Occupational concerns associated with regular use of microscope.

PubMed

Jain, Garima; Shetty, Pushparaja

2014-08-01

Microscope work can be strenuous both to the visual system and the musculoskeletal system. Lack of awareness or indifference towards health issues may result in microscope users becoming victim to many occupational hazards. Our objective was to understand the occupational problems associated with regular use of microscope, awareness regarding the hazards, attitude and practice of microscope users towards the problems and preventive strategies. a questionnaire based survey done on 50 professionals and technicians who used microscope regularly in pathology, microbiology, hematology and cytology laboratories. Sixty two percent of subjects declared that they were suffering from musculoskeletal problems, most common locations being neck and back. Maximum prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was noted in those using microscope for 11-15 years and for more than 30 h/week. Sixty two percent of subjects were aware of workplace ergonomics. Fifty six percent of microscope users took regular short breaks for stretching exercises and 58% took visual breaks every 15-30 min in between microscope use sessions. As many as 94% subjects reported some form of visual problem. Fourty four percent of microscope users felt stressed with long working hours on microscope. The most common occupational concerns of microscope users were musculoskeletal problems of neck and back regions, eye fatigue, aggravation of ametropia, headache, stress due to long working hours and anxiety during or after microscope use. There is an immediate need for increasing awareness about the various occupational hazards and their irreversible effects to prevent them.

Improvement of the High Fluence Irradiation Facility at the University of Tokyo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, Kenta; Iwai, Takeo; Abe, Hiroaki; Sekimura, Naoto

2016-08-01

This paper reports the modification of the High Fluence Irradiation Facility at the University of Tokyo (HIT). The HIT facility was severely damaged during the 2011 earthquake, which occurred off the Pacific coast of Tohoku. A damaged 1.0 MV tandem Cockcroft-Walton accelerator was replaced with a 1.7 MV accelerator, which was formerly used in another campus of the university. A decision was made to maintain dual-beam irradiation capability by repairing the 3.75 MV single-ended Van de Graaff accelerator and reconstructing the related beamlines. A new beamline was connected with a 200 kV transmission electron microscope (TEM) to perform in-situ TEM observation under ion irradiation.

Theory and simulation of photogeneration and transport in Si-SiOx superlattice absorbers

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Si-SiOx superlattices are among the candidates that have been proposed as high band gap absorber material in all-Si tandem solar cell devices. Owing to the large potential barriers for photoexited charge carriers, transport in these devices is restricted to quantum-confined superlattice states. As a consequence of the finite number of wells and large built-in fields, the electronic spectrum can deviate considerably from the minibands of a regular superlattice. In this article, a quantum-kinetic theory based on the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism for an effective mass Hamiltonian is used for investigating photogeneration and transport in such devices for arbitrary geometry and operating conditions. By including the coupling of electrons to both photons and phonons, the theory is able to provide a microscopic picture of indirect generation, carrier relaxation, and inter-well transport mechanisms beyond the ballistic regime. PMID:21711827

[Physiological mechanisms of the etiology of visual fatigue during work involving visual stress].

PubMed

Korniushina, T A

2000-01-01

Physiological parameters of vision were studied in three professional groups (a total of 1204 subjects): microscope operators, subjects working with magnifying glasses, and computer users. General and specific features of visual system fatigue formation were identified. Because of complete (in microscope operators) or partial (in subjects working with magnifying glasses and display users) "deprivation" of accommodation, these subjects develop early presbyopia (at the age of 30-35 years). In microscope operators long strain of accommodation system leads to professional myopia, while display users develop pseudomyopia. The highest overstrain is observed after 4 years of work in microscope operators, after 5 years in magnifying glass users, and after 6 years in computer users.

In-situ investigation of laser surface modifications of WC-Co hard metals inside a scanning electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, H.; Wetzig, K.; Schultrich, B.; Pompe, Wolfgang; Chapliev, N. I.; Konov, Vitaly I.; Pimenov, S. M.; Prokhorov, Alexander M.

1989-05-01

The investigation of laser interaction with solid surfaces and of the resulting mechanism of surface modification are of technical interest to optimize technological processes, and they are also of fundamental scientific importance. Most instructive indormation is available with the ail of the in-situ techniques. For instance, measuring of the photon emission of the irradiated surface ane the plasma torch (if it is produced) simultaneously to laser action, makes it possible to gain a global characterization of the laser-solid interaction. In order to obtain additional information about surface and structure modifications in microscopic detail , a laser and scanning electron microscope were combined in to a tandem equipment (LASEM). Inside this eqiipment the microscopic observation is carried out directly at the laser irradiated area without any displacement of the sample. In this way, the stepwise development of surface modification during multipulse irradiation is visible in microscopic details and much more reliable information about the surface modification process is obtainable in comparison to an external laser irradiation. Such kind of equipments were realized simultaneously and independently in the Institut of General Physics (Moscow) and the Central Institute of Solid State Physics and Material Research (Dresden) using a CO2 and a LTd-glass-laser, respectively. In the following the advantages and possibilities of a LASEM shall be demonstrated by some selected investigations of WC-CO hardmeta. The results were obtained in collaboration by both groups with the aid of the pulsed CO2-laser. The TEA CO2 laser was transmitted through a ZnSe-window into the sample chamber of the SEM and focused ofAo tfte sample surface. It was operated in TEM - oo mode with a repetition rate of about 1 pulse per second. A peak power density of about 160 MW/cm2 was achieved in front of the sample surface.

SearchGUI: An open-source graphical user interface for simultaneous OMSSA and X!Tandem searches.

PubMed

Vaudel, Marc; Barsnes, Harald; Berven, Frode S; Sickmann, Albert; Martens, Lennart

2011-03-01

The identification of proteins by mass spectrometry is a standard technique in the field of proteomics, relying on search engines to perform the identifications of the acquired spectra. Here, we present a user-friendly, lightweight and open-source graphical user interface called SearchGUI (http://searchgui.googlecode.com), for configuring and running the freely available OMSSA (open mass spectrometry search algorithm) and X!Tandem search engines simultaneously. Freely available under the permissible Apache2 license, SearchGUI is supported on Windows, Linux and OSX. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Design and performance of an instrument for electron impact tandem mass spectrometry and action spectroscopy of mass/charge selected macromolecular ions stored in RF ion trap*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranković, Milos Lj.; Giuliani, Alexandre; Milosavljević, Aleksandar R.

2016-06-01

A new apparatus was designed, coupling an electron gun with a linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, to perform m/ z (mass over charge) selected ion activation by electron impact for tandem mass spectrometry and action spectroscopy. We present in detail electron tracing simulations of a 300 eV electron beam inside the ion trap, design of the mechanical parts, electron optics and electronic circuits used in the experiment. We also report examples of electron impact activation tandem mass spectra for Ubiquitin protein, Substance P and Melittin peptides, at incident electron energies in the range from 280 eV to 300 eV.

Chemical and Physical Methods to Analyze a Multicomponent Traditional Chinese Herbal Prescription Using LC-MS/MS, Electron Microscope, and Congo Red Staining

PubMed Central

Lu, Chia-Ming; Lin, Lie-Chwen; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2013-01-01

This study develops several chemical and physical methods to evaluate the quality of a traditional Chinese formulation, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled with electrospray ionization was used to measure the herbal biomarkers of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin from this herbal formula. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopy photographs with Congo red staining were used to identify the cellulose fibers if raw herbal powder had been added to the herbal pharmaceutical product. Moreover, water solubility and crude fiber content examination were used to inspect for potential herbal additives to the herbal pharmaceutical products. The results demonstrate that the contents of the herbal ingredients of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin were around 0.351 ± 0.017, 0.136 ± 0.010, 0.140 ± 0.005, and 2.281 ± 0.406 mg/g, respectively, for this herbal pharmaceutical product. The physical examination data demonstrate that the raw herbal powder had rough, irregular, lumpy, filamentous, and elongated shapes, as well as strong Congo red staining. In addition, water solubility and crude fiber content were not consistent in the herbal pharmaceutical products. PMID:23997802

Chemical and Physical Methods to Analyze a Multicomponent Traditional Chinese Herbal Prescription Using LC-MS/MS, Electron Microscope, and Congo Red Staining.

PubMed

Lu, Chia-Ming; Hou, Mei-Ling; Lin, Lie-Chwen; Tsai, Tung-Hu

2013-01-01

This study develops several chemical and physical methods to evaluate the quality of a traditional Chinese formulation, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled with electrospray ionization was used to measure the herbal biomarkers of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin from this herbal formula. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopy photographs with Congo red staining were used to identify the cellulose fibers if raw herbal powder had been added to the herbal pharmaceutical product. Moreover, water solubility and crude fiber content examination were used to inspect for potential herbal additives to the herbal pharmaceutical products. The results demonstrate that the contents of the herbal ingredients of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and paeoniflorin were around 0.351 ± 0.017, 0.136 ± 0.010, 0.140 ± 0.005, and 2.281 ± 0.406 mg/g, respectively, for this herbal pharmaceutical product. The physical examination data demonstrate that the raw herbal powder had rough, irregular, lumpy, filamentous, and elongated shapes, as well as strong Congo red staining. In addition, water solubility and crude fiber content were not consistent in the herbal pharmaceutical products.

Low cost, high performance processing of single particle cryo-electron microscopy data in the cloud.

PubMed

Cianfrocco, Michael A; Leschziner, Andres E

2015-05-08

The advent of a new generation of electron microscopes and direct electron detectors has realized the potential of single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as a technique to generate high-resolution structures. Calculating these structures requires high performance computing clusters, a resource that may be limiting to many likely cryo-EM users. To address this limitation and facilitate the spread of cryo-EM, we developed a publicly available 'off-the-shelf' computing environment on Amazon's elastic cloud computing infrastructure. This environment provides users with single particle cryo-EM software packages and the ability to create computing clusters with 16-480+ CPUs. We tested our computing environment using a publicly available 80S yeast ribosome dataset and estimate that laboratories could determine high-resolution cryo-EM structures for $50 to $1500 per structure within a timeframe comparable to local clusters. Our analysis shows that Amazon's cloud computing environment may offer a viable computing environment for cryo-EM.

Focussed Ion Beam Milling and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Brain Tissue

PubMed Central

Knott, Graham; Rosset, Stéphanie; Cantoni, Marco

2011-01-01

This protocol describes how biological samples, like brain tissue, can be imaged in three dimensions using the focussed ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM). The samples are fixed with aldehydes, heavy metal stained using osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate. They are then dehydrated with alcohol and infiltrated with resin, which is then hardened. Using a light microscope and ultramicrotome with glass knives, a small block containing the region interest close to the surface is made. The block is then placed inside the FIB/SEM, and the ion beam used to roughly mill a vertical face along one side of the block, close to this region. Using backscattered electrons to image the underlying structures, a smaller face is then milled with a finer ion beam and the surface scrutinised more closely to determine the exact area of the face to be imaged and milled. The parameters of the microscope are then set so that the face is repeatedly milled and imaged so that serial images are collected through a volume of the block. The image stack will typically contain isotropic voxels with dimenions as small a 4 nm in each direction. This image quality in any imaging plane enables the user to analyse cell ultrastructure at any viewing angle within the image stack. PMID:21775953

Combined laser heating and tandem acousto-optical filter for two-dimensional temperature distribution on the surface of the heated microobject

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykov, A. A.; Kutuza, I. B.; Zinin, P. V.; Machikhin, A. S.; Troyan, I. A.; Bulatov, K. M.; Batshev, V. I.; Mantrova, Y. V.; Gaponov, M. I.; Prakapenka, V. B.; Sharma, S. K.

2018-01-01

Recently it has been shown that it is possible to measure the two-dimensional distribution of the surface temperature of microscopic specimens. The main component of the system is a tandem imaging acousto-optical tunable filter synchronized with a video camera. In this report, we demonstrate that combining the laser heating system with a tandem imaging acousto-optical tunable filter allows measurement of the temperature distribution under laser heating of the platinum plates as well as a visualization of the infrared laser beam, that is widely used for laser heating in diamond anvil cells.

Apparatus and methods for controlling electron microscope stages

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duden, Thomas

Methods and apparatus for generating an image of a specimen with a microscope (e.g., TEM) are disclosed. In one aspect, the microscope may generally include a beam generator, a stage, a detector, and an image generator. A plurality of crystal parameters, which describe a plurality of properties of a crystal sample, are received. In a display associated with the microscope, an interactive control sphere based at least in part on the received crystal parameters and that is rotatable by a user to different sphere orientations is presented. The sphere includes a plurality of stage coordinates that correspond to a pluralitymore » of positions of the stage and a plurality of crystallographic pole coordinates that correspond to a plurality of polar orientations of the crystal sample. Movement of the sphere causes movement of the stage, wherein the stage coordinates move in conjunction with the crystallographic coordinates represented by pole positions so as to show a relationship between stage positions and the pole positions.« less

Electron microscopic analysis of rotavirus assembly-replication intermediates

PubMed Central

Boudreaux, Crystal E.; Kelly, Deborah F.; McDonald, Sarah M.

2015-01-01

Rotaviruses (RVs) replicate their segmented, double-stranded RNA genomes in tandem with early virion assembly. In this study, we sought to gain insight into the ultrastructure of RV assembly-replication intermediates (RIs) using transmission electron microscopy (EM). Specifically, we examined a replicase-competent, subcellular fraction that contains all known RV RIs. Three never-before-seen complexes were visualized in this fraction. Using in vitro reconstitution, we showed that ~15-nm doughnut-shaped proteins in strings were nonstructural protein 2 (NSP2) bound to viral RNA transcripts. Moreover, using immunoaffinity-capture EM, we revealed that ~20-nm pebble-shaped complexes contain the viral RNA polymerase (VP1) and RNA capping enzyme (VP3). Finally, using a gel purification method, we demonstrated that ~30–70-nm electron-dense, particle-shaped complexes represent replicase-competent core RIs, containing VP1, VP3, and NSP2 as well as capsid proteins VP2 and VP6. The results of this study raise new questions about the interactions among viral proteins and RNA during the concerted assembly-replicase process. PMID:25635339

Tandem Stance Avoidance Using Adaptive and Asymmetric Admittance Control for Fall Prevention.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Shotaro; Hasegawa, Yasuhisa; Fukuda, Toshio; Kondo, Izumi; Tanimoto, Masanori; Di, Pei; Huang, Jian; Huang, Qiang

2016-05-01

Fall prevention is one of the most important functions of walking assistance devices for user's safety. It is preferable that these devices prevent the user from being in the state where the risk of falling is high rather than helping them recovering from falling motion. During turning, when the user is in the tandem stance, a state where both legs form a line along walking direction, a support base that is surrounded by two legs becomes small, and a stability margin becomes small. This paper therefore aims to prevent the tandem stance by using nonwearable robot "intelligent cane" for the elderly or physically challenged person. Generally, the behavior of the lower limb follows the upper body turning. This paper therefore introduces a cane robot control method which constrains the behavior of user's upper body. By adjusting an admittance parameter of the robot according to the positions of a support leg, the robot resists to turn while a support leg is on the same side of the turning direction. A swing leg on the turning direction side therefore freely moves to the turning direction, while a swing leg on the opposite direction side of turning hardly move to the turning direction.

DeNovoGUI: An Open Source Graphical User Interface for de Novo Sequencing of Tandem Mass Spectra

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

De novo sequencing is a popular technique in proteomics for identifying peptides from tandem mass spectra without having to rely on a protein sequence database. Despite the strong potential of de novo sequencing algorithms, their adoption threshold remains quite high. We here present a user-friendly and lightweight graphical user interface called DeNovoGUI for running parallelized versions of the freely available de novo sequencing software PepNovo+, greatly simplifying the use of de novo sequencing in proteomics. Our platform-independent software is freely available under the permissible Apache2 open source license. Source code, binaries, and additional documentation are available at http://denovogui.googlecode.com. PMID:24295440

DeNovoGUI: an open source graphical user interface for de novo sequencing of tandem mass spectra.

PubMed

Muth, Thilo; Weilnböck, Lisa; Rapp, Erdmann; Huber, Christian G; Martens, Lennart; Vaudel, Marc; Barsnes, Harald

2014-02-07

De novo sequencing is a popular technique in proteomics for identifying peptides from tandem mass spectra without having to rely on a protein sequence database. Despite the strong potential of de novo sequencing algorithms, their adoption threshold remains quite high. We here present a user-friendly and lightweight graphical user interface called DeNovoGUI for running parallelized versions of the freely available de novo sequencing software PepNovo+, greatly simplifying the use of de novo sequencing in proteomics. Our platform-independent software is freely available under the permissible Apache2 open source license. Source code, binaries, and additional documentation are available at http://denovogui.googlecode.com .

Determination of type A trichothecenes in coix seed by magnetic solid-phase extraction based on magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Dong, Maofeng; Si, Wenshuai; Wang, Weimin; Bai, Bing; Nie, Dongxia; Song, Weiguo; Zhao, Zhihui; Guo, Yirong; Han, Zheng

2016-09-01

Magnetic solid-phase extraction (m-SPE) is a promising sample preparation approach due to its convenience, speed, and simplicity. For the first time, a rapid and reliable m-SPE approach using magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (m-MWCNTs) as the adsorbent was proposed for purification of type A trichothecenes including T-2 toxins (T2), HT-2 toxins (HT-2), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), and neosolaniol (NEO) in coix seed. The m-MWCNTs were synthesized by assembling the magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) with MWCNTs by sonication through an aggregation wrap mechanism, and characterized by transmission electron microscope. Several key parameters affecting the performance of the procedure were extensively investigated including extraction solutions, desorption solvents, and m-MWCNT amounts. Under the optimal sample preparation conditions followed by analysis with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), high sensitivity (limit of quantification in the range of 0.3-1.5 μg kg(-1)), good linearity (R (2) > 0.99), satisfactory recovery (73.6-90.6 %), and acceptable precision (≤2.5 %) were obtained. The analytical performance of the developed method has also been successfully evaluated in real coix seed samples. Graphical Abstract Flow chart of determination of type A trichothecenes in coix seed by magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Development of an Integrated Thermocouple for the Accurate Sample Temperature Measurement During High Temperature Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (HT-ESEM) Experiments.

PubMed

Podor, Renaud; Pailhon, Damien; Ravaux, Johann; Brau, Henri-Pierre

2015-04-01

We have developed two integrated thermocouple (TC) crucible systems that allow precise measurement of sample temperature when using a furnace associated with an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Sample temperatures measured with these systems are precise (±5°C) and reliable. The TC crucible systems allow working with solids and liquids (silicate melts or ionic liquids), independent of the gas composition and pressure. These sample holder designs will allow end users to perform experiments at high temperature in the ESEM chamber with high precision control of the sample temperature.

Low cost, high performance processing of single particle cryo-electron microscopy data in the cloud

PubMed Central

Cianfrocco, Michael A; Leschziner, Andres E

2015-01-01

The advent of a new generation of electron microscopes and direct electron detectors has realized the potential of single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as a technique to generate high-resolution structures. Calculating these structures requires high performance computing clusters, a resource that may be limiting to many likely cryo-EM users. To address this limitation and facilitate the spread of cryo-EM, we developed a publicly available ‘off-the-shelf’ computing environment on Amazon's elastic cloud computing infrastructure. This environment provides users with single particle cryo-EM software packages and the ability to create computing clusters with 16–480+ CPUs. We tested our computing environment using a publicly available 80S yeast ribosome dataset and estimate that laboratories could determine high-resolution cryo-EM structures for $50 to $1500 per structure within a timeframe comparable to local clusters. Our analysis shows that Amazon's cloud computing environment may offer a viable computing environment for cryo-EM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06664.001 PMID:25955969

Time-Resolved Tandem Faraday Cup Development for High Energy TNSA Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padalino, S.; Simone, A.; Turner, E.; Ginnane, M. K.; Glisic, M.; Kousar, B.; Smith, A.; Sangster, C.; Regan, S.

2015-11-01

MTW and OMEGA EP Lasers at LLE utilize ultra-intense laser light to produce high-energy ion pulses through Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA). A Time Resolved Tandem Faraday Cup (TRTF) was designed and built to collect and differentiate protons from heavy ions (HI) produced during TNSA. The TRTF includes a replaceable thickness absorber capable of stopping a range of user-selectable HI emitted from TNSA plasma. HI stop within the primary cup, while less massive particles continue through and deposit their remaining charge in the secondary cup, releasing secondary electrons in the process. The time-resolved beam current generated in each cup will be measured on a fast storage scope in multiple channels. A charge-exchange foil at the TRTF entrance modifies the charge state distribution of HI to a known distribution. Using this distribution and the time of flight of the HI, the total HI current can be determined. Initial tests of the TRTF have been made using a proton beam produced by SUNY Geneseo's 1.7 MV Pelletron accelerator. A substantial reduction in secondary electron production, from 70% of the proton beam current at 2MeV down to 0.7%, was achieved by installing a pair of dipole magnet deflectors which successfully returned the electrons to the cups in the TRTF. Ultimately the TRTF will be used to normalize a variety of nuclear physics cross sections and stopping power measurements. Based in part upon work supported by a DOE NNSA Award#DE-NA0001944.

Probing Photocurrent Nonuniformities in the Subcells of Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells.

PubMed

Song, Zhaoning; Werner, Jérémie; Shrestha, Niraj; Sahli, Florent; De Wolf, Stefaan; Niesen, Björn; Watthage, Suneth C; Phillips, Adam B; Ballif, Christophe; Ellingson, Randy J; Heben, Michael J

2016-12-15

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with high power conversion efficiencies have the potential to become a commercially viable photovoltaic option in the near future. However, device design and optimization is challenging because conventional characterization methods do not give clear feedback on the localized chemical and physical factors that limit performance within individual subcells, especially when stability and degradation is a concern. In this study, we use light beam induced current (LBIC) to probe photocurrent collection nonuniformities in the individual subcells of perovskite/silicon tandems. The choices of lasers and light biasing conditions allow efficiency-limiting effects relating to processing defects, optical interference within the individual cells, and the evolution of water-induced device degradation to be spatially resolved. The results reveal several types of microscopic defects and demonstrate that eliminating these and managing the optical properties within the multilayer structures will be important for future optimization of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.

Importing, Working With, and Sharing Microstructural Data in the StraboSpot Digital Data System, Including an Example Dataset from the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, N.; Cunningham, H.; Snell, A.; Newman, J.; Tikoff, B.; Chatzaras, V.; Walker, J. D.; Williams, R. T.

