 45 degrees!!
Secondly, I have a question about electron beam thin film deposition. A colleague has had some Fe films deposited on a cleaved semiconductor surface and I was wondering what if any intermixing of the Fe and semiconductor would occur at the interface.
I guess I need to know the energy of the Fe ions as they hit the surface. All I know is that the electron beam energy is 5.5 kV, power is around 500 W, the distance between crucible and target is ~45 cm (18 inches) and the vacuum is around 10E-6 torr. Is it possible to calculate the Fe energy from this? I have no experience with this technique at all.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 5 22:32:30 2005
The best software I've seen--particularly for the cost (FREE)--is NIH Image. This program has been around a long time. It was written for the Medical field by the National Institute of Health. This program is for the Mac, however, there is a version written for PC which mimics the "NIH Image" version. I don't recall the name of it as it has changed recently, but if you go to the NIH website and search for "NIH Image" you should find a reference for the PC version. Clue: the PC version previously went by the name "Scion Image". A search of either of these names should yield references to a downloadable, Windows compatible program. Also, they permit macros via scripting.
Jeff Chames Sandia National Labs jmchame-at-sandia.gov
-----Original Message----- } From: Gareth Morgan [mailto:Gareth.Morgan-at-labmed.ki.se] Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2005 5:25 AM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi
We are using a 'home grown' software package for image analysis of digital photomicrographs. The author works here but might move soon which makes me think about the future.
Can anyone give me tips about good all-round image analysis software with standard forms of analysis - feature counts, areas etc. Preferably that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We are using PCs here.
Gareth Morgan MPhil MSc FIBMS, Department of Histo/cytopathology, Laboratory Medicine (Labmed), Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, F46 SE 141 86 Stockholm Sweden
OBS! Besöksadress: F-Huset, Forskningsgatan 2 F52, Rum 2.10. Laboratoriet för klinisk patologi och cytologi.
NB! Visiting address: Building F, Research Corridor 2 F52, Room 2.10. Clinical Histo- and Cytopathology Laboratory.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 5 22:58:28 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (suemosolf-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 22:49:56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: suemosolf-at-yahoo.com Name: Sue Mosolf
Organization: Hartnell College
Education: Undergraduate College
Location: Salinas, CA, USA
Question: When viewing a slide through a compound microscope, what would cause the image to appear blurry and out of focus? (other than the eyepiece being dirty)
Anything in the light path could be causing the problem.
1. The slide could be dirty, upside down (the coverslip should be up, toward the objective lens) or poorly prepared. Clean it and look at it with another microscope. 2. Is the image poor with all objectives? If it is sharp with one objective lens and blurred with another then the objective could be dirty, loose or defective. If you think the objective is the problem unscrew it and look at the front lens element with a magnifying glass or the eyepiece of the 'scope turned around backwards. If the lens looks dirty, clean it and reinstall it. 3. If the image is blurry with all objectives and the slide is not the problem then the focusing mechanism or the inner optical path of the microscope is probably at fault.
Geoff
by way of Ask-A-Microscopist wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was } submitted by (suemosolf-at-yahoo.com) from } http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html } on Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 22:49:56 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } Email: suemosolf-at-yahoo.com } Name: Sue Mosolf } } Organization: Hartnell College } } Education: Undergraduate College } } Location: Salinas, CA, USA } } Question: When viewing a slide through a compound microscope, what } would cause the image to appear blurry and out of focus? (other than } the eyepiece being dirty) } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } }
-- -- ********************************************** 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 **********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 6 10:48:29 2005
} AFM short course is coming June 13 -17, 2005 so avoid the rush and } register now! } } "AFM and Other Scanned Probe Microscopies" presented at N.C. State } University in Raleigh, NC by Prof. Phil Russell, Dr. Joe Griffith and } others. } Lab sessions will utilize instrumentation from most major } instrumentation vendors. } } This one-week short course has evolved from the numerous Scanned Probe } Microscopy courses developed and taught by Prof. Russell over the past } 2 decades. It is designed for technicians, scientists, engineers, and } researchers. The course includes laboratories with hands-on time using } a variety of scanning probe microscope (SPM) systems. Each student } will receive a notebook of all materials covered in the lectures and } animation/simulation software covering AFM principles. } } Register online at www.ncsu.edu/aif/afmcourse } Phillip E. Russell, Ph.D. N.C. State University Director, Analytical Instrumentation Facility Professor, Materials Science and Engineering e-mail: prussell-at-ncsu.edu
Sounds like a case of spherical aberration. Sources COULD be: a. Fingerprint on front element of objective (you may need to unscrew the objective and sit it, thread-side down) under a stereo to see it) b. Wrong coverslip (check objective markings - if 0.17mm, should be a #1-1/2) c. Two or more coverslips stuck together d. Slide is wrong side up (sample should face the objectives in most cases.... I've been educated about some interesting advanced microscopy lately where that might not be the case... more later) e. If using oil, could be old oil on the front of the objective (write me about how to clean) or could be the wrong oil. Oils are often engineered to match the dispersion characteristics of specific optics. Also, I remember some years ago trying Zeiss oil on a Nikon scope: the Nikon was not happy. f. Check to see if it is blurry with several objectives... could be a lens element out of alignment, too.
Well, that should get you started. Let me know if you find the answer.
Good hunting! Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 10:58 PM 5/5/2005, suemosolf-at-yahoo.com wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 6 14:26:49 2005
I need to purchase a vibration isolation table to be used to support a ultramicrotome. In the past I have used "air tables", all of which require compressed air of one type or another. I also found a passive vibration isolation system by Vistek, which does not require a compressed air source, and the "floating" portion of the table can be custom cut to fit the footprint of the ultramicrotome.
I know these tables are used for patch clamping, but has anyone out there used this type of table for sectioning? I would be interested in hearing about it's performance. Oh, one other important feature is the mechanical room for the science center is on the other side of the imaging suite wall....
Thanks for your comments!
Carolyn
Carolyn B. Marks, M.S. Director of Biological Imaging Department of Biology Gottwald Science Center 28 Westhampton Way University of Richmond, VA 23173
Office: (804) 484-1541 Lab: (804) 289-8775
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 6 18:40:23 2005
Presented by the Integrated Microscopy & Microanalytical Facility of Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
The course will cover conventional vitrification of molecules and thin specimens on grids for cryo-TEM and cryo-STEM, bulk specimens will be prepared for 3-D cryo-high resolution SEM. Chemists, biochemists, and structural cell biologists will learn strategies for cryo-immobilization and low temperature imaging. Participants will be provided with bulk specimens, bacterium, and macromolecules to study. Participants may bring their own specimens as well. Day one will include seminars by faculty and vendors followed by two days of practical experience with cryo-preparation and imaging.
The faculty of the course will include: Dr. Robert P. Apkarian, director of the IM&MF and course organizer (Emory – vast experience with all cryo-HRSEM/STEM technologies applied to biological and chemical systems) Dr. Elizabeth R. Wright (Caltech – cryo-TEM of proteins, cells, and viral particles plus cryo- and cryoetch-HRSEM of protein hydrogels) Mr. Johnny Hagen (Technotrade Internationl – high pressure freezing) Mr. Robert Morrison (Gatan – TEM/HRSEM cryostages) Dr. Jaap Brink (JEOL – cryo-TEM) Mr. Dave Roberts (RMC -Boeckeler – cryo-ultramicrotomes and high pressure freezing) Dr. Gregory Becker (RMC-Boeckeler – cryo-ultramicrotomes and high pressure freezing) Ms. Linda Melanson (FEI – cryo-TEM and Vitrobot)
For more information, please contact Dr. Robert P. Apkarian.
Dr. Robert P. Apkarian, Director Integrated Microscopy & Microanalytical Facility Dept. of Chemistry/ Emory University 1521 Dickey Dr. Atlanta GA 30322 http://www.electronmicroscopy.emory.edu 404 727-7766
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 6 22:58:19 2005
Here is the May 2005 Microscopy Today table of contents. I will close the subscription list for this issue on Thursday May 12, 2005.
Microscopists in North America and MSA members anywhere can subscribe for free. Anyone else may subscribe for US$35 per year (to PARTIALLY cover postage). All subscriptions at http://www.microscopy-today.com Thank you.
Stephen W. Carmichael Visualizing Gene Expression in Real-Time
Harry A. Alden et al. “Objects Worthy of Notice” Microscopical Anatomy of Selected Plants Collected by The Lewis & Clark Expedition
Jack Vermeulen and Heiner Jaksch A Novel GEMINI® STEM Detector System
Kazuo Ishizuka and Brendan Allman Phase Measurement in Electron Microscopy, Using the Transport of Intensity Equation
Vitaly Vodyanoy High Resolution Light Microscopy of Live Cells
U. Schmidt, et al. Nondestructive, High-Resolution Materials Characterization with the Confocal Raman-AFM
Jerry Sedgewick Making Anaglyphs in Photoshop
Trisha Rice and Ralph Knowles Ultra High Resolution SEM on Insulators and Contaminating Samples
Yuqiang Jiang, et al. Influence of Illumination Conditions on Temperature in Sample Cell and the Output of a Quadrant Detector in an Optical Tweezers System
D. Schichnes, J. Nemson, and S. Ruzin Microwave Protocols for Plant and Animal--Paraffin Microtechnique
W. John Wolfgong Raman Microscopy as an Aid in Failure Analysis – Examples From the Lab
Elaine Humphrey Virtual Electron Microscopy for Undergraduate/Graduate Classes
New and Interesting PITTCON 2005 Industry News NetNotes
Ron Anderson, Editor Microscopy Today
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat May 7 18:21:56 2005
I am looking to replace/augment my Denton Desk II sputter coater with a unit that does finer grain and greatly reduces hydrocarbon contamination.
The metal elements of choice seem to be Os, Au/Pd, Ir and Pt. Os requires a special coating unit. It is pricey. I would like to do fine grain C and fine grain metal.
My conclusion is that I can convert my Desk II to C fiber coating and then get a turbo-pumped metal coater. This then narrows down the units to Denton Desk IV TSC or the SVG ion dep system. Cold coating is preferable.
Therefore, the questions on the table are (1) which metals are best for high res FESEM (no Cr) and (2) which systems are reliable and easy to use? The Denton Desk II has been very good. But I am now seeing too much grain interference and hydrocarbon contamination such that I need a higher quality vacuum deposition system. This is a one shot deal. So I need to be right the first time.
Any feedback out there about this or the respective systems?
The Center for Microanalysis of Materials cordially invites you to the 2005 meeting of the Midwest Microscopy and Microanalysis Society, June 9-10 in Urbana. The topic of the meeting is
“Dynamics of Materials Revealed by Electron Microscopyâ€
We expect an excellent regional meeting where leading MMMS microscopists will present their best science. We have outstanding visitors as well. See a list of invited lectures at:
We encourage students to participate in poster presentations in the general area of electron microscopy and microanalysis. Two student poster awards will be given to registered student participants.
The meeting is sponsored by:
FEI, Fischione Instruments, Gatan, JEOL, Hitachi, MMMS, and CMM.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Urbana.
Ivan Petrov
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 9 10:50:59 2005
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Ion-beam sputtered Pt, gets my vote.
Jim P. -- **************************************** Prof. James B. Pawley, Ph. 608-263-3147 Room 223, Zoology Research Building, FAX 608-265-5315 1117 Johnson Ave., Madison, WI, 53706 JBPAWLEY-at-WISC.EDU "A scientist is not one who can answer questions but one who can question answers." Theodore Schick Jr., Skeptical Enquirer, 21-2:39
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 9 13:14:38 2005
Gary: have you looked at Emitech (http://www.empdirect.com/k575.html)? They offer turbo-pumped Ir coaters which I use almost daily. Another alternative is South Bay Technology's IBS/e ion beam sputter coater. I use an older model of that one and it produces an excellent coating. No financial interest in either company, just a satisfied customer.
Gary Gaugler wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } This is an amplification of my prior posting. } } I am looking to replace/augment my Denton Desk II } sputter coater with a unit that does finer grain } and greatly reduces hydrocarbon contamination. } } The metal elements of choice seem to be Os, Au/Pd, Ir and Pt. } Os requires a special coating unit. It is pricey. } I would like to do fine grain C and fine grain metal. } } My conclusion is that I can convert my Desk II to C fiber } coating and then get a turbo-pumped metal coater. This then } narrows down the units to Denton Desk IV TSC or the SVG } ion dep system. Cold coating is preferable. } } Therefore, the questions on the table are (1) which metals are } best for high res FESEM (no Cr) and (2) which systems are } reliable and easy to use? The Denton Desk II has been } very good. But I am now seeing too much grain interference } and hydrocarbon contamination such that I need a higher quality } vacuum deposition system. This is a one shot deal. So } I need to be right the first time. } } Any feedback out there about this or the respective systems? } } gg } } -------------------------------------------------------- } } Hi: } } Does anyone have any experiences to share about using } Ir for turbo-pumped sputter coating for fine grain } FESEM imaging? } } gary g. } }
-- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Becky Holdford (r-holdford-at-ti.com) 972-995-2360 972-648-8743 (pager) SC Packaging FA Development Texas Instruments, Inc. Dallas, TX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 9 17:38:51 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (camiller-at-anatomy.iupui.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, May 9, 2005 at 13:07:22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: camiller-at-anatomy.iupui.edu Name: Caroline Miller
Organization: Indiana University
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] First Annual Meeting of the Indiana Microscopy Society
Question: The newly formed Indiana Microscopy Society, welcomes all microscopists to our first annual Spring Meeing. It will be held all day on Friday, May 20th, 2005, at the Van Nuys Medical Science Building on the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis. The meeting will be hosted by the Electron Microscopy Center, Indiana University School of Medicine. We have two speakers planned. Kent McDonald will talk about high pressure freezing and Robert Bacallao about confocal microscopy. There will also be tours of the EM Center and Indiana Center for Biological Microscopy. Please check the web site for detailed information. www.indianamicroscopy.org
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (varble.4-at-uky.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Monday, May 9, 2005 at 15:17:56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: varble.4-at-uky.edu Name: Jaime Varble
Organization: Graduate Student University of Kentucky Meat Science
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver:Sarcomere length with light and electron microscopy
Question: I am interested in measuring sarcomere lengths of muscle from beef cattle. I am looking at the longissimus dorsi, semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles. These muscles have been stored in a -80 freezer for about a month. I have a few questions:1)does anyone have experiance with working with samples that have been frozen at this temperature, and was there an affect on sarcomeres 2)where to find procedures for both light and electron microscopy and 3)any suggestions on the best method (phase contrast, SEM, TEM...)to use to measure sarcomeres. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thank You
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (john-rong-at-ouhsc.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Monday, May 9, 2005 at 14:12:12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: john-rong-at-ouhsc.edu Name: John Rong
Organization: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Education: Graduate College
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Question: I was asked to help a college student for his project. I am a professor but unfortunately I have no knowledge about this topic. I would appreciate any help you can provide so that I can pass the information to the student. Thanks!
The student plans to observe the surface structures of a vascular stent that is implanted inside a pigís coronary artery. The sample has been stored in ìformalinî (10% of formaldehyde) for more than 6 months. The microscope is an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope.
This student would like to learn the protocols and procedures for preparing his sample. For properly operating the microscope, what special procedures or steps have to be followed and necessary operating conditions such as temperature, ATM, humidity, etc. to be maintained?
Hi Gary If you look at our website, we put up some images that were given to us by Emitech of different coatings. It might be useful to you. http://www.emlab.ubc.ca/sputcomp.htm Elaine
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-- Dr. Elaine Humphrey Director, BioImaging Facility President, Microscopy Society of Canada University of British Columbia 6270 University Blvd, mail-stop Botany Vancouver, BC CANADA, V6T 1Z4 Phone: 604-822-3354 FAX: 604-822-6089 e-mail: ech-at-interchange.ubc.ca website: www.emlab.ubc.ca
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 9 19:16:04 2005
I have a student who would like to examine a metal sample using EBSD. This sample has to be mounted on a 12.5 mm stub (JEOL JSM 7000 SEM) for this technique. It alspo has to be polished. What is the best way to polish these small samples without embedding them in the traditional metallographic way?
Thanks,
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- Thomas M Murray email: murraytm-at-u.washington.edu Electron Microscopy Center Manager Phone: (206)543-2836 Materials Science & Engineering Fax: (206)543-3100 Box 352120 302 Roberts Hall Cell: (425)345-0083 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 9 20:48:48 2005
If you need to analyze to the edge, you need to pot the specimen and (if necessary) cut the epoxy away afterwards to a managable size. Polishing an unmounted specimen--which our Metallographer does often--leaves the edges rounded and impossible to obtain good images or EBSD patterns from. He holds the specimen with double sided tape to polish and has good success. But I imagine the flatter the specimen, the better, in order to minimize twisting in a shear manner during the polishing.
Jeff Chames Sandia National Labs jmchame-at-sandia.gov
-----Original Message----- } From: Tom Murray [mailto:murraytm-at-u.washington.edu] Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 4:18 PM To: {Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com}
I have a student who would like to examine a metal sample using EBSD. This sample has to be mounted on a 12.5 mm stub (JEOL JSM 7000 SEM) for
this technique. It alspo has to be polished. What is the best way to polish these small samples without embedding them in the traditional metallographic way?
--------------------------------------------- Thomas M Murray email: murraytm-at-u.washington.edu Electron Microscopy Center Manager Phone: (206)543-2836 Materials Science & Engineering Fax: (206)543-3100 Box 352120 302 Roberts Hall Cell: (425)345-0083 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 9 22:49:01 2005
My usual way is to take a 12mm square chunk and polish it down to 0.02u coloidal and then ground it with Pella colloidal silver dag...or whatever type you prefer or like or have.
Then, tilt to 70 degrees and go for it.
However, you do not state what element you are looking at. This can make a big deal. If the grains are large, fine. If the grains are small, you will get problems with lattice interaction. Net result--garbage. In this respect, KV and probe size and probe current make a big impact. If small grains, one cannot tell the differences between lattices. The software can't.
So, what metal are you working with?
gary g.
At 05:18 PM 5/9/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 07:01:38 2005
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Dear Jaime, Its always best to start an EM project with fresh samples. Since you don't have that option: Do you know what, if anything was done to the muscle before it was frozen? IE: was it treated in any way to lessen or prevent ice crystal damage? How was it frozen? Was it just put into the -80, or was it flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen? When the pieces of muscle were isolated, were they pinned or tied down in anyway to try to keep the relaxed muscle length? For that matter, was the muscle treated with a relaxing buffer to prevent contraction? All that being said, I doubt that you will get much in the way of beautiful EM images from tissue that was frozen and stored, but if you cant do a freeze-substitution fixation followed by embedding and sectioning, you may see enough to make measurements. I would expect that the muscle fibers will appear highly contracted: you will see Z-lines and I-bands (thick filaments), but not much in the way of A-bands (thin filaments) or M-lines. With highly contracted muscle, it will be difficult if not impossible to get a measurement of relaxed sarcomere length. As for looking at the muscle in LM, if you can get cryosections cut at 5-10 micrometers thick and oriented so that you have longitudinal sections of the muscle, you will be able to see things quite nicely in either phase contrast or DIC . DIC, if you have it may be better, since muscle is highly birefringent, and if the orientation is good, the banding shows up quite well. You may write to me off-list fi you have futher questions. Good luck, Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 10:26:28 2005
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to discuss with the student exactly what metal he is looking at. The suggestion of using a jig reminded me that I do have a tripod polisher which I I should be able to use with no angle.
Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- Thomas M Murray email: murraytm-at-u.washington.edu Electron Microscopy Center Manager Phone: (206)543-2836 Materials Science & Engineering Fax: (206)543-3100 Box 352120 302 Roberts Hall Cell: (425)345-0083 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 11:22:23 2005
Does anyone know of a North American supplier for the laboratory cleanser Decon 90? Or is there a good substitute for this? It's used as a glassware cleanser and radiation decontaminator.
Thanks, Randy
P.S. Dear Homeland Security person: We are not using it for the latter purpose.
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-2227 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 11:48:56 2005
I thought I had exhausted all my options at finding a substitute for this lab cleaner, but after one last try I discovered that Contrad 70 seems to be the same, or nearly the same, product as Decon 90. It is available through north American suppliers, including Fisher, if anyone else needs this information.
Thanks to those who answered or were planning to!
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-2227 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 13:24:06 2005
South Bay Technology does have some applications notes on EBSD sample preparation that may be useful. One paper, presented at UC Irvine titled "Mechanical Polishing Methods of Metal Samples for EBSD" may be of particular interest. We also have an application note (#71) titled "Improving Surface Quality of Petrographic Sections for EBSD" . I would be pleased to send you these papers in PDF format if you think they would be useful.
Of course, I have a vested interest in promtoting this as we also offer a complete EBSD Sample Preparation System as well!
Best regards-
David
-- David Henriks
South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499
email: henriks-at-southbaytech.com
Celebrating 40 years of providing Materials Processing Solutions for Metallogaphy, Crystallography and Electron Microscopy.
Please visit us online at www.southbaytech.com.
The information contained in this message and any attachments is privileged and confidential. This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy or disclose this communication. Notify the sender of the mistake by calling +1-949-492-2600 and delete this message from your system.
Tom Murray wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } Hi All, } } Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to discuss with the student } exactly what metal he is looking at. The suggestion of using a jig } reminded me that I do have a tripod polisher which I I should be able } to use with no angle. } } Tom } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------ } --------------------------------------------- } Thomas M Murray email: } murraytm-at-u.washington.edu } Electron Microscopy Center Manager Phone: (206)543-2836 } Materials Science & Engineering Fax: (206)543-3100 } Box 352120 302 Roberts Hall Cell: (425)345-0083 } University of Washington } Seattle, WA 98195 } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 15:11:06 2005
Unless this muscle tissue is special for some reason you should be able to get it a fresh as possible on the kill floor of a meat packing plant. I believe that there is one on campus at the college where the the post oriented. They will be used to this kind of request.
At lest you can get some for comparison to your samples to see how much freeze damage there is.
Gordon Couger Biosystems& Ag Engineering (retired) Oklahoma State University www.couger.com/gcouger
Leona Cohen-Gould wrote: }
} } } Dear Jaime, } Its always best to start an EM project with fresh samples. Since you } don't have that option: } Do you know what, if anything was done to the muscle before it was } frozen? IE: was it treated in any way to lessen or prevent ice crystal } damage? How was it frozen? Was it just put into the -80, or was it } flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen? When the pieces of muscle were } isolated, were they pinned or tied down in anyway to try to keep the } relaxed muscle length? For that matter, was the muscle treated with a } relaxing buffer to prevent contraction? } All that being said, I doubt that you will get much in the way of } beautiful EM images from tissue that was frozen and stored, but if you } cant do a freeze-substitution fixation followed by embedding and } sectioning, you may see enough to make measurements. I would expect } that the muscle fibers will appear highly contracted: you will see } Z-lines and I-bands (thick filaments), but not much in the way of } A-bands (thin filaments) or M-lines. With highly contracted muscle, it } will be difficult if not impossible to get a measurement of relaxed } sarcomere length. } As for looking at the muscle in LM, if you can get cryosections cut at } 5-10 micrometers thick and oriented so that you have longitudinal } sections of the muscle, you will be able to see things quite nicely in } either phase contrast or DIC . DIC, if you have it may be better, since } muscle is highly birefringent, and if the orientation is good, the } banding shows up quite well. } You may write to me off-list fi you have futher questions. } Good luck, } Lee
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 16:09:59 2005
I am trying to locate Kai Chien's email address. After searching the MSA membership list and conducting other searches on the web, I am asking this group if anyone has his address.
Many thanks. -- ############################################################## John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director I.M.A.G.E. (Integrated Microscopy & Graphics Expertise) 750 Communications Drive - MC 4402 Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu ##############################################################
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 17:14:22 2005
Jaime, the procedures you need to follow on the fresh muscle tissue are those used for muscle biopsies in human patients, as Leona has outlined. A good reference is Chapter 6 in Advanced laboratory methods in histology and pathology, Ulrika Mikel, editor, Armed forces Institute of pathology, American Registry of Pathology, Washington DC. 1994. You should take a piece for electron microscopy, making sure it is orientable in the longitudinal plane so you can see the entire length of the sarcomere (from z-band to z-band). You can either put fresh longitudinally oriented tissue in EM fixative or you can pin out the specimen, fix it, then dissect it. I cut my EM muscle specimens to be longer than they are wide so they are orientable when stained with osmium. I would not bother with the previously frozen tissue. I would go get my own, as fresh as possible. Karen
Karen M. Weidenheim, M.D. Professor of Pathology, Clinical Neurology and Clinical Neurosurgery Director, Division of Neuropathology Montefiore Medical Center 111 East 210th Street Bronx, NY 10467 (718) 920-4446 FAX (718) 653-3409
} From: Gordon Couger {gcc-at-couger.com} } To: Leona Cohen-Gould {lcgould-at-med.cornell.edu} } CC: by way of MicroscopyListserver {varble.4-at-uky.edu} , } microscopy-at-microscopy.com } Subject: [Microscopy] Re: Re: viaWWW: Sarcomere length with light and } electron microscopy } Date: Tue, 10 May 2005 15:12:35 -0500 } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 10 21:39:08 2005
I have been trying to find a new coater replacement for my Denton Desk II for fine grain metal. I thought that this would be an easy and straightforward task. Wrong.
As it seems to be now, converting the Denton Desk II to C fiber is a good move. However, the metal replacement option unit is very difficult. Given the price points and the technical aspects of each vendor's offering, it is tough to decide--when I am allowed one irrevocable decision.
Well, given that M&M 2005 is coming up...this may be the salvation for my dilemma. I will bring identical specimens and have them treated by each of the vendors. Then, I can hopefully get these imaged by Zeiss smt. That will narrow down the prospects.
In this respect, are there any subtleties that I should consider for this one-shot comparison? I.e., I should eliminate all variables that would compromise a flat field comparison. Imaging will be at 100KX, 200KX and 300KX. With Zeiss, tilt angle is a negative factor. Their in-lens detector does not work well at high tilt angles. That is OK. I am just looking for direct comparison from one coating method/supplier to another.
gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 11 13:17:10 2005
We're looking to purchase a carbon-coater to prep samples for SEM, but need to keep the cost under $8000. Any recommendations as far as brands/vendors? We like the EMS-450, but just wanted to consider options before buying. Any machines in this price range that you've been happy with?
Many thanks! ~Eric
Eric Anderson Southern CT State University Physics Department 501 Crescent Street, JE108B New Haven, CT 06515 203-392-6468 fax 203-392-6466
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 11 13:27:47 2005
} Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 13:18:47 -0500 } To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com } From: "Ehrlich, Tracy" {tehrlich-at-mail.as.miami.edu} (by way of MicroscopyListserver) } Subject: [Microscopy] viaWWW: Full-Time Assistant Scientist - Center for A dvanced Microscopy } Cc:
} } } } Full-Time Assistant Scientist - Center for Advanced Microscopy - Department of Chemistry } } } University of Miami, Electron Microscopy Specialist: The Department of Chemistry is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Scientist and Manager of the Department's Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, beginning June 1, 2005. Ph.D. in a suitable scientific field and prior research experience required as well as established expertise in operating TEM, SEM, ESEM, and EDS equipment. This lab provides services for the department as well as other areas of the University on a fee-for-service basis. Appointee will be responsible for managing this lab to include recommending policies & procedures, developing & administering the budget (revenues & expenses), training & supervising other individuals who may operate the equipment, insuring that equipment is properly maintained & serviced, and overseeing all aspects of the fee-for-service operation. As an assistant scientist, the individual is expected to be actively involved in the research process, either in collaboration with other faculty or independently, to include, the identification of new revenue sources, assisting in the writing of proposal, reports and publications as well as actually conducting experiments & running samples. Applicants should send a CV and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to Dr. V. Ramamurthy, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 249118, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0431 (murthy1-at-miami.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and will proceed until the position is filled. Information on the department can be found at www.miami.edu/chm. University of Miami is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. } } } } } } } Ms. Tracy Ehrlich } } new email: {mailto:tehrlich-at-miami.edu} tehrlich-at-miami.edu } (formerly Tracy Helenbrook) } } Assistant to the Vice Deans } College of Arts & Sciences } University of Miami } P.O. Box 248004 } (Ashe Building, Room 227) } Coral Gables, Florida 33124-4620 } ph. 305-284-4021 } fax 305-284-5637 } } Acting Assistant Manager } Department of Chemistry } College of Arts & Sciences } University of Miami } PO Box 249118 } (Cox Science Center, Rm. 315) } Coral Gables, FL 33124-0431 } ph: 305-284-1853 } fax: 305-284-4571 } } Resident Artist } Art Glass Program } Department of Art & Art History } College of Arts & Sciences } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 11 16:29:53 2005
A colleague is working on an EM Methods and Protocols book in the Methods in Molecular Biology series and needs an author for a TEM chapter dealing with both conventional and microwave rapid preparation procedures for hard tissues. This would deal with how to process specimens such as bone, teeth and possibly even botanical materials that are very hard. If you are interested (or know of someone who has this expertise) please let me know and I will forward the information. Thank you. -- ############################################################## John J. Bozzola, Ph.D., Director I.M.A.G.E. (Integrated Microscopy & Graphics Expertise) 750 Communications Drive - MC 4402 Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901 U.S.A. Phone: 618-453-3730 Email: bozzola-at-siu.edu Web: http://www.siu.edu/~image/ ##############################################################
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 11 17:58:05 2005
Trying to most accurately image the surface and interior of a bacterial cell/hydrogel matrix. My first attemp involved keeping the hydrogel in water up to the point of a gold sputter coating. There was obvious charging taking place on the sample while the electron beam was turned on. I think this can be illiminated by making the sample conductive by applying a conductive material to the sample and sample holder.
Regards, Cory Jensen
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 11 22:24:10 2005
Eric Anderson wrote: =================================================== We're looking to purchase a carbon-coater to prep samples for SEM, but need to keep the cost under $8000. Any recommendations as far as brands/vendors? We like the EMS-450, but just wanted to consider options before buying. Any machines in this price range that you've been happy with? =================================================== See URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/instruments/sputter1.shtml Option #1 for the SPI Module Carbon Coater, including the pump, the price is $7413.62.
It has some features not normally found on other brands of coaters and these are described on the above website page. It is 100% made in the USA and I make that point because with the exchange rates being as they are, and the US dollar being so low relative to European currencies, products made in the US tend to be lower in price and in some cases, much lower in price than imported equivalents.
So far as I know, our worldwide customer base seems to be very happy with the quality of the carbon coating that is put down. I presume that if anyone out there was not happy, we will hear from them after this posting.
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies manufactures the SPI Module line of sputter and carbon coaters.
Chuck
PS: Please remember that we are nearly 100% paperless and we would ask that any reply to this message be by way of the "reply" feature on your software, so that the entire string of correspondence can come back to us and all be in one place.
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 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.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 07:50:09 2005
Our program recently obtained a used Zeiss DSM 960A microscope (1993). We are trying to determine everything we can about the value of the instrument for insurance purposes. I called Zeiss, and was told this sold for $22,000 in 1993. I know we have seen inflation since 1993, but have trouble believing that one of these was selling for such a low price. Can somebody out there provide me with an estimate of either the current value or approximate retail of one these in 1993? Thanks in advance.
Karl Hagglund Biological Sciences, SC-102B Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099 859-572-5238 http://semlab.nku.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 07:58:11 2005
Looking for an economical and effective way to accurately calibrate the magnification of a TEM at magnifications above 300,000 X. We have owned two Mag*I*Cal's but neither have survived frequent use in the TEM and the center has fallen out. Would appreciate any thoughts on the matter.
Al Harmon MVA Scientific Consultants, Inc. "aharmon-at-mvainc.com"
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 08:10:04 2005
We have a Leica Ultrostainer that we are now using for staining thin sections with lead citrate and uranyl acetate. Does anybody know whether other companies produce a similar stainer, and what is your experience with either stainer? I am asking because I have been asked to give advice on the furnishing of a new electron microscopy lab. We had teething trouble with our stainer- we had the tubing exchanged and have been advised on several rinses in HNo3 after each stain, so it now works ok.
thank you!
Dr. Gerd Leitinger
Institut für Zellbiologie, Histologie und Embryologie Medizinische Universität Graz Harrachgasse 21 A-8010 Graz Austria
? How and in what kind of SEM were you trying to image the sample? And what kind of sputter coater did you use? The only way to get the real structure of hydrated hydrogels is with cryoSEM and cryocoating for the sputter coating.
Phil
} Trying to most accurately image the surface and interior of a bacterial } cell/hydrogel matrix. My first attemp involved keeping the hydrogel in water } up to the point of a gold sputter coating. There was obvious charging taking } place on the sample while the electron beam was turned on. I think this can } be illiminated by making the sample conductive by applying a conductive } material to the sample and sample holder. } } Regards, } Cory Jensen
-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax) http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/facstaff/Faculty/pages/albrecht/albrecht_web/Programs/microscopy/home.html
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 12:13:22 2005
Dear Al, The old standard was a thin gold single crystal, with lattice spacings of 0.102, 0.143 and 0.204 nanometers, or graphitized carbon, with a 0.34 nm lattice. Both are available from EM suppliers. Regards, Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Department of Materials Engineering University of British Columbia 6350 Stores Road Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA Tel: 604-822-5648 Fax: 604-822-3619 e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca ----- Original Message ----- } From: "Al Harmon" {aharmon-at-mvainc.com} To: {Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 5:59 AM
Hi All:
I am a new entrant in this mailing list. I am trying to work with EDS for the quantitative analysis. While reading the book by Goldstein etal, issue related to the energy calibration of EDS came up. I was wondering how one goes about calibrating the EDS and would appreciate if some body could share their experience. We have Thermo EDS.
Thanks.
Sandeep Kohli
----------------------------------------- Dr. Sandeep Kohli Department of Chemistry Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO-80523 Phone: (970) 491-4076 FAX: (970) 491-1801 Email: sandeep.kohli-at-colostate.edu Web: http://www.chm.colostate.edu/skohli
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 12:14:30 2005
How big are the bacteria? If I could suggest an easier alternative: if your samples will travel, send them to Aetos Technologies and have them try imaging with their new CytoViva. When I visited their labs, they were routinely imaging bacteria, without any sample prep, and could observe them while living. Might be an interesting alternative.
Their tech apps specialist is Tom Hasling (334-749-0134). Give him a call and see what he thinks.
Hope this is helpful
Thanks, Barbara Foster Microscopy/Microscopy Education www.MicroscopyEducation.com
313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 F: 972-954-8018 ^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^& Need a good general text on light microscopy? MME still has copies of Optimizing Light Microscopy available, with discounts for class-sized orders (10 or more). For details, call us at 972-943-8011 and ask for Ken Piel.
At 05:56 PM 5/11/2005, cdjensen wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 12:59:12 2005
Why not use the graphitised carbon specimen with a 3.44A spacing? A very tough specimen but fairly easy to resolve with any modern TEM. Simply look for the crystalline appearance in the swirls, shoot for a little underfocus (narrow white fringe) and you should be OK. Its probably best to view at 500,000X plus the binocular to pick out the lattice on the screen and then lower the magnification to the level that you require. Provide the instrument that you are using does not step the diffraction lens between the higher and lower levels the original focus will be fine.
I am sure any one of your well known EM accessory suppliers could help you out?
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Al Harmon" {aharmon-at-mvainc.com} To: {Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 1:59 PM
Sandeep -
About once a month or so I calibrate our older Noran Voyager EDS system by putting the beam on a piece of nice clean copper and acquiring a spectrum. The major Cu peak (I think it's the La1) should be at 8.048 KeV on the energy scale. Our system has built-in software to run a FWHM test also, which tests the resolution of the detector. Your software may also have such a routine - consult your manual. If it turns out that your peak is not at 8.048 (+/- a wee bit), you may have to adjust the peak location using the hardware - I don't know about your setup, but in ours there's a small screw or knob on one of the printed circuit boards of the controlling computer which has to be adjusted slightly to move the peak back and forth ( I think it's what they call a potentiometer). I haven't had to do this since our detector was rebuilt about 7 years ago, so my memory might be a bit off. You can use other elements for your calibration, it doesn't have to be copper, or pure, either, for that matter - as long as you're sure which peak is which. Of course, the good folks at Thermo should also be able to help you out.
Frank
F.C. Thomas FThomas-at-NRCan.gc.ca, 902-426-4635, facsimile 902-426-6152 GSC Atlantic Natural Resources Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4A2 Ressources naturelles Canada, l'Institut Oceanographique du Bedford, B.P. 1006, Dartmouth, (Nouvelle-Ecosse) B2Y 4A2 Government of Canada/Gouvernement du Canada
-----Original Message----- } From: Sandeep Kohli [mailto:skohli-at-lamar.colostate.edu] Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 2:12 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Hi All:
I am a new entrant in this mailing list. I am trying to work with EDS for the quantitative analysis. While reading the book by Goldstein etal, issue related to the energy calibration of EDS came up. I was wondering how one goes about calibrating the EDS and would appreciate if some body could share their experience. We have Thermo EDS.
Thanks.
Sandeep Kohli
----------------------------------------- Dr. Sandeep Kohli Department of Chemistry Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO-80523 Phone: (970) 491-4076 FAX: (970) 491-1801 Email: sandeep.kohli-at-colostate.edu Web: http://www.chm.colostate.edu/skohli
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 14:27:31 2005
On May 12, 2005, at 10:11 AM, Sandeep Kohli wrote:
} I am a new entrant in this mailing list. I am trying to work with EDS } for the quantitative analysis. While reading the book by Goldstein } etal, } issue related to the energy calibration of EDS came up. I was wondering } how one goes about calibrating the EDS and would appreciate if some } body } could share their experience. We have Thermo EDS. } Dear Sandeep, For energy calibration of a TN2000--a likely ancestor of your system--we used a grid that would give a signal from Al at 1.4 keV and from Cu at ~8.5 keV. I don't remember the exact values, but the important point is to have two peaks near the endpoints of the range you want to use. the simplest way to obtain such a grid is to evaporate Al onto a Cu grid that has a carbon or formvar support and to illuminate an area near a grid bar. I expect that your multichannel analyzer has a routine for calibration; ours took continuous spectra and showed how close the two possible adjustments were by displaying a number of either { or } symbols. One then turned a set screw corresponding to the adjustment that was the further off until there were few symbols, then turned the other set screw, and so forth until both adjustments were as good as possible. The two adjustments are the position of zero energy and scale of eV/channel, so, if both energies are above or below their proper position, the zero adjustment would be off, and if they were one above and one below, the scale would be off. Typically, it took about 10 minutes to do the calibration if the energies were pretty far off, and less time if they were close. Good luck Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 15:13:57 2005
Yes...EDS calibration is an interesting area and probably is done differently by different users and for different systems. Notwithstanding, I can relay some info on what seems to work for me.
First off, you need to identify if you have a light element detector. This is one that will go down to B and possibly Be. Some will not go lower than F, O or N. And I'm only talking about window detectors. My produce with EDAX Genesis and their DPP-2 digital pulse processor, GUI and Cryospec detector is as follows:
1. Insert X Checker Extra (available from several suppliers and usually will get you a free Flight Simulator [EDS variety]).
2. Set KV to 20KV and find the Cu tab on the X Checker. Follow the instructions with X Checker and calibrate the Cu K alpha peak (8.040KeV and the and Al K alpha peak (1.486KeV). Genesis does this iteratively automatically when commanded.
3. Do #2 for all filter times. Adjust spot size or condenser setting or aperture size to keep DT {35%.
4. Reduce KV to 5KV and find the F specimen. Counts will be low. Use only the longest and next longest filter times. Collect spectra and find where the F peak is. It should be at .677eV. If not, adjust the energy value in the software to bring it to that value. Genesis has HPD feature that says if a detected element peak is off the elemental energy table values for all shells.
5. Do the same for BN specimen.
6. Do the same for C specimen.
7. If you want, you can do Mn at 20KV and compute the FWHM value. Frankly, I prefer the resolution figure from step #2. Mine works out to 130.5eV at 102uS. This is the figure I watch to see if the system is going astray.