2017-12-01

There is currently no repository where a geologist can survey microstructural datasets that have been collected from a specific field area or deformation experiment. New development of the StraboSpot digital data system provides a such a repository as well as visualization and analysis tools. StraboSpot is a graph database that allows field geologists to share primary data and develop new types of scientific questions. The database can be accessed through: 1) a field-based mobile application that runs on iOS and Android mobile devices; and 2) a desktop system. We are expanding StraboSpot to include the handling of a variety of microstructural data types. Presented here is the detailed vocabulary and logic used for the input of microstructural data, and how this system operates with the anticipated workflow of users. Microstructural data include observations and interpretations from photomicrographs, scanning electron microscope images, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy data. The workflow for importing microstructural data into StraboSpot is organized into the following tabs: Images, Mineralogy & Composition; Sedimentary; Igneous; Metamorphic; Fault Rocks; Grain size & configuration; Crystallographic Preferred Orientation; Reactions; Geochronology; Relationships; and Interpretations. Both the sample and the thin sections are also spots. For the sample spot, the user can specify whether a sample is experimental or natural; natural samples are inherently linked to their field context. For the thin section (sub-sample) spot, the user can select between different options for sample preparation, geometry, and methods. A universal framework for thin section orientation is given, which allows users to overlay different microscope images of the same area and keeps georeferenced orientation. We provide an example dataset of field and microstructural data from the Mt Edgar dome, a granitic complex in the Paleoarchean East Pilbara craton, Australia. StraboSpot provides a single place for georeferenced geologic data at every spatial scale, in which data are interconnected. Incorporating microstructural data into an open-access platform will give field and experimental geologists a library of microstructural data across a range of tectonic and experimental contexts.

Three-dimensional electron microscopy simulation with the CASINO Monte Carlo software.

PubMed

Demers, Hendrix; Poirier-Demers, Nicolas; Couture, Alexandre Réal; Joly, Dany; Guilmain, Marc; de Jonge, Niels; Drouin, Dominique

2011-01-01

Monte Carlo softwares are widely used to understand the capabilities of electron microscopes. To study more realistic applications with complex samples, 3D Monte Carlo softwares are needed. In this article, the development of the 3D version of CASINO is presented. The software feature a graphical user interface, an efficient (in relation to simulation time and memory use) 3D simulation model, accurate physic models for electron microscopy applications, and it is available freely to the scientific community at this website: www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/casino/index.html. It can be used to model backscattered, secondary, and transmitted electron signals as well as absorbed energy. The software features like scan points and shot noise allow the simulation and study of realistic experimental conditions. This software has an improved energy range for scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy applications. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy Simulation with the CASINO Monte Carlo Software

PubMed Central

Demers, Hendrix; Poirier-Demers, Nicolas; Couture, Alexandre Réal; Joly, Dany; Guilmain, Marc; de Jonge, Niels; Drouin, Dominique

2011-01-01

Monte Carlo softwares are widely used to understand the capabilities of electron microscopes. To study more realistic applications with complex samples, 3D Monte Carlo softwares are needed. In this paper, the development of the 3D version of CASINO is presented. The software feature a graphical user interface, an efficient (in relation to simulation time and memory use) 3D simulation model, accurate physic models for electron microscopy applications, and it is available freely to the scientific community at this website: www.gel.usherbrooke.ca/casino/index.html. It can be used to model backscattered, secondary, and transmitted electron signals as well as absorbed energy. The software features like scan points and shot noise allow the simulation and study of realistic experimental conditions. This software has an improved energy range for scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy applications. PMID:21769885

Science 101: How Does an Electron Microscope Work?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, Bill

2013-01-01

Contrary to popular opinion, electron microscopes are not used to look at electrons. They are used to look for structure in things that are too small to observe with an optical microscope, or to obtain images that are magnified much more than is obtainable with an optical microscope. To understand how electron microscopes work, it will help to go…

Custom sample environments at the ALBA XPEEM.

PubMed

Foerster, Michael; Prat, Jordi; Massana, Valenti; Gonzalez, Nahikari; Fontsere, Abel; Molas, Bernat; Matilla, Oscar; Pellegrin, Eric; Aballe, Lucia

2016-12-01

A variety of custom-built sample holders offer users a wide range of non-standard measurements at the ALBA synchrotron PhotoEmission Electron Microscope (PEEM) experimental station. Some of the salient features are: an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) suitcase compatible with many offline deposition and characterization systems, built-in electromagnets for uni- or biaxial in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) fields, as well as the combination of magnetic fields with electric fields or current injection. Electronics providing a synchronized sinusoidal signal for sample excitation enable time-resolved measurements at the 500MHz storage ring RF frequency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perspective: Electronic systems of knowledge in the world of virtual microscopy.

PubMed

Maybury, Terrence; Farah, Camile S

2009-09-01

Across a broad range of medical disciplines, learning how to use an optical or light microscope has been a mandatory inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum. The development of virtual microscopy (VM) technology during the past 10 years has called into question the use of the optical microscope in educational contexts. VM allows slide specimens to be digitized, which, in turn, allows the computer to mimic the workings of the light microscope. This move from analog technology (the light microscope) to digital technology (the computer as microscope) is part of the many significant changes going on in education, a singular manifestation of the broader move from print-literate traditions of knowledge (requiring literacy) to an electronics-literate, or "electrate," mode (requiring "electracy"). VM is here used as an exemplar of this broad transition from literacy to electracy, some components of which include data deluge, a multimodal structure, and modularity. Understandably, this transition is important to clarify educationally, especially in a global context mediated via digital means. A related aspect of these educational changes is the move from teacher-directed learning to student-centered learning, or "user-led education," which points to a redefinition of "pedagogy" as "andragogy." The dissemination of the specific value of VM, then, is critical to both learners and teachers and to a more coherent understanding of electracy. A practical consequence of this clarity might be a better application of this knowledge in the evolving fields of computer simulation and telemedicine, areas in which today's medical students will need future expertise.

Electron-Impact Ionization and Dissociative Ionization of Biomolecules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huo, Winifred M.; Chaban, Galina M.; Dateo, Christopher E.

2006-01-01

It is well recognized that secondary electrons play an important role in radiation damage to humans. Particularly important is the damage of DNA by electrons, potentially leading to mutagenesis. Molecular-level study of electron interaction with DNA provides information on the damage pathways and dominant mechanisms. Our study of electron-impact ionization of DNA fragments uses the improved binary-encounter dipole model and covers DNA bases, sugar phosphate backbone, and nucleotides. An additivity principle is observed. For example, the sum of the ionization cross sections of the separate deoxyribose and phosphate fragments is in close agreement with the C3(sup prime)- and C5 (sup prime)-deoxyribose-phospate cross sections, differing by less than 5%. Investigation of tandem double lesion initiated by electron-impact dissociative ionization of guanine, followed by proton reaction with the cytosine in the Watson-Crick pair, is currently being studied to see if tandem double lesion can be initiated by electron impact. Up to now only OH-induced tandem double lesion has been studied.

Pathologists dislike sound? Evaluation of a computerised training microscope.

PubMed Central

Gray, E; Duvall, E; Sprey, J; Bird, C C

1998-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the use of multimedia enhancements, using a computerised microscope, in the training of microscope skills. METHODS: The HOME microscope provides facilities to highlight features of interest in conjunction with either text display or aural presentation. A pilot study was carried out with 10 individuals, eight of whom were at different stages of pathology training. A tutorial was implemented employing sound or text, and each individual tested each version. Both the subjective impressions of users and objective measurement of their patterns of use were recorded. RESULTS: Although both versions improved learning, users took longer to work through the aural than the text version; 90% of users preferred the text only version, including all eight individuals involved in pathology training. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologists appear to prefer visual rather than aural input when using teaching systems such as the HOME microscope and sound does not give added value to the training experience. Images PMID:9659250

A Closed-Loop Proportional-Integral (PI) Control Software for Fully Mechanically Controlled Automated Electron Microscopic Tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

REN, GANG; LIU, JINXIN; LI, HONGCHANG

A closed-loop proportional-integral (PI) control software is provided for fully mechanically controlled automated electron microscopic tomography. The software is developed based on Gatan DigitalMicrograph, and is compatible with Zeiss LIBRA 120 transmission electron microscope. However, it can be expanded to other TEM instrument with modification. The software consists of a graphical user interface, a digital PI controller, an image analyzing unit, and other drive units (i.e.: image acquire unit and goniometer drive unit). During a tomography data collection process, the image analyzing unit analyzes both the accumulated shift and defocus value of the latest acquired image, and provides the resultsmore » to the digital PI controller. The digital PI control compares the results with the preset values and determines the optimum adjustments of the goniometer. The goniometer drive unit adjusts the spatial position of the specimen according to the instructions given by the digital PI controller for the next tilt angle and image acquisition. The goniometer drive unit achieves high precision positioning by using a backlash elimination method. The major benefits of the software are: 1) the goniometer drive unit keeps pre-aligned/optimized beam conditions unchanged and achieves position tracking solely through mechanical control; 2) the image analyzing unit relies on only historical data and therefore does not require additional images/exposures; 3) the PI controller enables the system to dynamically track the imaging target with extremely low system error.« less

AccessScope project: Accessible light microscope for users with upper limb mobility or visual impairments.

PubMed

Mansoor, Awais; Ahmed, Wamiq M; Samarapungavan, Ala; Cirillo, John; Schwarte, David; Robinson, J Paul; Duerstock, Bradley S

2010-01-01

A web-based application was developed to remotely view slide specimens and control all functions of a research-level light microscopy workstation, called AccessScope. Students and scientists with upper limb mobility and visual impairments are often unable to use a light microscope by themselves and must depend on others in its operation. Users with upper limb mobility impairments and low vision were recruited to assist in the design process of the AccessScope personal computer (PC) user interface. Participants with these disabilities were evaluated in their ability to use AccessScope to perform microscopical tasks. AccessScope usage was compared with inspecting prescanned slide images by grading participants' identification and understanding of histological features and knowledge of microscope operation. With AccessScope subjects were able to independently perform common light microscopy functions through an Internet browser by employing different PC pointing devices or accessibility software according to individual abilities. Subjects answered more histology and microscope usage questions correctly after first participating in an AccessScope test session. AccessScope allowed users with upper limb or visual impairments to successfully perform light microscopy without assistance. This unprecedented capability is crucial for students and scientists with disabilities to perform laboratory coursework or microscope-based research and pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

MODi: a powerful and convenient web server for identifying multiple post-translational peptide modifications from tandem mass spectra.

PubMed

Kim, Sangtae; Na, Seungjin; Sim, Ji Woong; Park, Heejin; Jeong, Jaeho; Kim, Hokeun; Seo, Younghwan; Seo, Jawon; Lee, Kong-Joo; Paek, Eunok

2006-07-01

MOD(i) (http://modi.uos.ac.kr/modi/) is a powerful and convenient web service that facilitates the interpretation of tandem mass spectra for identifying post-translational modifications (PTMs) in a peptide. It is powerful in that it can interpret a tandem mass spectrum even when hundreds of modification types are considered and the number of potential PTMs in a peptide is large, in contrast to most of the methods currently available for spectra interpretation that limit the number of PTM sites and types being used for PTM analysis. For example, using MOD(i), one can consider for analysis both the entire PTM list published on the unimod webpage (http://www.unimod.org) and user-defined PTMs simultaneously, and one can also identify multiple PTM sites in a spectrum. MOD(i) is convenient in that it can take various input file formats such as .mzXML, .dta, .pkl and .mgf files, and it is equipped with a graphical tool called MassPective developed to display MOD(i)'s output in a user-friendly manner and helps users understand MOD(i)'s output quickly. In addition, one can perform manual de novo sequencing using MassPective.

Comparative study of image contrast in scanning electron microscope and helium ion microscope.

PubMed

O'Connell, R; Chen, Y; Zhang, H; Zhou, Y; Fox, D; Maguire, P; Wang, J J; Rodenburg, C

2017-12-01

Images of Ga + -implanted amorphous silicon layers in a 110 n-type silicon substrate have been collected by a range of detectors in a scanning electron microscope and a helium ion microscope. The effects of the implantation dose and imaging parameters (beam energy, dwell time, etc.) on the image contrast were investigated. We demonstrate a similar relationship for both the helium ion microscope Everhart-Thornley and scanning electron microscope Inlens detectors between the contrast of the images and the Ga + density and imaging parameters. These results also show that dynamic charging effects have a significant impact on the quantification of the helium ion microscope and scanning electron microscope contrast. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

Learning a cost function for microscope image segmentation.

PubMed

Nilufar, Sharmin; Perkins, Theodore J

2014-01-01

Quantitative analysis of microscopy images is increasingly important in clinical researchers' efforts to unravel the cellular and molecular determinants of disease, and for pathological analysis of tissue samples. Yet, manual segmentation and measurement of cells or other features in images remains the norm in many fields. We report on a new system that aims for robust and accurate semi-automated analysis of microscope images. A user interactively outlines one or more examples of a target object in a training image. We then learn a cost function for detecting more objects of the same type, either in the same or different images. The cost function is incorporated into an active contour model, which can efficiently determine optimal boundaries by dynamic programming. We validate our approach and compare it to some standard alternatives on three different types of microscopic images: light microscopy of blood cells, light microscopy of muscle tissue sections, and electron microscopy cross-sections of axons and their myelin sheaths.

Compartmentalization of membrane trafficking, glucose transport, glycolysis, actin, tubulin and the proteasome in the cytoplasmic droplet/Hermes body of epididymal sperm.

PubMed

Au, Catherine E; Hermo, Louis; Byrne, Elliot; Smirle, Jeffrey; Fazel, Ali; Kearney, Robert E; Smith, Charles E; Vali, Hojatollah; Fernandez-Rodriguez, Julia; Simon, Paul H G; Mandato, Craig; Nilsson, Tommy; Bergeron, John J M

2015-08-01

Discovered in 1909 by Retzius and described mainly by morphology, the cytoplasmic droplet of sperm (renamed here the Hermes body) is conserved among all mammalian species but largely undefined at the molecular level. Tandem mass spectrometry of the isolated Hermes body from rat epididymal sperm characterized 1511 proteins, 43 of which were localized to the structure in situ by light microscopy and two by quantitative electron microscopy localization. Glucose transporter 3 (GLUT-3) glycolytic enzymes, selected membrane traffic and cytoskeletal proteins were highly abundant and concentrated in the Hermes body. By electron microscope gold antibody labelling, the Golgi trafficking protein TMED7/p27 localized to unstacked flattened cisternae of the Hermes body, as did GLUT-3, the most abundant protein. Its biogenesis was deduced through the mapping of protein expression for all 43 proteins during male germ cell differentiation in the testis. It is at the terminal step 19 of spermiogenesis that the 43 characteristic proteins accumulated in the nascent Hermes body. © 2015 The Authors.

Digestibility of Bovine Serum Albumin and Peptidomics of the Digests: Effect of Glycation Derived from α-Dicarbonyl Compounds.

PubMed

Sheng, Bulei; Larsen, Lotte Bach; Le, Thao T; Zhao, Di

2018-03-21

α-Dicarbonyl compounds, which are widely generated during sugar fragmentation and oil oxidation, are important precursors of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this study, the effect of glycation derived from glyoxal (GO), methylglyoxal (MGO) and diacetyl (DA) on the in vitro digestibility of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated. Glycation from α-dicarbonyl compounds reduced digestibility of BSA in both gastric and intestinal stage of digestion according to measurement of degree of hydrolysis. Changes in peptide composition of digests induced by glycation were displayed, showing absence of peptides, occurrence of new peptides and formation of peptide-AGEs, based on the results obtained using liquid chromatography electron-spray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Crosslinked glycation structures derived from DA largely reduced the sensitivity of glycated BSA towards digestive proteases based on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results. Network structures were found to remain in the digests of glycated samples by transmission electron microscope (TEM), thus the impact of AGEs in unabsorbed digests on the gut flora should be an interest for further studies.

In situ micro-compression testing of He2+ ion irradiated titanium aluminide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Tao; Xu, Alan; Zhu, Hanliang; Ionescu, Mihail; Bhattacharyya, Dhriti

2017-10-01

A titanium aluminide (TiAl) alloy 45XD has been irradiated by a He ion beam with an energy of 5 MeV on a tandem accelerator at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO). The total fluence of He ions was 5 × 1017 ion cm-2. A 17 μm uniform damage region from the material surface with a helium concentration of about 5000 appm was achieved by using an energy degrading wheel in front of the TiAl target. The micro-size test specimens from the damage layer were fabricated using a focused ion beam & scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) system. The in situ SEM micromechanical compressive testing was carried out inside an SEM and the results indicated irradiation embrittlement in the helium affected region. Electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis has been applied to reveal the orientation of the lamellae in the TiAl specimens, and used to understand the deformation processes in the sample. The irradiation damage of gallium ion beam from FIB on the surface of TiAl sample was also investigated.

Large area fabrication of plasmonic nanoparticle grating structure by conventional scanning electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sudheer,, E-mail: sudheer@rrcat.gov.in; Tiwari, P.; Rai, V. N.

Plasmonic nanoparticle grating (PNG) structure of different periods has been fabricated by electron beam lithography using silver halide based transmission electron microscope film as a substrate. Conventional scanning electron microscope is used as a fabrication tool for electron beam lithography. Optical microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) have been used for its morphological and elemental characterization. Optical characterization is performed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopic technique.

Effect of iron doping on structural and microstructural properties of nanocrystalline ZnSnO3 thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathan, Idris G.; Suryawanshi, Dinesh N.; Bari, Anil R.; Patil, Lalchand A.

2018-05-01

This work presents the effect of iron doping having different volume ratios (1 ml, 2.5 ml and 5 ml) on the structural, microstructural and electrical properties of zinc stannate thin films, prepared by spray pyrolysis method. These properties were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). In our study, XRD pattern indicates that ZnSnO3 has a perovskite phase with face exposed hexahedron structure. The electron diffraction fringes observed are in consistent with the peak observed in XRD patterns. Moreover the sensor reported in our study is cost-effective, user friendly and easy to fabricate.

Markov Random Field Based Automatic Image Alignment for ElectronTomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moussavi, Farshid; Amat, Fernando; Comolli, Luis R.

2007-11-30

Cryo electron tomography (cryo-ET) is the primary method for obtaining 3D reconstructions of intact bacteria, viruses, and complex molecular machines ([7],[2]). It first flash freezes a specimen in a thin layer of ice, and then rotates the ice sheet in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) recording images of different projections through the sample. The resulting images are aligned and then back projected to form the desired 3-D model. The typical resolution of biological electron microscope is on the order of 1 nm per pixel which means that small imprecision in the microscope's stage or lenses can cause large alignment errors.more » To enable a high precision alignment, biologists add a small number of spherical gold beads to the sample before it is frozen. These beads generate high contrast dots in the image that can be tracked across projections. Each gold bead can be seen as a marker with a fixed location in 3D, which provides the reference points to bring all the images to a common frame as in the classical structure from motion problem. A high accuracy alignment is critical to obtain a high resolution tomogram (usually on the order of 5-15nm resolution). While some methods try to automate the task of tracking markers and aligning the images ([8],[4]), they require user intervention if the SNR of the image becomes too low. Unfortunately, cryogenic electron tomography (or cryo-ET) often has poor SNR, since the samples are relatively thick (for TEM) and the restricted electron dose usually results in projections with SNR under 0 dB. This paper shows that formulating this problem as a most-likely estimation task yields an approach that is able to automatically align with high precision cryo-ET datasets using inference in graphical models. This approach has been packaged into a publicly available software called RAPTOR-Robust Alignment and Projection estimation for Tomographic Reconstruction.« less

Transmission electron microscope CCD camera

DOEpatents

Downing, Kenneth H.

1999-01-01

In order to improve the performance of a CCD camera on a high voltage electron microscope, an electron decelerator is inserted between the microscope column and the CCD. This arrangement optimizes the interaction of the electron beam with the scintillator of the CCD camera while retaining optimization of the microscope optics and of the interaction of the beam with the specimen. Changing the electron beam energy between the specimen and camera allows both to be optimized.

76 FR 65696 - Battelle Energy Alliance, et al.;

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-24

... of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Company, the... research or scientific educational uses requiring an electron microscope. We know of no electron microscope...

Crux: Rapid Open Source Protein Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Efficiently and accurately analyzing big protein tandem mass spectrometry data sets requires robust software that incorporates state-of-the-art computational, machine learning, and statistical methods. The Crux mass spectrometry analysis software toolkit (http://cruxtoolkit.sourceforge.net) is an open source project that aims to provide users with a cross-platform suite of analysis tools for interpreting protein mass spectrometry data. PMID:25182276

C70/C70:pentacene/pentacene organic heterojunction as the connecting layer for high performance tandem organic light-emitting diodes: Mechanism investigation of electron injection and transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qingxun; Yang, Dezhi; Chen, Jiangshan; Qiao, Xianfeng; Ahamad, Tansir; Alshehri, Saad M.; Ma, Dongge

2017-03-01

A high performance tandem organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is realized by employing a C70/C70:pentacene/pentacene organic heterojunction as the efficient charge generation layer (CGL). Not only more than two time enhancement of external quantum efficiency but also significant improvement in both power efficiency and lifetime are well achieved. The mechanism investigations find that the electron injection from the CGL to the adjacent electron transport layer (ETL) in tandem devices is injection rate-limited due to the high interface energy barrier between the CGL and the ETL. By the capacitance-frequency (C-F) and low temperature current density-voltage (J-V) characteristic analysis, we confirm that the electron transport is a space-charge-limited current process with exponential trap distribution. These traps are localized states below the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital edge inside the gap and would be filled with the upward shift of the Fermi level during the n-doping process. Furthermore, both the trap density (Ht) and the activation energy (Ea) could be carefully worked out through low temperature J-V measurements, which is very important for developing high performance tandem OLEDs.

The ALBA spectroscopic LEEM-PEEM experimental station: layout and performance

PubMed Central

Aballe, Lucia; Foerster, Michael; Pellegrin, Eric; Nicolas, Josep; Ferrer, Salvador

2015-01-01

The spectroscopic LEEM-PEEM experimental station at the CIRCE helical undulator beamline, which started user operation at the ALBA Synchrotron Light Facility in 2012, is presented. This station, based on an Elmitec LEEM III microscope with electron imaging energy analyzer, permits surfaces to be imaged with chemical, structural and magnetic sensitivity down to a lateral spatial resolution better than 20 nm with X-ray excited photoelectrons and 10 nm in LEEM and UV-PEEM modes. Rotation around the surface normal and application of electric and (weak) magnetic fields are possible in the microscope chamber. In situ surface preparation capabilities include ion sputtering, high-temperature flashing, exposure to gases, and metal evaporation with quick evaporator exchange. Results from experiments in a variety of fields and imaging modes will be presented in order to illustrate the ALBA XPEEM capabilities. PMID:25931092

Highly Sophisticated Virtual Laboratory Instruments in Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaskins, T.

2006-12-01

Many areas of Science have advanced or stalled according to the ability to see what can not normally be seen. Visual understanding has been key to many of the world's greatest breakthroughs, such as discovery of DNAs double helix. Scientists use sophisticated instruments to see what the human eye can not. Light microscopes, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), spectrometers and atomic force microscopes are employed to examine and learn the details of the extremely minute. It's rare that students prior to university have access to such instruments, or are granted full ability to probe and magnify as desired. Virtual Lab, by providing highly authentic software instruments and comprehensive imagery of real specimens, provides them this opportunity. Virtual Lab's instruments let explorers operate virtual devices on a personal computer to examine real specimens. Exhaustive sets of images systematically and robotically photographed at thousands of positions and multiple magnifications and focal points allow students to zoom in and focus on the most minute detail of each specimen. Controls on each Virtual Lab device interactively and smoothly move the viewer through these images to display the specimen as the instrument saw it. Users control position, magnification, focal length, filters and other parameters. Energy dispersion spectrometry is combined with SEM imagery to enable exploration of chemical composition at minute scale and arbitrary location. Annotation capabilities allow scientists, teachers and students to indicate important features or areas. Virtual Lab is a joint project of NASA and the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. Four instruments currently compose the Virtual Lab suite: A scanning electron microscope and companion energy dispersion spectrometer, a high-power light microscope, and a scanning probe microscope that captures surface properties to the level of atoms. Descriptions of instrument operating principles and uses are also part of Virtual Lab. The Virtual Lab software and its increasingly rich collection of specimens are free to anyone. This presentation describes Virtual Lab and its uses in formal and informal education.

Cryo-electron microscopy of membrane proteins.

PubMed

Goldie, Kenneth N; Abeyrathne, Priyanka; Kebbel, Fabian; Chami, Mohamed; Ringler, Philippe; Stahlberg, Henning

2014-01-01

Electron crystallography is used to study membrane proteins in the form of planar, two-dimensional (2D) crystals, or other crystalline arrays such as tubular crystals. This method has been used to determine the atomic resolution structures of bacteriorhodopsin, tubulin, aquaporins, and several other membrane proteins. In addition, a large number of membrane protein structures were studied at a slightly lower resolution, whereby at least secondary structure motifs could be identified.In order to conserve the structural details of delicate crystalline arrays, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allows imaging and/or electron diffraction of membrane proteins in their close-to-native state within a lipid bilayer membrane.To achieve ultimate high-resolution structural information of 2D crystals, meticulous sample preparation for electron crystallography is of outmost importance. Beam-induced specimen drift and lack of specimen flatness can severely affect the attainable resolution of images for tilted samples. Sample preparations that sandwich the 2D crystals between symmetrical carbon films reduce the beam-induced specimen drift, and the flatness of the preparations can be optimized by the choice of the grid material and the preparation protocol.Data collection in the cryo-electron microscope using either the imaging or the electron diffraction mode has to be performed applying low-dose procedures. Spot-scanning further reduces the effects of beam-induced drift. Data collection using automated acquisition schemes, along with improved and user-friendlier data processing software, is increasingly being used and is likely to bring the technique to a wider user base.

Advanced atomic force microscopy: Development and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walters, Deron A.

Over the decade since atomic force microscopy (AFM) was invented, development of new microscopes has been closely intertwined with application of AFM to problems of interest in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. New techniques such as tapping mode AFM move quickly in our lab from the designer's bench to the user's table-since this is often the same piece of furniture. In return, designers get ample feedback as to what problems are limiting current instruments, and thus need most urgent attention. Tip sharpness and characterization are such a problem. Chapter 1 describes an AFM designed to operate in a scanning electron microscope, whose electron beam is used to deposit sharp carbonaceous tips. These tips can be tested and used in situ. Another limitation is addressed in Chapter 2: the difficulty of extracting more than just topographic information from a sample. A combined AFM/confocal optical microscope was built to provide simultaneous, independent images of the topography and fluorescence of a sample. In combination with staining or antibody labelling, this could provide submicron information about the composition of a sample. Chapters 3 and 4 discuss two generations of small cantilevers developed for lower-noise, higher-speed AFM of biological samples. In Chapter 4, a 26 mum cantilever is used to image the process of calcite growth from solution at a rate of 1.6 sec/frame. Finally, Chapter 5 explores in detail a biophysics problem that motivates us to develop fast, quiet, and gentle microscopes; namely, the control of crystal growth in seashells by the action of soluble proteins on a growing calcite surface.

PTGBase: an integrated database to study tandem duplicated genes in plants.

PubMed

Yu, Jingyin; Ke, Tao; Tehrim, Sadia; Sun, Fengming; Liao, Boshou; Hua, Wei

2015-01-01

Tandem duplication is a wide-spread phenomenon in plant genomes and plays significant roles in evolution and adaptation to changing environments. Tandem duplicated genes related to certain functions will lead to the expansion of gene families and bring increase of gene dosage in the form of gene cluster arrays. Many tandem duplication events have been studied in plant genomes; yet, there is a surprising shortage of efforts to systematically present the integration of large amounts of information about publicly deposited tandem duplicated gene data across the plant kingdom. To address this shortcoming, we developed the first plant tandem duplicated genes database, PTGBase. It delivers the most comprehensive resource available to date, spanning 39 plant genomes, including model species and newly sequenced species alike. Across these genomes, 54 130 tandem duplicated gene clusters (129 652 genes) are presented in the database. Each tandem array, as well as its member genes, is characterized in complete detail. Tandem duplicated genes in PTGBase can be explored through browsing or searching by identifiers or keywords of functional annotation and sequence similarity. Users can download tandem duplicated gene arrays easily to any scale, up to the complete annotation data set for an entire plant genome. PTGBase will be updated regularly with newly sequenced plant species as they become available. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Increased size selectivity of Si quantum dots on SiC at low substrate temperatures: An ion-assisted self-organization approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seo, D. H.; Das Arulsamy, A.; Rider, A. E.

A simple, effective, and innovative approach based on ion-assisted self-organization is proposed to synthesize size-selected Si quantum dots (QDs) on SiC substrates at low substrate temperatures. Using hybrid numerical simulations, the formation of Si QDs through a self-organization approach is investigated by taking into account two distinct cases of Si QD formation using the ionization energy approximation theory, which considers ionized in-fluxes containing Si{sup 3+} and Si{sup 1+} ions in the presence of a microscopic nonuniform electric field induced by a variable surface bias. The results show that the highest percentage of the surface coverage by 1 and 2 nmmore » size-selected QDs was achieved using a bias of -20 V and ions in the lowest charge state, namely, Si{sup 1+} ions in a low substrate temperature range (227-327 deg. C). As low substrate temperatures ({<=}500 deg. C) are desirable from a technological point of view, because (i) low-temperature deposition techniques are compatible with current thin-film Si-based solar cell fabrication and (ii) high processing temperatures can frequently cause damage to other components in electronic devices and destroy the tandem structure of Si QD-based third-generation solar cells, our results are highly relevant to the development of the third-generation all-Si tandem photovoltaic solar cells.« less

Increased size selectivity of Si quantum dots on SiC at low substrate temperatures: An ion-assisted self-organization approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, D. H.; Rider, A. E.; Das Arulsamy, A.; Levchenko, I.; Ostrikov, K.

2010-01-01

A simple, effective, and innovative approach based on ion-assisted self-organization is proposed to synthesize size-selected Si quantum dots (QDs) on SiC substrates at low substrate temperatures. Using hybrid numerical simulations, the formation of Si QDs through a self-organization approach is investigated by taking into account two distinct cases of Si QD formation using the ionization energy approximation theory, which considers ionized in-fluxes containing Si3+ and Si1+ ions in the presence of a microscopic nonuniform electric field induced by a variable surface bias. The results show that the highest percentage of the surface coverage by 1 and 2 nm size-selected QDs was achieved using a bias of -20 V and ions in the lowest charge state, namely, Si1+ ions in a low substrate temperature range (227-327 °C). As low substrate temperatures (≤500 °C) are desirable from a technological point of view, because (i) low-temperature deposition techniques are compatible with current thin-film Si-based solar cell fabrication and (ii) high processing temperatures can frequently cause damage to other components in electronic devices and destroy the tandem structure of Si QD-based third-generation solar cells, our results are highly relevant to the development of the third-generation all-Si tandem photovoltaic solar cells.

Orientation and phase mapping in the transmission electron microscope using precession-assisted diffraction spot recognition: state-of-the-art results.

PubMed

Viladot, D; Véron, M; Gemmi, M; Peiró, F; Portillo, J; Estradé, S; Mendoza, J; Llorca-Isern, N; Nicolopoulos, S

2013-10-01

A recently developed technique based on the transmission electron microscope, which makes use of electron beam precession together with spot diffraction pattern recognition now offers the possibility to acquire reliable orientation/phase maps with a spatial resolution down to 2 nm on a field emission gun transmission electron microscope. The technique may be described as precession-assisted crystal orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope, precession-assisted crystal orientation mapping technique-transmission electron microscope, also known by its product name, ASTAR, and consists in scanning the precessed electron beam in nanoprobe mode over the specimen area, thus producing a collection of precession electron diffraction spot patterns, to be thereafter indexed automatically through template matching. We present a review on several application examples relative to the characterization of microstructure/microtexture of nanocrystalline metals, ceramics, nanoparticles, minerals and organics. The strengths and limitations of the technique are also discussed using several application examples. ©2013 The Authors. Journal of Microscopy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Microscopical Society.

Ion-beam irradiation of lanthanum compounds in the systems La{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and La{sub 2}O{sub 3}-TiO{sub 2}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whittle, Karl R., E-mail: karl.whittle@ansto.gov.a; Lumpkin, Gregory R.; Blackford, Mark G.

2010-10-15

Thin crystals of La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, LaAlO{sub 3}, La{sub 2/3}TiO{sub 3}, La{sub 2}TiO{sub 5}, and La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been irradiated in situ using 1 MeV Kr{sup 2+} ions at the Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscope-Tandem User Facility (IVEM-Tandem), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). We observed that La{sub 2}O{sub 3} remained crystalline to a fluence greater than 3.1x10{sup 16} ions cm{sup -2} at a temperature of 50 K. The four binary oxide compounds in the two systems were observed through the crystalline-amorphous transition as a function of ion fluence and temperature. Results from the ion irradiations give critical temperatures for amorphisationmore » (T{sub c}) of 647 K for LaAlO{sub 3}, 840 K for La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}, 865 K for La{sub 2/3}TiO{sub 3}, and 1027 K for La{sub 2}TiO{sub 5}. The T{sub c} values observed in this study, together with previous data for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and TiO{sub 2}, are discussed with reference to the melting points for the La{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and La{sub 2}O{sub 3}-TiO{sub 2} systems and the different local environments within the four crystal structures. Results suggest that there is an observable inverse correlation between T{sub c} and melting temperature (T{sub m}) in the two systems. More complex relationships exist between T{sub c} and crystal structure, with the stoichiometric perovskite LaAlO{sub 3} being the most resistant to amorphisation. - Graphical abstract: La{sub 2}TiO{sub 5} with atypical co-ordination for Ti, TiO{sub 5} is found to be different in radiation resistance to La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} and La{sub 2/3}TiO{sub 3}. Irradiation of La-Ti-O, and La-Al-O based systems has found that radiation damage resistance is related to the ability of the system to disorder.« less

High-resolution, high-throughput imaging with a multibeam scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Eberle, A L; Mikula, S; Schalek, R; Lichtman, J; Knothe Tate, M L; Zeidler, D

2015-08-01

Electron-electron interactions and detector bandwidth limit the maximal imaging speed of single-beam scanning electron microscopes. We use multiple electron beams in a single column and detect secondary electrons in parallel to increase the imaging speed by close to two orders of magnitude and demonstrate imaging for a variety of samples ranging from biological brain tissue to semiconductor wafers. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Designs for a quantum electron microscope.

PubMed

Kruit, P; Hobbs, R G; Kim, C-S; Yang, Y; Manfrinato, V R; Hammer, J; Thomas, S; Weber, P; Klopfer, B; Kohstall, C; Juffmann, T; Kasevich, M A; Hommelhoff, P; Berggren, K K

2016-05-01

One of the astounding consequences of quantum mechanics is that it allows the detection of a target using an incident probe, with only a low probability of interaction of the probe and the target. This 'quantum weirdness' could be applied in the field of electron microscopy to generate images of beam-sensitive specimens with substantially reduced damage to the specimen. A reduction of beam-induced damage to specimens is especially of great importance if it can enable imaging of biological specimens with atomic resolution. Following a recent suggestion that interaction-free measurements are possible with electrons, we now analyze the difficulties of actually building an atomic resolution interaction-free electron microscope, or "quantum electron microscope". A quantum electron microscope would require a number of unique components not found in conventional transmission electron microscopes. These components include a coherent electron beam-splitter or two-state-coupler, and a resonator structure to allow each electron to interrogate the specimen multiple times, thus supporting high success probabilities for interaction-free detection of the specimen. Different system designs are presented here, which are based on four different choices of two-state-couplers: a thin crystal, a grating mirror, a standing light wave and an electro-dynamical pseudopotential. Challenges for the detailed electron optical design are identified as future directions for development. While it is concluded that it should be possible to build an atomic resolution quantum electron microscope, we have also identified a number of hurdles to the development of such a microscope and further theoretical investigations that will be required to enable a complete interpretation of the images produced by such a microscope. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simulation of two dimensional electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry for teaching proteomics.

PubMed

Fisher, Amanda; Sekera, Emily; Payne, Jill; Craig, Paul

2012-01-01

In proteomics, complex mixtures of proteins are separated (usually by chromatography or electrophoresis) and identified by mass spectrometry. We have created 2DE Tandem MS, a computer program designed for use in the biochemistry, proteomics, or bioinformatics classroom. It contains two simulations-2D electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry. The two simulations are integrated together and are designed to teach the concept of proteome analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. 2DE-Tandem MS can be used as a freestanding simulation, or in conjunction with a wet lab, to introduce proteomics in the undergraduate classroom. 2DE Tandem MS is a free program available on Sourceforge at https://sourceforge.net/projects/jbf/. It was developed using Java Swing and functions in Mac OSX, Windows, and Linux, ensuring that every student sees a consistent and informative graphical user interface no matter the computer platform they choose. Java must be installed on the host computer to run 2DE Tandem MS. Example classroom exercises are provided in the Supporting Information. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

User-independent EBSD parameters to study the progress of recovery and recrystallization in Cu-Zn alloy during in situ heating.

PubMed

Sharma, N K; Shekhar, S

2016-12-01

Microstructural evolution of cold-rolled Cu-5%Zn alloy during in situ heating inside field-emission scanning electron microscope was utilized to obtain user-independent parameters in order to trace the progress of static recovery and recrystallization. Electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD)-based orientation imaging microscopy was used to obtain micrographs at various stages of in situ heating. It is shown that unlike the pre-existing methods, additional EBSD-based parameter can be used to trace the progress of recovery and recrystallization, which is not dependent on user input and hence less prone to error. True strain of 0.3 was imposed during cold rolling of alloy sample. Rolled sample was subjected to in situ heating from room temperature to 500°C (∼0.58 Tm) with soaking time of 10 min, at each of the intermediate temperatures viz. 100, 200, 300, 400 and 450°C. After reaching 500°C, the sample was kept at this temperature for a maximum duration of around 15 h. The sample showed clear signs of recovery for temperature up to 450°C, and at 500°C, recrystallization started to take place. Recrystallization kinetics was moderate, and full recrystallization was achieved in approximately 120 min. We found that EBSD parameter, namely, band contrast intensity can be used as an extra handle to map out the progress of recrystallization occurring in the sample. By contrast, mean angular deviation can be used to understand the evolution of recovery in samples. The parameters mentioned in the current study, unlike other pre-existing methods, can also be used for mapping local microstructural transformations due to recovery and recrystallization. We discuss the benefits and limitations in using these additional handles in understanding the changes taking place in the material during in situ heating. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

75 FR 13486 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

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2010-03-22

... University, One Waterfront Place, PO Box 6024, Morgantown, WV 26506. Instrument: Electron Microscope.... Justification for Duty-Free Entry: There are no domestic manufacturers of this type of electron microscope.... Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI...

User's manual for the FLORA equilibrium and stability code

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Freis, R.P.; Cohen, B.I.

1985-04-01

This document provides a user's guide to the content and use of the two-dimensional axisymmetric equilibrium and stability code FLORA. FLORA addresses the low-frequency MHD stability of long-thin axisymmetric tandem mirror systems with finite pressure and finite-larmor-radius effects. FLORA solves an initial-value problem for interchange, rotational, and ballooning stability.

Physics Division annual review, 1 April 1980-31 March 1981

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1982-06-01

Progress in nuclear physics research is reported in the following areas: medium-energy physics (pion reaction mechanisms, high-resolution studies and nuclear structure, and two-nucleon physics with pions and electrons); heavy-ion research at the tandem and superconducting linear accelerator (resonant structure in heavy-ion reactions, fusion cross sections, high angular momentum states in nuclei, and reaction mechanisms and distributions of reaction strengths); charged-particle research; neutron and photonuclear physics; theoretical physics (heavy-ion direct-reaction theory, nuclear shell theory and nuclear structure, nuclear matter and nuclear forces, intermediate-energy physics, microscopic calculations of high-energy collisions of heavy ions, and light ion direct reactions); the superconducting linac; acceleratormore » operations; and GeV electron linac. Progress in atomic and molecular physics research is reported in the following areas: dissociation and other interactions of energetic molecular ions in solid and gaseous targets, beam-foil research and collision dynamics of heavy ions, photoionization- photoelectron research, high-resolution laser rf spectroscopy with atomic and molecular beams, moessbauer effect research, and theoretical atomic physics. Studies on interactions of energetic particles with solids are also described. Publications are listed. (WHK)« less

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... decision consolidated pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Materials... 07470. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc., Japan... educational uses requiring an electron microscope. We know of no electron microscope, or any other instrument...

The Design and Construction of a Simple Transmission Electron Microscope for Educational Purposes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hearsey, Paul K.

This document presents a model for a simple transmission electron microscope for educational purposes. This microscope could demonstrate thermonic emission, particle acceleration, electron deflection, and flourescence. It is designed to be used in high school science courses, particularly physics, taking into account the size, weight, complexity…

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Secondary electron imaging of monolayer materials inside a transmission electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cretu, Ovidiu, E-mail: cretu.ovidiu@nims.go.jp; Lin, Yung-Chang; Suenaga, Kazutomo

2015-08-10

A scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with a backscattered and secondary electron detector is shown capable to image graphene and hexagonal boron nitride monolayers. Secondary electron contrasts of the two lightest monolayer materials are clearly distinguished from the vacuum level. A signal difference between these two materials is attributed to electronic structure differences, which will influence the escape probabilities of the secondary electrons. Our results show that the secondary electron signal can be used to distinguish between the electronic structures of materials with atomic layer sensitivity, enhancing its applicability as a complementary signal in the analytical microscope.

Electron-transporting layer doped with cesium azide for high-performance phosphorescent and tandem white organic light-emitting devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yaoyao; Chen, Xingming; Jin, Yu; Wu, Zhijun; Yu, Ye; Lin, Wenyan; Yang, Huishan

2017-07-01

Cesium azide was employed as an effective n-dopant in the electron-transporting layer (ETL) of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) owing to its low deposition temperature and high ambient stability. By doping cesium azide onto 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, a green phosphorescent OLED having best efficiencies of 66.25 cd A-1, 81.22 lm W-1 and 18.82% was realized. Moreover, the efficiency roll-off from 1000 cd m-2 to 10 000 cd m-2 is only 12.9%, which is comparable with or even lower than that of devices utilizing the co-host system. Physical mechanisms for the improvement of device performance were studied in depth by analyzing the current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the electron-only devices. In particular, by comparing the J-V characteristics of the electron-only devices instead of applying the complicated ultraviolet photoelectron spectrometer measurements, we deduced the decrease in barrier height for electron injection at the ETL/cathode contact. Finally, an efficient tandem white OLED utilizing the n-doped layer in the charge generation unit (CGU) was constructed. As far as we know, this is the first report on the application of this CGU for fabricating tandem white OLEDs. The emissions of the tandem device are all in the warm white region from 1213 cd m-2 to 10870 cd m-2, as is beneficial to the lighting application.

Integration of a high-NA light microscope in a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Zonnevylle, A C; Van Tol, R F C; Liv, N; Narvaez, A C; Effting, A P J; Kruit, P; Hoogenboom, J P

2013-10-01

We present an integrated light-electron microscope in which an inverted high-NA objective lens is positioned inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM objective lens and the light objective lens have a common axis and focal plane, allowing high-resolution optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy on the same area of a sample simultaneously. Components for light illumination and detection can be mounted outside the vacuum, enabling flexibility in the construction of the light microscope. The light objective lens can be positioned underneath the SEM objective lens during operation for sub-10 μm alignment of the fields of view of the light and electron microscopes. We demonstrate in situ epifluorescence microscopy in the SEM with a numerical aperture of 1.4 using vacuum-compatible immersion oil. For a 40-nm-diameter fluorescent polymer nanoparticle, an intensity profile with a FWHM of 380 nm is measured whereas the SEM performance is uncompromised. The integrated instrument may offer new possibilities for correlative light and electron microscopy in the life sciences as well as in physics and chemistry. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2013 Royal Microscopical Society.

Atmospheric scanning electron microscope observes cells and tissues in open medium through silicon nitride film.

PubMed

Nishiyama, Hidetoshi; Suga, Mitsuo; Ogura, Toshihiko; Maruyama, Yuusuke; Koizumi, Mitsuru; Mio, Kazuhiro; Kitamura, Shinichi; Sato, Chikara

2010-03-01

Direct observation of subcellular structures and their characterization is essential for understanding their physiological functions. To observe them in open environment, we have developed an inverted scanning electron microscope with a detachable, open-culture dish, capable of 8 nm resolution, and combined with a fluorescence microscope quasi-simultaneously observing the same area from the top. For scanning electron microscopy from the bottom, a silicon nitride film window in the base of the dish maintains a vacuum between electron gun and open sample dish while allowing electrons to pass through. Electrons are backscattered from the sample and captured by a detector under the dish. Cells cultured on the open dish can be externally manipulated under optical microscopy, fixed, and observed using scanning electron microscopy. Once fine structures have been revealed by scanning electron microscopy, their component proteins may be identified by comparison with separately prepared fluorescence-labeled optical microscopic images of the candidate proteins, with their heavy-metal-labeled or stained ASEM images. Furthermore, cell nuclei in a tissue block stained with platinum-blue were successfully observed without thin-sectioning, which suggests the applicability of this inverted scanning electron microscope to cancer diagnosis. This microscope visualizes mesoscopic-scale structures, and is also applicable to non-bioscience fields including polymer chemistry. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tandem betatron

DOEpatents

Keinigs, Rhonald K.