The above procedure has basically calibrated the detector. Now you need to "calibrate" quant. You will need known standards for this. Most systems do standardless ZAF quant--and do a pretty good job. For critical work, I use standards and adjust the SEC factors in Genesis so that ZAF quant works well. Depending on your specimen, ZAF, PhiZAF or PhiRhoZAF does a better quant job. Regardless, collect spectra for at least 120 live seconds (the more the better). This will reduce peak-to-background intensity errors and yield very good quant results.
Thermo should have a specific set of procedures for your system. Sounds like the manual is gone.
gary g.
At 10:11 AM 5/12/2005, you wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 12 15:20:52 2005
Another good choice would be a zeolite, something like say mordenite or silicalite (MFI framework) You should be able to get these from a chemical supplier. They typically have spacings up around 12-18 A. If you have access to XRD you can double check the lattice parameters.
Incidentally, I think the first lattice image published from TEM was from a faujasite crystal (also a good choice), a 14.7 A (111) spacing imaged and reported by Menter (Adv. Phys. 7, 1958 p. 299).
Regards, Wharton
************************************************************* Wharton Sinkler, PhD. UOP LLC 50 E. Algonquin Rd. Des Plaines IL 60017-5017 mailto: wharton.sinkler-at-uop.com tel 847-391-3878 fax 847-391-3719
-----Original Message----- } From: Steve Chapman [mailto:protrain-at-emcourses.com] Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 12:46 PM To: Al Harmon Cc: American Soc
Hi
Why not use the graphitised carbon specimen with a 3.44A spacing? A very tough specimen but fairly easy to resolve with any modern TEM. Simply look for the crystalline appearance in the swirls, shoot for a little underfocus (narrow white fringe) and you should be OK. Its probably best to view at 500,000X plus the binocular to pick out the lattice on the screen and then lower the magnification to the level that you require. Provide the instrument that you are using does not step the diffraction lens between the higher and lower levels the original focus will be fine.
I am sure any one of your well known EM accessory suppliers could help you out?
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Al Harmon" {aharmon-at-mvainc.com} To: {Microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com} Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 1:59 PM
Hi Sandeep
You should either read your system manual or contact Thermo, as the procedure differs from system to system: on some it is done by hardware adjustment, on others all in software.
cheers
rtch
} From: "Sandeep Kohli" {skohli-at-lamar.colostate.edu} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com}
Hi everyone,
I'm currently working on building a custom ET detector for a FESEM. While trying out different geometries and designs, I though of preparing my own scintillators as I will need several sizes. I will play around with a plastic scintillator (probably p47 powder) and once satisfied with the result, probably switch to YAP.
Does anyone have a good recipe for coating P47 on glass or quartz? What is a reliable supplier for the powder?
Thanks Daniel Salamon Technical Officer, Electron Microscopy
National Institute for Nanotechnology, NRC W6-081 ECERF Bldg 9107-116 Street Edmonton, AB. T6G 2V4
Daniel Salamon wrote: ========================================================= I'm currently working on building a custom ET detector for a FESEM. While trying out different geometries and designs, I though of preparing my own scintillators as I will need several sizes. I will play around with a plastic scintillator (probably p47 powder) and once satisfied with the result, probably switch to YAP.
Does anyone have a good recipe for coating P47 on glass or quartz? What is a reliable supplier for the powder? ============================================================ We offer the same P47 powder that is used in the production of the SPI Supplies Brand of scintillators on URL http://www.2spi.com/catalog/scintill/p47.shtml } From that page you will find links to use instructions for the powder and also the MSDS.
Eventually switching to a YAP (or a YAG) replacement will in fact be a permanent replacement since the single crystal scintillator should outlast the lifetime of the FESEM.
Disclaimer: SPI Supplies (in our opinion) has been a "reliable" supplier of P47 powder for those who coat their own scintillators for many years.
Chuck
=================================================== Charles A. Garber, Ph. D. Ph: 1-(610)-436-5400 President 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.2spi.com ############################ ==================================================
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 12:52:17 2005
Almost every EDS system that I know has a Calibration procedure inbuilt. You simply need to insert a specimen of any material in the cobalt to copper density range.
It is important to know where the K alpha and L alpha peaks for the chosen element are; your books or give away slide rule should provide the answer.
Place the specimen in the microscope and adjust the beam controls to obtain at least 2,000cps. Go to the Calibration mode, answer the questions and it should run on its own. If it does not, take down the instructions and come back to me if you wish?
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Sandeep Kohli" {skohli-at-lamar.colostate.edu} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 6:11 PM
Steve, I have run across some systems that will not work with 2 peaks from the same element, although that makes the most sense. Going back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth, we had to use both copper and aluminum to calibrate. If it is one of those systems that needs 2 elements, just slap a piece of copper tape on an aluminum stub and scan an area that includes both.
Ken Converse
owner QUALITY IMAGES Servicing Scanning Electron Microscopes Since 1981 16 Creek Rd. Delta, PA 17314 717-456-5491 Fax 717-456-7996 kenconverse-at-qualityimages.biz qualityimages.biz
-----Original Message----- } From: Steve Chapman [mailto:protrain-at-emcourses.com] Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 1:50 PM To: Sandeep Kohli Cc: American Soc
Hi
Let us not get too complicated.
Almost every EDS system that I know has a Calibration procedure inbuilt. You simply need to insert a specimen of any material in the cobalt to copper
density range.
It is important to know where the K alpha and L alpha peaks for the chosen element are; your books or give away slide rule should provide the answer.
Place the specimen in the microscope and adjust the beam controls to obtain at least 2,000cps. Go to the Calibration mode, answer the questions and it should run on its own. If it does not, take down the instructions and come back to me if you wish?
Good luck
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Sandeep Kohli" {skohli-at-lamar.colostate.edu} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 6:11 PM
It seems to me that one gets out of the EDS system a direct proportion of the amount of effort put into it--plus some bonus items based on how sophisticated it is (newer features or an older generation w/o). If the specimens are of one general variety, the calibration procedure can certainly be simple. However, if one is doing unknowns, and for knowns, wants good results, I think something more than just two Zs are needed. It would be amusing to see someone calibrate F at 20KV.
I don't see how calibration can only be two Z peaks. Each element energy value can be off in the system and needs to be corrected if so. All of the low Z elements need to be checked at low KV--or not?
Overall, what am I missing here? If the procedure can be simplified, how to do that?
gary g.
At 10:50 AM 5/13/2005, you wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 17:24:22 2005
} I don't see how calibration can only be two Z peaks. } Each element energy value can be off in the system and } needs to be corrected if so. All of the low Z elements } need to be checked at low KV--or not?
As someone who used to do this for a living and has designed a digital pulse processor, I feel qualified to answer this one.
It is quite possible to calibrate a properly designed modern digital pulse processor with a single peak. They are exceedingly linear, and some of them generate an internal "zero peak" (as do some analog processors) by triggering in the absence of a photon.
The zero peak eliminates offset errors from the calibration. The error in gain is a function of the statistics with which you collect the calibration peak. You can get in trouble by extrapolating a calibration too far (e.g. using the Cu Ka and expecting the calibration to be perfect out to 30 KeV unless you collect for a very long time so the Cu peak can be located very precisely).
The effect you mention above is not a calibration error per se. For some detectors, especially older ones, there can be small peak shifts which are a function of the surface treatment of the detector crystal, which may affect light element X-rays which are absorbed close to the surface. It is pretty consistent for a given detector manufacturer, and most of them deal with it by simply adjusting the lines table to compensate for it (carbon, for example, tends to be a few eV lower than the wavelength tables would lead you to expect). It isn't really a gain or offset change.
Rick Mott
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 17:37:33 2005
a) the linearity of the pulse processor/preamp electronics.
b) the type of pulse processor (analog or digital) and if it uses a zero strobe to maintain zero eV calibration.
c) the elements used to preform the energy calibration.
Generally with a analog system you need two peaks, a low energy peak and a high energy peak. The low energy peak is used for offset correction, the high energy peak is used for gain correction. This is known as a two-point calibration
For an EDS system that used a zero strobe (most digital pulse processors), then only a gain adjustment is required as the offset (or zero) is maintained by the pulse processor electronics. This is a one-point calibration.
Performing a manual energy calibration involves adjusting the offset control (also called zero) such that the low energy peak lines up with the KLM marker for that peak, then the gain control is adjusted to lineup the high energy peak with its KLM marker. It's an iterative process that will converge if the above is follow. There is also a manual one-point calibration for those systems with zero strobes, with these only the high peak (gain) is adjusted.
Auto energy calibration routines are simple, pick the elements and hit the button. Just be sure to look at the results to make sure they make sense as auto calibration can be fooled by choice of elements (see below).
If you have an EDS system that requires addition low energy calibrations (F, O, N, C) after the main energy calibration, then that indicates that they are doing a non-linear correction of low energy range. This non-linearity is typically a preamp issue. Some preamp designs have it, some are perfectly linear.
If you have an EDS system that after a proper one or two point calibration has element peaks that don't lineup to their KLM markers (excluding F,O,N,C, see above), then your EDS system has a non-linearity problem that needs to be fixed.
Additional things that can lead to inaccurate energy calibrations are the choice of calibration peaks.
For example, Cu has a low energy line (Cu_l) and high energy line (Cu_k). We are assuming SEMs now, not TEMs. While you might lookup the Cu_ka1 as 8.046 KeV, the visual Cu_k peak is really at 8.040 because there is an additional CuK line (Cu_ka2) at 8.027 which convolutes with the first. The resultant visual peak is at 8.040.
Cu_L can fool auto calibration routines if they do not take into account all the L lines for Cu. There is a visible low level L line that can downshift the measured peak position. The issue is worse with a good resolution detector. In fact, just by looking at this Cu_L (Cu_liiab I think), you can guess the detector resolution, if it nicely shaped with a peak and valley before rising up the main Cu_L, then you are at 130eV (MnKa) or better.
We like CuAl at 20-25KeV and 1k to 2k counts per second for energy calibration, the CuK is good for the high calibration peak, the AlK is good for the low calibration peak. Both peaks are nicely shaped and work well for calibration. You will also (sample dependent) get carbon and oxygen as cross-checks on the low energy peak positions. We also like having the EDS system tell us the peak position rather than eyeball using the KLM marker. If I use 8.040 for CuK and the calibration routines reports 8.040, then we are in sync.
The most important point is EDS energy calibration should be done at least one a month and the results saved (spectrum included) for comparison if you have later problems. Some labs do it everyday before doing any serious analysis. The important point is don't let energy calibration go for more than a month. If the EDS energy calibration drifts, then you will have auto peak-id problems as well as incorrect quant. results because these routines depend on the energy calibration being correct. Also read your system manuals for the proper procedure regarding energy calibration, don't guess.
Most service calls we get regarding EDS problems are solved by a proper energy calibration.
Scott
(who is happy to say he represents 4pi Analysis, Inc.) -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 ext 13 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 18:24:15 2005
the difference of peak values at low Zs is what I was zeroing in on. Using one high Z and one lower Z element does not handle all of the Zs. The light elements are tricky. So I handle them separately.
EDAX uses an EPIC table to adjust the shell eV values for each element. I don't know what other makers use. The net effect is to adjust the eV such that detected and identified peaks work out OK.
I agree that EDAX (no special financial interest) uses Al and Cu peaks for calibration. Fine. However, does this fully cover the light elements? I don't think so. So I do separate analysis at low Z and low KV. If no one cares about this, don't do it. EDAX DPP-2 is a state-of-the-art processor. If so, they still have the ability to adjust the eV values for all elements. So, is this a deficiency adjustment or a reality adjustment? Whatever. I make the change and my results are accepted. Otherwise, they are not. Plus, for the light elements, there is a huge issue with peak pile-up.
I don't see how the system is truly linear. Perhaps I am just too cautious.
gary g.
At 03:23 PM 5/13/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 20:08:37 2005
} the difference of peak values at low Zs is what I } was zeroing in on. Using one high Z and one lower Z } element does not handle all of the Zs. The light } elements are tricky. So I handle them separately. } } EDAX uses an EPIC table to adjust the shell eV values } for each element. I don't know what other makers use. } The net effect is to adjust the eV such that detected } and identified peaks work out OK. } } I agree that EDAX (no special financial interest) uses } Al and Cu peaks for calibration. Fine. However, does this } fully cover the light elements? I don't think so. So I } do separate analysis at low Z and low KV. If no one cares } about this, don't do it. EDAX DPP-2 is a state-of-the-art } processor. If so, they still have the ability to adjust the } eV values for all elements. So, is this a deficiency adjustment } or a reality adjustment? Whatever. I make the change and } my results are accepted. Otherwise, they are not. Plus, } for the light elements, there is a huge issue with peak pile-up. } } I don't see how the system is truly linear. Perhaps I am } just too cautious. }
One can re-linearize the spectrum by adjusting the eV values in software. Several companies do this. Some focus on the low end (light element), some allow all element energies to be "remapped". This is fine as long as you will always use this exact system for analysis. So you could say this is fair to get exact calibration. However once you export the spectrum to some other system or change electronics, then you will no longer have saved spectra in "calibration". That's the danger of software linearizing an electronic system by redefining element peak locations instead of designing a linear electronic system in the first place.
For example, you on your EDAX with DPP-2 have acquired several thousand spectra over the year. Opps, lightning strike and the EDAX is destroyed. You get a new system but it has a different non-linearity than the previous one. Sure you can set it up to be correct but what about all those previous spectra (they were backed up of course). They are not "linear" now and you cannot reanalyze them with confidence.
Another example, another lab with the same system is down and needs some analysis performed. You do it and give them the spectra and results. Their customer wants some things checks and they do it when they get their system working again. Are your element adjustments going to match theirs and what's going to happen when they get different results.
As long as you understand what it means when you adjust the element position and the ramifications and can accept them. Adjust away.
Rick's comments are correct. crystal effects can down shift low energy x-rays. However, a correctly designed preamp can correct this. If your preamp is linear, the rest of the system should be linear.
My viewpoint is light element - ok to allow to software linearize. Elements above F, it's a system deficiency adjustment and should not be tolerated. A a state-of-the-art digital pulse processor should have much better linearity than an analog pulse processor not worse.
Scott -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 ext 13 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 22:10:23 2005
Well, I have Genesis Remote and it lives forever. I keep all .spc spectra files. I see no big deal with long term validity or manipulation of these data files. They do not die, nor does my ability to post-evaluate them expire. This was one of many features of the EDAX system that I liked (no financial interest here--just a customer).
I use the EPIC adjustment method. It is not necessary for all elements. But for those that need it, it works. I can do future evaluations which are basically founded on raw data collected years before....cool. So, I think that the historical issue is moot...right?
I don't see that the system is linear. I cannot fathom why this would be true. OK. Regardless, I compensate for this at the light elements to be sure that all is OK. This is probably due to the crystal shifts. Whatever. The issue if use and results. Personally, I have a method that works for me and my consumers. If there is a more streamlined or faster method, please do let me know. This of course must me ISO-9000 quality.
gary g.
At 06:07 PM 5/13/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 13 22:41:45 2005
Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide what is sufficient for their needs. It certainly does not hurt to ask for input in this regard.
gary g.
At 06:07 PM 5/13/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat May 14 10:09:41 2005
While I am not a Thermo guy (I use EDAX), I've been thinking about your comments and think that there is a problem here. In this respect, your suggested approach will produce poor calibration results.
Some companies use a K and an L for the same element--perhaps Cu for system calibration? What L alpha is used? Book value? A quick sand pit I think. L alpha 1 for Cu is .930eV while L beta 1 is .950eV--not all that far away (two channels at 10eV/channel). The L beta 1 is around 20% of the height of the L alpha 1. Thus, these two peaks combine to produce a compromised peak with its centroid shifted to the right by about .936eV. Consequently, one should use K alpha for lower energy (Al) elements. Furthermore, calibration should not be done using one element's shell values. Hence, my use of Al and Cu. This is what EDAX is set up to do--so I did not invent this. But I see why they did this. There is an unambiguous peak at 8.040KeV (Cu K alpha 1) and another clear peak at 1.486KeV (Al K alpha 1).
If this is done, then I suppose the system is essentially "calibrated." However, for critical work, I go further. But that is a personal decision. Since I get all sorts of films, elements and what not to examine, two data points won't cut it. But, YMMV.
gary g.
At 10:50 AM 5/13/2005, you wrote:
} Hi } } Let us not get too complicated. } } Almost every EDS system that I know has a Calibration procedure inbuilt. } You simply need to insert a specimen of any material in the cobalt to } copper density range. } } It is important to know where the K alpha and L alpha peaks for the chosen } element are; your books or give away slide rule should provide the answer. } } Place the specimen in the microscope and adjust the beam controls to } obtain at least 2,000cps. Go to the Calibration mode, answer the } questions and it should run on its own. If it does not, take down the } instructions and come back to me if you wish? } } Good luck } } Steve Chapman } Senior Consultant Protrain } For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide } Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 } Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat May 14 10:33:16 2005
has anyone encountered a bench top polishing system for thin metal films? I'm looking for an "affordable" unit that would hold a standard 12mm diameter pin stub that has a small chip on it. I would like to polish this chip for EBSD analysis. I've tried down to 0.02u coloidal silica and alumina and am not getting the kind of results I seek.
perhaps there is an ion unit like Gatan or JEOL make that would do this for stub mounts?
User and vendor feedback is welcome.
tnx, gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 15 17:09:19 2005
} Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (irenarom-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 14:09:10 } -----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to take Life and Dry Blood Analysis course from somebody who teach Dr.Enderlein's concept of microscopie. Do you know anybody that teach this course?
Sincerely, Divna Unipan, ND
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 16 06:48:52 2005
Greetings to All, We are beginning a TEM study of proteins in T.brucei and would appreciate any protocols or references to accomplish this goal without resorting to cryo. Thank you Bruce Luders Research Assistant Global Infectious Disease Marine Biological Labs 7 MBL Street Woods Hole, MA 02543
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 16 13:17:38 2005
Yes I too go back to the days of aluminium and copper! Perhaps going back even further I started with a keyboard that simply had EASY keys standing for Erase, Analyse, Stop, and Yes!
Regards
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Ken Converse" {kenconverse-at-qualityimages.biz} To: "'Steve Chapman'" {protrain-at-emcourses.com} ; "MSA Listserver" {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com} Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 8:39 PM
Hi Gary
I visit a different laboratory, somewhere in the world, on average every other week, mostly in industry. These people need to be able to look at "foreign bodies" in their materials and feed their findings back to the production site. We always calibrate using a two peak method and find that this is adequate for the tasks in hand.
Modern EDS systems do far more than just move the peaks into line and this means that our "semi" quant results are also pretty good. My clients vary from those interested in the defects in wafers, to those looking at aero engines, aircraft components, road vehicle engines and components, all big name organisations all working with repetitive materials. We do use standard materials in each case to check the systems, these standards being as near as possible to the day to day materials. The instruments in use often vary in both the SEM manufacturers and the EDS manufacturers. These clients are all very happy with their results, but perhaps in the more different world of a university operators would not have the same level of satisfaction?
Our precautions are that the EDS computing system is always on and that the liquid nitrogen levels never fall low enough for the system to switch off. In this way we obtain as near absolute stability as possible, the result is we rarely see peak drift.
I am interested to see where you find problems?
Regards
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Gary Gaugler" {gary-at-gaugler.com} To: "Steve Chapman" {protrain-at-emcourses.com} Cc: "MSA listserver" {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com} Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 9:21 PM
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 16 15:42:44 2005
I hope this is a relevant topic for the List. I am seeking a humane, readily available agent that does not affect ultrastructure for the purpose of anaesthetization of animals destined for sacrifice following excision of tissues for SEM and TEM in an undergraduate academic setting. The animal-use committee (AUC) is getting more stringent about humane treatment of animal subjects, and they are not happy with my current methods. What agents are you commonly using to anaesthetize animals that are ultimately sacrificed??
I have been using a simple inhalant delivery system such as a chloroform chamber. Following loss of consciousness, and onset of a deep diaphragmmatic breathing pattern, the animal is fitted with a chloroform mask and is still breathing and the heart pumping during administration of fixatives into various organs. It is sacrificed while still unconscious by means of injection of aldehyde into the heart. This is an undergraduate setting, and the occasional introduction of fixation artifacts due to slow fixation or poor penetration actually serves as examples of the same for classroom discussion, so these crude methods in fact serve a useful purpose. However, the AUC is not happy with the use of chloroform or CO2.
The alternatives that have been suggested include ketamine (which I thought was definitely inhumane, causing paralysis but not loss of consciousness), halothane (which I'm simply unfamiliar with), or pentobarbital. I've used the latter and maintained the animal with ether, but thought the p-b was a restricted substance, and no one here has the proper license; plus ether is a dangerous substance to store in the lab.
Any opinions out there? What agents are in common use? How are they administered? Deep in my dim dusty memory, I recall that some can cause shifts in ultrastructure, notably in neurological tissues and in mitochondrial cristae.
Thanks, all, for your opinions and suggestions.
Ann
Ann Lehman Assistant Director Electron Microscopy Facility Mailstop: LSC314 Trinity College 300 Summit Street Hartford, CT 06106 v. 860-297-4289 f. 860-297-2538 e. ann.lehman-at-trincoll.edu w. http://www.trincoll.edu/~alehman
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 16 18:41:07 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (fchu-at-mrl.ubc.ca) from on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 16:25:22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: fchu-at-mrl.ubc.ca Name: Fanny Chu
Organization: iCAPTURE Lab, University of British Columbia
Question: Somebody in our lab has had sections that will get diffused and dispersed within two seconds staying in the boat. Ironically, all the Epon ingredients were brand new. Any suggestions what's wrong or can be done about it?
Question: Can anyone give me tips about how to get the video output from SEM (we are using Philips XL30 ESEM). We are using PCs here.
Thanks
With best wishes,
Xiaohu Tang
Microlab Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences Delft University of Technology P.O. Box 5048 2600 GA DELFT, The Netherlands Email: xiaohutang-at-gmail.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 17 08:46:16 2005
The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of California at Santa Barbara seeks a motivated and skilled individual to operate, instruct in the use of, maintain, acquire, and develop electron accelerator and x-ray devices such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), electron probe microanalyzers (EPMA), x-ray spectrometers (EDS), x-ray diffractometers (XRD), electron diffractometers (EBSD), and optical microscopes. Individuals with post-graduate education in science or engineering and experience with the chemical and physical characterization of Earth or engineering materials using the above methods are particularly encouraged to apply. PhD-level scientists with the desire to pursue their own research can be accommodated.
This appointment will be as an Associate Development Engineer to begin as early as September 1, 2005. Review of applications will begin June 1, 2005. Starting salary range is $48,864–$53,574, depending on education and experience.
Please apply online at http://jobs.ucsb.edu/, and refer to job # 20050186. Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, a letter of application—including a detailed description of experience operating and maintaining instrumentation and objectives in developing and acquiring instrumentation—and provide the names, email addresses and contact information of three referees. Applicants should request that the three referees send letters of evaluation directly to:
Bradley Hacker, Chair Search Committee Department of Geological Sciences University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9630
Questions can be directed to Professor Bradley Hacker, hacker-at-geol.ucsb.edu
UCSB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Employer
----------------------------------------------------------- Bradley R. Hacker office: Webb 2120 tel 805.893.7952 Professor of Geology dept 805.893.3471 fax 805.893.2314 Geological Sciences & Institute for Crustal Studies University of California, Santa Barbara CA 93106-9630 http://www.geol.ucsb.edu/faculty/hacker/
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 17 08:49:03 2005
This sounds like a classic case of poor infiltration. I would suggest using more changes of pure resin before curing the blocks and leaving the specimens in the resin longer during infiltration steps. Use of a microwave to facilitate infiltration can also be a great help.
What kind of specimen are you having trouble with? Some tissues are notoriously difficult to infiltrate.
Good luck.
Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-2227 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:fchu-at-mrl.ubc.ca] Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 6:40 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (fchu-at-mrl.ubc.ca) from on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 16:25:22 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---
Email: fchu-at-mrl.ubc.ca Name: Fanny Chu
Organization: iCAPTURE Lab, University of British Columbia
Question: Somebody in our lab has had sections that will get diffused and dispersed within two seconds staying in the boat. Ironically, all the Epon ingredients were brand new. Any suggestions what's wrong or can be done about it?
} } Question: Can anyone give me tips about how to get the video output } from SEM (we are using Philips XL30 ESEM). We are using PCs here. }
The XL30 has an BNC that outputs standard NTSC (RS-170) video format on the back of the scope, I forget the connector name, it's near the top of one of the rack cards. Just run that into any USB or PCI video capture hardware (or video monitor). It might be PAL video format instead of NTSC video format for non-USA customers, the XL30 hardware can output both but I'm only familiar with the USA variant. It's normal use is to drive a small electrostatic video printer for quick low resolution hardcopy.
Be aware that the resolution will be limited by the NTSC/PAL video format. 640 x 480 interlaced for NTSC. If you want a full resolution digital image capture either use the native XL30 capture (remember to XLStretch the image or it will have non-square pixels when you display it on Win32 PC) or get an external digital image capture system. In the case of the XL30, you need an active scan system or you will suffer the same non-square pixel issue on capture.
Scott -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Scott D. Davilla Phone: 919 489-1757 ext 13 (tel) 4pi Analysis, Inc. Fax: 919 489-1487 (fax) 3500 Westgate Drive, Suite 403 email: davilla-at-4pi.com Durham, North Carolina 27707-2534 web: http://www.4pi.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 17 09:53:06 2005
You had a keyboard! I think we only had buttons and switches.
I can't even remember all the details of the first EDS system I worked with. I can't even remember if it was EDAX or Nuclear Diodes at the time. I recall that it had a 2-inch, green, monochrome CRT with alternating patterns of 10 bright dots and 10 not-so-bright dots. I think the standard resolution was 100 eV/channel and we had to count the numbers of groups of dots to determine the energy of the peak, for example iron peaked in the 4th channel of the 7th group (i.e., channel 64). Peak ID got tough when the pots got noisy and the spectrum would jump. We would have to start counting over. There were no energy limits or cursor for the screen, let alone MLK markers. There was no computer. The only storage was an optional 2-inch paper tape printout with one intensity record per line.
Oh, the good old days . . . Not! It is sometimes helpful to remember just how far we have come. It can help us to appreciate what we have.
Warren
At 05:16 AM 05/16/05, Steve Chapman wrote:
} Hi Ken } } Yes I too go back to the days of aluminium and copper! Perhaps going back } even further I started with a keyboard that simply had EASY keys standing } for Erase, Analyse, Stop, and Yes! } } Regards } } Steve Chapman } Senior Consultant Protrain } For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide } Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 } Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com } } ----- Original Message ----- } } From: "Ken Converse" {kenconverse-at-qualityimages.biz} } To: "'Steve Chapman'" {protrain-at-emcourses.com} ; "MSA Listserver" } {Microscopy-at-MSA.Microscopy.Com} } Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 8:39 PM } Subject: [Microscopy] RE: Re: EDS Calibration } } } } Steve, } } I have run across some systems that will not work with 2 peaks from the same } } element, although that makes the most sense. Going back to when dinosaurs } } roamed the earth, we had to use both copper and aluminum to calibrate. If } } it is one of those systems that needs 2 elements, just slap a piece of } } copper tape on an aluminum stub and scan an area that includes both. } } } } Ken Converse } } } } owner } } QUALITY IMAGES } } ------------------------------------------- } No files should be attached to this message } ------------------------------------------- } Warren E. Straszheim, Ph.D. } Materials Analysis and Research Lab } Iowa State University } 46 Town Engineering } Ames IA, 50011-3232 } } Ph: 515-294-8187 } FAX: 515-294-4563 } } E-Mail: wesaia-at-iastate.edu } Web: www.marl.iastate.edu } } Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray analysis, and image analysis of materials } Computer applications and networking
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 17 10:10:47 2005
We intend to dispose of our old (mid 1980s) ISI-40 SEM, equipped with Robinson backscatter detector, Deben Pixie-8 frame store with Sony video printer, and Link 860 series 2 Si(Li) EDS (with 8 inch floppy disks!)
Although it has not been used for some time, it was a working instrument in routine use. I would be surprised if anyone wanted the whole thing, but useful for spares if you're trying to keep one going - please contact me if interested.
-- Dr. Norman Charnley Department of Earth Sciences University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3PR, UK.
Sounds like poor infiltration to me. To be more specific I think most people on the List would like to know: What kind of tissue? How was it fixed? How large are the pieces of tissue? How was it processed?
Geoff
by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote:
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-- -- ********************************************** 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 **********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 17 16:09:31 2005
I don't think this question can be answered in this forum, it is just too big. If there is no one at your institution who can provide the necessary guidance, another project may be in order. If you have an ESEM I would expect that someone there knows how to prepare specimens for it??
Geoff
by way of Ask-A-Microscopist wrote:
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-- -- ********************************************** 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 **********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 18 07:24:42 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (ilanh-at-patholog.tau.ac.il) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 01:33:26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: ilanh-at-patholog.tau.ac.il Name: Ilan Hammel
Organization: Tel Aviv University
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Kodak film problem SO163
Question: I have some Kodak SO-163 film, 6.5 x 9 cm, Lot 2005-01 17363870 (I think) and I found that the notch was in the wrong place so that the film got put into the casettes with the emusion side down (instead of up) and I thought something was wrong with the camera. I ended up spending a lot of money trying to fix a camera problem I did not have.
I was just wondering if this was a problem others experienced or am I the only one who encountered this problem?
I am trying to work with our vendor to get replaced the wasted film exposures and also, compensation for the wasted money with the TEM service engineers to find a problem with the camera that we did not really have.
ILAN HAMMEL D.Sc. Department of Pathology Sackler Faculty of Medicine Sackler Building, room: 425 Tel Aviv University P.O. Box 39040, Ramat Aviv Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (emily.wiesner-at-medecine.unige.ch) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 05:38:05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: Cryostat sectioning of rat brains
Question: Hello, I was wondering whether anyone could advise me of the best way to collect rat brain sections when cutting on a cryostat. I am placing the slide down to collect the section, but the section either folds, wrinkles or get small bubbles underneath it. The brains have been perfusion fixed with PFA and frozen in OCT. I have been cutting at -20 degrees. Help! Emily
Blot underside of sample and mount on ESEM stub with a carbon tab Put distilled water on sample so it does not dehydrate during pump down
Adjust WD to 10mm
Set Peltier stage to 5 degrees C
Pump down to 7.5 torr and flood then reduce pressure to 7.4 torr and so on to 6.5 torr.
Turn beam on and find top of sample (the hard bit! especially if water has condensed on sample!). With help of the ESEM operator set WD to 7.5mm.
Now slowly reduce pressure to expose sample. If you go too fast sample will be exposed and dehydrate instantly. Try to hold sample at a pressure where no further dehydration takes place (tricky). The correct pressure for the stub alone is 6.5 torr. Biological samples would probably equilibrate after a few hours. I am too impatient and go below 6.5 torr and reverse the pressure if change is too rapid.
Good luck
Dave
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of Ask-A-Microscopist [mailto:john-rong-at-ouhsc.edu] Sent: 09 May 2005 23:44 To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (john-rong-at-ouhsc.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Monday, May 9, 2005 at 14:12:12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: john-rong-at-ouhsc.edu Name: John Rong
Organization: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Education: Graduate College
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Question: I was asked to help a college student for his project. I am a professor but unfortunately I have no knowledge about this topic. I would appreciate any help you can provide so that I can pass the information to the student. Thanks!
The student plans to observe the surface structures of a vascular stent that is implanted inside a pigÃs coronary artery. The sample has been stored in ìformalinî (10% of formaldehyde) for more than 6 months. The microscope is an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope.
This student would like to learn the protocols and procedures for preparing his sample. For properly operating the microscope, what special procedures or steps have to be followed and necessary operating conditions such as temperature, ATM, humidity, etc. to be maintained?
We are in the process of clearing out some space in an old building and found a Kinetic Systems anti vibration platform that was originally used with a Hitachi 570 SEM. It has three legs/pistons driven either by pressurized N2 or a compressor and a 26" x 32" steel plate on which the microscope column unit sat. I am unsure of the age of the system, but the microscope was originally purchased around 1986.
Our new lab is adequately isolated in terms of vibration, so we do not see an immediate need for the unit. The university has a surplus equipment area, but it seems unlikely it will ever find an interested party using its traditional channels. I thought I would pose a question to the list to find out what others have done in these situations.
1. Is there a market for used systems like this, and can someone recommend an approximate value for a used anti vibration platform?
2. Have folks gone to the trouble to post the information to the surplus equipment forum and get rid of it themselves, or have the people in charge of university surplus taken on this role?
Thanks for your help in this matter.
Karl Hagglund Biological Sciences, SC-102B Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099 859-572-5238 http://semlab.nku.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 18 10:20:26 2005
Having some money to buy a camera for our OM, I would be interested on some feedback about the little Nikon DS-L1 stand-alone camera controle unit, which has network connection, and alowed to work without a PC near the OM. As we need something which can be easy moved between a inverted OM, an upright one and a binocular, it seems interesting to have such little "toy". But what about it in a real use ? Our use is mainly for control in SEM and TEM sample prepartion, little real OM works.
All advices are welcome.
J. Faerber IPCMS-GSI (Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg Groupe Surface et Interfaces) 23, rue de Loess ; BP43 67034 Strasbourg CEDEX 2 France
Listers UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas has an open position for an electron microscopy technician. Details and online applications can be found on our HR website http://www8.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept36801/files/151313.html
Also see the Imaging facility web pages for more information about the lab
http://www4.utsouthwestern.edu/mcif/index.htm
Regards
Chris
Christopher J Gilpin Ph.D. Assistant Professor Director, Molecular and Cellular Imaging Facility K1.A04 UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard Dallas, TX 75390-9039 Phone +1 214 648 2827 Fax +1 214 648 6408
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 18 11:24:49 2005
Dear Ilan, A similar thing happened to me with the Kodak 4489 films several years ago. Several boxes of TEM film had the notch on the wrong side, but I noticed because the film emulsion is a different gray under the darkroom safe light, so I just turned the film over so the emulsion was up. I sent them a reply card noting the problem, but never heard anything back. The notch has been in the right place ever since. Regards, Mary Mager Electron Microscopist Department of Materials Engineering University of British Columbia 6350 Stores Road Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 CANADA Tel: 604-822-5648 Fax: 604-822-3619 e-mail: mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca ----- Original Message ----- } From: "by way of MicroscopyListserver" {ilanh-at-patholog.tau.ac.il} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 5:23 AM
Dear Lists, We have been having problems with contamination of the 150 um aperture on our FEI F30H Polara microscope. No other apertures, condenser or otherwise, have become contaminated, but the 150 has had problems several times. (It has been the aperture most frequently used, which could be why.) Furthermore, our instrument is used almost exclusively with frozen-hydrated biological specimens, and the only other specimen in use recently was 10 nm colloidal gold on a R 2/2 Quantifoil. Has anyone else experienced problems with condenser aperture contamination on a Polara? Yours, Bill Tivol, PhD EM Scientist and Manager Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility Broad Center, Mail Code 114-96 California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395-8833 tivol-at-caltech.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 18 17:48:45 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (winston.wiggins-at-cshs.org) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 10:35:45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Los Angeles, CA
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: Kodak film problem SO163
Question: Ilan, We had the same problem here with our Kodak SO-163. Fortunately we found out really quickly. When the negs came out ìunexposedî except for the sequence numbers, one of us decided to check to see where the emulsion was. It apparently wasnít where it was supposed to be, according to the ìnotchî position. It seems to have been a one-time problem so we didnít record film batch numbers, etc. We did call Kodak though! Winston
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mccaulak-at-wfu.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:48:58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: mccaulak-at-wfu.edu Name: Anita McCauley
Organization: Wake Forest University
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: searching for window insert to block light
Question: I am setting up a room for fluorescence microscopy which has a window to the outside. I need to find a way to block the light coming through this window. There is an insert in another room in the facility which functions very well to block the light entering that room but nobody remembers when it was purchased or the vendor. Does anybody know where I can get an insert to block the light or have suggestions for other ways to accomplish this?
Every container of film (of any type) I have ever seen has a disclaimer that the vendor liability is limited to replacing the film, no matter what trouble it causes. It stinks, but this is a good illustration of defective film causing a lot of trouble. My sympathies.
--John Mardinly
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:ilanh-at-patholog.tau.ac.il] Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 5:23 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (ilanh-at-patholog.tau.ac.il) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 01:33:26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---
Email: ilanh-at-patholog.tau.ac.il Name: Ilan Hammel
Organization: Tel Aviv University
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Kodak film problem SO163
Question: I have some Kodak SO-163 film, 6.5 x 9 cm, Lot 2005-01 17363870 (I think) and I found that the notch was in the wrong place so that the film got put into the casettes with the emusion side down (instead of up) and I thought something was wrong with the camera. I ended up spending a lot of money trying to fix a camera problem I did not have.
I was just wondering if this was a problem others experienced or am I the only one who encountered this problem?
I am trying to work with our vendor to get replaced the wasted film exposures and also, compensation for the wasted money with the TEM service engineers to find a problem with the camera that we did not really have.
ILAN HAMMEL D.Sc. Department of Pathology Sackler Faculty of Medicine Sackler Building, room: 425 Tel Aviv University P.O. Box 39040, Ramat Aviv Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.
Black Spray paint? I've also seen Al foil taped to the window. ...or do you want a removable light barrier?
Henk
At 06:47 PM 5/18/2005, mccaulak-at-wfu.edu wrote:
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Hendrik O. Colijn colijn.1-at-osu.edu OSU Campus Electron Optics Facility www.ceof.ohio-state.edu 040 Fontana Labs, 116 W. 19th Ave
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 02:24:25 2005
We are planning to buy new 1) Transmission Electron Microscope, 200 Kv with EELS 2)and Scanning Electron Microscope as our old electron m/scope are now antrique peice.
Please share your knowledge and experience with different models and make particularly with Philips/FEI and Jeol or any other make with excellent features
Regards Arti Harle Institute of Microbial Technology Chandigarh India
Ms.ARTI HARLE/ SCIENTIFIC ASSISTANT REGIONAL SOPHISTICATED INSTURMENTATION CENTER INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY-BOMBAY POWAI, MUMBAI - 400076. INDIA E-MAIL : aarti_harle-at-yahoo.co.in, aartih-at-pawan.cc.iitb.ac.in PHONE : 91-22-5767691, RESI.: 91-22-5720109
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 05:18:23 2005
It depends on the nature of your samples. I would consider an ESEM or equivalent. If you can afford field emission even better.
Dave
-----Original Message----- } From: Aarti Harle [mailto:aarti_harle-at-yahoo.co.in] Sent: 19 May 2005 08:23 To: microscopy-at-msa.microscopy.com
Hello Everybody
We are planning to buy new 1) Transmission Electron Microscope, 200 Kv with EELS 2)and Scanning Electron Microscope as our old electron m/scope are now antrique peice.
Please share your knowledge and experience with different models and make particularly with Philips/FEI and Jeol or any other make with excellent features
Regards Arti Harle Institute of Microbial Technology Chandigarh India
Ms.ARTI HARLE/ SCIENTIFIC ASSISTANT REGIONAL SOPHISTICATED INSTURMENTATION CENTER INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY-BOMBAY POWAI, MUMBAI - 400076. INDIA E-MAIL : aarti_harle-at-yahoo.co.in, aartih-at-pawan.cc.iitb.ac.in PHONE : 91-22-5767691, RESI.: 91-22-5720109
Yahoo! Mail Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour: http://tour.mail.yahoo.com/mailtour.html
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 06:18:27 2005
Back in the days (20 years ago) when I used a darkroom for TEM negatives, we used a special window shade. It was designed for day time sleepers and consisted of three layers. Two white outer layers and a thicker black inner layer. Light simply did not penetrate it. It was designed for people who work nights and sleep during the day. We had a "track" build to hold the edges down and it worked fine for years.