1992-01-01

Two betatrons are provided in tandem for alternately accelerating an electron beam to avoid the single flux swing limitation of conventional betatrons and to accelerate the electron beam to high energies. The electron beam is accelerated in a first betatron during a period of increasing magnetic flux. The eletron beam is extracted from the first betatron as a peak magnetic flux is reached and then injected into a second betatron at a time of minimum magnetic flux in the second betatron. The cycle may be repeated until the desired electron beam energy is obtained. In one embodiment, the second betatron is axially offset from the first betatron to provide for electron beam injection directly at the axial location of the beam orbit in the second betatron.

Correction of image drift and distortion in a scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Jin, P; Li, X

2015-12-01

Continuous research on small-scale mechanical structures and systems has attracted strong demand for ultrafine deformation and strain measurements. Conventional optical microscope cannot meet such requirements owing to its lower spatial resolution. Therefore, high-resolution scanning electron microscope has become the preferred system for high spatial resolution imaging and measurements. However, scanning electron microscope usually is contaminated by distortion and drift aberrations which cause serious errors to precise imaging and measurements of tiny structures. This paper develops a new method to correct drift and distortion aberrations of scanning electron microscope images, and evaluates the effect of correction by comparing corrected images with scanning electron microscope image of a standard sample. The drift correction is based on the interpolation scheme, where a series of images are captured at one location of the sample and perform image correlation between the first image and the consequent images to interpolate the drift-time relationship of scanning electron microscope images. The distortion correction employs the axial symmetry model of charged particle imaging theory to two images sharing with the same location of one object under different imaging fields of view. The difference apart from rigid displacement between the mentioned two images will give distortion parameters. Three-order precision is considered in the model and experiment shows that one pixel maximum correction is obtained for the employed high-resolution electron microscopic system. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Systematic random sampling of the comet assay.

PubMed

McArt, Darragh G; Wasson, Gillian R; McKerr, George; Saetzler, Kurt; Reed, Matt; Howard, C Vyvyan

2009-07-01

The comet assay is a technique used to quantify DNA damage and repair at a cellular level. In the assay, cells are embedded in agarose and the cellular content is stripped away leaving only the DNA trapped in an agarose cavity which can then be electrophoresed. The damaged DNA can enter the agarose and migrate while the undamaged DNA cannot and is retained. DNA damage is measured as the proportion of the migratory 'tail' DNA compared to the total DNA in the cell. The fundamental basis of these arbitrary values is obtained in the comet acquisition phase using fluorescence microscopy with a stoichiometric stain in tandem with image analysis software. Current methods deployed in such an acquisition are expected to be both objectively and randomly obtained. In this paper we examine the 'randomness' of the acquisition phase and suggest an alternative method that offers both objective and unbiased comet selection. In order to achieve this, we have adopted a survey sampling approach widely used in stereology, which offers a method of systematic random sampling (SRS). This is desirable as it offers an impartial and reproducible method of comet analysis that can be used both manually or automated. By making use of an unbiased sampling frame and using microscope verniers, we are able to increase the precision of estimates of DNA damage. Results obtained from a multiple-user pooled variation experiment showed that the SRS technique attained a lower variability than that of the traditional approach. The analysis of a single user with repetition experiment showed greater individual variances while not being detrimental to overall averages. This would suggest that the SRS method offers a better reflection of DNA damage for a given slide and also offers better user reproducibility.

[Thirty years of the electron microscope investigation in zoology and parasitology in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences].

PubMed

Shatrov, A B

2003-01-01

The history of the electron microscope investigations in zoology and parasitology in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and progress in scanning and transmission electron microscope investigations in this field of biology to the moment are briefly accounted.

75 FR 52928 - Emory University, et al., Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of...

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2010-08-30

... Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of Electron Microscopes This is a decision... 30322. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: JEOL, Ltd., Japan. Intended Use: See notice at 75... Department of Health, Menands, NY 12204-2719. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: JEOL Ltd., Japan...

Imaging of Norway spruce early somatic embryos with the ESEM, Cryo-SEM and laser scanning microscope.

PubMed

Neděla, Vilém; Hřib, Jiří; Havel, Ladislav; Hudec, Jiří; Runštuk, Jiří

2016-05-01

This article describes the surface structure of Norway spruce early somatic embryos (ESEs) as a typical culture with asynchronous development. The microstructure of extracellular matrix covering ESEs were observed using the environmental scanning electron microscope as a primary tool and using the scanning electron microscope with cryo attachment and laser electron microscope as a complementary tool allowing our results to be proven independently. The fresh samples were observed in conditions of the air environment of the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) with the pressure from 550Pa to 690Pa and the low temperature of the sample from -18°C to -22°C. The samples were studied using two different types of detector to allow studying either the thin surface structure or material composition. The scanning electron microscope with cryo attachment was used for imaging frozen extracellular matrix microstructure with higher resolution. The combination of both electron microscopy methods was suitable for observation of "native" plant samples, allowing correct evaluation of our results, free of error and artifacts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Closer Look at a Stronger Titanium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, Vineet; Devaraj, Arun

2016-04-01

An improved titanium alloy – stronger than any commercial titanium alloy currently on the market – gets its strength from the novel way atoms are arranged to form a special nanostructure. For the first time, researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have been able to see this alignment and then manipulate it to make it even stronger. Using powerful electron microscopes and a unique atom probe imaging approach at EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at PNNL, they were able to peer deep inside the alloy’s nanostructure to see what was happening.

Solution-processed parallel tandem polymer solar cells using silver nanowires as intermediate electrode.

PubMed

Guo, Fei; Kubis, Peter; Li, Ning; Przybilla, Thomas; Matt, Gebhard; Stubhan, Tobias; Ameri, Tayebeh; Butz, Benjamin; Spiecker, Erdmann; Forberich, Karen; Brabec, Christoph J

2014-12-23

Tandem architecture is the most relevant concept to overcome the efficiency limit of single-junction photovoltaic solar cells. Series-connected tandem polymer solar cells (PSCs) have advanced rapidly during the past decade. In contrast, the development of parallel-connected tandem cells is lagging far behind due to the big challenge in establishing an efficient interlayer with high transparency and high in-plane conductivity. Here, we report all-solution fabrication of parallel tandem PSCs using silver nanowires as intermediate charge collecting electrode. Through a rational interface design, a robust interlayer is established, enabling the efficient extraction and transport of electrons from subcells. The resulting parallel tandem cells exhibit high fill factors of ∼60% and enhanced current densities which are identical to the sum of the current densities of the subcells. These results suggest that solution-processed parallel tandem configuration provides an alternative avenue toward high performance photovoltaic devices.

Grayscale inhomogeneity correction method for multiple mosaicked electron microscope images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Fangxu; Chen, Xi; Sun, Rong; Han, Hua

2018-04-01

Electron microscope image stitching is highly desired to acquire microscopic resolution images of large target scenes in neuroscience. However, the result of multiple Mosaicked electron microscope images may exist severe gray scale inhomogeneity due to the instability of the electron microscope system and registration errors, which degrade the visual effect of the mosaicked EM images and aggravate the difficulty of follow-up treatment, such as automatic object recognition. Consequently, the grayscale correction method for multiple mosaicked electron microscope images is indispensable in these areas. Different from most previous grayscale correction methods, this paper designs a grayscale correction process for multiple EM images which tackles the difficulty of the multiple images monochrome correction and achieves the consistency of grayscale in the overlap regions. We adjust overall grayscale of the mosaicked images with the location and grayscale information of manual selected seed images, and then fuse local overlap regions between adjacent images using Poisson image editing. Experimental result demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed method.

High-resolution, high-throughput imaging with a multibeam scanning electron microscope

PubMed Central

EBERLE, AL; MIKULA, S; SCHALEK, R; LICHTMAN, J; TATE, ML KNOTHE; ZEIDLER, D

2015-01-01

Electron–electron interactions and detector bandwidth limit the maximal imaging speed of single-beam scanning electron microscopes. We use multiple electron beams in a single column and detect secondary electrons in parallel to increase the imaging speed by close to two orders of magnitude and demonstrate imaging for a variety of samples ranging from biological brain tissue to semiconductor wafers. Lay Description The composition of our world and our bodies on the very small scale has always fascinated people, making them search for ways to make this visible to the human eye. Where light microscopes reach their resolution limit at a certain magnification, electron microscopes can go beyond. But their capability of visualizing extremely small features comes at the cost of a very small field of view. Some of the questions researchers seek to answer today deal with the ultrafine structure of brains, bones or computer chips. Capturing these objects with electron microscopes takes a lot of time – maybe even exceeding the time span of a human being – or new tools that do the job much faster. A new type of scanning electron microscope scans with 61 electron beams in parallel, acquiring 61 adjacent images of the sample at the same time a conventional scanning electron microscope captures one of these images. In principle, the multibeam scanning electron microscope’s field of view is 61 times larger and therefore coverage of the sample surface can be accomplished in less time. This enables researchers to think about large-scale projects, for example in the rather new field of connectomics. A very good introduction to imaging a brain at nanometre resolution can be found within course material from Harvard University on http://www.mcb80x.org/# as featured media entitled ‘connectomics’. PMID:25627873

Analysis of improvement in performance and design parameters for enhancing resolution in an atmospheric scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Yoon, Yeo Hun; Kim, Seung Jae; Kim, Dong Hwan

2015-12-01

The scanning electron microscope is used in various fields to go beyond diffraction limits of the optical microscope. However, the electron pathway should be conducted in a vacuum so as not to scatter electrons. The pretreatment of the sample is needed for use in the vacuum. To directly observe large and fully hydrophilic samples without pretreatment, the atmospheric scanning electron microscope (ASEM) is needed. We developed an electron filter unit and an electron detector unit for implementation of the ASEM. The key of the electron filter unit is that electrons are transmitted while air molecules remain untransmitted through the unit. The electron detector unit collected the backscattered electrons. We conducted experiments using the selected materials with Havar foil, carbon film and SiN film. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Size determination of Acipenser ruthenus spermatozoa in different types of electron microscopy.

PubMed

Psenicka, Martin; Tesarová, Martina; Tesitel, Jakub; Nebesárová, Jana

2010-07-01

In this study three types of scanning electron microscopes were used for the size determination of spermatozoa of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus - high vacuum scanning electron microscope (SEM, JEOL 6300), environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM, Quanta 200 FEG), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM, JEOL 7401F) with cryoattachment Alto 2500 (Gatan) and transmission electron microscope (TEM, JEOL 1010). The use of particular microscopes was tied with different specimen preparation techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate to what degree the type of used electron microscope can influence the size of different parts of spermatozoa. For high vacuum SEM the specimen was prepared using two slightly different procedures. After chemical fixation with 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer and post-fixation by 1% osmium tetroxide, the specimen was dehydrated by acetone series and dried either by critical point method or by means of t-butylalcohol. For ESEM fresh, unfixed material was used, which was dropped on microscopic copper grids. In FESEM working in cryo-mode the specimen was observed in a frozen state. Ultrathin sections from chemically fixed and Epon embedded specimens were prepared for TEM observation. Distinct parts of sterlet spermatozoa were measured in each microscope and the data obtained was statistically processed. Results confirmed that the classical chemical procedure of specimen preparation for SEM including critical point drying method led to a significant contraction of all measured values, which could deviate up to 30% in comparison with values measured on the fresh chemically untreated specimen in ESEM. Surprisingly sperm dimensions determinated on ultrathin sections by TEM are comparable with values obtained in ESEM or FESEM. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reprint of: Atmospheric scanning electron microscope observes cells and tissues in open medium through silicon nitride film.

PubMed

Nishiyama, Hidetoshi; Suga, Mitsuo; Ogura, Toshihiko; Maruyama, Yuusuke; Koizumi, Mitsuru; Mio, Kazuhiro; Kitamura, Shinichi; Sato, Chikara

2010-11-01

Direct observation of subcellular structures and their characterization is essential for understanding their physiological functions. To observe them in open environment, we have developed an inverted scanning electron microscope with a detachable, open-culture dish, capable of 8 nm resolution, and combined with a fluorescence microscope quasi-simultaneously observing the same area from the top. For scanning electron microscopy from the bottom, a silicon nitride film window in the base of the dish maintains a vacuum between electron gun and open sample dish while allowing electrons to pass through. Electrons are backscattered from the sample and captured by a detector under the dish. Cells cultured on the open dish can be externally manipulated under optical microscopy, fixed, and observed using scanning electron microscopy. Once fine structures have been revealed by scanning electron microscopy, their component proteins may be identified by comparison with separately prepared fluorescence-labeled optical microscopic images of the candidate proteins, with their heavy-metal-labeled or stained ASEM images. Furthermore, cell nuclei in a tissue block stained with platinum-blue were successfully observed without thin-sectioning, which suggests the applicability of this inverted scanning electron microscope to cancer diagnosis. This microscope visualizes mesoscopic-scale structures, and is also applicable to non-bioscience fields including polymer chemistry. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An electron microscope for the aberration-corrected era.

PubMed

Krivanek, O L; Corbin, G J; Dellby, N; Elston, B F; Keyse, R J; Murfitt, M F; Own, C S; Szilagyi, Z S; Woodruff, J W

2008-02-01

Improved resolution made possible by aberration correction has greatly increased the demands on the performance of all parts of high-end electron microscopes. In order to meet these demands, we have designed and built an entirely new scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The microscope includes a flexible illumination system that allows the properties of its probe to be changed on-the-fly, a third-generation aberration corrector which corrects all geometric aberrations up to fifth order, an ultra-responsive yet stable five-axis sample stage, and a flexible configuration of optimized detectors. The microscope features many innovations, such as a modular column assembled from building blocks that can be stacked in almost any order, in situ storage and cleaning facilities for up to five samples, computer-controlled loading of samples into the column, and self-diagnosing electronics. The microscope construction is described, and examples of its capabilities are shown.

Instabilities excited by an energetic ion beam and electron temperature anisotropy in tandem mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Da Jornada, E. H.; Gaffey, J. D., Jr.; Winske, D.

1985-01-01

Tandem mirrors are magnetic confinement devices, which have the objective to prevent a leaking out of ions in a central (solenoidal) cell at the end. This is accomplished by making use of an electrostatic potential, which is maintained by a denser plasma in mirror end cells. In the Tandem Mirror Experiment (TMX), Correll et al. (1982) have successfully verified the basic concepts involved in the design of the considered device. However, it was also found that the simple tandem mirror could not be easily scaled to a reactor-size device. Approaches for solving the arising problems were studied, taking into account also the utilization of a thermal barrier. In this connection, Winske et al. (1985) studied the nonlinear development of the instability in a finite beta plasma with isotropic electrons. The present investigation is concerned with an extension of the calculations conducted by Winske et al., giving attention to the parameter regime of the TMX. It is found that three instabilities can occur.

HATCN-based charge recombination layers as effective interconnectors for tandem organic solar cells.

PubMed

Wang, Rong-Bin; Wang, Qian-Kun; Xie, Hao-Jun; Xu, Lu-Hai; Duhm, Steffen; Li, Yan-Qing; Tang, Jian-Xin

2014-09-10

A comprehensive understanding of the energy-level alignment at the organic heterojunction interfaces is of paramount importance to optimize the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, the detailed electronic structures of organic interconnectors, consisting of cesium fluoride-doped 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HATCN), have been investigated via in situ photoemission spectroscopy, and their impact on the charge recombination process in tandem OSCs has been identified. The experimental determination shows that the HATCN interlayer plays a significant role in the interface energetics with a dramatic decrease in the reverse built-in potential for electrons and holes from stacked subcells, which is beneficial to the charge recombination between HATCN and the adjacent layer. In accordance with the energy-level alignments, the open-circuit voltage of tandem OSC incorporating a HATCN-based interconnector is almost 2 times that of a single-cell OSC, revealing the effectiveness of the HATCN-based interconnectors in tandem organic devices.

Hartmann characterization of the PEEM-3 aberration-corrected X-ray photoemission electron microscope.

PubMed

Scholl, A; Marcus, M A; Doran, A; Nasiatka, J R; Young, A T; MacDowell, A A; Streubel, R; Kent, N; Feng, J; Wan, W; Padmore, H A

2018-05-01

Aberration correction by an electron mirror dramatically improves the spatial resolution and transmission of photoemission electron microscopes. We will review the performance of the recently installed aberration corrector of the X-ray Photoemission Electron Microscope PEEM-3 and show a large improvement in the efficiency of the electron optics. Hartmann testing is introduced as a quantitative method to measure the geometrical aberrations of a cathode lens electron microscope. We find that aberration correction leads to an order of magnitude reduction of the spherical aberrations, suggesting that a spatial resolution of below 100 nm is possible at 100% transmission of the optics when using x-rays. We demonstrate this improved performance by imaging test patterns employing element and magnetic contrast. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A new apparatus for electron tomography in the scanning electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morandi, V., E-mail: morandi@bo.imm.cnr.it; Maccagnani, P.; Masini, L.

2015-06-23

The three-dimensional reconstruction of a microscopic specimen has been obtained by applying the tomographic algorithm to a set of images acquired in a Scanning Electron Microscope. This result was achieved starting from a series of projections obtained by stepwise rotating the sample under the beam raster. The Scanning Electron Microscope was operated in the scanning-transmission imaging mode, where the intensity of the transmitted electron beam is a monotonic function of the local mass-density and thickness of the specimen. The detection strategy has been implemented and tailored in order to maintain the projection requirement over the large tilt range, as requiredmore » by the tomographic workflow. A Si-based electron detector and an eucentric-rotation specimen holder have been specifically developed for the purpose.« less

Functional TASK-3-Like Channels in Mitochondria of Aldosterone-Producing Zona Glomerulosa Cells.

PubMed

Yao, Junlan; McHedlishvili, David; McIntire, William E; Guagliardo, Nick A; Erisir, Alev; Coburn, Craig A; Santarelli, Vincent P; Bayliss, Douglas A; Barrett, Paula Q

2017-08-01

Ca 2+ drives aldosterone synthesis in the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments of the adrenal zona glomerulosa cell. Membrane potential across each of these compartments regulates the amplitude of the Ca 2+ signal; yet, only plasma membrane ion channels and their role in regulating cell membrane potential have garnered investigative attention as pathological causes of human hyperaldosteronism. Previously, we reported that genetic deletion of TASK-3 channels (tandem pore domain acid-sensitive K + channels) from mice produces aldosterone excess in the absence of a change in the cell membrane potential of zona glomerulosa cells. Here, we report using yeast 2-hybrid, immunoprecipitation, and electron microscopic analyses that TASK-3 channels are resident in mitochondria, where they regulate mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and aldosterone production. This study provides proof of principle that mitochondrial K + channels, by modulating inner mitochondrial membrane morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, have the ability to play a pathological role in aldosterone dysregulation in steroidogenic cells. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

ultraLM and miniLM: Locator tools for smart tracking of fluorescent cells in correlative light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Brama, Elisabeth; Peddie, Christopher J; Wilkes, Gary; Gu, Yan; Collinson, Lucy M; Jones, Martin L

2016-12-13

In-resin fluorescence (IRF) protocols preserve fluorescent proteins in resin-embedded cells and tissues for correlative light and electron microscopy, aiding interpretation of macromolecular function within the complex cellular landscape. Dual-contrast IRF samples can be imaged in separate fluorescence and electron microscopes, or in dual-modality integrated microscopes for high resolution correlation of fluorophore to organelle. IRF samples also offer a unique opportunity to automate correlative imaging workflows. Here we present two new locator tools for finding and following fluorescent cells in IRF blocks, enabling future automation of correlative imaging. The ultraLM is a fluorescence microscope that integrates with an ultramicrotome, which enables 'smart collection' of ultrathin sections containing fluorescent cells or tissues for subsequent transmission electron microscopy or array tomography. The miniLM is a fluorescence microscope that integrates with serial block face scanning electron microscopes, which enables 'smart tracking' of fluorescent structures during automated serial electron image acquisition from large cell and tissue volumes.

Spherical aberration correction in a scanning transmission electron microscope using a sculpted thin film.

PubMed

Shiloh, Roy; Remez, Roei; Lu, Peng-Han; Jin, Lei; Lereah, Yossi; Tavabi, Amir H; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E; Arie, Ady

2018-06-01

Nearly eighty years ago, Scherzer showed that rotationally symmetric, charge-free, static electron lenses are limited by an unavoidable, positive spherical aberration. Following a long struggle, a major breakthrough in the spatial resolution of electron microscopes was reached two decades ago by abandoning the first of these conditions, with the successful development of multipole aberration correctors. Here, we use a refractive silicon nitride thin film to tackle the second of Scherzer's constraints and demonstrate an alternative method for correcting spherical aberration in a scanning transmission electron microscope. We reveal features in Si and Cu samples that cannot be resolved in an uncorrected microscope. Our thin film corrector can be implemented as an immediate low cost upgrade to existing electron microscopes without re-engineering of the electron column or complicated operation protocols and can be extended to the correction of additional aberrations. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel amphiphilic polymeric ionic liquid-solid phase micro-extraction membrane for the preconcentration of aniline as degradation product of azo dye Orange G under sonication by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Cai, Mei-Qiang; Wei, Xiao-Qing; Du, Chun-Hui; Ma, Xu-Ming; Jin, Mi-Cong

2014-07-04

A novel amphiphilic polymeric ionic liquid membrane containing a hydrophilic bromide anion and a hydrophobic carbonyl group was synthesized in dimethylformamide (DMF) systems using the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide (BVImBr) and the methylmethacrylate (MMA) as monomers. The prepared amphiphilic ploy-methylmethacrylate-1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide (MMA-BVImBr) was characterized by a scanning electron microscope and an infrared spectrum instrument. The results of solid-phase micro-extraction membrane (SPMM) experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of membrane was about 0.76μgμg(-1) for aniline. Based on this, a sensitive method for the determination of trace aniline, as a degradation product of azo dye Orange G under sonication, was developed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The calibration curve showed a good linearity ranging from 0.5 to 10.0μgL(-1) with a correlation coefficient value of 0.9998. The limit of quantification was 0.5μgL(-1). The recoveries ranged from 90.6% to 96.1%. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were less than 8.3% and 10.9%. The developed SPMM-LC-MS/MS method was used successfully for preconcentration of trace aniline produced during the sonication of Orange G solution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

47 CFR 36.124 - Tandem switching equipment-Category 2.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... circuits with each other or with local or tandem telephone central office trunks, intertoll dial selector equipment, or intertoll trunk equipment in No. 5 type electronic offices. Equipment, including switchboards... interconnection of: Toll center to toll center circuits; toll center to tributary circuits; tributary to tributary...

47 CFR 36.124 - Tandem switching equipment-Category 2.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... circuits with each other or with local or tandem telephone central office trunks, intertoll dial selector equipment, or intertoll trunk equipment in No. 5 type electronic offices. Equipment, including switchboards... interconnection of: Toll center to toll center circuits; toll center to tributary circuits; tributary to tributary...