Good luck!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
mccaulak-at-wfu.edu (by way of To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com MicroscopyListser cc: ver) Subject: [Microscopy] viaWWW: searching for window insert to block light
The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mccaulak-at-wfu.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:48:58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: mccaulak-at-wfu.edu Name: Anita McCauley
Organization: Wake Forest University
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: searching for window insert to block light
Question: I am setting up a room for fluorescence microscopy which has a window to the outside. I need to find a way to block the light coming through this window. There is an insert in another room in the facility which functions very well to block the light entering that room but nobody remembers when it was purchased or the vendor. Does anybody know where I can get an insert to block the light or have suggestions for other ways to accomplish this?
I just put aluminum foil over the window. Doesn't allow for easy removal to let in light, but the darkness is complete. Worked so well during the 24 hour-daylight-summer in the Arctic that it was hard to get out of bed in the "morning".
Phil
} Email: mccaulak-at-wfu.edu } Name: Anita McCauley } } Organization: Wake Forest University } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: searching for } window insert to block light } } Question: I am setting up a room for fluorescence microscopy which } has a window to the outside. I need to find a way to block the } light coming through this window. There is an insert in another } room in the facility which functions very well to block the light } entering that room but nobody remembers when it was purchased or the } vendor. Does anybody know where I can get an insert to block the } light or have suggestions for other ways to accomplish this? } } Thanks. } } ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax) http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/microscopy.htm
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 09:37:00 2005
When we needed to block out windows in our facility, we went to our local building supply store and bought a 4 x 8 ft. sheet of 1 inch thick insulation board that had foil facing on one side and black plastic facing on the other (we used Dow Supertuff R, but there are no doubt others that would work). Then we went to the fabric store for a roll of thin quilt batting and some black pseudo-suede polyester fabric. We cut the insulation board to fit in the window frame, covered the cut piece with batting (front only, not around the sides), then put fabric over the batting around the sides to the back and used a staple gun to secure the fabric to the back. We then pushed it into the window frame. They fit tightly because of the fabric, look pretty good, and were quite inexpensive. Since our windows are not visible to the outside because of our location, we didn't bother making them look good from the outside, but you could always paint the windows before installing the foam boards if this is an issue for you.
Heather Owen
On Wed, 18 May 2005, by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mccaulak-at-wfu.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:48:58 } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Email: mccaulak-at-wfu.edu } Name: Anita McCauley } } Organization: Wake Forest University } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: searching for window insert to block light } } Question: I am setting up a room for fluorescence microscopy which has a window to the outside. I need to find a way to block the light coming through this window. There is an insert in another room in the facility which functions very well to block the light entering that room but nobody remembers when it was purchased or the vendor. Does anybody know where I can get an insert to block the light or have suggestions for other ways to accomplish this? } } Thanks. } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- }
Dr. Heather A. Owen, Director Electron Microscope Laboratory Department of Biological Sciences University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Lapham Hall, P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53210 USA
Phone: (414)229-6816
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 12:05:12 2005
We are interested in obtaining a used FEI compustage or non-compustage tilt rotation holder. We have some holders that may be considered in a trade, or reasonable offers would be entertained. Thanks. Ken
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 17:36:41 2005
You may well find, as we did a couple of years ago, that the local window blind companies have the 100% blockout blind material and all the other materials to make the blinds that track down the edge of the window frame. All they need to do is measure your window to make one for you. We got one made for an office that's used occasionally for fluorescence microscopy. Got a small blind made for the window in the office door, too.... cheers, Rosemary
Dr. Rosemary White rosemary.white-at-csiro.au Microscopy Centre ph. 61-2-6246 5475 CSIRO Plant Industry mob. 61-0402 835 973 GPO Box 1600 fax. 61-2-6246 5334 Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
} From: Heather A Owen {owenha-at-csd.uwm.edu} } Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 09:35:23 -0500 (CDT) } To: by way of MicroscopyListserver {mccaulak-at-wfu.edu} } Cc: microscopy-at-microscopy.com } Subject: [Microscopy] Re: viaWWW: searching for window insert to block light } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } When we needed to block out windows in our facility, we went to our local } building supply store and bought a 4 x 8 ft. sheet of 1 inch thick } insulation board that had foil facing on one side and black plastic facing } on the other (we used Dow Supertuff R, but there are no doubt others that } would work). Then we went to the fabric store for a roll of thin quilt } batting and some black pseudo-suede polyester fabric. We cut the } insulation board to fit in the window frame, covered the cut piece with } batting (front only, not around the sides), then put fabric over the } batting around the sides to the back and used a staple gun to secure the } fabric to the back. We then pushed it into the window frame. They } fit tightly because of the fabric, look pretty good, and were quite } inexpensive. Since our windows are not visible to the outside because of } our location, we didn't bother making them look good from the outside, but } you could always paint the windows before installing the foam boards if } this is an issue for you. } } Heather Owen } } } } On Wed, 18 May 2005, by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote: } } } } } } } -----------------------------------------------------------------------------} } - } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } -- } } } } Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted } } by (mccaulak-at-wfu.edu) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on } } Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:48:58 } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } Email: mccaulak-at-wfu.edu } } Name: Anita McCauley } } } } Organization: Wake Forest University } } } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: searching for window } } insert to block light } } } } Question: I am setting up a room for fluorescence microscopy which has a } } window to the outside. I need to find a way to block the light coming } } through this window. There is an insert in another room in the facility } } which functions very well to block the light entering that room but nobody } } remembers when it was purchased or the vendor. Does anybody know where I can } } get an insert to block the light or have suggestions for other ways to } } accomplish this? } } } } Thanks. } } } } --------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } Dr. Heather A. Owen, Director } Electron Microscope Laboratory } Department of Biological Sciences } University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee } Lapham Hall, P.O. Box 413 } Milwaukee, WI 53210 } USA } } Phone: (414)229-6816 } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 19 17:57:00 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (v_bleu_knight-at-yahoo.com) from http://microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 11:00:27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver:TEM- Using permanox chamber slides for embedding
Question: Has anyone previously used permanox chambered slides to embed cultured cells for TEM? Any advice on this matter will be greatly appreciated (Especially creating blocks of appropriate size). Thanks!
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (v_bleu_knight) from http://microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 11:04:16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: v_bleu_knight Name: Bleu Knight
Organization: New Mexico State University
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver:TEM- labeling biological samples with Quantum Dots
Question: Hello, I am going to label cultured cells with quantum dots and look at them with the TEM. Does anyone know if it is possible to impart electron density to the biological tissue and still visualize the Quantum dots? I am planning to use Osmium, Lead Citrate, and Uranyl acetate but I do not know if these compounds will react with the quantum dots or obstruct their visualization. I would appreciate any advice on this issue
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (beagleyg-at-alma.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 15:38:09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: beagleyg-at-alma.edu Name: gwyneth beagley
Organization: department of psychology alma college
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] stuck film chamber door
Question: Has anyone else experienced a "stuck" door on a film chamber of a JEOL 1200 EX? Should I force it? The latch turns; is the failure to open due to too much vacuum or air not being pumped into the chamber? Everything else seems to be working, so I am rather confused. Thanks. g
If I remember correctly, the door latch on the 1200EX (the same as the 2000FX) is a mechanical latch with a microswitch on it to activate the vacuum logic circuitry. When the chamber is up to air, the door just pops open. Monitor your vacuum page on the monitor. (I think that it is page 3.) If the valves don't cycle for the column and then the up-to-air valve opens, then you have a problem. You should also hear the valve between the column and the chamber close (it's the big "clunk" noise.) If the chamber is under vacuum and the valves are not in the correct positions, forcing the door open will not be a good thing for your diffusion pump. Call service. They've seen it before and they might have a quick fix for you.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: by way of MicroscopyListserver [mailto:beagleyg-at-alma.edu] Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 6:58 PM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (beagleyg-at-alma.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 15:38:09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: beagleyg-at-alma.edu Name: gwyneth beagley
Organization: department of psychology alma college
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] stuck film chamber door
Question: Has anyone else experienced a "stuck" door on a film chamber of a JEOL 1200 EX? Should I force it? The latch turns; is the failure to open due to too much vacuum or air not being pumped into the chamber? Everything else seems to be working, so I am rather confused. Thanks. g
A new person in my lab (new to biology) ordered denatured ethyl alcohol instead of absolute EtOH for routine tissue processing for SEM. Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever inadvertently used denatured ethanol for dehydration and CPD for SEM? I'll probably use what we have for a cleaning solvent or give it to the histo lab, but I'm curious if this has come up in any of your labs.
The listserv archive has a brief thread on the use of denatured EtOH for dehydration and embedment of paper in Spurr's resin.
Many thanks,
Angela
-- Angela V. Klaus, Ph.D. Director, Microscopy and Imaging Facility American Museum of Natural History Central Park West and 79th Street New York, NY 10024 USA Email: avklaus-at-amnh.org Tel: 212-796-5977 Fax: 212-496-3480
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 20 06:01:21 2005
Hi all, I have bought a Digital Camera Nikon Coolpix 4800 and I am going to substitute the standard Zenit camera on the Lomo trinocular head MFN-11 (alias HF-30) of my microscope with it. I don’t know which adapter I need. Could someone give me some suggestions about? Thank you. With my Best Regards,
Massimo
-------------------------- "Il faut garder sa liberté d'esprit et croire que dans la nature l'absurde suivant nos théories n'est pas toujours impossible." (Claude Bernard)
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 20 10:13:28 2005
} I would like to take Life and Dry Blood Analysis course from somebody who teach Dr.Enderlein's concept of } microscopie. Do you know anybody that teach this course?
} Sincerely, } Divna Unipan, ND
Dear Divna:
Not seeing any other responses to your posting .......... I think the reason no one has replied it that "Life and Dry Blood Analyisis" is not held in much esteem by scientists. While I am reluctant to say that it is quackery, it certainly does not have a track record of scientific data and evidence to support it. While one can learn much from the study of blood chemistry and morphology, there are limits, as there are in any field. I suggest that you use google.com to search for the information you seek.
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 **********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 20 15:24:24 2005
O.k., folks before we try and re-build the wheel, has anyone looked at, or measured the surface roughness of a (modern) computer harddisk? How rough / flat are they?
We're looking for a flat surface to so some electro-chemistry work on, and ITO glass is just too rough, and the crystal orientation of a silicon crystal interferes with the work.
Thanks!
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
"RAM disk is NOT an installation procedure."
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 20 16:06:33 2005
Two approaches: The guys at Zygo have been doing this for years very neatly with scanning white light interferometry. (www.zygo.com).
Alternatively, my colleague, Kim Kangasniemi, has been looking at this problem with an AFM. Another advantage: you can do electrical measurements with the same tool. You can reach him at kim-at-nt-america.com
Hope this is helpful, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 03:23 PM 5/20/2005, Richard Edelmann wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 20 23:49:22 2005
In 2005-2006, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), in the framework of a programme sponsored by the Italian Government and Italian research institutions, is offering fellowships to scientists from developing countries (Central and Eastern Europe included) in the field of
Physics applied to Neurobiology.
The duration of the fellowships is between 6 and 12 months and the monthly grant is from Euro 1,250 onwards. Limited funds are available for travel. Health insurance coverage is provided to scientists and accompanying family members. Family allowance is granted for dependant family members.
All applications and correspondence should be addressed to the:
ICTP PROGRAMME FOR TRAINING AND RESEARCH IN ITALIAN LABORATORIES
the Abdus Salam INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS
The applicants should submit the Request for Participation Form in two copies either typed or in dark, legible print. Please ensure that additional requested documents are attached.
Applications should be submitted by 31 July 2005
LAMBS - Laboratorio Avanzato di Microscopia, Bioimmagini e Spettroscopia, Centro di Ricerca MicroScoBio, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova
(LAMBS - Laboratory for Advanced Microscopy, Bioimaging and Spectroscopy, MicroScoBio Research Centre, Department of Physics, University of Genoa)
(http://www.lambs.it)
GENOVA
Activity leader: A. Diaspro
(diaspro-at-fisica.unige.it)
Scientists involved: P. Bianchini, V. Caorsi, S. Krol, R. Magrassi, D. Mazza, G. Vicidomini, P. Ramoino, C. Usai Minimum duration of stay: 12 months
Main research themes:
Membrane internalization and intracellular trafficking. Neurotransmitter synthesis and release. Membrane excitability modulation by neurotransmitter. Characterization of homo- and heterotransporters in synaptosomes and gliosomes from mammalian cells.
Deconvolution techniques applied to 3D cellular networks using confocal and two-photon fluorescence microscopy for cell imaging. Single molecule fluorescence 3D tracking in cells and tissue; caging and uncaging under multiphoton excitation and tissutal nanoscalpel; fluorescence photoactivation.
F techniques (FRAP, FRET, FLIM, FCS) for molecular and cellular imaging. Nano-bio-robots (hybrid polyelectrolyte-living cells systems).
Equipment available: Multiphoton system based on Leica SP2 AOBS confocal spectral microscope and Chameleon-XR tunable ultrafast Ti-Sapphire laser.
Two-photon excitation architecture based on Nikon PCM2000 Confocal scanning head and Tsunami-Millennia ultrafast Ti-Sapphire laser system.
Fluorescence lifetime module Becker and Hickl.
FCS, frequency domain lifetime ISS, Urbana Champaign.
Confocal spectral system Nikon C1-sp1.
SHG (Second Harmonic Generation) set-up.
Single molecule detection set-up.
Microscope live cell imaging incubator.
Calcium imaging fluorescence architecture.
Cell culturing facilities (Protozoan, mammalian and yeast cells).
Chemical and biochemical preparation facility.
Nanofabrication facility for polyelectrolyte based hybrid systems.
Link to: http://www.ictp.trieste.it/www_users/ItaLab/neurobiology.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- [...] Dance with wolves and count the stars, including the unseen...(L.Ferlinghetti, Challenges to young poet, 2001)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- Alberto Diaspro, MicroScoBIO Research Center, LAMBS-IFOM, Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy facsimile +39-010314218 - voice +39-0103536426/480/309; URL: http://www.lambs.it http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471409200.html
Richard Edelmann asked about the roughness of a hard disk surface, as he considers its suitability for electrochemistry. The roughness of hard disk media is generally very small in the data region, probably Ra { 0.2 nm. In the head parking region, the roughness is deliberately increased by patterning the surface, so that the head stiction is reduced. In both regions, AFM is commonly used to measure the microroughness and also the geometric parameters of the shallow bumps.
Roughness is only part of the story. The materials of construction should be considered, for example: superpolished Aluminum substrate/CoCr or similar alloy (magnetic layer)/diamond-like carbon/fluorinated lubricant. Other substrates, such as glass and Silicon may be used. Other thin film coatings may be used. Because of the composite nature of a hard disk, you may find that it complicates the electrochemistry.
Therefore, from a chemical standpoint, Si might actually be better. Be aware that you can choose different crystal orientations. Perhaps one will be compatible with your system.
I hope this is helpful. regards, Don Chernoff ================================== Advanced Surface Microscopy, Inc. E-Mail: donc-at-asmicro.com 3250 N. Post Rd., Ste. 120 Voice: 317-895-5630 INDIANAPOLIS IN 46226 USA Toll free: 800-374-8557 (in USA & Canada) web: http://www.asmicro.com Fax: 317-895-5652 [business activities: analytical services in AFM, AFM probes, consulting, training, calibration and test specimens, calibration and measurement software, used NanoScope equipment.]
----- Original Message ----- } From: Richard Edelmann To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 3:23 PM
O.k., folks before we try and re-build the wheel, has anyone looked at, or measured the surface roughness of a (modern) computer harddisk? How rough / flat are they?
We're looking for a flat surface to so some electro-chemistry work on, and ITO glass is just too rough, and the crystal orientation of a silicon crystal interferes with the work.
Thanks!
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
"RAM disk is NOT an installation procedure."
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat May 21 09:56:42 2005
you can tell if the camera chamber is leaked by looking at the o ring under the window to the viewing chamber, When at vacuum the "flat" surface is a few mill across, as the air goes in this "flat" part gets thinner until it is just a thin conact line at atmospheric,
regards
Richard Hey Jeol (UK) Ltd
At 20:59 19/05/2005 -0400, Scott Walck wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sat May 21 18:56:40 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (kyhour-at-yahoo.com) from http://www.msa.microscopy.com/Ask-A-Microscopist/Ask-A-Microscopist.html on Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 07:33:09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: kyhour-at-yahoo.com Name: Michelle Hour
Organization: Central Virginia Governer School
Education: 9-12th Grade High School
Location: Lynchburg, Va, 24503
Question: Hi,
My daughter, Michelle, has been working on a science project to study cesium chloride microstructure change due to cyclic heating and cooling above and below transition temeprature. She has used SEM to demonstrate that there are changes. To further her study, she need to have TEM work done on two samples to determine what the changes are. Could you tell me where she can find institutions supporting this type of request? Thank you in advance.
Last time I looked, the disk had globs/nodules that were in the 65nm range. There were also some concentric rings that were "dug" into the surface.
For a really flat surface, you might try a quartz/chrome integrated circuit photo mask blank. These are .25" thick and are coated with a thin layer of chrome. The glass and final finish are very flat. To get a small piece, you will likely need a diamond wire saw. For a small amount of material, a scrap plate ought to suffice.
gary g.
At 01:23 PM 5/20/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 22 11:25:53 2005
In response to your question "Should I force it [the door]".....There is hardly ever a situation with electron microscopes in general where force is a good idea whether a component is under vacuum or not. It is definitely an action of last resort and maybe not even then! Good luck with the problem. Ted Dunn The EMscope Company Ltd.
Email: beagleyg-at-alma.edu } Name: gwyneth beagley } } Organization: department of psychology alma college } } Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] stuck film chamber door } } Question: Has anyone else experienced a "stuck" door on a film chamber of a } JEOL 1200 EX? Should I force it? The latch turns; is the failure to open due } to too much vacuum or air not being pumped into the chamber? Everything else } seems to be working, so I am rather confused. Thanks. g }
Yahoo! Mail Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour: http://tour.mail.yahoo.com/mailtour.html
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 22 13:00:00 2005
Besides of obvious source of consumables from OEM of your FIB, try Alfa-Aesar (www.alfa.com):
Item #10619 Iodine, resublimed crystals, Puratronic®, 99.9985% (metals basis), I believe you should be able to get 100g for under US$80. Be careful while re-loading crucible!
Cheers,
Valery Ray
Particle Beam Systems & Technology www.partbeamsystech.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 22 15:18:52 2005
You can buy iodine crystals from Fisher Scientific. That's what I once used in an old Gatan Duomill that was equipped with the iodine capable guns. I also bought the charcoal for the iodine trap between the turbo pump and the mechanical pump from a pet store. The price was a little more reasonable.
-Scott
Scott D. Walck, Ph.D. Technical Director South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499 eMail: Walck-at-SouthBayTech.com
Temporary Pittsburgh Area Phone Number: 412-492-8127
-----Original Message----- } From: Gary Gaugler [mailto:gary-at-gaugler.com] Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 8:09 PM To: MSA listserver
Does anyone know of good sources for iodine crystals for use in ion beam etching systems?
gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 22 20:07:17 2005
Anyone out there got a good used JSM 840 for sale?
cheers
rtch
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 02:47:47 2005
-----Original Message----- } From: Richard Edelmann [mailto:edelmare-at-MUOhio.edu] Sent: 20 May 2005 21:24 To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
O.k., folks before we try and re-build the wheel, has anyone looked at, or measured the surface roughness of a (modern) computer harddisk? How rough / flat are they?
We're looking for a flat surface to so some electro-chemistry work on, and ITO glass is just too rough, and the crystal orientation of a silicon crystal interferes with the work.
Thanks!
Richard E. Edelmann, Ph.D. Electron Microscopy Facility Director 350 Pearson Hall Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 Ph: 513.529.5712 Fax: 513.529.4243 E-mail: edelmare-at-muohio.edu http://www.emf.muohio.edu
"RAM disk is NOT an installation procedure."