47 CFR 36.124 - Tandem switching equipment-Category 2.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... circuits with each other or with local or tandem telephone central office trunks, intertoll dial selector equipment, or intertoll trunk equipment in No. 5 type electronic offices. Equipment, including switchboards... interconnection of: Toll center to toll center circuits; toll center to tributary circuits; tributary to tributary...

47 CFR 36.124 - Tandem switching equipment-Category 2.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... circuits with each other or with local or tandem telephone central office trunks, intertoll dial selector equipment, or intertoll trunk equipment in No. 5 type electronic offices. Equipment, including switchboards... interconnection of: Toll center to toll center circuits; toll center to tributary circuits; tributary to tributary...

47 CFR 36.124 - Tandem switching equipment-Category 2.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... circuits with each other or with local or tandem telephone central office trunks, intertoll dial selector equipment, or intertoll trunk equipment in No. 5 type electronic offices. Equipment, including switchboards... interconnection of: Toll center to toll center circuits; toll center to tributary circuits; tributary to tributary...

Scanning electron microscope observation of dislocations in semiconductor and metal materials.

PubMed

Kuwano, Noriyuki; Itakura, Masaru; Nagatomo, Yoshiyuki; Tachibana, Shigeaki

2010-08-01

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image contrasts have been investigated for dislocations in semiconductor and metal materials. It is revealed that single dislocations can be observed in a high contrast in SEM images formed by backscattered electrons (BSE) under the condition of a normal configuration of SEM. The BSE images of dislocations were compared with those of the transmission electron microscope and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and the dependence of BSE image contrast on the tilting of specimen was examined to discuss the origin of image contrast. From the experimental results, it is concluded that the BSE images of single dislocations are attributed to the diffraction effect and related with high-angle dark-field images of STEM.

Flexible high-voltage supply for experimental electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, G. L.; Jung, E. A.; Lewis, R. N.; Van Loon, L. S.; Welter, L. M.

1969-01-01

Scanning microscope uses a field-emission tip for the electron source, an electron gun that simultaneously accelerates and focuses electrons from the source, and one auxiliary lens to produce a final probe size at the specimen on the order of angstroms.

Tandem catalysis by palladium nanoclusters encapsulated in metal–organic frameworks

DOE PAGES

Li, Xinle; Guo, Zhiyong; Xiao, Chaoxian; ...

2014-08-25

A bifunctional Zr-MOF catalyst containing palladium nanoclusters (NCs) has been developed. The formation of Pd NCs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Combining the oxidation activity of Pd NCs and the acetalization activity of the Lewis acid sites in UiO-66-NH 2, this catalyst (Pd@UiO-66-NH 2) exhibits excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in a one-pot tandem oxidation-acetalization reaction. This catalyst shows 99.9% selectivity to benzaldehyde ethylene acetal in the tandem reaction of benzyl alcohol and ethylene glycol at 99.9% conversion of benzyl alcohol. We also examined various substituted benzyl alcohols and found thatmore » alcohols with electron-donating groups showed better conversion and selectivity compared to those with electron-withdrawing groups. As a result, we further proved that there was no leaching of active catalytic species during the reaction and the catalyst can be recycled at least five times without significant deactivation.« less

Space station microscopy: Beyond the box

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, N. R.; Pierson, Duane L.; Mishra, S. K.

1993-01-01

Microscopy aboard Space Station Freedom poses many unique challenges for in-flight investigations. Disciplines such as material processing, plant and animal research, human reseach, enviromental monitoring, health care, and biological processing have diverse microscope requirements. The typical microscope not only does not meet the comprehensive needs of these varied users, but also tends to require excessive crew time. To assess user requirements, a comprehensive survey was conducted among investigators with experiments requiring microscopy. The survey examined requirements such as light sources, objectives, stages, focusing systems, eye pieces, video accessories, etc. The results of this survey and the application of an Intelligent Microscope Imaging System (IMIS) may address these demands for efficient microscopy service in space. The proposed IMIS can accommodate multiple users with varied requirements, operate in several modes, reduce crew time needed for experiments, and take maximum advantage of the restrictive data/ instruction transmission environment on Freedom.

Scanning-electron-microscope used in real-time study of friction and wear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.; Buckley, D. H.

1975-01-01

Small friction and wear apparatus built directly into scanning-electron-microscope provides both dynamic observation and microscopic view of wear process. Friction and wear tests conducted using this system have indicated that considerable information can readily be gained.

Production of Ar{sup q+} ions with a tandem linear Paul trap

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higaki, H., E-mail: hhigaki@hiroshima-u.ac.jp; Nagayasu, K.; Iwai, T.

A tandem linear Paul trap was used to create highly charged Argon ions by electron impact ionizations. By improving the operation scheme, the production of Ar{sup 4+} ions was confirmed. Possible improvements for the future experiments with laser cooled Ca{sup +} ions are suggested.

Thermal-Wave Microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Robert E.; Kramarchuk, Ihor; Williams, Wallace D.; Pouch, John J.; Gilbert, Percy

1989-01-01

Computer-controlled thermal-wave microscope developed to investigate III-V compound semiconductor devices and materials. Is nondestructive technique providing information on subsurface thermal features of solid samples. Furthermore, because this is subsurface technique, three-dimensional imaging also possible. Microscope uses intensity-modulated electron beam of modified scanning electron microscope to generate thermal waves in sample. Acoustic waves generated by thermal waves received by transducer and processed in computer to form images displayed on video display of microscope or recorded on magnetic disk.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, H; Padilla, L; Hasan, Y

Purpose: To develop a standalone application, which automatically and consistently calculates the coordinates of points A and H based solely on the implanted applicator geometry for cervical cancer HDR brachytherapy. Methods: Manchester point A and ABS point H are both located 2cm lateral from the central tandem plane. While both points are located 2cm above the cervical os, surrogates for the os differ. Point A is defined relative to the anatomical cervical os. Point H is defined relative to the intersection of the tandem with the superior aspects of the ovoids. The application takes an input text file generated bymore » the treatment planning system (TPS, BrachyVision, Varian) that specifies the source geometries. It then outputs the 3D coordinates of points A and H in both the left and right directions. The algorithm was implemented and tested on 34 CT scans of 7 patients treated with HDR brachytherapy delivered using tandem and ovoids. A single experienced user retrospectively and manually placed points A and H on the CT scans, whose coordinates were used as the gold standard for the comparison to the automatically calculated points. Results: The automatically calculated coordinates of points A and H agree within 0.7mm with the gold standard. The averages and standard deviations of the 3D coordinate difference between points placed by the two methods are 0.3±0.1 and 0.4±0.1mm for points A and H, respectively. The maximum difference in 3D magnitude is 0.7mm. Conclusion: The algorithm consistently calculates dose point coordinates independently of the planner for cervical cancer brachytherapy treated with tandem and ovoids. Automated point placement based on the geometry of the implanted applicators agrees in sub-millimeter with careful manual placements by an experienced user. This algorithm expedites the planning process and eliminates dependencies on either user input or TPS visualization tools.« less

Effect of remote inductively coupled plasma (ICP) on the electron energy probability function of an in-tandem main ICP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jaewon; Kim, Kyung-Hyun; Chung, Chin-Wook

2017-02-01

The remote plasma has been generally used as the auxiliary plasma source for indirect plasma processes such as cleaning or ashing. When tandem plasma sources that contain main and remote plasma sources are discharged, the main plasma is affected by the remote plasma and vice versa. Charged particles can move between two chambers due to the potential difference between the two plasmas. For this reason, the electron energy possibility function of the main plasma can be controlled by adjusting the remote plasma state. In our study, low energy electrons in the main plasma are effectively heated with varying remote plasma powers, and high energy electrons which overcome potential differences between two plasmas—are exchanged with no remarkable change in the plasma density and the effective electron temperature.

Nanometres-resolution Kikuchi patterns from materials science specimens with transmission electron forward scatter diffraction in the scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Brodusch, N; Demers, H; Gauvin, R

2013-04-01

A charge-coupled device camera of an electron backscattered diffraction system in a scanning electron microscope was positioned below a thin specimen and transmission Kikuchi patterns were collected. Contrary to electron backscattered diffraction, transmission electron forward scatter diffraction provides phase identification and orientation mapping at the nanoscale. The minimum Pd particle size for which a Kikuchi diffraction pattern was detected and indexed reliably was 5.6 nm. An orientation mapping resolution of 5 nm was measured at 30 kV. The resolution obtained with transmission electron forward scatter diffraction was of the same order of magnitude than that reported in electron nanodiffraction in the transmission electron microscope. An energy dispersive spectrometer X-ray map and a transmission electron forward scatter diffraction orientation map were acquired simultaneously. The high-resolution chemical, phase and orientation maps provided at once information on the chemical form, orientation and coherency of precipitates in an aluminium-lithium 2099 alloy. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2013 Royal Microscopical Society.

Applying shot boundary detection for automated crystal growth analysis during in situ transmission electron microscope experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moeglein, W. A.; Griswold, R.; Mehdi, B. L.

In-situ (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) is being developed for numerous applications in the study of nucleation and growth under electrochemical driving forces. For this type of experiment, one of the key parameters is to identify when nucleation initiates. Typically the process of identifying the moment that crystals begin to form is a manual process requiring the user to perform an observation and respond accordingly (adjust focus, magnification, translate the stage etc.). However, as the speed of the cameras being used to perform these observations increases, the ability of a user to “catch” the important initial stage of nucleation decreasesmore » (there is more information that is available in the first few milliseconds of the process). Here we show that video shot boundary detection (SBD) can automatically detect frames where a change in the image occurs. We show that this method can be applied to quickly and accurately identify points of change during crystal growth. This technique allows for automated segmentation of a digital stream for further analysis and the assignment of arbitrary time stamps for the initiation of processes that are independent of the user’s ability to observe and react.« less

A Closer Look at a Stronger Titanium

ScienceCinema

Joshi, Vineet; Devaraj, Arun

2018-01-16

An improved titanium alloy – stronger than any commercial titanium alloy currently on the market – gets its strength from the novel way atoms are arranged to form a special nanostructure. For the first time, researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have been able to see this alignment and then manipulate it to make it even stronger. Using powerful electron microscopes and a unique atom probe imaging approach at EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at PNNL, they were able to peer deep inside the alloy’s nanostructure to see what was happening.

Tandem Mass Spectrum Sequencing: An Alternative to Database Search Engines in Shotgun Proteomics.

PubMed

Muth, Thilo; Rapp, Erdmann; Berven, Frode S; Barsnes, Harald; Vaudel, Marc

2016-01-01

Protein identification via database searches has become the gold standard in mass spectrometry based shotgun proteomics. However, as the quality of tandem mass spectra improves, direct mass spectrum sequencing gains interest as a database-independent alternative. In this chapter, the general principle of this so-called de novo sequencing is introduced along with pitfalls and challenges of the technique. The main tools available are presented with a focus on user friendly open source software which can be directly applied in everyday proteomic workflows.

Studies of aircraft differential maneuvering. Report 75-27: Calculating of differential-turning barrier surfaces. Report 75-26: A user's guide to the aircraft energy-turn and tandem-motion computer programs. Report 75-7: A user's guide to the aircraft energy-turn hodograph program. [numerical analysis of tactics and aircraft maneuvers of supersonic attack aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelley, H. J.; Lefton, L.

1976-01-01

The numerical analysis of composite differential-turn trajectory pairs was studied for 'fast-evader' and 'neutral-evader' attitude dynamics idealization for attack aircraft. Transversality and generalized corner conditions are examined and the joining of trajectory segments discussed. A criterion is given for the screening of 'tandem-motion' trajectory segments. Main focus is upon the computation of barrier surfaces. Fortunately, from a computational viewpoint, the trajectory pairs defining these surfaces need not be calculated completely, the final subarc of multiple-subarc pairs not being required. Some calculations for pairs of example aircraft are presented. A computer program used to perform the calculations is included.

Scanning electron microscope fine tuning using four-bar piezoelectric actuated mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatamleh, Khaled S.; Khasawneh, Qais A.; Al-Ghasem, Adnan; Jaradat, Mohammad A.; Sawaqed, Laith; Al-Shabi, Mohammad

2018-01-01

Scanning Electron Microscopes are extensively used for accurate micro/nano images exploring. Several strategies have been proposed to fine tune those microscopes in the past few years. This work presents a new fine tuning strategy of a scanning electron microscope sample table using four bar piezoelectric actuated mechanisms. The introduced paper presents an algorithm to find all possible inverse kinematics solutions of the proposed mechanism. In addition, another algorithm is presented to search for the optimal inverse kinematic solution. Both algorithms are used simultaneously by means of a simulation study to fine tune a scanning electron microscope sample table through a pre-specified circular or linear path of motion. Results of the study shows that, proposed algorithms were able to minimize the power required to drive the piezoelectric actuated mechanism by a ratio of 97.5% for all simulated paths of motion when compared to general non-optimized solution.

Steady state whistler turbulence and stability of thermal barriers in tandem mirrors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Litwin, C.; Sudan, R.N.

The effect of the whistler turbulence on anisotropic electrons in a thermal barrier is examined. The electron distribution function is derived self-consistently by solving the steady state quasilinear diffusion equation. Saturated amplitudes are computed using the resonance broadening theory or convective stabilization. Estimated power levels necessary for sustaining the steady state of a strongly anisotropic electron population are found to exceed by orders of magnitude the estimates based on Fokker--Planck calculations for the range of parameters of tandem mirror (TMX-U and MFTF-B) experiments (Nucl. Fusion 25, 1205 (1985)). Upper limits on the allowed degree of anisotropy for existing power densitiesmore » are calculated.« less

Quantitative Secondary Electron Detector (QSED)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nayak, Subu; Joy, David C.

2013-12-31

Research is proposed to investigate the feasibility of applying recent advances in semiconductor technology to fabricate direct digital Quantitative Secondary Electron Detectors (QSED) for scanning electron microscopes (SEMs). If successful, commercial versions of the QSED would transform the SEM into a quantitative, metrological system with enhanced capabilities that, in turn, would broaden research horizons across industries. This project will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. David C Joy at the University of Tennessee, who has demonstrated limited (to the 1keV range) digital collection of the energy from backscattered signals in a SEM using a modified silicon drift detector. Several detectormore » configurations will be fabricated and tested for sensitivities, background noise reduction, DC offset elimination, and metrological capabilities (linearity, accuracy, etc.) against a set of commercially important performance criteria to ascertain concept feasibility. Once feasibility is proven, the solid state digital device array and its switching frequency will be scaled-up, in Phase II, to improve temporal resolution. If successful, this work will produce a crucial advancement in electron microscopy with wide-ranging applications. The following are key advantages anticipated from direct digital QSED: 1. High signal-to-noise ratio will improve SEM resolution in nano-scale, which is critical for dimensional metrology in any application. 2. Quantitative measurement will enhance process control and design validation in semiconductors, photo-voltaics, bio-medical devices and catalysts; and will improve accuracy in predicting the reliability and the lifecycle of materials across industries. 3. Video and dynamic-imaging capabilities will advance study in nano-scale phenomena in a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical and semiconductor materials. 4. Lower cost will make high-performing electron microscopes affordable to more researchers. 5. Compact size and ease of integration with imaging software will enable customers to retrofit and upgrade existing SEM equipment. ScienceTomorrow’s direct digital QSED concept has generated enthusiastic interest among a number of microscope makers, service companies, and microscope users. The company has offers of support from several companies. The roles these companies would play in supporting the project are described in the proposal. The proposed QSED advance sits squarely in the middle of ScienceTomorrow’s mission to provide next-generation technology solutions to today’s critical problems and, if successful, will further the company’s business strategy by launching an advanced, high-margin product that will enable the company and its partners to create at least 17 net-new jobs by the end of 2018.« less

Haptic-STM: a human-in-the-loop interface to a scanning tunneling microscope.

PubMed

Perdigão, Luís M A; Saywell, Alex

2011-07-01

The operation of a haptic device interfaced with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is presented here. The user moves the STM tip in three dimensions by means of a stylus attached to the haptic instrument. The tunneling current measured by the STM is converted to a vertical force, applied to the stylus and felt by the user, with the user being incorporated into the feedback loop that controls the tip-surface distance. A haptic-STM interface of this nature allows the user to feel atomic features on the surface and facilitates the tactile manipulation of the adsorbate/substrate system. The operation of this device is demonstrated via the room temperature STM imaging of C(60) molecules adsorbed on an Au(111) surface in ultra-high vacuum.

Towards native-state imaging in biological context in the electron microscope

PubMed Central

Weston, Anne E.; Armer, Hannah E. J.

2009-01-01

Modern cell biology is reliant on light and fluorescence microscopy for analysis of cells, tissues and protein localisation. However, these powerful techniques are ultimately limited in resolution by the wavelength of light. Electron microscopes offer much greater resolution due to the shorter effective wavelength of electrons, allowing direct imaging of sub-cellular architecture. The harsh environment of the electron microscope chamber and the properties of the electron beam have led to complex chemical and mechanical preparation techniques, which distance biological samples from their native state and complicate data interpretation. Here we describe recent advances in sample preparation and instrumentation, which push the boundaries of high-resolution imaging. Cryopreparation, cryoelectron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy strive to image samples in near native state. Advances in correlative microscopy and markers enable high-resolution localisation of proteins. Innovation in microscope design has pushed the boundaries of resolution to atomic scale, whilst automatic acquisition of high-resolution electron microscopy data through large volumes is finally able to place ultrastructure in biological context. PMID:19916039

Purchase of a Transmission Electron Microscope for Xavier University of Louisiana

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-15

imaging facility on the second floor of the Pharmacy Addition at Xavier University that already includes two scanning electron microscopes. The new TEM...is now in use. Xavier University has formally pledged to provide funds for the 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 13. SUPPLEMENTARY...for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited Final Report: Purchase of a Transmission Electron Microscope for Xavier University of Louisiana The views

Producing multicharged fullerene ion beam extracted from the second stage of tandem-type ECRIS.

PubMed

Nagaya, Tomoki; Nishiokada, Takuya; Hagino, Shogo; Uchida, Takashi; Muramatsu, Masayuki; Otsuka, Takuro; Sato, Fuminobu; Kitagawa, Atsushi; Kato, Yushi; Yoshida, Yoshikazu

2016-02-01

We have been constructing the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Two ion sources of the tandem-type ECRIS are possible to generate plasma individually, and they also confined individual ion species by each different plasma parameter. Hence, it is considered to be suitable for new materials production. As the first step, we try to produce and extract multicharged C60 ions by supplying pure C60 vapor in the second stage plasma because our main target is producing the endohedral fullerenes. We developed a new evaporator to supply fullerene vapor, and we succeeded in observation about multicharged C60 ion beam in tandem-type ECRIS for the first time.

Scanning electron microscopy of hepatic ultrastructure: secondary, backscattered, and transmitted electron imaging.

PubMed

Miyai, K; Abraham, J L; Linthicum, D S; Wagner, R M

1976-10-01

Several methods of tissue preparation and different modes of operation of the scanning electron microscope were used to study the ultrastructure of rat liver. Rat livers were perfusion fixed with buffered 2 per cent paraformaldehyde or a mixture of 1.5 per cent paraformaldehyde and 1 per cent glutaraldehyde and processed as follows. Tissue blocks were postfixed in buffered 2 per cent osmium tetroxide followed sequentially by the ligand-mediated osmium binding technique, dehydration and cryofracture in ethanol, and critical point drying. They were then examined without metal coating in the scanning electron microscope operating in the secondary electron and backscattered electron modes. Fifty-micrometer sections were cut with a tissue sectioner, stained with lead citrate, postfixed with osmium, dehydrated, critical point dried, and examined in the secondary electron and back-scattered electron modes. Frozen sections (0.25 to 0.75 mum. thick) were cut by the method of Tokuyasu (Toluyasu KT: J Cell Biol 57:551, 1973) and their scanning transmission electron microscope images were examined either with a scanning transmission electron microscope detector or with a conversion stub using the secondary electron detector. Secondary electron images of the liver prepared by ligand-mediated osmium binding and subsequent cryofracture revealed such intracellular structures as cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, mitochondria, lipid droplets, nucleolus and nuclear chromatin, as well as the usual surface morphology, Lipocytes in the perisinusoidal space were readily identified. Backscattered electron images. Unembedded frozen sections had little drying artifact and were virtually free of freezing damage. The scanning transmission electron microscope image revealed those organelles visualized by the secondary electron mode in the ligand-mediated osmium binding-treated tissue.

Electron Microscope Center Opens at Berkeley.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Arthur L.

1981-01-01

A 1.5-MeV High Voltage Electron Microscope has been installed at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory which will help materials scientists and biologists study samples in more true-to-life situations. A 1-MeV Atomic Resolution Microscope will be installed at the same location in two years which will allow scientists to distinguish atoms. (DS)

First operation and effect of a new tandem-type ion source based on electron cyclotron resonance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kato, Yushi, E-mail: kato@eei.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Kimura, Daiju; Yano, Keisuke

A new tandem type source has been constructed on the basis of electron cyclotron resonance plasma for producing synthesized ion beams in Osaka University. Magnetic field in the first stage consists of all permanent magnets, i.e., cylindrically comb shaped one, and that of the second stage consists of a pair of mirror coil, a supplemental coil and the octupole magnets. Both stage plasmas can be individually operated, and produced ions in which is energy controlled by large bore extractor also can be transported from the first to the second stage. We investigate the basic operation and effects of the tandemmore » type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Analysis of ion beams and investigation of plasma parameters are conducted on produced plasmas in dual plasmas operation as well as each single operation. We describe construction and initial experimental results of the new tandem type ion source based on ECRIS with wide operation window for aiming at producing synthesized ion beams as this new source can be a universal source in future.« less

Synthesis of extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by oxidative tandem spirocyclization and 1,2-aryl migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuan; Xu, Zhanqiang; Si, Weili; Oniwa, Kazuaki; Bao, Ming; Yamamoto, Yoshinori; Jin, Tienan

2017-04-01

The extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received significant interdisciplinary attention due to their semiconducting applications in diverse organic electronics as well as intriguing structural interests of well-defined graphene segments. Herein, a highly efficient oxidative spirocyclization and 1,2-aryl migration tandem synthetic method for the construction of extended polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been developed. The CuCl-catalyst/PhCO3 tBu or DDQ oxidation system in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid enables the selective single-electron oxidation to take place preferentially at the more electron-rich alkene moiety of o-biphenylyl-substituted methylenefluorenes, giving rise to the subsequent tandem process. A variety of structurally diverse extended PAHs including functionalized dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes, benzo[f]naphtho[1,2-s]picene, hexabenzo[a,c,fg,j,l,op]tetracene, tetrabenzo[a,c,f,m]phenanthro[9,10-k]tetraphene, tetrabenzo[a,c,f,k]phenanthro[9,10-m]tetraphene, tetrabenzo[a,c,f,o]phenanthro[9,10-m]picene and S-type helicene have been readily synthesized.

Specimen Holder for Analytical Electron Microscopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clanton, U. S.; Isaacs, A. M.; Mackinnon, I.

1985-01-01

Reduces spectral contamination by spurious X-ray. Specimen holder made of compressed carbon, securely retains standard electron microscope grid (disk) 3 mm in diameter and absorbs backscattered electrons that otherwise generate spurious X-rays. Since holder inexpensive, dedicated to single specimen when numerous samples examined.

Microscope and method of use

DOEpatents

Bongianni, Wayne L.

1984-01-01

A method and apparatus for electronically focusing and electronically scanning microscopic specimens are given. In the invention, visual images of even moving, living, opaque specimens can be acoustically obtained and viewed with virtually no time needed for processing (i.e., real time processing is used). And planar samples are not required. The specimens (if planar) need not be moved during scanning, although it will be desirable and possible to move or rotate nonplanar specimens (e.g., laser fusion targets) against the lens of the apparatus. No coupling fluid is needed, so specimens need not be wetted. A phase acoustic microscope is also made from the basic microscope components together with electronic mixers.

Simultaneous specimen and stage cleaning device for analytical electron microscope

DOEpatents

Zaluzec, Nestor J.

1996-01-01

An improved method and apparatus are provided for cleaning both a specimen stage, a specimen and an interior of an analytical electron microscope (AEM). The apparatus for cleaning a specimen stage and specimen comprising a plasma chamber for containing a gas plasma and an air lock coupled to the plasma chamber for permitting passage of the specimen stage and specimen into the plasma chamber and maintaining an airtight chamber. The specimen stage and specimen are subjected to a reactive plasma gas that is either DC or RF excited. The apparatus can be mounted on the analytical electron microscope (AEM) for cleaning the interior of the microscope.

Microscope and method of use

DOEpatents

Bongianni, W.L.

1984-04-17

A method and apparatus for electronically focusing and electronically scanning microscopic specimens are given. In the invention, visual images of even moving, living, opaque specimens can be acoustically obtained and viewed with virtually no time needed for processing (i.e., real time processing is used). And planar samples are not required. The specimens (if planar) need not be moved during scanning, although it will be desirable and possible to move or rotate nonplanar specimens (e.g., laser fusion targets) against the lens of the apparatus. No coupling fluid is needed, so specimens need not be wetted. A phase acoustic microscope is also made from the basic microscope components together with electronic mixers. 7 figs.

Development of a SEM-based low-energy in-line electron holography microscope for individual particle imaging.

PubMed

Adaniya, Hidehito; Cheung, Martin; Cassidy, Cathal; Yamashita, Masao; Shintake, Tsumoru

2018-05-01

A new SEM-based in-line electron holography microscope has been under development. The microscope utilizes conventional SEM and BF-STEM functionality to allow for rapid searching of the specimen of interest, seamless interchange between SEM, BF-STEM and holographic imaging modes, and makes use of coherent low-energy in-line electron holography to obtain low-dose, high-contrast images of light element materials. We report here an overview of the instrumentation and first experimental results on gold nano-particles and carbon nano-fibers for system performance tests. Reconstructed images obtained from the holographic imaging mode of the new microscope show substantial image contrast and resolution compared to those acquired by SEM and BF-STEM modes, demonstrating the feasibility of high-contrast imaging via low-energy in-line electron holography. The prospect of utilizing the new microscope to image purified biological specimens at the individual particle level is discussed and electron optical issues and challenges to further improve resolution and contrast are considered. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification and Characterization of Human Proteoforms by Top-Down LC-21 Tesla FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Anderson, Lissa C; DeHart, Caroline J; Kaiser, Nathan K; Fellers, Ryan T; Smith, Donald F; Greer, Joseph B; LeDuc, Richard D; Blakney, Greg T; Thomas, Paul M; Kelleher, Neil L; Hendrickson, Christopher L

2017-02-03

Successful high-throughput characterization of intact proteins from complex biological samples by mass spectrometry requires instrumentation capable of high mass resolving power, mass accuracy, sensitivity, and spectral acquisition rate. These limitations often necessitate the performance of hundreds of LC-MS/MS experiments to obtain reasonable coverage of the targeted proteome, which is still typically limited to molecular weights below 30 kDa. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) recently installed a 21 T FT-ICR mass spectrometer, which is part of the NHMFL FT-ICR User Facility and available to all qualified users. Here we demonstrate top-down LC-21 T FT-ICR MS/MS of intact proteins derived from human colorectal cancer cell lysate. We identified a combined total of 684 unique protein entries observed as 3238 unique proteoforms at a 1% false discovery rate, based on rapid, data-dependent acquisition of collision-induced and electron-transfer dissociation tandem mass spectra from just 40 LC-MS/MS experiments. Our identifications included 372 proteoforms with molecular weights over 30 kDa detected at isotopic resolution, which substantially extends the accessible mass range for high-throughput top-down LC-MS/MS.

Smartphone adapters for digital photomicrography.

PubMed

Roy, Somak; Pantanowitz, Liron; Amin, Milon; Seethala, Raja R; Ishtiaque, Ahmed; Yousem, Samuel A; Parwani, Anil V; Cucoranu, Ioan; Hartman, Douglas J

2014-01-01

Photomicrographs in Anatomic Pathology provide a means of quickly sharing information from a glass slide for consultation, education, documentation and publication. While static image acquisition historically involved the use of a permanently mounted camera unit on a microscope, such cameras may be expensive, need to be connected to a computer, and often require proprietary software to acquire and process images. Another novel approach for capturing digital microscopic images is to use smartphones coupled with the eyepiece of a microscope. Recently, several smartphone adapters have emerged that allow users to attach mobile phones to the microscope. The aim of this study was to test the utility of these various smartphone adapters. We surveyed the market for adapters to attach smartphones to the ocular lens of a conventional light microscope. Three adapters (Magnifi, Skylight and Snapzoom) were tested. We assessed the designs of these adapters and their effectiveness at acquiring static microscopic digital images. All adapters facilitated the acquisition of digital microscopic images with a smartphone. The optimal adapter was dependent on the type of phone used. The Magnifi adapters for iPhone were incompatible when using a protective case. The Snapzoom adapter was easiest to use with iPhones and other smartphones even with protective cases. Smartphone adapters are inexpensive and easy to use for acquiring digital microscopic images. However, they require some adjustment by the user in order to optimize focus and obtain good quality images. Smartphone microscope adapters provide an economically feasible method of acquiring and sharing digital pathology photomicrographs.

The effects of time delays on a telepathology user interface.

PubMed Central

Carr, D.; Hasegawa, H.; Lemmon, D.; Plaisant, C.

1992-01-01

Telepathology enables a pathologist to examine physically distant tissue samples by microscope operation over a communication link. Communication links can impose time delays which cause difficulties in controlling the remote device. Such difficulties were found in a microscope teleoperation system. Since the user interface is critical to pathologist's acceptance of telepathology, we redesigned the user interface for this system, built two different versions (a keypad whose movement commands operated by specifying a start command followed by a stop command and a trackball interface whose movement commands were incremental and directly proportional to the rotation of the trackball). We then conducted a pilot study to determine the effect of time delays on the new user interfaces. In our experiment, the keypad was the faster interface when the time delay is short. There was no evidence to favor either the keypad or trackball when the time delay was longer. Inexperienced participants benefitted by allowing them to move long distances over the microscope slide by dragging the field-of-view indicator on the touchscreen control panel. The experiment suggests that changes could be made to the trackball interface which would improve its performance. PMID:1482878

75 FR 43918 - National Center for Toxicological Research, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-27

... Research, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of Electron...: National Center for Toxicological Research, (USFDA), Jefferson, AK 72079. Instrument: Electron Microscope.... Applicant: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer...

Telocytes and putative stem cells in the lungs: electron microscopy, electron tomography and laser scanning microscopy.

PubMed

Popescu, Laurentiu M; Gherghiceanu, Mihaela; Suciu, Laura C; Manole, Catalin G; Hinescu, Mihail E

2011-09-01

This study describes a novel type of interstitial (stromal) cell - telocytes (TCs) - in the human and mouse respiratory tree (terminal and respiratory bronchioles, as well as alveolar ducts). TCs have recently been described in pleura, epicardium, myocardium, endocardium, intestine, uterus, pancreas, mammary gland, etc. (see www.telocytes.com ). TCs are cells with specific prolongations called telopodes (Tp), frequently two to three per cell. Tp are very long prolongations (tens up to hundreds of μm) built of alternating thin segments known as podomers (≤ 200 nm, below the resolving power of light microscope) and dilated segments called podoms, which accommodate mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and caveolae. Tp ramify dichotomously, making a 3-dimensional network with complex homo- and heterocellular junctions. Confocal microscopy reveals that TCs are c-kit- and CD34-positive. Tp release shed vesicles or exosomes, sending macromolecular signals to neighboring cells and eventually modifying their transcriptional activity. At bronchoalveolar junctions, TCs have been observed in close association with putative stem cells (SCs) in the subepithelial stroma. SCs are recognized by their ultrastructure and Sca-1 positivity. Tp surround SCs, forming complex TC-SC niches (TC-SCNs). Electron tomography allows the identification of bridging nanostructures, which connect Tp with SCs. In conclusion, this study shows the presence of TCs in lungs and identifies a TC-SC tandem in subepithelial niches of the bronchiolar tree. In TC-SCNs, the synergy of TCs and SCs may be based on nanocontacts and shed vesicles.

Scanning Electron Microscope Observations of Marine Microorganisms on Surfaces Coated with Antifouling Paints.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

sessile marine inverte- brates in Monterey harbor. Veliger 17 (supplement): 1-35. 1977. The nature of primary organic films in the marine environment and...I A10A4h 605 NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA F/S 11/3 SCANING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF MARINE MICROORANI-E-C(U) UNLSSIFIED N*2...Scanning Electron Microscope Observations Master’s thesis; of Marine Microorganisms on Surfaces June 1981 Coated with Ant ifouling Paints 6.PERFORMING

Electron microscope aperture system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinemann, K. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

An electron microscope including an electron source, a condenser lens having either a circular aperture for focusing a solid cone of electrons onto a specimen or an annular aperture for focusing a hollow cone of electrons onto the specimen, and an objective lens having an annular objective aperture, for focusing electrons passing through the specimen onto an image plane are described. The invention also entails a method of making the annular objective aperture using electron imaging, electrolytic deposition and ion etching techniques.

Choice and maintenance of equipment for electron crystallography.

PubMed

Mills, Deryck J; Vonck, Janet

2013-01-01

The choice of equipment for an electron crystallography laboratory will ultimately be determined by the available budget; nevertheless, the ideal lab will have two electron microscopes: a dedicated 300 kV cryo-EM with a field emission gun and a smaller LaB(6) machine for screening. The high-end machine should be equipped with photographic film or a very large CCD or CMOS camera for 2D crystal data collection; the screening microscope needs a mid-size CCD for rapid evaluation of crystal samples. The microscope room installations should provide adequate space and a special environment that puts no restrictions on the collection of high-resolution data. Equipment for specimen preparation includes a carbon coater, glow discharge unit, light microscope, plunge freezer, and liquid nitrogen containers and storage dewars. When photographic film is to be used, additional requirements are a film desiccator, dark room, optical diffractometer, and a film scanner. Having the electron microscopes and ancillary equipment well maintained and always in optimum condition facilitates the production of high-quality data.

Vibrational spectroscopy in the electron microscope.

PubMed

Krivanek, Ondrej L; Lovejoy, Tracy C; Dellby, Niklas; Aoki, Toshihiro; Carpenter, R W; Rez, Peter; Soignard, Emmanuel; Zhu, Jiangtao; Batson, Philip E; Lagos, Maureen J; Egerton, Ray F; Crozier, Peter A

2014-10-09

Vibrational spectroscopies using infrared radiation, Raman scattering, neutrons, low-energy electrons and inelastic electron tunnelling are powerful techniques that can analyse bonding arrangements, identify chemical compounds and probe many other important properties of materials. The spatial resolution of these spectroscopies is typically one micrometre or more, although it can reach a few tens of nanometres or even a few ångströms when enhanced by the presence of a sharp metallic tip. If vibrational spectroscopy could be combined with the spatial resolution and flexibility of the transmission electron microscope, it would open up the study of vibrational modes in many different types of nanostructures. Unfortunately, the energy resolution of electron energy loss spectroscopy performed in the electron microscope has until now been too poor to allow such a combination. Recent developments that have improved the attainable energy resolution of electron energy loss spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope to around ten millielectronvolts now allow vibrational spectroscopy to be carried out in the electron microscope. Here we describe the innovations responsible for the progress, and present examples of applications in inorganic and organic materials, including the detection of hydrogen. We also demonstrate that the vibrational signal has both high- and low-spatial-resolution components, that the first component can be used to map vibrational features at nanometre-level resolution, and that the second component can be used for analysis carried out with the beam positioned just outside the sample--that is, for 'aloof' spectroscopy that largely avoids radiation damage.

Ultrastructural Study of Some Pollen Grains of Prairie Flowers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kozar, Frank

1973-01-01

Discusses the importance of the electron microscope, and in particular the scanning electron microscope, in studying the surface topography, sectional substructures, and patterns of development of pollen grains. The production, dispersal methods, and structure of pollen grains are described and illustrated with numerous electron micrographs. (JR)

Synthesis Properties and Electron Spin Resonance Properties of Titanic Materials (abstract)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Jung Min; Lee, Jun; Kim, Tak Hee; Sun, Min Ho; Jang, Young Bae; Cho, Sung June

2009-04-01

Titanic materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method of TiO2 anatase in 10M LiOH, 10M NaOH, and 14M KOH at 130° C for 30 hours. Alkaline media were removed from the synthesized products using 0.1N HCl aqueous solution. The as-prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm, and electron spin resonance. Different shapes of synthesized products were observed through the typical electron microscope and indicated that the formation of the different morphologies depends on the treatment conditions of highly alkaline media. Many micropores were observed in the cubic or octahedral type of TiO2 samples through the typical electron microscope and Langmuir adsorption-desorption isotherm of liquid nitrogen at 77° K. Electron spin resonance studies have also been carried out to verify the existence of paramagnetic sites such as oxygen vacancies on the titania samples. The effect of alkali metal ions on the morphologies and physicochemical properties of nanoscale titania are discussed.

Producing multicharged fullerene ion beam extracted from the second stage of tandem-type ECRIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagaya, Tomoki, E-mail: nagaya@nf.eie.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Nishiokada, Takuya; Hagino, Shogo

2016-02-15

We have been constructing the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Two ion sources of the tandem-type ECRIS are possible to generate plasma individually, and they also confined individual ion species by each different plasma parameter. Hence, it is considered to be suitable for new materials production. As the first step, we try to produce and extract multicharged C{sub 60} ions by supplying pure C{sub 60} vapor in the second stage plasma because our main target is producing the endohedral fullerenes. We developed a new evaporator to supply fullerene vapor, and we succeeded in observation about multicharged C{sub 60}more » ion beam in tandem-type ECRIS for the first time.« less

Tandem organic light-emitting diodes with KBH4 doped 9,10-bis(3-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl) anthracene connected to the charge generation layer.

PubMed

Duan, Lian; Tsuboi, Taiju; Qiu, Yong; Li, Yanrui; Zhang, Guohui

2012-06-18

Tandem organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are ideal for lighting applications due to their low working current density at high brightness. In this work, we have studied an efficient electron transporting layer of KBH(4) doped 9,10-bis(3-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)anthracene (DPyPA) which is located adjacent to charge generation layer of MoO(3)/NPB. The excellent transporting property of the DPyPA:KBH(4) layer helps the tandem OLED to achieve a lower voltage than the tandem device with the widely used tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum:Li. For the tandem white OLED with a fluorescent blue unit and a phosphorescent yellow unit, we've achieved a high current efficiency of 75 cd/A, which can be further improved to 120 cd/A by attaching a diffuser layer.

Design and performance of a beetle-type double-tip scanning tunneling microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jaschinsky, Philipp; Coenen, Peter; Pirug, Gerhard

2006-09-15

A combination of a double-tip scanning tunneling microscope with a scanning electron microscope in ultrahigh vacuum environment is presented. The compact beetle-type design made it possible to integrate two independently driven scanning tunneling microscopes in a small space. Moreover, an additional level for coarse movement allows the decoupling of the translation and approach of the tunneling tip. The position of the two tips can be controlled from the millimeter scale down to 50 nm with the help of an add-on electron microscope. The instrument is capable of atomic resolution imaging with each tip.

Development of Scanning Ultrafast Electron Microscope Capability.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Collins, Kimberlee Chiyoko; Talin, Albert Alec; Chandler, David W.

Modern semiconductor devices rely on the transport of minority charge carriers. Direct examination of minority carrier lifetimes in real devices with nanometer-scale features requires a measurement method with simultaneously high spatial and temporal resolutions. Achieving nanometer spatial resolutions at sub-nanosecond temporal resolution is possible with pump-probe methods that utilize electrons as probes. Recently, a stroboscopic scanning electron microscope was developed at Caltech, and used to study carrier transport across a Si p-n junction [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] . In this report, we detail our development of a prototype scanning ultrafast electron microscope system at Sandia National Laboratoriesmore » based on the original Caltech design. This effort represents Sandia's first exploration into ultrafast electron microscopy.« less

Ultrastructure of cholinergic neurons in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus of the rat: interaction with catecholamine fibers.

PubMed

Kubota, Y; Leung, E; Vincent, S R

1992-01-01

The ultrastructure of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunoreactive neurons in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (TLD) of the rat was investigated by immunohistochemical techniques. The immunoreactive neurons were medium to large in size, with a few elongated dendrites, contained well-developed cytoplasm, and a nucleus with deep infoldings. They received many nonimmunoreactive, mostly asymmetric synaptic inputs on their soma and dendrites. ChAT-immunoreactive, usually myelinated, axons were occasionally seen in TLD. Only one immunoreactive axon terminal was observed within TLD, and it made synaptic contact with a nonimmunoreactive neuronal perikaryon. The synaptic interactions between ChAT-immunoreactive neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive fibers in the TLD were investigated with a double immunohistochemical staining method. ChAT-immunoreactivity detected with a beta-galactosidase method was light blue-green in the light microscope and formed dot-like electron dense particles at the electron microscopic level. TH-immunoreactivity, visualized with a nickel-enhanced immunoperoxidase method, was dark blue-black in the light microscope and diffusely opaque in the electron microscope. Therefore, the difference between these two kinds of immunoreactivity could be quite easily distinguished at both light and electron microscopic levels. In the light microscope, TH-positive fibers were often closely apposed to ChAT-immunoreactive cell bodies and dendrites in TLD. In the electron microscope, the cell soma and proximal dendrites of ChAT-immunoreactive neurons received synaptic contacts from TH-immunoreactive axon terminals. These results provide a morphological basis for catecholaminergic regulation of the cholinergic reticular system.

77 FR 71776 - Ohio University, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-04

... Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of Electron Microscope This is a decision... Stocker Center, Athens, OH 45701. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: JEOL Ltd., Japan... North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5915. Instrument: Electron...

Influence of mechanical noise inside a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

de Faria, Marcelo Gaudenzi; Haddab, Yassine; Le Gorrec, Yann; Lutz, Philippe

2015-04-01

The scanning electron microscope is becoming a popular tool to perform tasks that require positioning, manipulation, characterization, and assembly of micro-components. However, some of these applications require a higher level of performance with respect to dynamics and precision of positioning. One limiting factor is the presence of unidentified noises and disturbances. This work aims to study the influence of mechanical disturbances generated by the environment and by the microscope, identifying how these can affect elements in the vacuum chamber. To achieve this objective, a dedicated setup, including a high-resolution vibrometer, was built inside the microscope. This work led to the identification and quantification of main disturbances and noise sources acting on a scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the effects of external acoustic excitations were analysed. Potential applications of these results include noise compensation and real-time control for high accuracy tasks.

Analysis of rolling fracture of the conticasted and tandem rolled blanks of low alloyed aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yong; Zeng, Lingping; Jiao Xie, Xian

2018-01-01

Optical microscopy, electron microscopy and energy spectrum were used to test the morphology of grains, as-cast microstructure and secondary phases in confiscated and tandem rolled planks of 8011 low alloying aluminum alloy. It can be concluded that the existence of inhomogeneous secondary FeSiAl phases lead to the fracture of planks during rolling.

Method of forming aperture plate for electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinemann, K. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

An electron microscope is described with an electron source a condenser lens having either a circular aperture for focusing a solid cone of electrons onto a specimen or an annular aperture for focusing a hollow cone of electrons onto the specimen. It also has objective lens with an annular objective aperture, for focusing electrons passing through the specimen onto an image plane. A method of making the annular objective aperture using electron imaging, electrolytic deposition and ion etching techniques is included.

Development of scanning electron and x-ray microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matsumura, Tomokazu, E-mail: tomokzau.matsumura@etd.hpk.co.jp; Hirano, Tomohiko, E-mail: tomohiko.hirano@etd.hpk.co.jp; Suyama, Motohiro, E-mail: suyama@etd.hpk.co.jp

We have developed a new type of microscope possessing a unique feature of observing both scanning electron and X-ray images under one unit. Unlike former X-ray microscopes using SEM [1, 2], this scanning electron and X-ray (SELX) microscope has a sample in vacuum, thus it enables one to observe a surface structure of a sample by SEM mode, to search the region of interest, and to observe an X-ray image which transmits the region. For the X-ray observation, we have been focusing on the soft X-ray region from 280 eV to 3 keV to observe some bio samples and softmore » materials. The resolutions of SEM and X-ray modes are 50 nm and 100 nm, respectively, at the electron energy of 7 keV.« less

Examination of Surveyor 3 parts with the scanning electron microscope and electron microprobe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chodos, A. A.; Devaney, J. R.; Evens, K. C.

1972-01-01

Two screws and two washers, several small chips of tubing, and a fiber removed from a third screw were examined with the scanning electron microscope and the electron microprobe. The purpose of the examination was to determine the nature of the material on the surface of these samples and to search for the presence of meteoritic material.

Helium Ion Microscope: A New Tool for Sub-nanometer Imaging of Soft Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shutthanandan, V.; Arey, B.; Smallwood, C. R.; Evans, J. E.