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 05:34:16 2005
Just a general question regarding ion thinning. Has anybody ever heard of or used any type of marking method to localize certain area of interest? I'm currently (still) working with silicon cross-section samples. After mechanic polishing and making a mirror surface for the final ion thinning, it would help if there was some way of localizing where to make the hole.
To do the ion thinning, the sandwitch is fixed on a titanium fixation ring (BAL-TEC) and thickness of the sandwitch is 1mm. So, if there was some kind of method for marking the sample before thinning, it would help. Anybody out there ever had this kind of problem/situation?
- Niko Hellstén ENSPG/LMGP Grenoble, France
P.S. I know that most people would probably use FIB in my case but that's not an option here.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 08:57:50 2005
RJLee Group Inc, is looking for used PSEMs The PSEMs would have been manufactured by RJLee Instruments or ASPEX. They are the same company with a name change.
RJLee Group Inc, is looking for used PSEMs The PSEMs would have been manufactured by RJLee Instruments or ASPEX. They are the same company with a name change.
I was hoping that someone had been successful in adapting a digital camera that has a larger CCD (or CMOS) sensor to their optical microscope. That is, I am intrigued with the dynamic range and lesser noise as offered by modern dSLR cameras, such as the Canon 20D or Nikon D70. However, if I try to calculate which C-mount is appropriate for FOV=22mm I come up short because the sensor diagonals are larger (e.g., ~26mm).
Alternatively, we consider spending a bit more money for the "full frame" dSLRs (Kodak DCS, Canon EOS-1D Mk II), and adapting as a traditional 35mm, but I'd still appreciate your comments and suggestions.
TIA & cheerios ... michael shaffer :o) Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland www.micro-investigations.com (in progress)
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 12:19:42 2005
I am trying to help a guy see flagella on cholera bacteria and we are having some trouble.
Using standard techniques with 2% UA in water as a neg stain, we can see flagella from wild type cultures clearly.
We are having problems with some mutant strains. These mutants produce a lot of unidentified polysacchride that makes the cell clump together. Also, when the UA goes on there is some kind of precipitate that forms obscuring the whole thing. With no UA, there are fern frond like things all over the place, but no bacteria.
The mutants are gowing in LB culture medium or on plates. So far, I haven't been able to see anything that looks like a bacterium, just all the other junk.
Any suggestions about where to go next?
Thanks
Jonathan Krupp Microscopy & Imaging Lab University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (831) 459-2477 jmkrupp-at-cats.ucsc.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 13:26:08 2005
This is another one of those "CytoViva" applications. I'd recommend that you go to their website (www.cytoviva.com) and take a look. I think that you may be able to get away without any staining at all and see much more with this new technique.
Reference: Foster, B. "Focus on Microscopy: a Technique for Imaging Live Cell Interactions and Mechanisms," Am Lab, Nov 2004.
By the way, you can get a PDF on line by going to www.iscpubs.com. Click on "Articles" (left menu), then ask for "2004" and Foster. You'll see it listed there.
Hope this was helpful.
Best regards, Barbara Foster
Microscopy/Microscopy Education 313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 W: www.MicroscopyEducation.com
P. S. Need a good general reference or light microscopy text? Call us today to learn more about "Optimizing LIght Microscopy". Copies still available through MME... even for class-room lots ... and we give quantity discounts.
At 12:12 PM 5/23/2005, Jon Krupp wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 18:23:30 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (hallw-at-creighton.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:59:12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: hallw-at-creighton.edu Name: Richard Hallworth
Question: WE are using a Zeiss LSM-510 confocal and would like to do an unusual ROI experiment. Specifically, we would like to bleach everywhere EXCEPT some closed ROIs. Does anyone know how to do this?
May have your opinions about the optimum temperature to which to heat the interior of the Dewar when re-evacuating an EDS detector?
cheers
rtch
-- Ritchie Sims Ph D Phone : 64 9 3737599 ext 87713 Microanalyst Fax : 64 9 3737435 Department of Geology email : r.sims-at-auckland.ac.nz The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 23 22:38:01 2005
I have a relatively new Denton Desk II coater (~2years old) that has failed in an odd manner. It will generate a plasma but will shut down if the current is above 25-28mA. Vacuum is steady at 95-100mT.
I've replaced the target and bought new magnets and pump mist filter to no avail. Starting the unit in coating mode surges the current and then shuts off the HV. The only way to get a plasma is to start from low current and work up to 20mA or so. Even at this setting, and with a Pt target, the coating is very coarse.
Short of sending the whole thing back East, are there any ideas out there about what could be causing this problem? Shipping this unit back is not a fascinating option or prospect. At this point, this is what Denton is suggesting.
Coaters are a necessity but seem to be a real pain. I am energized to focus on the HV area of this coater and any new replacement. This seems to be a very vulnerable area for coaters...IMO.
gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 08:03:30 2005
Rick, The drawing of the ROIs gets a little tricky, but think in "negative contrast", that is define your ROIs as all the other stuff, so that your true regions are left out of the scan. Lee -- Leona Cohen-Gould, M.S. Sr. Staff Associate Director, Electron Microscopy & Histology Core Facility Manager, Optical Microscopy Core Facility Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University voice (212)746-6146 fax (212)746-8175
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 08:13:38 2005
Thanks to all who replied with ideas about alternative anaesthetic agents. This seems to be a common problem, but the suggestions offered were just what I needed. The List rarely disappoints! (Thanks, Nestor.)
Ann Hein Lehman Assistant Director Electron Microscopy Facility Trinity College 300 Summit Street Hartford, CT 06106 v. 860-297-4289 f. 860-297-2538 e. ann.lehman-at-trincoll.edu w. http://www.trincoll.edu/~alehman
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 08:29:15 2005
When I've had this problem it's been because of one of two things: 1) The target or magnet mounting has vibrated loose (doesn't have to be much), allowing them to contact and short. Cure: check mounting of target holder and magnetrons, etc., and tighten being very careful not to crack any epoxy or other sealant around the HV feedthrough. Oh .. 1b ... check for checks in such sealants. Reseal if there are any with high-temperature epoxy. 2a) The sputter head has accumulated either oil or other substances from the rotary pump or samples, especially conductive paint used to stick the samples to the stub (you do wait until the C or Ag paint is *completely* dry before putting the sample in the coater, yes?) or, 2b} Sputtered metal has accumulated at the base of the target mount. Either can cause shorting and failure to coat. Cure: disassemble and clean like mad.
Phil
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-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax) http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/microscopy.htm
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 09:54:29 2005
Our EHS staff just informed me that we shouldn't be using solvents in our ultrasonic cleaner. Sure enough, when I read the label, it says not to use sovents with a flash point below 100C. We've used isopropyl alcohol (flash point 54C) for years (with the hood on) and never had a problem. Is there such a thing as an ultrasonic cleaner approved for low flashpoint solvents? What is the standard procedure?
Diane Ciaburri General Dynamics Pittsfield MA 01201 (413)494-3430
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 11:07:18 2005
It's not so much the solvents as the solvents sonicated for a long time. I use all kinds of solvents in the ultrasonic cleaner, e.g., alcohol, acetone, mineral spirits.
If left unattended for a long while, the solvents become heated to the point where a fire may start. I believe this may happen if the bath is left to sonicate for over an hour. This is a real danger if the operator leaves the bath unattended and forgets about it. I remember times where I left the bath sonicating for an hour and the sample was so heated that the alcohol solution was boiling.
Your only saving grace with EHS may be if your apparatus has a timer that you can set. It also depends on whether they banned ANY presence of volatiles in the unit. I often fill the unit with water, then place a beaker filled with solvent to clean the part. But this only reduces the danger when compared with filling the entire bath with solvent.
Stu Smalinskas, P.E. Metallurgist SKF Plymouth, Michigan
--- "Ciaburri, Diane A" {Diane.Ciaburri-at-gd-ais.com} wrote: } } Our EHS staff just informed me that we shouldn't be } using solvents in } our ultrasonic cleaner. Sure enough, when I read } the label, it says not } to use sovents with a flash point below 100C. We've } used isopropyl } alcohol (flash point 54C) for years (with the hood } on) and never had a } problem. Is there such a thing as an ultrasonic } cleaner approved for } low flashpoint solvents? What is the standard } procedure? } } } Diane Ciaburri } General Dynamics } Pittsfield MA 01201 } (413)494-3430 }
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 15:31:24 2005
Hi all, Can anyone help with this request (see forwarded message below)? Please reply directly to Mark Karadsheh mkaradsh-at-umich.edu. thanks, Beth
Begin forwarded message:
} Name: Mark Karadsheh } E-Mail: mkaradsh-at-umich.edu } Message: } } My lab has an Oxford vibratome and needs to be recalibrated. When } searching ont the internet for possibilities, I ran across your post } on the Microscopy ListServer. I know this was a long time ago, but do } you have any ideas on possible locations to look. Thanks so much. } } Mark Karadsheh } }
********************************************************************** Beth Richardson EM Lab Coordinator Plant Biology Department University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-7271
"Between the two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before". Mae West (1893-1980) *******************************************************************
"And it's only the giving that makes you what you are". Wond'ring Aloud, Jethro Tull (Aqualung)
} } Hi } } May have your opinions about the optimum temperature to which to heat the } interior of } the Dewar when re-evacuating an EDS detector? } } cheers } } rtch
I have tried any number of different techniques, including the use of boiling water, an extended pumping at room temperature, a quick warm-up, pump and cool down, etc., I can't say I've noticed any great difference in the final result.
Tony Garratt-Reed
********************************************* Anthony J. Garratt-Reed, M.A., D.Phil MIT Room 13-1027 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 ********************************************* Phone: (617) 253-4622 Fax: (617) 258-6479 *********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Tue May 24 21:34:17 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mcarter-at-csuhayward.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 10:42:34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hello All, The sad news is our lab is having to shut down to make room for other technological instruments... The good news is that we have a bunch of equipment we need to get into some qualified & loving hands. We have Pelco sputter and carbom coaters, a relatively new Polaron 3000 jumbo CPD, Tousimis CPD, one new Leica Knife Maker, some older LBK knife makers, a Reichert ultramicrotome (still works but also good for parts???) a Pelco 3450 Lab. Microwave Processor with load cooler..... We may also have a Philips XL40/ IXRF Systems X-ray analysis/ Backscatter/ CCD. with new chiller available... waiting to see if a local college is interested... Does anyone have any suggestions for where to list these items for sale? Or is anyone interested? Please let me know either via the list or you can contact me at mcarter-at-csuhayward.edu 510-885-3527
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (km602223-at-comcast.net) from http://microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at 19:34:08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I bought an old Nikon Fluophot microscope which I am attempting to get in good working order. I believe the optics are in good condition and I purchased some high quality objectives. It came with the original epi fluorescence lamp house with a 200 W mercury lamp. The problem is, there is no power supply for the lamp house. I tried Ludl Electronics, and while they make electrical adaptors for older lamphouses, their supplies are designed only for lamps 100 W or below.
Does anyone know where I might find a suitable power supply for this lamphouse? If it is my only practical choice, I could use a power supply that works only with the 200 W Hg lamp. However, I would prefer flexibility to use either mercury or xenon lamps.
Alternatively, is it possible and would it make sense to remove the original lamphouse and use a fiber coupled light source instead? There are some reasonably priced fiber coupled complete arc lamp systems on the secondary market.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. I am a phyical chemist with some knowledge of optics but little experience with microscopes.
Some EHS staff are significantly either uninformed or misinformed about a lot of things. I have had EHS staff demand that JEOL redesign our 2010F so that the anticontamination device dewar and the EDX dewar were in different positions to make them easier to fill. Basically, he thought he knew more about TEM design than JEOL did. He also insisted that filling a dewar to overflowing (the only way to tell if it is full)was reckless. To the end, he insisted that incidental contact with LN was an extreme hazard. Well, he was really a nice guy, and meant well, but.......So if your EHS expert is cut from the same cloth, don't worry too much about using solvents in an ultrasonic cleaner. I've been doing it for ~33 years, and never started a fire.
John Mardinly Intel
These are the opinions of the author, and not the opinion of Intel corporation.
-----Original Message----- } From: Ciaburri, Diane A [mailto:Diane.Ciaburri-at-gd-ais.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 7:52 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
Our EHS staff just informed me that we shouldn't be using solvents in our ultrasonic cleaner. Sure enough, when I read the label, it says not to use sovents with a flash point below 100C. We've used isopropyl alcohol (flash point 54C) for years (with the hood on) and never had a problem. Is there such a thing as an ultrasonic cleaner approved for low flashpoint solvents? What is the standard procedure?
Diane Ciaburri General Dynamics Pittsfield MA 01201 (413)494-3430
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 06:15:05 2005
Hello, I have a student who wishes to "measure the mesh size of a gelatin/maltodextrin hydrogel crosslinked with genipin. The sample is mostly water and has the texture of jello."
We have a Hitachi S-4700 FE-SEM, and are wondering what is the best way to prepare his samples to get the results that he wants. We don't have a CPD, but do have access to a gold sputter coater.
Thanks for all suggestions.
Pat Research Technician SEM-FIB Facility Institute for Research in Materials Dalhousie University (902) 494-1258
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 08:40:14 2005
Google 'used lab equipment' and you will find a bozillion places that will buy your items or sell them for you. I have been purchasing as well as selling instruments on these sites for many years, and have had nothing but good luck. The results you get may vary, but I wish you the same good luck, godspeed, and, ah, blah blah woof woof ;o)
Paul
Question: Hello All, The sad news is our lab is having to shut down to make room for other technological instruments... The good news is that we have a bunch of equipment we need to get into some qualified & loving hands. We have Pelco sputter and carbom coaters, a relatively new Polaron 3000 jumbo CPD, Tousimis CPD, one new Leica Knife Maker, some older LBK knife makers, a Reichert ultramicrotome (still works but also good for parts???) a Pelco 3450 Lab. Microwave Processor with load cooler..... We may also have a Philips XL40/ IXRF Systems X-ray analysis/ Backscatter/ CCD. with new chiller available... waiting to see if a local college is interested... Does anyone have any suggestions for where to list these items for sale? Or is anyone interested? Please let me know either via the list or you can contact me at mcarter-at-csuhayward.edu 510-885-3527
Thanks for any help,
Melissa
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Art is long, and critics are the insects of a day. - Randall Jarrell
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 08:47:33 2005
The best way to do this is with cryoSEM. You don't mention if you've got the equipment for this, but I suspect not -- most materials facilities don't. The next best choice is freeze-drying. Be sure to freeze small enough samples. If you don't have access to a high pressure freezer, then another good way is plunge-freezing into slush nitrogen, made by pulling a vacuum (with a *high* capacity pump) on LN2. Then vacuum sublimate starting about -90 deg C. Leave until the pressure is {~6 microns Hg (or whatever the vapor pressure of water is at the temperature and vacuum you use. Vacuum should be ~10^-5 torr -- diff pump or big rotary pump range. Make sure the vacuum system has a big throat and short, direct path to the pump, or better, a LN2 cold trap. Once you get below the vapor pressure (V.P.) of water, slowly raise the temperature, stopping if (when) the pressure goes above the V.P. of water at that temp. Continue to about -60 deg C. Around here, the water of hydration and other bound water will start come off. Be careful, this is where most specimen collapse happens. Once the pressure is again below the V.P. of water at this temperature, continue until about -40 deg. C. Pause if needed. Work you way up to -20 and let warm. This will likely take 24 to 48 hours. CPD can be useful, if done carefully and correctly and thoroughly and ALL the water is gotten out *and* the ethanol doesn't affect the gel *and* ALL of the EtOH is exchanged away in the CPD with enough cycles of soaking and purging (meaning most manufacturers directions I've seen are wrong). But cryoSEM is best, and freeze-drying next best for true structure preservation of hydrogels.
Phil
} Hello, } I have a student who wishes to "measure the mesh size of a } gelatin/maltodextrin } hydrogel crosslinked with genipin. The sample is mostly water and has the } texture of jello." } } We have a Hitachi S-4700 FE-SEM, and are wondering what is the best way to } prepare his samples to get the results that he wants. We don't have a CPD, but } do have access to a gold sputter coater. } } Thanks for all suggestions. } } Pat } Research Technician } SEM-FIB Facility } Institute for Research in Materials } Dalhousie University } (902) 494-1258
-- Philip Oshel Supervisor, BBPIC microscopy facility Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 voice: (608) 263-4162 fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax) http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/microscopy.htm
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 11:26:57 2005
I am working on the reinstallation of a Zeiss DSM 960A (1992). There are two apparent problems.
1. The microscope is working at low voltages ( {10kV), but the emission current seems to short out at higher voltages. It seems to modulate between a saturated and unsaturated condition constantly, as if its ramping up the voltage, shorts, and then ramps up again. Occasionally, coincident with the shorting, the entire system restarts itself. I have removed and cleaned the Wehnelt and anode assembly and there are no obvious tungsten hairs or buildup of residues that might physically be causing the short. Likewise, the vacuum is stable, and I am not seeing any indications of a leak near the gun and have no vacuum errors.
I have been able to make it work at 10 and 20kV, but have to saturate very carefully, and even then the system does not appear to be stable.
2. The emission current is reading much higher than expectation. In an unsaturated condition, the gauge reads approximately 370 milliAmps (I believe it should read zero). When the filament is saturated it is reading 460-480 uA (the manual suggests 80).
Does anyone out there have one of these microscopes and/or has someone seen these problems before on this model or a similar one? Thanks in advance for all your help. The list always seems to come through for me.
Karl Hagglund Biological Sciences, SC-102B Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099 859-572-5238 http://semlab.nku.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 12:18:44 2005
The only way to handle SEM imaging of hydrogels is to use cryoSEM. Any other preparation technique withdraws water which in turn changes the structure. We have an appropriately equipped FESEM but I am sure you can probably find one closer to home.
Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
On 5/25/05 6:14 AM, "Patricia Scallion" {PSCALLIO-at-DAL.CA} wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------} - } } Hello, } I have a student who wishes to "measure the mesh size of a } gelatin/maltodextrin } hydrogel crosslinked with genipin. The sample is mostly water and has the } texture of jello." } } We have a Hitachi S-4700 FE-SEM, and are wondering what is the best way to } prepare his samples to get the results that he wants. We don't have a CPD, but } do have access to a gold sputter coater. } } Thanks for all suggestions. } } Pat } Research Technician } SEM-FIB Facility } Institute for Research in Materials } Dalhousie University } (902) 494-1258 } } } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 12:25:48 2005
I believe there was a thread on this topic previously, but I wanted the most up to date information that exists, and quickly, so I thought I'd pose the question again.
We have a student at our Research Station who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow to implant a pacemaker. Although he is not working directly with the EMs or in the EM lab, he is working just down the hall. He is also planning a career in plant pathology, so he will probably be working in buildings which have EM labs and equipment.
My question is:
Is it safe for this student to be working down the hall from my lab - will the EM equipment interfere with his pacemaker? I imagine with all the shielding in the modern EMs that he should be OK, but it would be nice to know for sure so he will know when he comes back to work in a few days.
We are also asking this question about the other equipment (HPLCs, GCs, mass specs, etc.)
Thanks for your help with this.
Regards,
Paula.
Paula Allan-Wojtas Research Scientist - Food Microstructure/Chercheure scientifique, microstructure des aliments Food Safety and Quality Team/Salubrité et qualité des aliments Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada 32 Main Street/ 32 rue Main Kentville, Nova Scotia/Kentville, (Nouvelle-Écosse) Canada B4N 1J5 Telephone/Téléphone: (902) 679-5566 Facsimile/Télécopieur: (902) 679-2311
allanwojtasp-at-agr.gc.ca
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 12:43:07 2005
The last NMR I worked around (I walked in to the room on occasion) had a warning up about pacemakers.
good luck!