2017-12-01

High-resolution inspection of surface details is needed in many biological and environmental researches to understand the Soil organic material (SOM)-mineral interactions along with identifying microbial communities and their interactions. SOM shares many imaging characteristics with biological samples and getting true surface details from these materials are challenging since they consist of low atomic number materials. FE-SEM imaging is the main imagining technique used to image these materials in the past. These SEM images often show loss of resolution and increase noise due to beam damage and charging issues. Newly developed Helium Ion Microscope (HIM), on the other hand can overcome these difficulties and give very fine details. HIM is very similar to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) but instead of using electrons as a probe beam, HIM uses helium ions with energy ranges from 5 to 40 keV. HIM offers a series of advantages compared to SEM such as nanometer and sub-nanometer image resolutions (about 0.35 nm), detailed surface topography, high surface sensitivity, low Z material imaging (especially for polymers and biological samples), high image contrast, and large depth of field. In addition, HIM also has the ability to image insulating materials without any conductive coatings so that surface details are not modified. In this presentation, several scientific applications across biology and geochemistry will be presented to highlight the effectiveness of this powerful microscope. Acknowledgements: Research was performed using the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at PNNL. Work was supported by DOE-BER Mesoscale to Molecules Bioimaging Project FWP# 66382.

Multi-pass transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Juffmann, Thomas; Koppell, Stewart A.; Klopfer, Brannon B.; ...

2017-05-10

Feynman once asked physicists to build better electron microscopes to be able to watch biology at work. While electron microscopes can now provide atomic resolution, electron beam induced specimen damage precludes high resolution imaging of sensitive materials, such as single proteins or polymers. Here, we use simulations to show that an electron microscope based on a multi-pass measurement protocol enables imaging of single proteins, without averaging structures over multiple images. While we demonstrate the method for particular imaging targets, the approach is broadly applicable and is expected to improve resolution and sensitivity for a range of electron microscopy imaging modalities,more » including, for example, scanning and spectroscopic techniques. The approach implements a quantum mechanically optimal strategy which under idealized conditions can be considered interaction-free.« less

Tunable color parallel tandem organic light emitting devices with carbon nanotube and metallic sheet interlayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliva, Jorge; Papadimitratos, Alexios; Desirena, Haggeo; De la Rosa, Elder; Zakhidov, Anvar A.

2015-11-01

Parallel tandem organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) were fabricated with transparent multiwall carbon nanotube sheets (MWCNT) and thin metal films (Al, Ag) as interlayers. In parallel monolithic tandem architecture, the MWCNT (or metallic films) interlayers are an active electrode which injects similar charges into subunits. In the case of parallel tandems with common anode (C.A.) of this study, holes are injected into top and bottom subunits from the common interlayer electrode; whereas in the configuration of common cathode (C.C.), electrons are injected into the top and bottom subunits. Both subunits of the tandem can thus be monolithically connected functionally in an active structure in which each subunit can be electrically addressed separately. Our tandem OLEDs have a polymer as emitter in the bottom subunit and a small molecule emitter in the top subunit. We also compared the performance of the parallel tandem with that of in series and the additional advantages of the parallel architecture over the in-series were: tunable chromaticity, lower voltage operation, and higher brightness. Finally, we demonstrate that processing of the MWCNT sheets as a common anode in parallel tandems is an easy and low cost process, since their integration as electrodes in OLEDs is achieved by simple dry lamination process.

Smartphone adapters for digital photomicrography

PubMed Central

Roy, Somak; Pantanowitz, Liron; Amin, Milon; Seethala, Raja R.; Ishtiaque, Ahmed; Yousem, Samuel A.; Parwani, Anil V.; Cucoranu, Ioan; Hartman, Douglas J.

2014-01-01

Background: Photomicrographs in Anatomic Pathology provide a means of quickly sharing information from a glass slide for consultation, education, documentation and publication. While static image acquisition historically involved the use of a permanently mounted camera unit on a microscope, such cameras may be expensive, need to be connected to a computer, and often require proprietary software to acquire and process images. Another novel approach for capturing digital microscopic images is to use smartphones coupled with the eyepiece of a microscope. Recently, several smartphone adapters have emerged that allow users to attach mobile phones to the microscope. The aim of this study was to test the utility of these various smartphone adapters. Materials and Methods: We surveyed the market for adapters to attach smartphones to the ocular lens of a conventional light microscope. Three adapters (Magnifi, Skylight and Snapzoom) were tested. We assessed the designs of these adapters and their effectiveness at acquiring static microscopic digital images. Results: All adapters facilitated the acquisition of digital microscopic images with a smartphone. The optimal adapter was dependent on the type of phone used. The Magnifi adapters for iPhone were incompatible when using a protective case. The Snapzoom adapter was easiest to use with iPhones and other smartphones even with protective cases. Conclusions: Smartphone adapters are inexpensive and easy to use for acquiring digital microscopic images. However, they require some adjustment by the user in order to optimize focus and obtain good quality images. Smartphone microscope adapters provide an economically feasible method of acquiring and sharing digital pathology photomicrographs. PMID:25191623

Visualizing Morphological Changes of Abscission Zone Cells in Arabidopsis by Scanning Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Shi, Chun-Lin; Butenko, Melinka A

2018-01-01

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron microscope which produces detailed images of surface structures. It has been widely used in plants and animals to study cellular structures. Here, we describe a detailed protocol to prepare samples of floral abscission zones (AZs) for SEM, as well as further image analysis. We show that it is a powerful tool to detect morphologic changes at the cellular level during the course of abscission in wild-type plants and to establish the details of phenotypic alteration in abscission mutants.

Scanning electron microscopic appearance of rat otocyst of the twelfth postcoital day: elaboration of a method.

PubMed

Marovitz, W F; Khan, K M

1977-01-01

A method for removal, fixation, microdissection, and drying of early rat otocyst for examination by the scanning electron microscope is elaborated. Tissues were dissected, fixed as for conventional transmission electron microscopy and dried by critical point evaporation using amylacetate as the transitional fluid and carbon dioxide as the pressure head. Otocysts were either dissected at the time of initial fixation, or subsequent to drying. The otocyst of the 12th postcoital day was used as a model system in this preliminary report. Critical point drying retained the overall configuration and the fine ultrastructural detail of the otocyst. The interior otocystic surface was visualized and cilia bearing cells of the luminal surface were identified. Most if not all of these cells had a comspicuous, but short kinocillum which terminated in an ovoid bulb. The scanning electron microscopic appearance was correlated to the transmission electron microscopic image seen in the second paper in this Supplement.

Atmospheric scanning electron microscope for correlative microscopy.

PubMed

Morrison, Ian E G; Dennison, Clare L; Nishiyama, Hidetoshi; Suga, Mitsuo; Sato, Chikara; Yarwood, Andrew; O'Toole, Peter J

2012-01-01

The JEOL ClairScope is the first truly correlative scanning electron and optical microscope. An inverted scanning electron microscope (SEM) column allows electron images of wet samples to be obtained in ambient conditions in a biological culture dish, via a silicon nitride film window in the base. A standard inverted optical microscope positioned above the dish holder can be used to take reflected light and epifluorescence images of the same sample, under atmospheric conditions that permit biochemical modifications. For SEM, the open dish allows successive staining operations to be performed without moving the holder. The standard optical color camera used for fluorescence imaging can be exchanged for a high-sensitivity monochrome camera to detect low-intensity fluorescence signals, and also cathodoluminescence emission from nanophosphor particles. If these particles are applied to the sample at a suitable density, they can greatly assist the task of perfecting the correlation between the optical and electron images. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Juffmann, Thomas; Koppell, Stewart A.; Klopfer, Brannon B.

Feynman once asked physicists to build better electron microscopes to be able to watch biology at work. While electron microscopes can now provide atomic resolution, electron beam induced specimen damage precludes high resolution imaging of sensitive materials, such as single proteins or polymers. Here, we use simulations to show that an electron microscope based on a multi-pass measurement protocol enables imaging of single proteins, without averaging structures over multiple images. While we demonstrate the method for particular imaging targets, the approach is broadly applicable and is expected to improve resolution and sensitivity for a range of electron microscopy imaging modalities,more » including, for example, scanning and spectroscopic techniques. The approach implements a quantum mechanically optimal strategy which under idealized conditions can be considered interaction-free.« less

Electron holography study of magnetization behavior in the writer pole of a perpendicular magnetic recording head by a 1 MV transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Hirata, Kei; Ishida, Yoichi; Akashi, Tetsuya; Shindo, Daisuke; Tonomura, Akira

2012-01-01

The magnetic domain structure of the writer poles of perpendicular magnetic recording heads was studied using electron holography. Although the domain structure of a 100-nm-thick writer pole could be observed with a 300 kV transmission electron microscope, that of the 250-nm-thick writer pole could not be analyzed due to the limited transmission capability of the instrument. On the other hand, the detailed domain structure of the 250-nm-thick writer pole was successfully analyzed by a 1 MV electron microscope using its high transmission capability. The thickness and material dependency of the domain structure of a writer pole were discussed.

Attainment of 40.5 pm spatial resolution using 300 kV scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with fifth-order aberration corrector.

PubMed

Morishita, Shigeyuki; Ishikawa, Ryo; Kohno, Yuji; Sawada, Hidetaka; Shibata, Naoya; Ikuhara, Yuichi

2018-02-01

The achievement of a fine electron probe for high-resolution imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy requires technological developments, especially in electron optics. For this purpose, we developed a microscope with a fifth-order aberration corrector that operates at 300 kV. The contrast flat region in an experimental Ronchigram, which indicates the aberration-free angle, was expanded to 70 mrad. By using a probe with convergence angle of 40 mrad in the scanning transmission electron microscope at 300 kV, we attained the spatial resolution of 40.5 pm, which is the projected interatomic distance between Ga-Ga atomic columns of GaN observed along [212] direction.

Optics of high-performance electron microscopes*

PubMed Central

Rose, H H

2008-01-01

During recent years, the theory of charged particle optics together with advances in fabrication tolerances and experimental techniques has lead to very significant advances in high-performance electron microscopes. Here, we will describe which theoretical tools, inventions and designs have driven this development. We cover the basic theory of higher-order electron optics and of image formation in electron microscopes. This leads to a description of different methods to correct aberrations by multipole fields and to a discussion of the most advanced design that take advantage of these techniques. The theory of electron mirrors is developed and it is shown how this can be used to correct aberrations and to design energy filters. Finally, different types of energy filters are described. PMID:27877933

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rau, E. I.; Orlikovskiy, N. A.; Ivanova, E. S.

A new highly efficient design for semiconductor detectors of intermediate-energy electrons (1-50 keV) for application in scanning electron microscopes is proposed. Calculations of the response function of advanced detectors and control experiments show that the efficiency of the developed devices increases on average twofold, which is a significant positive factor in the operation of modern electron microscopes in the mode of low currents and at low primary electron energies.

NIST mixed stain study 3: signal intensity balance in commercial short tandem repeat multiplexes.

PubMed

Duewer, David L; Kline, Margaret C; Redman, Janette W; Butler, John M

2004-12-01

Short-tandem repeat (STR) allelic intensities were collected from more than 60 forensic laboratories for a suite of seven samples as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology-coordinated 2001 Mixed Stain Study 3 (MSS3). These interlaboratory challenge data illuminate the relative importance of intrinsic and user-determined factors affecting the locus-to-locus balance of signal intensities for currently used STR multiplexes. To varying degrees, seven of the eight commercially produced multiplexes used by MSS3 participants displayed very similar patterns of intensity differences among the different loci probed by the multiplexes for all samples, in the hands of multiple analysts, with a variety of supplies and instruments. These systematic differences reflect intrinsic properties of the individual multiplexes, not user-controllable measurement practices. To the extent that quality systems specify minimum and maximum absolute intensities for data acceptability and data interpretation schema require among-locus balance, these intrinsic intensity differences may decrease the utility of multiplex results and surely increase the cost of analysis.

Using the scanning electron microscope on the production line to assure quality semiconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adolphsen, J. W.; Anstead, R. J.

1972-01-01

The use of the scanning electron microscope to detect metallization defects introduced during batch processing of semiconductor devices is discussed. A method of determining metallization integrity was developed which culminates in a procurement specification using the scanning microscope on the production line as a quality control tool. Batch process control of the metallization operation is monitored early in the manufacturing cycle.

Influence of mechanical noise inside a scanning electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gaudenzi de Faria, Marcelo; Haddab, Yassine, E-mail: yassine.haddab@femto-st.fr; Le Gorrec, Yann

The scanning electron microscope is becoming a popular tool to perform tasks that require positioning, manipulation, characterization, and assembly of micro-components. However, some of these applications require a higher level of performance with respect to dynamics and precision of positioning. One limiting factor is the presence of unidentified noises and disturbances. This work aims to study the influence of mechanical disturbances generated by the environment and by the microscope, identifying how these can affect elements in the vacuum chamber. To achieve this objective, a dedicated setup, including a high-resolution vibrometer, was built inside the microscope. This work led to themore » identification and quantification of main disturbances and noise sources acting on a scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the effects of external acoustic excitations were analysed. Potential applications of these results include noise compensation and real-time control for high accuracy tasks.« less

78 FR 5776 - Columbia University, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-28

... 94305. Instrument: Titan 80-300 Environmental Transmission Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Co.../Scanning Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Co., the Netherlands. Intended Use: See notice at 77 FR...

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of synovial sarcoma--a comparative histological-cytological study of 15 cases, including immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cytogenetic examination and DNA-ploidy analysis.

PubMed

Akerman, M; Willén, H; Carlén, B; Mandahl, N; Mertens, F

1996-06-01

A retrospective study of 25 FNAs (11 aspirates from primary tumours and 14 from recurrencies and metastases) from 15 synovial sarcomas was performed. The cytological findings were correlated with the histopathology and the value of immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination as well as DNA-ploidy and cytogenetic analysis for diagnosis were assessed. A reproducible cellular pattern with a reliable diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma was possible provided that the aspirates were cell rich. However, a true biphasic pattern indicative of synovial sarcoma was only seen in one of the 25 specimens. Electron microscopic examination of the aspirates was a valuable adjunctive diagnostic method, whereas immunocytochemistry and DNA-ploidy analysis were not. Immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cytogenetic analysis were all valuable ancillary methods when performed on surgical specimens. Malignant haemangiopericytoma and fibrosarcoma were the most important differential diagnoses in the FNA specimens.

A two-dimensional Dirac fermion microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bøggild, Peter; Caridad, José M.; Stampfer, Christoph; Calogero, Gaetano; Papior, Nick Rübner; Brandbyge, Mads

2017-06-01

The electron microscope has been a powerful, highly versatile workhorse in the fields of material and surface science, micro and nanotechnology, biology and geology, for nearly 80 years. The advent of two-dimensional materials opens new possibilities for realizing an analogy to electron microscopy in the solid state. Here we provide a perspective view on how a two-dimensional (2D) Dirac fermion-based microscope can be realistically implemented and operated, using graphene as a vacuum chamber for ballistic electrons. We use semiclassical simulations to propose concrete architectures and design rules of 2D electron guns, deflectors, tunable lenses and various detectors. The simulations show how simple objects can be imaged with well-controlled and collimated in-plane beams consisting of relativistic charge carriers. Finally, we discuss the potential of such microscopes for investigating edges, terminations and defects, as well as interfaces, including external nanoscale structures such as adsorbed molecules, nanoparticles or quantum dots.

A two-dimensional Dirac fermion microscope

PubMed Central

Bøggild, Peter; Caridad, José M.; Stampfer, Christoph; Calogero, Gaetano; Papior, Nick Rübner; Brandbyge, Mads

2017-01-01

The electron microscope has been a powerful, highly versatile workhorse in the fields of material and surface science, micro and nanotechnology, biology and geology, for nearly 80 years. The advent of two-dimensional materials opens new possibilities for realizing an analogy to electron microscopy in the solid state. Here we provide a perspective view on how a two-dimensional (2D) Dirac fermion-based microscope can be realistically implemented and operated, using graphene as a vacuum chamber for ballistic electrons. We use semiclassical simulations to propose concrete architectures and design rules of 2D electron guns, deflectors, tunable lenses and various detectors. The simulations show how simple objects can be imaged with well-controlled and collimated in-plane beams consisting of relativistic charge carriers. Finally, we discuss the potential of such microscopes for investigating edges, terminations and defects, as well as interfaces, including external nanoscale structures such as adsorbed molecules, nanoparticles or quantum dots. PMID:28598421

Portable Tandem Mass Spectrometer Analyzer

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-07-01

The planned instrument was to be small enough to be portable in small vehicles and was to be able to use either an atmospheric pressure ion source or a...conventional electron impact/chemical ionization ion source. In order to accomplish these developments an atmospheric pressure ionization source was...developed for a compact, commercially available tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer. This ion source could be readily exchanged with the conventional

Scanning Microscopes Using X Rays and Microchannels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Yu

2003-01-01

Scanning microscopes that would be based on microchannel filters and advanced electronic image sensors and that utilize x-ray illumination have been proposed. Because the finest resolution attainable in a microscope is determined by the wavelength of the illumination, the xray illumination in the proposed microscopes would make it possible, in principle, to achieve resolutions of the order of nanometers about a thousand times as fine as the resolution of a visible-light microscope. Heretofore, it has been necessary to use scanning electron microscopes to obtain such fine resolution. In comparison with scanning electron microscopes, the proposed microscopes would likely be smaller, less massive, and less expensive. Moreover, unlike in scanning electron microscopes, it would not be necessary to place specimens under vacuum. The proposed microscopes are closely related to the ones described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles; namely, Miniature Microscope Without Lenses (NPO-20218), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 22, No. 8 (August 1998), page 43; and Reflective Variants of Miniature Microscope Without Lenses (NPO-20610), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 26, No. 9 (September 2002) page 6a. In all of these microscopes, the basic principle of design and operation is the same: The focusing optics of a conventional visible-light microscope are replaced by a combination of a microchannel filter and a charge-coupled-device (CCD) image detector. A microchannel plate containing parallel, microscopic-cross-section holes much longer than they are wide is placed between a specimen and an image sensor, which is typically the CCD. The microchannel plate must be made of a material that absorbs the illuminating radiation reflected or scattered from the specimen. The microchannels must be positioned and dimensioned so that each one is registered with a pixel on the image sensor. Because most of the radiation incident on the microchannel walls becomes absorbed, the radiation that reaches the image sensor consists predominantly of radiation that was launched along the longitudinal direction of the microchannels. Therefore, most of the radiation arriving at each pixel on the sensor must have traveled along a straight line from a corresponding location on the specimen. Thus, there is a one-to-one mapping from a point on a specimen to a pixel in the image sensor, so that the output of the image sensor contains image information equivalent to that from a microscope.

Development of the field of structural physiology

PubMed Central

FUJIYOSHI, Yoshinori

2015-01-01

Electron crystallography is especially useful for studying the structure and function of membrane proteins — key molecules with important functions in neural and other cells. Electron crystallography is now an established technique for analyzing the structures of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers that closely simulate their natural biological environment. Utilizing cryo-electron microscopes with helium-cooled specimen stages that were developed through a personal motivation to understand the functions of neural systems from a structural point of view, the structures of membrane proteins can be analyzed at a higher than 3 Å resolution. This review covers four objectives. First, I introduce the new research field of structural physiology. Second, I recount some of the struggles involved in developing cryo-electron microscopes. Third, I review the structural and functional analyses of membrane proteins mainly by electron crystallography using cryo-electron microscopes. Finally, I discuss multifunctional channels named “adhennels” based on structures analyzed using electron and X-ray crystallography. PMID:26560835

Development of an environmental high-voltage electron microscope for reaction science.

PubMed

Tanaka, Nobuo; Usukura, Jiro; Kusunoki, Michiko; Saito, Yahachi; Sasaki, Katuhiro; Tanji, Takayoshi; Muto, Shunsuke; Arai, Shigeo

2013-02-01

Environmental transmission electron microscopy and ultra-high resolution electron microscopic observation using aberration correctors have recently emerged as topics of great interest. The former method is an extension of the so-called in situ electron microscopy that has been performed since the 1970s. Current research in this area has been focusing on dynamic observation with atomic resolution under gaseous atmospheres and in liquids. Since 2007, Nagoya University has been developing a new 1-MV high voltage (scanning) transmission electron microscope that can be used to observe nanomaterials under conditions that include the presence of gases, liquids and illuminating lights, and it can be also used to perform mechanical operations to nanometre-sized areas as well as electron tomography and elemental analysis by electron energy loss spectroscopy. The new instrument has been used to image and analyse various types of samples including biological ones.

Nucleotide-Specific Contrast for DNA Sequencing by Electron Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Mankos, Marian; Persson, Henrik H J; N'Diaye, Alpha T; Shadman, Khashayar; Schmid, Andreas K; Davis, Ronald W

2016-01-01

DNA sequencing by imaging in an electron microscope is an approach that holds promise to deliver long reads with low error rates and without the need for amplification. Earlier work using transmission electron microscopes, which use high electron energies on the order of 100 keV, has shown that low contrast and radiation damage necessitates the use of heavy atom labeling of individual nucleotides, which increases the read error rates. Other prior work using scattering electrons with much lower energy has shown to suppress beam damage on DNA. Here we explore possibilities to increase contrast by employing two methods, X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopy. Using bulk DNA samples with monomers of each base, both methods are shown to provide contrast mechanisms that can distinguish individual nucleotides without labels. Both spectroscopic techniques can be readily implemented in a low energy electron microscope, which may enable label-free DNA sequencing by direct imaging.

High-resolution electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nathan, R.

1977-01-01

Employing scanning transmission electron microscope as interferometer, relative phases of diffraction maximums can be determined by analysis of dark field images. Synthetic aperture technique and Fourier-transform computer processing of amplitude and phase information provide high resolution images at approximately one angstrom.

75 FR 9867 - University of Pittsburgh, et al

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-04

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration University of Pittsburgh, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of Electron Microscopes This is a...: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: JEOL, Ltd...

Development of a miniature scanning electron microscope for in-flight analysis of comet dust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conley, J. M.; Bradley, J. G.; Giffin, C. E.; Albee, A. L.; Tomassian, A. D.

1983-01-01

A description is presented of an instrument which was developed with the original goal of being flown on the International Comet Mission, scheduled for a 1985 launch. The Scanning Electron Microscope and Particle Analyzer (SEMPA) electron miniprobe is a miniaturized electrostatically focused electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer for in-flight analysis of comet dust particles. It was designed to be flown on board a comet rendezvous spacecraft. Other potential applications are related to asteroid rendezvous and planetary lander missions. According to the development objectives, SEMPA miniprobe is to have the capability for imaging and elemental analysis of particles in the size range of 0.25 microns and larger.

Profiling with the electron microscope.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vedder, J. F.; Lem, H. Y.

1972-01-01

Discussion of a profiling technique using a scanning electron microscope for obtaining depth information on a single micrograph of a small specimen. A stationary electron beam is used to form a series of contamination spots in a line across the specimen. Micrographs obtained by this technique are useful as a means of projection and display where stereo viewers are not practical.

First Clinical Applications of a High-Definition Three-Dimensional Exoscope in Pediatric Neurosurgery.