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
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"Allan-Wojtas, Paula" To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} {AllanWojtasP-at-AGR cc: .GC.CA} Subject: [Microscopy] pacemakers and EM labs
The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Hi, all, I believe there was a thread on this topic previously, but I wanted the most up to date information that exists, and quickly, so I thought I'd pose the question again. We have a student at our Research Station who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow to implant a pacemaker. Although he is not working directly with the EMs or in the EM lab, he is working just down the hall. He is also planning a career in plant pathology, so he will probably be working in buildings which have EM labs and equipment. My question is: Is it safe for this student to be working down the hall from my lab - will the EM equipment interfere with his pacemaker? I imagine with all the shielding in the modern EMs that he should be OK, but it would be nice to know for sure so he will know when he comes back to work in a few days. We are also asking this question about the other equipment (HPLCs, GCs, mass specs, etc.) Thanks for your help with this. Regards, Paula. Paula Allan-Wojtas Research Scientist - Food Microstructure/Chercheure scientifique, microstructure des aliments Food Safety and Quality Team/Salubrité et qualité des aliments Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada 32 Main Street/ 32 rue Main Kentville, Nova Scotia/Kentville, (Nouvelle-Écosse) Canada B4N 1J5 Telephone/Téléphone: (902) 679-5566 Facsimile/Télécopieur: (902) 679-2311 allanwojtasp-at-agr.gc.ca
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 13:08:34 2005
A client wants to do TEM of prion containing tissue. I would like to know how other EM labs are handling such requests. If I decide to accept the project, what special precautions are needed? Do embedding wastes have to be separately handled and labeled? Is there any real risk after the tissue is in resin? I doubt there is much actual data on risk, but I would like to know how others feel about the issue.
Ralph Common Michigan State University Division of Human Pathology
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 13:11:38 2005
I have not worked on the particular instrument that you describe but I have an idea that may take you further.
To have such a high current when you switch on must indicate a leakage to earth, the current has to go somewhere! If you switch off and then disconnect the high voltage cable from the HT tank before switching on again, does the problem go away? If so my best guess is the cable is your problem! If the problem does not go away I am afraid the source is in the HT tank.
I am just about to fly off to Brisbane, Australia, to run a course on instrument maintenance so would be very interested in how you get on? Please feel free to make contact again as I have other service technicians helping me, the joint brains should be able to take you even further; I hope!
Regards
Steve Chapman Senior Consultant Protrain For electron microscopy consultancy and training world wide Tel +44 1280 816512 Fax +44 1280 814007 Mobile +44 7802 966067 Web www.emcourses.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Karl Hagglund" {hagglundk1-at-nku.edu} To: {microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 5:26 PM
About a year ago we purchased a Roper CoolSnap HQ with fan in the camera body. Problem is that we're getting a lot of vibrations. I installed a switch in the wire to the fan. We may manually throw this switch to disable the fan, but this is not a good solution because there is no cooling airflow when the fan is off. (Examples are posted at http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/temp/coolsnap/ ).
Roper sells an external fan that attaches to the camera with a hose. Before placing the order for it (it has a 20% restocking fee if we return it), I wanted to canvas other cooled CCD users to find out how you've solved the vibrations due to air cooling problem and whether the external fan unit solves the vibration problem.
Thanks. ____________________________________________________________________________ Michael Cammer Analytical Imaging Facility Albert Einstein Coll. of Med. Jack & Pearl Resnick Campus 1300 Morris Park Ave. Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 430-2890 Fax: 430-8996 URL: http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/ **This electronic transmission contains information that is privileged.**
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 13:57:09 2005
It is imperitive that you ask the people who make the pacemaker! What are you going to do if one or more people on this list tell you that it is ok when in fact it is not? I can hear the attorney for the family of the dead student asking you, during the wrongful death suit, why you took the advice of microscopists instead of contacting the manufacturer of the pacemaker?
Geoff
Allan-Wojtas, Paula wrote:
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-- -- ********************************************** 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 **********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 14:00:28 2005
Michael, contact me off-list and we will solve your problem. I need more information (what camera, how it is installed, etc.).
Vitaly Feingold Scientific Instruments and Applications 2773 Heath Lane Duluth, GA 30096 Tel. (770)232-7785 Fax (770)232-1791 Mobile (678)467-0012 www.sia-cam.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Michael Cammer" {cammer-at-aecom.yu.edu} To: {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 2:47 PM
I guess, client should fix tissue in 1.5-2% GA, then it's safe. Personally, I would not do any immuno-work on it unless it's heavily fixed. The main precaution is fixation - as soon it has been fixed - it's safe. Sergey
At 11:07 AM 5/25/2005, you wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
_____________________________________
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry 10833 Le Conte Ave, Room 33-080 Los Angeles, CA 90095
I was told that fixation does not effect the pathogenicity of prions. I may stand corrected but never the less, this is something that you should thoroughly investigated before handling and disposing of waste material.
-----Original Message----- } From: Sergey Ryazantsev [mailto:sryazant-at-ucla.edu] Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 2:14 PM To: Microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I guess, client should fix tissue in 1.5-2% GA, then it's safe. Personally, I would not do any immuno-work on it unless it's heavily fixed. The main precaution is fixation - as soon it has been fixed - it's safe. Sergey
At 11:07 AM 5/25/2005, you wrote:
} ----------------------------------------------------------------------- } ------- } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
_____________________________________
Sergey Ryazantsev Ph. D. Electron Microscopy UCLA School of Medicine Department of Biological Chemistry 10833 Le Conte Ave, Room 33-080 Los Angeles, CA 90095
Anyone working with these pathogens would probably be wise to check with the biosafety officer at their institution. In the end, you will need their support.
--John | jchandler-at-ial-fa.com | 970.217.1321
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Damian Neuberger" {neuberger1234-at-comcast.net} To: {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 1:33 PM
Before going to another camera vendor, please contact Roper for the solution. There is one for this problem.
--- Vitaly Feingold {vitalylazar-at-att.net} wrote: } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } Michael, contact me off-list and we will solve your } problem. I need more } information (what camera, how it is installed, } etc.). } } Vitaly Feingold } Scientific Instruments and Applications } 2773 Heath Lane } Duluth, GA 30096 } Tel. (770)232-7785 } Fax (770)232-1791 } Mobile (678)467-0012 } www.sia-cam.com } } ----- Original Message ----- } } From: "Michael Cammer" {cammer-at-aecom.yu.edu} } To: {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} } Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 2:47 PM } Subject: [Microscopy] vibrations in air cooled CCD } cameras } } } } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } About a year ago we purchased a Roper CoolSnap HQ } with fan in the camera } } body. Problem is that we're getting a lot of } vibrations. I installed a } } switch in the wire to the fan. We may manually } throw this switch to } } disable the fan, but this is not a good solution } because there is no } } cooling airflow when the fan is off. (Examples } are posted at } } http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/temp/coolsnap/ ). } } } } Roper sells an external fan that attaches to the } camera with a hose. } } Before placing the order for it (it has a 20% } restocking fee if we return } } it), I wanted to canvas other cooled CCD users to } find out how you've } } solved the vibrations due to air cooling problem } and whether the external } } fan unit solves the vibration problem. } } } } Thanks. } } } ____________________________________________________________________________ } } Michael Cammer Analytical Imaging Facility } Albert Einstein Coll. of } } Med. } } Jack & Pearl Resnick Campus 1300 Morris Park } Ave. Bronx, NY } } 10461 } } (718) 430-2890 Fax: 430-8996 URL: } } http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/ } } **This electronic transmission contains } information that is } } privileged.** } } } } } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 16:25:59 2005
as david pointed out by directing everyone to the CDC website - prions are not pleasant things. they're extremely resistant to inactivation. i remember one report of electrodes which had been inserted into the brain of a CJD patient that were sterilized in paraformaldehyde gas, followed by formaldehyde, followed by ethanol and then used again. the second patient exposed to the electrodes developed CJD.
standard procedures for inactivation involve 1.0 to 4.0 Normal NaOH. it destroys structure. i do not know whether there is any information concerning the ability of OsO4 to inactivate the protein. even if it did, there would be great risk in working with the tissue prior to the OsO4 stage. you really should work at BSL 3, but might get away with working at BSL2, and there should be some sense that the tissue is no longer infectious before it leaves the containment lab for the EM facility.
the most reasonable thing is that you make the investigator ensure the tissue is inactivated, and that the safety office is comfortable with the inactivation procedures before you let anything in the lab.
on the other hand, it will be 2-15 years before you know that you've killed yourselves. if the university is lucky, they may even be able to sell everyone on the idea that the real cause was you got a bad hamburger made with some of our nasty canadian beef. not even the bar-b-que will kill it, unless you cook like Ed Crankshaft. . . .
paul
Paul R. Hazelton, PhD Electron Microscope Unit University of Manitoba Department of Medical Microbiology 531 Basic Medical Sciences Building 730 William Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0W3 e-mail: paul_hazelton-at-umanitoba.ca Phone:204-789-3313 Pager:204-931-9354 Cell:204-781-1502 Fax:204-789-3926
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 16:31:30 2005
I need to find out the ranges of the currently prevailing hourly fees that are charged in the US market for operation of SEMs and TEMs.
I am asking for input from academic, government as well as commercial organizations. The rates should NOT include the charges for the person operating the instrument and performing the imaging and/or analysis. Also if possible, please specify whether it is for an instrument with filed emission electron gun or not. While not essential, information about the make, model, and year of manufacturing of the instrument would be helpful.
Thank you,
Krassimir N. Bozhilov Central Facility for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis University of California Riverside, CA 92521
tel 951 827 2998 fax 951 827 2489
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 16:33:41 2005
Greetings Kathleen, There are advantages to using a fiber-coupled or liquid light guide light source; the primary benefit is a more even illumination of the field of view. The output coupling into the illumination system does need to be done correctly, however, and there is a drop in illumination intensity across the fiber. The reference below is pertinent:
Zvi, K. et. al. (1993). Design and construction of an optimal illumination system for quantitative wide-field multi-dimensional microscopy. Bioimaging 1; 71-81.
Regards, Karl
by way of MicroscopyListserver wrote:
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-- Karl Garsha Light Microscopy Specialist Imaging Technology Group Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 405 North Mathews Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 Office: B650J Phone: 217.244.6292 Fax: 217.244.6219 Mobile: 217.390.1874 www.itg.uiuc.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 17:16:44 2005
Having started my professional career managing a EM lab working on CJD I have actual experience working with this fun stuff. We found that PF & Glut perfusions did not inactivate the mutant protein. Once the tissue was post-fixed in OsO4 we could not serial pass the disease again. Once in plastic it's for all intents and purposes inert. Waste materials were autoclaved for a longer length of time than normal and discarded with "normal" medical waste. In the early 80's when I was working with CJD it was a BSL2 for the most part, now all procedures should be done under BSL3. The Neuropathologist used to work with it under BSL1, removing the CJD infected brains from the cadavers. They would always be violating containment protocols in some was shape or form. They are still alive, except one (CVA). The point I'm trying to make is don't over react, take all of the prudent precautions of BSL3 you will be well protected.
Al Coritz Electron Microscopy Sciences www.emsdiasum.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Ralph Common" {Ralph.Common-at-hc.msu.edu} To: {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 2:07 PM
Hi, Ralph
You have not indicated exactly what you need to image, but re: prions, I'd recommend that your client contact Dr. Vitaly Vodyanoy (Vod-ja-noi) at Auburn University. (Email: see above). He has an optical approach which will probably solve the problem, with little or no preparation. He also knows the risks very well. Feel free to use my name.
Hope this is helpful
Barbara Foster Microscopy/Microscopy Education www.MicroscopyEducation.com
313 S Jupiter Rd, Suite 100 Allen, TX 75002 P: 972-954-8011 F: 972-954-8018 ^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^& Need a good general text on light microscopy? MME still has copies of Optimizing Light Microscopy available, with discounts for class-sized orders (10 or more). For details, call us at 972-943-8011 and ask for Ken Piel. At 01:07 PM 5/25/2005, Ralph Common wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Wed May 25 19:30:06 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (mcintyre-at-optics.rochester.edu) from http://msa.microscopy.org/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 08:56:08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: mcintyre-at-optics.rochester.edu Name: Brian McIntyre
Organization: Univ of Rochester
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] MListserver: computer upgrade to LEO982
Question: Hi -
Has anyone plugged in a new(er) single board computer to the LEO982 system? Mine has a 486DX2 and I'd really like to upgrade. I purchased a 233 Pentium SBC and got it to boot properly, but communication with the microscope hardware was tempermental (it didn't always respond to either keyboard or console commands).
Maybe somebody out there has already worked out the hardware configuration and would be willing to share it....?
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (scitech200-at-yahoo.com) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 16:20:50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title-Subject: [Microscopy] [Filtered] Amray 1645 SEM
Question: As a hobbyist project (moving from light microscopy) I'm trying to get this SEM fully operational. I have vacuum and electronics expertise - but this is going to be a real challenge? I know I should really go to a professional service group, but was just wondering if anyone on this list is operating one of these and would be willing to assist with this project.
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (aweberg-at-siumed.edu) from http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 13:15:25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Our facility is looking for a used/refurbished sputter coater with gold-palladium target, in reasonably good working condition to replace a 25 year old instrument. If your facility or organization has one available please contace me off line to discuss details.
What camera vendor? All that needed is a fan and/or a heat sink. Or a software command to stop fan during exposure. Not another camera.
Vitaly Feingold Scientific Instruments and Applications 2773 Heath Lane Duluth, GA 30096 Tel. (770)232-7785 Fax (770)232-1791 Mobile (678)467-0012 www.sia-cam.com
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Bill Mollon" {bmollon-at-pacbell.net} To: "Vitaly Feingold" {vitalylazar-at-att.net} ; {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} ; "Michael Cammer" {cammer-at-aecom.yu.edu} Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 5:08 PM
I agree with Geoff that it would be useful to contact the pacemaker manufacturer.
But if you look at the information and warnings supplied by the manufacturers of NMRs (particularly the more recent super-conductors) it is clear that they generate powerful fields that may interfere with pacemakers. Some of the bigger Mass specs have very powerful magnetic fields too. But the only warnings that I have ever seen from electron microscope suppliers have been about the possibility of magnetic fields interfering with them. You would suspect that the small pole-pieces in the centre of the lens contains most of what must be a much weaker field anyway. Of course all bets may be off if you're using a high voltage em.
NMR manufacturers supply information about the shape and range of their magnetic fields and usually warnings are only posted for about 10 to 20 feet from the magnet.
Malcolm
Malcolm Haswell e.m. unit School of Health, Natural and Social Sciences Fleming Building University of Sunderland Tyne & Wear UK e-mail: TO:malcolm.haswell AND SEND TO: -at-sunderland.ac.uk (NB REMOVE 'TO:' & ' AND SEND TO ')
----- Original Message ----- } From: Geoff McAuliffe {mcauliff-at-umdnj.edu}
Dear Listers,
A position for a postdoctoral researcher or a visiting student is available at the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany.
The project includes construction of a confocal microscope with integrated trapping and cutting beams, followed by experiments on cell division in fission yeast using this set-up.
Candidates with background in optics, confocal and two-photon microscopy, and optical tweezers are encouraged to apply. The position would be available immediately. Please send your curriculum vitae, list of publications, 1-3 selected papers, preferred starting date, and names of three referees to Iva Tolic-Norrelykke at tolic-at-mpi-cbg.de. --------------------------------------------------------------
Apologies if you are on both lists, as I am, and get this message twice - I ask for your gracious understanding. Regards, Jeremy Sanderson
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 07:27:28 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (hussar-at-antiqueswords.com) from http://www.microscopy.com/MLFormMail.html on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 23:35:21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: hussar-at-antiqueswords.com Name: Rob Miller
If we send you this information, could you share the results with us (without specifically naming the labs)? I'm curious myself, since we rent out our SEM services as well. I'm not sure how this would pan out with board ethics... this could be a sensitive subject. Then again, maybe not, since the engineering journals report results of salary surveys.
Stu Smalinskas, P.E. Metallurgist SKF North American Technical Center Plymouth, Michigan (734) 414-6862 stu.smalinskas-at-skf.com
--- "K.N. Bozhilov" {bozhilov-at-ucr.edu} wrote: } } I need to find out the ranges of the currently } prevailing hourly fees } that are charged in the US market for operation of } SEMs and TEMs. } } I am asking for input from academic, government as } well as commercial } organizations. The rates should NOT include the } charges for the } person operating the instrument and performing the } imaging and/or } analysis. Also if possible, please specify whether } it is for an } instrument with filed emission electron gun or not. } While not } essential, information about the make, model, and } year of } manufacturing of the instrument would be helpful. } } Thank you, } } Krassimir N. Bozhilov } Central Facility for Advanced Microscopy and } Microanalysis } University of California } Riverside, CA 92521 } } tel 951 827 2998 } fax 951 827 2489 } }
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 08:01:08 2005
I had the same problem with the Coolsnap HQ. We had purchased our camera a few years ago and had problems with vibration from the fan when we were using micropipets. Our temporary solution was to put an extension (like an empty magnifier) between the scope and the camera. I purchased the quieter fan assembly from Roper recently, but I have not had a chance to test it with the micropipets. Unfortunately, it sounds from the posting like vibration is still a problem. For a camera that cost this much, that's pretty sad.
Eric Johnston University of Pennsylvania
On Thu, 26 May 2005, Vitaly Feingold wrote:
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } What camera vendor? All that needed is a fan and/or a heat sink. Or a } software command to stop fan during exposure. Not another } camera. } } Vitaly Feingold } Scientific Instruments and Applications } 2773 Heath Lane } Duluth, GA 30096 } Tel. (770)232-7785 } Fax (770)232-1791 } Mobile (678)467-0012 } www.sia-cam.com } } ----- Original Message ----- } } From: "Bill Mollon" {bmollon-at-pacbell.net} } To: "Vitaly Feingold" {vitalylazar-at-att.net} ; {Microscopy-at-microscopy.com} ; } "Michael Cammer" {cammer-at-aecom.yu.edu} } Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 5:08 PM } Subject: [Microscopy] Re: Re: vibrations in air cooled CCD cameras } } } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } } Before going to another camera vendor, please contact } } Roper for the solution. There is one for this } } problem. } } } } } } --- Vitaly Feingold {vitalylazar-at-att.net} wrote: } } } } } } } } } } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The } } } Microscopy Society of America } } } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } } } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } } } On-Line Help } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 08:03:35 2005
I would hope that all academic institutions who choose to rent out time on their instruments to supplement their income also choose to pay their fair share of income taxes on that revenue as well as contributing to their local real estate taxes.
This is only fair to those of us contending with these tax burdens.
Alan Stone ASTON
At 07:52 AM 5/26/2005, you wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
Alan Stone ASTON Metallurgical Services Co., Inc. 200 Larkin Drive Ste A Wheeling, IL 60090 847/353-8100 www.astonmet.com
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 08:23:14 2005
Thanks to all who have responded so far to my query regarding troubleshooting the DSM 960A (text below). I thought that I would follow up with a bit more information after experimentation.
I did check the contact points the filament assembly plugs into, and there was no obvious contamination. I cleaned these areas, and did not pick up anything unusual or especially dirty.
The emission current reads 360-370 microAmps when there is no filament (heating current reads zero), so this seems to represent a zero reading for the emission. I was able to saturate the filament at higher voltages (20 and 25kV) yesterday, and get an image (blurry but showing real structures up to 100kX with maybe 50 nm resolution). At this state, the current is reading only around 4 or 5 microamps higher than the zero condition. Higher than this, and the current reading jumps to 470 or 480 with nothing obtainable in between (around 120 microAmps above zero energy state) and starts the cycle of shorting until the system reboots itself. This condition appears to be oversaturated, as I quickly blew a filament (less than 1 hour at 470). This suggests that the gauge has problems, so I'm checking out my schematics to see if I can trace it to a single component.
I am trying to follow up on everyones leads, but if anyone else out there has any ideas I would be thrilled to hear from them.
Thanks again.
Karl Hagglund Biological Sciences, SC-102B Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099 859-572-5238 http://semlab.nku.edu
Original Post:
I am working on the reinstallation of a Zeiss DSM 960A (1992). There are two apparent problems.
1. The microscope is working at low voltages ( {10kV), but the emission current seems to short out at higher voltages. It seems to modulate between a saturated and unsaturated condition constantly, as if its ramping up the voltage, shorts, and then ramps up again. Occasionally, coincident with the shorting, the entire system restarts itself. I have removed and cleaned the Wehnelt and anode assembly and there are no obvious tungsten hairs or buildup of residues that might physically be causing the short. Likewise, the vacuum is stable, and I am not seeing any indications of a leak near the gun and have no vacuum errors.
I have been able to make it work at 10 and 20kV, but have to saturate very carefully, and even then the system does not appear to be stable.
2. The emission current is reading much higher than expectation. In an unsaturated condition, the gauge reads approximately 370 milliAmps (I believe it should read zero). When the filament is saturated it is reading 460-480 uA (the manual suggests 80).
Does anyone out there have one of these microscopes and/or has someone seen these problems before on this model or a similar one? Thanks in advance for all your help. The list always seems to come through for me.
Karl Hagglund Biological Sciences, SC-102B Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive Highland Heights, KY 41099 859-572-5238 http://semlab.nku.edu
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 10:50:49 2005
Can anyone recommend a third party service company for a Zeiss Axiovert 135. The scope is located in Mississippi.
Please contact me off line.
Best Wishes, Bill Monroe -- Bill Monroe Electron Microscope Center 103 Clay Lyle Entomology Building Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS 39762 (662)-325-3019 Work (662)-323-5246 Home (662)-325-0246 Fax
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 11:31:07 2005
i know that fixation in acetone permeabilizes tissue pieces so that one can do whole mount immuno staining of tissues measuring about 3 mm x 3 mm x 3 mm. I can't use acetone for a particular experiment and want to fix in ice cold ethanol. Does anybody know from experience if ethanol fixation permeabilizes the tissue enough for antibody penetration into intracellular epitopes? I don't want to use aldehyde fixes with triton x-100 or saponin. Thanks, tom
Thomas E. Phillips, PhD Professor of Biological Sciences Director, Molecular Cytology Core 3 Tucker Hall University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211-7400
A great many of you have subscriptions to Microscopy Today magazine.
I get roughly 25% of the articles in MT via authors sending them to me for consideration. The bulk of MT content comes from my inviting articles from the M&M meeting abstracts or the programs of local affiliate society meetings. I'm usually frantically making phone calls trying to hustle articles a month before an issue goes to the printer. I'm becoming too old for frantic.
I would like to obtain candidate article submissions to the point where I have an issue's-worth of articles backlogged.
I need 12-14 articles per issue. I have 10 articles in hand for the July issue and promises of 2 more. I could use a couple more for July and I'd like to get articles for the September issues in ASAP so that we can consider taking a little time in Hawaii for a bit of a vacation after the M&M meeting. Contact me for deadlines.
Please consider this an invitation to submit articles for MT.
MT goes to nearly 15,000 readers--way more than most journals. The only thing in common among MT readers is that they are microscopists. As a result of this diversity, articles written for a niche audience would be better off submitted to an appropriate specialist journal. I like to call the content of MT "articles" instead of "papers." MT articles should be somewhat tutorial in nature as MT is often read cover-to-cover and should educate the reader in fields that they are not acquainted with. The articles do not receive peer review for the most part, however, I will obtain peer reviews as needed. Overtly commercial articles that read like press releases are not acceptable, although we are happy to publish articles that bring new instruments/equipment to the attention of the reader written in a scientific style. As editor, I've been trying to maintain a balance between the various types of microscopy and the various disciplines.
The length target for MT articles is 2 to 4 MT pages. An MT page with no figures is about 1,100 words. We love lots of figures and graphics (color is appreciated); their inclusion will reduce the number of words needed per page. An M&M two-page abstract expanded by 25 to 50% with a few extra pictures is a good fit. Shorter contributions are welcomed in our Microscopy-101 section.
MT articles are a useful pedagogical exercise for senior graduate students that can teach the methods of writing about highly technical work in an easily understood tutorial style.
Contact me to obtain a copy of our Instructions to Authors document. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Ron Anderson, Editor Microscopy Today
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 15:44:28 2005
Thank you for your input on and off-list regarding the vibrations problem.
It looks as though the most likely solution is going to be an external fan unit attached by a flexible duct to the back of the camera.
We will try this first and post a brief message when we have the system running regarding how the problem was solved.
____________________________________________________________________________ Michael Cammer Analytical Imaging Facility Albert Einstein Coll. of Med. Jack & Pearl Resnick Campus 1300 Morris Park Ave. Bronx, NY 10461 (718) 430-2890 Fax: 430-8996 URL: http://www.aecom.yu.edu/aif/ **This electronic transmission contains information that is privileged.**
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 18:10:27 2005
I have a user who would like to be able to image the effect of shearing on a hydrated clay slurry. We would like to be able to subject the sample to shearing stress and then immediately freeze it. We would then image the sample using cryo-FESEM.
Our problem is how to go about doing this. One thought was to place a small amount of the slurry between two surfaces such as sample holders used in high pressure freezing and quickly rotate and plunge. Another thought was possibly using a vitrobot to assist in doing this.
We would appreciate any suggestions from those of you who might have experience in this area. Information on references that describe shearing in similar systems using SEM imaging would be appreciated.
Thanks, Debby
Debby Sherman, Manager Phone: 765-494-6666 Life Science Microscopy Facility FAX: 765-494-5896 Purdue University E-mail: dsherman-at-purdue.edu S-052 Whistler Building 170 S. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 http://www3.agriculture.purdue.edu/microscopy
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 18:40:40 2005
I would like to thank everybody who replied privately, or to the group, to my posting concerning prions. The comments were very informative and helpful, as is usually the case with this group. The information helped me be comfortable with my decision, which was to have the client process the tissue within a BSL2 facility, and work with the tissue only after it was in resin.
Ralph Common Michigan State University Division of Human Pathology
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 21:05:02 2005
We have just acquired an EDAX ECON-2 detector for our JSM35 but with no manuals. Does anyone out there have an operating unit or possibly operating instructions. I have no experience with windowless detectors and some feed back would be great before I cool it down and crank up the voltage. Thanks Pat
Patrick R Kelly Operations Manager Geotrack International Pty Ltd ABN16 006 821 209 37 Melville Road, Brunswick West, Victoria 3055 Australia Telephone: +613 93801077 Facsimile: +613 93801477 http://www.geotrack.com.au
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Thu May 26 22:58:13 2005
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We have just acquired an EDAX ECON-2 detector for our JSM35 but with no manuals. Does anyone out there have an operating unit or possibly operating instructions. I have no experience with windowless detectors and some feed back would be great before I cool it down and crank up the voltage. Thanks Pat
Patrick R Kelly Operations Manager Geotrack International Pty Ltd ABN16 006 821 209 37 Melville Road, Brunswick West, Victoria 3055 Australia Telephone: +613 93801077 Facsimile: +613 93801477 http://www.geotrack.com.au
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 08:07:50 2005
I need a wire or metal probe to push through a hypodermic needle. It has to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel through a 20 mm needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to soft. Copper is to soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but the ones we have are to fat. Any suggestions?
Joe Neilly, Research Investigator Abbott Laboratories R4R9, AP31 200 Abbott Park Rd. Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202
Although rather expensive, www.goodfellow.com can fill your need. For example, they have 0.15mm drawn iridium wire. It is hard, stiff, noble - and pricy.
I did not look, but perhaps they have a suitable wire in a cheaper material.
Regards, Woody
-----Original Message----- } From: Joseph P Neilly [mailto:joe.p.neilly-at-abbott.com] Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 9:07 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I need a wire or metal probe to push through a hypodermic needle. It has to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel through a 20 mm needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to soft. Copper is to soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but the ones we have are to fat. Any suggestions?
Joe Neilly, Research Investigator Abbott Laboratories R4R9, AP31 200 Abbott Park Rd. Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202
I can't remember specifics as to wire type, etc., but I did some graduate research years ago on electromyography of forearm musculature. I pushed double strands of fine electrical wire through 25-gauge needles, burned off the first 2-3 mm of insulation, bent the ends back, sterilized the package, and inserted the needle into the muscle of interest. (Yes, it hurt...) The wire was strong enough to thread into the needle, puncture and remain in muscle while the needle was removed, and remain inserted and hooked up to an FM transmitter through a couple hours of some very odd exercises.
I will try to dig up that paper, but in the meantime do a search in the bio abstracts on electromyography of muscle and I bet you'll find lots of references with specifics about wires, etc.
Hope it helps.
Cheers, Randy
Randy Tindall EM Specialist Electron Microscopy Core Facility---We Do Small Well! W122 Veterinary Medicine University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tel: (573) 882-8304 Fax: (573) 884-2227 Email: tindallr-at-missouri.edu Web: http://www.emc.missouri.edu
-----Original Message----- } From: Joseph P Neilly [mailto:joe.p.neilly-at-abbott.com] Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 8:07 AM To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com
I need a wire or metal probe to push through a hypodermic needle. It has to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel through a 20 mm needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to soft. Copper is to soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but the ones we have are to fat. Any suggestions?
Joe Neilly, Research Investigator Abbott Laboratories R4R9, AP31 200 Abbott Park Rd. Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202
Joe, Try McMaster-Carr in Cleveland Ohio (330-995-5500)
My conversion from mm to inch (if i did it right) is 0.0078 inch.
McMasters sell Chromel C wire thats 0.0063 inch (1015 ft coil) for $23 A tinned copper 0.005 (3200 ft coil) $9 Nitinol wire 0.006 (30ft coil) $30 Stainless steel 0.007 (3723 ft coil) for $33.
Good luck
Oh, by the way McMaster-Carr doesn't know me from Adam and I have no connection to them...
Frank Karl Degussa Corporation Akron Technical Center 3500 Embassy Parkway Suite 100 Akron, Ohio 44333
330-668-2235 Ext. 238
This e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return e-mail and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.
"Joseph P Neilly" {joe.p.neilly-at-abb To: microscopy-at-microscopy.com ott.com} cc: Subject: [Microscopy] Looking for a source of thin, strong wire 05/27/2005 09:06 AM
The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America
I need a wire or metal probe to push through a hypodermic needle. It has to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel through a 20 mm needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to soft. Copper is to soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but the ones we have are to fat. Any suggestions?
Joe Neilly, Research Investigator Abbott Laboratories R4R9, AP31 200 Abbott Park Rd. Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202
Music wire comes to mind, if steel is okay for your application. Music wire is a generic term for steel wire that is severly cold drawn, making it strong and stiff. I imagine this wire should be available at any music store.
I also remember using a stainless steel version (Grade 302, 304, or 316) of this type of wire, though I can't remember from where we bought it, or if it's available in the thin (0.008") diameter you need.
Stu Smalinskas, P.E. Metallurgist SKF Plymouth, Michigan
--- Joseph P Neilly {joe.p.neilly-at-abbott.com} wrote:
} I need a wire or metal probe to push through a } hypodermic needle. It has } to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel } through a 20 mm } needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to } soft. Copper is to } soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but } the ones we have are to } fat. Any suggestions? } } } Joe Neilly, Research Investigator } Abbott Laboratories } R4R9, AP31 } 200 Abbott Park Rd. } Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202 } } Voice: 847-938-5024 } Fax: 847-938-5027 } E-mail: joe.neilly-at-abbott.com }
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 09:20:23 2005
This is a kind reminder to attend the 2005 Midwest Microscopy and Microanalysis Society on Dynamics of Materials Revealed by Electron Microscopy in Urbana June 9-10.
http://cmm.mrl.uiuc.edu/MMMS05/Program.htm
regards
Ivan Petrov
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 10:32:32 2005
We use fine wires for our wire saw and have plain stainless steel wires in .005", .010" and .015". I may have some .003" as well. It sounds like you need the .010" diameter. I'd be happy to send you a length of the wire. Let me know how much you need and which diameter you'd like. We also make these same cores into diamond wire as well. I can provide that if it would help, but I would have to charge you for the diamond wire. I hope that helps.
DISCLAIMER: South Bay Technology produces diamond wire as well as precision wire saws as described above and, therefore, has a vested interest in promoting their use.
Best regards-
David
-- David Henriks
South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499
email: henriks-at-southbaytech.com
Celebrating 40 years of providing Materials Processing Solutions for Metallogaphy, Crystallography and Electron Microscopy.
Please visit us online at www.southbaytech.com.
frank.karl-at-degussa.com wrote:
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-- David Henriks
South Bay Technology, Inc. 1120 Via Callejon San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
TEL: +1-949-492-2600 Toll-free in the USA: +1-800-728-2233 FAX: +1-949-492-1499
email: henriks-at-southbaytech.com
Celebrating 40 years of providing Materials Processing Solutions for Metallogaphy, Crystallography and Electron Microscopy.
Please visit us online at www.southbaytech.com.
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 10:44:16 2005
----- Original Message ----- } From: "Mary Mager" {mager-at-interchange.ubc.ca} To: "Joseph P Neilly" {joe.p.neilly-at-abbott.com} Cc: "Microscopy" {microscopy-at-MSA.microscopy.com} Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 8:40 AM
Go to your local music shop, and by a guitar E string (first). Carbon steel, 0.18 or 0.2 mm diameter. Banjo, or mandoline first string is the same. You may have a wide choice... in price !
J. Faerber IPCMS-GSI (Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg Groupe Surface et Interfaces) 23, rue de Loess ; BP43 67034 Strasbourg CEDEX 2 France
} } } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } I need a wire or metal probe to push through a hypodermic needle. It has } to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel through a 20 mm } needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to soft. Copper is to } soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but the ones we have are to } fat. Any suggestions? } } } Joe Neilly, Research Investigator } Abbott Laboratories } R4R9, AP31 } 200 Abbott Park Rd. } Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202 } } Voice: 847-938-5024 } Fax: 847-938-5027 } E-mail: joe.neilly-at-abbott.com } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 12:10:18 2005
Hello there, We have an (almost) functioning Cambridge S-120 SEM. This instrument has been the responsibility of several persons, so the available documentation is sparse. I'm looking for an operating manual, installation manual and most important electrical schematics for the instrument. Do anyone have this or know of a source ? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers,
There was a paper in J. Histochem. Cytochem some time ago about using graded ethanols, buffered with phosphate, to permeabilize tissue for immunostaining. Digging through the files now ...........
Eldred, W.D. et al JHC 31:285-292, 1983 Versaux-Botter and Nguyen-Legros JHC 34:743-747, 1986 Llewellyn-Smith and Minson JHC 40:1741-1749, 1992
I tried the graded, buffeded ethanol method some time ago on sections destined for pre-embedding immuno for TEM, worked well and ultrastructure was tolerable.
Geoff
Tom Phillips wrote:
} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ } } The Microscopy ListServer -- Sponsor: The Microscopy Society of America } To Subscribe/Unsubscribe -- } http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver } On-Line Help http://www.microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/FAQ.html } ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- } } } i know that fixation in acetone permeabilizes tissue pieces so } that one can do whole mount immuno staining of tissues measuring about } 3 mm x 3 mm x 3 mm. I can't use acetone for a particular experiment } and want to fix in ice cold ethanol. Does anybody know from experience } if ethanol fixation permeabilizes the tissue enough for antibody } penetration into intracellular epitopes? I don't want to use aldehyde } fixes with triton x-100 or saponin. Thanks, tom } } } } Thomas E. Phillips, PhD } Professor of Biological Sciences } Director, Molecular Cytology Core } 3 Tucker Hall } University of Missouri } Columbia, MO 65211-7400 } } 573-882-4712 (office) } 573-882-0123 (fax) } PhillipsT-at-missouri.edu } } }
-- -- ********************************************** 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 **********************************************
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 16:23:15 2005
If you could chemically mill 27 pound stainless steel wire fishing leader that is .28 mm in diameter. Another approach is to stretch it enough to reduce the diameter either by reaching cold by heating it and a stretching it or a combination of both with the final stage be the cold stretching to work harden it. You will probably be able to anneal the wire stretch it a bit, anneal it and stretch it and repeat until you get the desired diameter. Clamping the wire to the jaws of large vice and opening the vise some more should supply enough force to stretch the wire.
The conventional way to do this is to draw it through a die but the cost of the die is probably prohibitive for your job.
The wire is sure cheap enough at a half cent a foot. http://www.anglerscenter.com/terminal_rigging_wire.htm Tackle Town (361) 729-1841 3010 Highway 35 N Rockport, TX will ship it if you order several. It is handy stuff to have around the lab.
You might try taking some copper that is a little too large and stretching it until it breaks. I will become smaller as you stretch it and work harden and become stiffer in the process.
Best Regards Gordon Gordon Couger
I collect links on information related to light microscopes. www.couger.com/microscope/links/gclinks.html Please forward anything you think might be useful to others. Microscope Documentation is at www.science-info.org
Joseph P Neilly wrote: } } I need a wire or metal probe to push through a hypodermic needle. It has } to be 0.2 mm in diameter and strong enough to travel through a 20 mm } needle. The wires from our metal evaporator are to soft. Copper is to } soft too. Tungsten probes are strong enough, but the ones we have are to } fat. Any suggestions? } } } Joe Neilly, Research Investigator } Abbott Laboratories } R4R9, AP31 } 200 Abbott Park Rd. } Abbott Park, IL 60064-6202 } } Voice: 847-938-5024 } Fax: 847-938-5027 } E-mail: joe.neilly-at-abbott.com } } }
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Fri May 27 20:28:02 2005
I agree with this assessment. Get a light gauge E string for guitar or 12-string and this should work. These are sold as sets or separately. One unit of wire/string is typically about $2USD, depending on quality and brand.
I use D'Angellico and Martin strings for my guitars. Of course, I have no financial interest in Martin, Guild, Taylor, Rickenbacker or other instrument makers, or any strings that they may supply.
gary g.
At 08:42 AM 5/27/2005, you wrote:
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Sun May 29 21:16:17 2005
I've encountered a once only situation that I cannot explain. Perhaps someone has some ideas about what is going on.
I put a specimen in the SEM for examination and when I pulled it out via the load lock, the specimen and holder were about 10 degrees hotter than ambient. My experience has been that whatever they go in at, they come out the same. This was simple SE imaging at 10KV with 30u High Current in Zeiss Supra 55VP in high vacuum mode. Specimen current was around 145pA.
The specimen was a copper tube that had been plated with silver on the outside and inside. The piece was one half of the tube and about .5" long, attached to a pin stub using colloidal silver.
EDS showed presence of K, O, Ag, Cu, and C. There were distinct areas of organic material that I take to be cyanide from the plating process. But how could SEM analysis of a specimen cause it to heat?
Any ideas?
gary g.
From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 30 01:12:38 2005
I have been asked to see if we can bring our old Microhardness Tester Leitz Durimet back to life. Unfortunately someone has damaged both objectives beyond any repair.
I try to find a source that can offer me a suitable high power measuring objective: Type A 0.70 C HM 6.3 40x and a low power scanning objective Type A 0.18 C HM25 10x
Someone might even have an old used Durimet unit in their cupboards. We are willing to make a deal.
Cheers
Hans Brinkies Professional Officer Electron Microscopy & Metallography Swinburne, University of Technology Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Science P.O.Box 218 - Hawthorn - Vic -3122 - Australia Phone: +61 3 9214 8657 Mobile: 0417 156 267 Fax: +61 3 9214 8264 Email: Hbrinkies-at-swin.edu.au
Swinburne University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code: 00111D
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From MicroscopyL-request-at-ns.microscopy.com Mon May 30 15:44:28 2005
Below is the result of your feedback form (NJZFM-ultra-55). It was submitted by (armandm-at-uidaho.edu) from http://microscopy.com/MicroscopyListserver/MLFormMail.html on Monday, May 30, 2005 at 20:45:54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
First, I would like to thank everybody who replied to my inquiry concerning TEM and SEM hourly fees.
I received 12 replies although I hoped to get many more responses. Still I was able to get some information from the replies as well as from information posted on various web cites.
Here is a summary of the data I have collected. It should be regarded as information about the current hourly charges but not the actual costs of operation of TEMs and SEMs since many organizations have very specific approaches in subsidizing or funding EM operations. Also the data collected is summary from only about 40 colleges, universities and government agencies and it is not clear to me what is the statistical significance of the obtained data. For the commercial rates the data comes only from four sources and it clearly is not statistically reliable.