PubMed

Beez, Thomas; Munoz-Bendix, Christopher; Beseoglu, Kerim; Steiger, Hans-Jakob; Ahmadi, Sebastian A

2018-01-24

The ideal visualization tools in microneurosurgery should provide magnification, illumination, wide fields of view, ergonomics, and unobstructed access to the surgical field. The operative microscope was the predominant innovation in modern neurosurgery. Recently, a high-definition three-dimensional (3D) exoscope was developed. We describe the first applications in pediatric neurosurgery. The VITOM 3D exoscope (Karl Storz GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used in pediatric microneurosurgical operations, along with an OPMI PENTERO operative microscope (Carl Zeiss AG, Jena, Germany). Experiences were retrospectively evaluated with five-level Likert items regarding ease of preparation, image definition, magnification, illumination, field of view, ergonomics, accessibility of the surgical field, and general user-friendliness. Three operations were performed: supratentorial open biopsy in the supine position, infratentorial brain tumor resection in the park bench position, and myelomeningocele closure in the prone position. While preparation and image definition were rated equal for microscope and exoscope, the microscope's field of view, illumination, and user-friendliness were considered superior, while the advantages of the exoscope were seen in ergonomics and the accessibility of the surgical field. No complications attributed to visualization mode occurred. In our experience, the VITOM 3D exoscope is an innovative visualization tool with advantages over the microscope in ergonomics and the accessibility of the surgical field. However, improvements were deemed necessary with regard to field of view, illumination, and user-friendliness. While the debate of a "perfect" visualization modality is influenced by personal preference, this novel visualization device has the potential to become a valuable tool in the neurosurgeon's armamentarium.

Electron temperature differences and double layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, C.; Hershkowitz, N.; Lonngren, K. E.

1983-01-01

Electron temperature differences across plasma double layers are studied experimentally. It is shown that the temperature differences across a double layer can be varied and are not a result of thermalization of the bump-on-tail distribution. The implications of these results for electron thermal energy transport in laser-pellet and tandem-mirror experiments are also discussed.

External control of electron energy distributions in a dual tandem inductively coupled plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lei; Sridhar, Shyam; Zhu, Weiye; Donnelly, Vincent M.; Economou, Demetre J.; Logue, Michael D.; Kushner, Mark J.

2015-08-01

The control of electron energy probability functions (EEPFs) in low pressure partially ionized plasmas is typically accomplished through the format of the applied power. For example, through the use of pulse power, the EEPF can be modulated to produce shapes not possible under continuous wave excitation. This technique uses internal control. In this paper, we discuss a method for external control of EEPFs by transport of electrons between separately powered inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs). The reactor incorporates dual ICP sources (main and auxiliary) in a tandem geometry whose plasma volumes are separated by a grid. The auxiliary ICP is continuously powered while the main ICP is pulsed. Langmuir probe measurements of the EEPFs during the afterglow of the main ICP suggests that transport of hot electrons from the auxiliary plasma provided what is effectively an external source of energetic electrons. The tail of the EEPF and bulk electron temperature were then elevated in the afterglow of the main ICP by this external source of power. Results from a computer simulation for the evolution of the EEPFs concur with measured trends.

Classification of Streptomyces Spore Surfaces into Five Groups

PubMed Central

Dietz, Alma; Mathews, John

1971-01-01

Streptomyces spores surfaces have been classified into five groups, smooth, warty, spiny, hairy, and rugose, by examination of carbon replicas of spores with the transmission electron microscope and by direct examination of spores with the scanning electron microscope. Images PMID:4928607

COLONIAL GROWTH OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM OBSERVED WITH THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

PubMed Central

Shifrine, Moshe; Pangborn, Jack; Adler, Henry E.

1962-01-01

Shifrine, Moshe (University of California, Davis), Jack Pangborn, and Henry E. Adler. Colonial growth of Mycoplasma gallisepticum observed with the electron microscope. J. Bacteriol. 83:187–192. 1962.—Mycoplasma gallisepticum strain S6 was grown on collodion film on solid medium. Samples were removed every few hours, fixed, washed, shadowed, and observed with the electron microscope. Three distinct forms of growth were observed: elementary cells (hexagonally shaped), platycytes, and exoblasts. A tentative mode of growth was postulated. The significance of the angular morphology to the relation between mycoplasmas and L-forms of bacteria is discussed. Images PMID:13911868

In situ electronic probing of semiconducting nanowires in an electron microscope.

PubMed

Fauske, V T; Erlbeck, M B; Huh, J; Kim, D C; Munshi, A M; Dheeraj, D L; Weman, H; Fimland, B O; Van Helvoort, A T J

2016-05-01

For the development of electronic nanoscale structures, feedback on its electronic properties is crucial, but challenging. Here, we present a comparison of various in situ methods for electronically probing single, p-doped GaAs nanowires inside a scanning electron microscope. The methods used include (i) directly probing individual as-grown nanowires with a sharp nano-manipulator, (ii) contacting dispersed nanowires with two metal contacts and (iii) contacting dispersed nanowires with four metal contacts. For the last two cases, we compare the results obtained using conventional ex situ litho-graphy contacting techniques and by in situ, direct-write electron beam induced deposition of a metal (Pt). The comparison shows that 2-probe measurements gives consistent results also with contacts made by electron beam induced deposition, but that for 4-probe, stray deposition can be a problem for shorter nanowires. This comparative study demonstrates that the preferred in situ method depends on the required throughput and reliability. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Transmission electron microscope studies of extraterrestrial materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, Lindsay P.

1995-01-01

Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-Ray spectrometry and electron-energy-loss spectroscopy are used to analyse carbon in interplanetary dust particles. Optical micrographs are shown depicting cross sections of the dust particles embedded in sulphur. Selected-area electron diffraction patterns are shown. Transmission Electron Microscope specimens of lunar soil were prepared using two methods: ion-milling and ultramicrotomy. A combination of high resolution TEM imaging and electron diffraction is used to characterize the opaque assemblages. The opaque assemblages analyzed in this study are dominated by ilmenite with lesser rutile and spinel exsolutions, and traces of Fe metal.

Development of a user-friendly system for image processing of electron microscopy by integrating a web browser and PIONE with Eos.

PubMed

Tsukamoto, Takafumi; Yasunaga, Takuo

2014-11-01

Eos (Extensible object-oriented system) is one of the powerful applications for image processing of electron micrographs. In usual cases, Eos works with only character user interfaces (CUI) under the operating systems (OS) such as OS-X or Linux, not user-friendly. Thus, users of Eos need to be expert at image processing of electron micrographs, and have a little knowledge of computer science, as well. However, all the persons who require Eos does not an expert for CUI. Thus we extended Eos to a web system independent of OS with graphical user interfaces (GUI) by integrating web browser.Advantage to use web browser is not only to extend Eos with GUI, but also extend Eos to work under distributed computational environment. Using Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) technology, we implemented more comfortable user-interface on web browser. Eos has more than 400 commands related to image processing for electron microscopy, and the usage of each command is different from each other. Since the beginning of development, Eos has managed their user-interface by using the interface definition file of "OptionControlFile" written in CSV (Comma-Separated Value) format, i.e., Each command has "OptionControlFile", which notes information for interface and its usage generation. Developed GUI system called "Zephyr" (Zone for Easy Processing of HYpermedia Resources) also accessed "OptionControlFIle" and produced a web user-interface automatically, because its mechanism is mature and convenient,The basic actions of client side system was implemented properly and can supply auto-generation of web-form, which has functions of execution, image preview, file-uploading to a web server. Thus the system can execute Eos commands with unique options for each commands, and process image analysis. There remain problems of image file format for visualization and workspace for analysis: The image file format information is useful to check whether the input/output file is correct and we also need to provide common workspace for analysis because the client is physically separated from a server. We solved the file format problem by extension of rules of OptionControlFile of Eos. Furthermore, to solve workspace problems, we have developed two type of system. The first system is to use only local environments. The user runs a web server provided by Eos, access to a web client through a web browser, and manipulate the local files with GUI on the web browser. The second system is employing PIONE (Process-rule for Input/Output Negotiation Environment), which is our developing platform that works under heterogenic distributed environment. The users can put their resources, such as microscopic images, text files and so on, into the server-side environment supported by PIONE, and so experts can write PIONE rule definition, which defines a workflow of image processing. PIONE run each image processing on suitable computers, following the defined rule. PIONE has the ability of interactive manipulation, and user is able to try a command with various setting values. In this situation, we contribute to auto-generation of GUI for a PIONE workflow.As advanced functions, we have developed a module to log user actions. The logs include information such as setting values in image processing, procedure of commands and so on. If we use the logs effectively, we can get a lot of advantages. For example, when an expert may discover some know-how of image processing, other users can also share logs including his know-hows and so we may obtain recommendation workflow of image analysis, if we analyze logs. To implement social platform of image processing for electron microscopists, we have developed system infrastructure, as well. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Accurate Virus Quantitation Using a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Detector in a Scanning Electron Microscope

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-29

Accurate Virus Quantitation Using a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Detector in a Scanning Electron Microscope Candace D Blancett1...L Norris2, Cynthia A Rossi4 , Pamela J Glass3, Mei G Sun1,* 1 Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious...Diseases (USAMRIID), 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Maryland, 21702 2Biostatistics Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of

Damage-free vibrational spectroscopy of biological materials in the electron microscope

PubMed Central

Rez, Peter; Aoki, Toshihiro; March, Katia; Gur, Dvir; Krivanek, Ondrej L.; Dellby, Niklas; Lovejoy, Tracy C.; Wolf, Sharon G.; Cohen, Hagai

2016-01-01

Vibrational spectroscopy in the electron microscope would be transformative in the study of biological samples, provided that radiation damage could be prevented. However, electron beams typically create high-energy excitations that severely accelerate sample degradation. Here this major difficulty is overcome using an ‘aloof' electron beam, positioned tens of nanometres away from the sample: high-energy excitations are suppressed, while vibrational modes of energies <1 eV can be ‘safely' investigated. To demonstrate the potential of aloof spectroscopy, we record electron energy loss spectra from biogenic guanine crystals in their native state, resolving their characteristic C–H, N–H and C=O vibrational signatures with no observable radiation damage. The technique opens up the possibility of non-damaging compositional analyses of organic functional groups, including non-crystalline biological materials, at a spatial resolution of ∼10 nm, simultaneously combined with imaging in the electron microscope. PMID:26961578

Damage-free vibrational spectroscopy of biological materials in the electron microscope.

PubMed

Rez, Peter; Aoki, Toshihiro; March, Katia; Gur, Dvir; Krivanek, Ondrej L; Dellby, Niklas; Lovejoy, Tracy C; Wolf, Sharon G; Cohen, Hagai

2016-03-10

Vibrational spectroscopy in the electron microscope would be transformative in the study of biological samples, provided that radiation damage could be prevented. However, electron beams typically create high-energy excitations that severely accelerate sample degradation. Here this major difficulty is overcome using an 'aloof' electron beam, positioned tens of nanometres away from the sample: high-energy excitations are suppressed, while vibrational modes of energies <1 eV can be 'safely' investigated. To demonstrate the potential of aloof spectroscopy, we record electron energy loss spectra from biogenic guanine crystals in their native state, resolving their characteristic C-H, N-H and C=O vibrational signatures with no observable radiation damage. The technique opens up the possibility of non-damaging compositional analyses of organic functional groups, including non-crystalline biological materials, at a spatial resolution of ∼10 nm, simultaneously combined with imaging in the electron microscope.

Damage-free vibrational spectroscopy of biological materials in the electron microscope

DOE PAGES

Rez, Peter; Aoki, Toshihiro; March, Katia; ...

2016-03-10

Vibrational spectroscopy in the electron microscope would be transformative in the study of biological samples, provided that radiation damage could be prevented. However, electron beams typically create high-energy excitations that severely accelerate sample degradation. Here this major difficulty is overcome using an ‘aloof’ electron beam, positioned tens of nanometres away from the sample: high-energy excitations are suppressed, while vibrational modes of energies o1 eV can be ‘safely’ investigated. To demonstrate the potential of aloof spectroscopy, we record electron energy loss spectra from biogenic guanine crystals in their native state, resolving their characteristic C–H, N–H and C=O vibrational signatures with nomore » observable radiation damage. Furthermore, the technique opens up the possibility of non-damaging compositional analyses of organic functional groups, including non-crystalline biological materials, at a spatial resolution of ~10nm, simultaneously combined with imaging in the electron microscope.« less

Damage-free vibrational spectroscopy of biological materials in the electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rez, Peter; Aoki, Toshihiro; March, Katia

Vibrational spectroscopy in the electron microscope would be transformative in the study of biological samples, provided that radiation damage could be prevented. However, electron beams typically create high-energy excitations that severely accelerate sample degradation. Here this major difficulty is overcome using an ‘aloof’ electron beam, positioned tens of nanometres away from the sample: high-energy excitations are suppressed, while vibrational modes of energies o1 eV can be ‘safely’ investigated. To demonstrate the potential of aloof spectroscopy, we record electron energy loss spectra from biogenic guanine crystals in their native state, resolving their characteristic C–H, N–H and C=O vibrational signatures with nomore » observable radiation damage. Furthermore, the technique opens up the possibility of non-damaging compositional analyses of organic functional groups, including non-crystalline biological materials, at a spatial resolution of ~10nm, simultaneously combined with imaging in the electron microscope.« less

Design and installation of a multimode microscopy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helm, Johannes P.; Haug, Finn-Mogens S.; Storm, Johan F.; Ottersen, Ole-Petter

2001-04-01

We describe design and installation of a multi-mode microscopy core facility in an environment of varied research activity in life-sciences. The experimentators can select any combination of a) microscopes (upright, upright fixed-stage, inverted), b) microscopy modes (widefield, DIC, IRDIC, widefield epifluorescence, transmission LSM, reflection and fluorescence CLSM, MPLSM), c) imaging techniques (direct observation, video observation, photography, quantitative camera-recording, flying spot scanning), d) auxiliary systems (equipment for live specimen imaging, electrophysiology, time-coordinated laser-scanning and electrophysiology, patch-clamp). The equipment is installed on one large vibration-isolating optical table (3m X 1.5m X 0.3m). Electronics, auxiliary equipment, and a fiber-coupled, remotely controlled Ar+-Kr+ laser are mounted in a rack system fixed to the ceiling. The design of the shelves allows the head of the CSLM to be moved to any of the microscopes without increasing critical cable lengths. At the same time easy access to all the units is preserved. The beam of a Titanium-Sapphire laser, controlled by means of an EOM and a prism GVD, is coupled directly to the microscopes. Three mirrors mounted on a single precision translation table are integrated into the beam steering system so that the beam can easily be redirected to any of the microscopes. All the available instruments can be operated by the educated and trained user. The system is popular among researchers in neuroanatomy, embryology, cell biology, molecular biology - including the study of protein interactions, e.g. by means of FRET, and electrophysiology. Its colocalization with an EM facility promises to provide considerable synergy effects.

U-10Mo Sample Preparation and Examination using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Joshi, Vineet V.; Rhodes, Mark A.

2016-10-01

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to prepare specimens of uranium alloyed with 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) for optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy. This document also provides instructions to set up an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to analyze U-10Mo specimens and to obtain the required information.

U-10Mo Sample Preparation and Examination using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Joshi, Vineet V.; Rhodes, Mark A.

2016-03-30

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to prepare specimens of uranium alloyed with 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) for optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy. This document also provides instructions to set up an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to analyze U-10Mo specimens and to obtain the required information.

A Student-Built Scanning Tunneling Microscope

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ekkens, Tom

2015-01-01

Many introductory and nanotechnology textbooks discuss the operation of various microscopes including atomic force (AFM), scanning tunneling (STM), and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). In a nanotechnology laboratory class, students frequently utilize microscopes to obtain data without a thought about the detailed operation of the tool itself.…

78 FR 2659 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-14

..., 2201 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37235. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Company... St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2024. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI Company, the..., microorganisms, nanomaterials, and chemical compounds. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: There are no...

Toward a Virtual Laboratory to Assess Biodiversity from Data Produced by an Underwater Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaulieu, S.; Ball, M.; Futrelle, J.; Sosik, H. M.

2016-12-01

Real-time data from sensors deployed in the ocean are increasingly available online for broad use by scientists, educators, and the public. Such data have previously been limited to physical parameters, but data for biological parameters are becoming more prevalent with the development of new submersible instruments. Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), for example, automatically and rapidly acquires images of microscopic algae (phytoplankton) at the base of the food web in marine ecosystems. These images and products from image processing and automated classification are accessible via web services from an IFCB dashboard. However, until now, to process these data further into results representing the biodiversity of the phytoplankton required a complex workflow that could only be executed by scientists involved in the instrument development. Also, because these data have been collected near continuously for a decade, a number of "big data" challenges arise in attempting to implement and reproduce the workflow. Our research is geared toward the development of a virtual laboratory to enable other scientists and educators, as new users of data from this underwater microscope, to generate biodiversity data products. Our solution involves an electronic notebook (Jupyter Notebook) that can be re-purposed by users with some Python programming experience. However, when we scaled the virtual laboratory to accommodate a 2-month example time series (thousands of binned files each representing thousands of images), we needed to expand the execution environment to include batch processing outside of the notebook. We will share how we packaged these tools to share with other scientists to perform their own biodiversity assessment from data available on an IFCB dashboard. Additional outcomes of software development in this project include a prototype for time-series visualizations to be generated in near-real-time and recommendations for new products accessible via web services from the IFCB dashboard.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flechsig, U.; Nolting, F.; Fraile Rodriguez, A.

The Surface/Interface: Microscopy beamline of the Swiss Light Source started operation in 2001. In 2007 the beamline has been significantly upgraded with a second refocusing section and a blazed grating optimized for high photon flux. Two Apple II type undulators with a plane grating monochromator using the collimated light scheme deliver photons with an energy from 90eV to about 2keV with variable polarization for the photoemission electron microscope (PEEM) as the primary user station. We measured a focus of (45x60) {mu}m({nu}xh) and a photon flux > 10{sup 12} photon/s for all gratings. Polarization switching within a few seconds is realizedmore » with the small bandpass of the monochromator and a slight detuning of the undulator.« less

Compact Video Microscope Imaging System Implemented in Colloid Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDowell, Mark

2002-01-01

Long description Photographs showing fiber-optic light source, microscope and charge-coupled discharge (CCD) camera head connected to camera body, CCD camera body feeding data to image acquisition board in PC, and Cartesian robot controlled via PC board. The Compact Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) is a diagnostic tool with intelligent controls for use in space, industrial, medical, and security applications. CMIS can be used in situ with a minimum amount of user intervention. This system can scan, find areas of interest in, focus on, and acquire images automatically. Many multiple-cell experiments require microscopy for in situ observations; this is feasible only with compact microscope systems. CMIS is a miniature machine vision system that combines intelligent image processing with remote control. The software also has a user-friendly interface, which can be used independently of the hardware for further post-experiment analysis. CMIS has been successfully developed in the SML Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center and adapted for use for colloid studies and is available for telescience experiments. The main innovations this year are an improved interface, optimized algorithms, and the ability to control conventional full-sized microscopes in addition to compact microscopes. The CMIS software-hardware interface is being integrated into our SML Analysis package, which will be a robust general-purpose image-processing package that can handle over 100 space and industrial applications.

Nicotine delivery from the refill liquid to the aerosol via high-power e-cigarette device.

PubMed

Prévôt, Nathalie; de Oliveira, Fabien; Perinel-Ragey, Sophie; Basset, Thierry; Vergnon, Jean-Michel; Pourchez, Jérémie

2017-06-01

To offer an enhanced and well-controlled nicotine delivery from the refill liquid to the aerosol is a key point to adequately satisfy nicotine cravings using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). A recent high-power ENDS, exhibiting higher aerosol nicotine delivery than older technologies, was used. The particle size distribution was measured using a cascade impactor. The effects of the refill liquid composition on the nicotine content of each size-fraction in the submicron range were investigated. Nicotine was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Particle size distribution of the airborne refill liquid and the aerosol nicotine demonstrated that the nicotine is equally distributed in droplets regardless of their size. Results also proved that the nicotine concentration in aerosol was significantly lower compared to un-puffed refill liquid. A part of the nicotine may be left in the ENDS upon depletion, and consequently a portion of the nicotine may not be transferred to the user. Thus, new generation high-power ENDS associated with propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin (PG/VG) based solvent were very efficient to generate carrier-droplets containing nicotine molecules with a constant concentration. Findings highlighted that a portion of the nicotine in the refill liquid may not be transferred to the user.

Tunneling rates in electron transport through double-barrier molecular junctions in a scanning tunneling microscope

PubMed Central

Nazin, G. V.; Wu, S. W.; Ho, W.

2005-01-01

The scanning tunneling microscope enables atomic-scale measurements of electron transport through individual molecules. Copper phthalocyanine and magnesium porphine molecules adsorbed on a thin oxide film grown on the NiAl(110) surface were probed. The single-molecule junctions contained two tunneling barriers, vacuum gap, and oxide film. Differential conductance spectroscopy shows that electron transport occurs via vibronic states of the molecules. The intensity of spectral peaks corresponding to the individual vibronic states depends on the relative electron tunneling rates through the two barriers of the junction, as found by varying the vacuum gap tunneling rate by changing the height of the scanning tunneling microscope tip above the molecule. A simple, sequential tunneling model explains the observed trends. PMID:15956189

Tunneling rates in electron transport through double-barrier molecular junctions in a scanning tunneling microscope.

PubMed

Nazin, G V; Wu, S W; Ho, W

2005-06-21

The scanning tunneling microscope enables atomic-scale measurements of electron transport through individual molecules. Copper phthalocyanine and magnesium porphine molecules adsorbed on a thin oxide film grown on the NiAl(110) surface were probed. The single-molecule junctions contained two tunneling barriers, vacuum gap, and oxide film. Differential conductance spectroscopy shows that electron transport occurs via vibronic states of the molecules. The intensity of spectral peaks corresponding to the individual vibronic states depends on the relative electron tunneling rates through the two barriers of the junction, as found by varying the vacuum gap tunneling rate by changing the height of the scanning tunneling microscope tip above the molecule. A simple, sequential tunneling model explains the observed trends.

Microcellular nanocomposite injection molding process

Treesearch

Mingjun Yuan; Lih-Sheng Turng; Rick Spindler; Daniel Caulfield; Chris Hunt

2003-01-01

This study aims to explore the processing benefits and property improvements of combining nanocomposites with microcellular injection molding. The molded parts produced based on the Design of Experiments (DOE) matrices were subjected to tensile testing, impact testing, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Dynamic Mechanical...

The microscopic world: A demonstration of electron microscopy for younger students

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, Linda L.

1992-01-01

The purpose is to excite students about the importance of scientific investigation and demonstrate why they should look at things in greater detail, extending beyond superficial examination. The topics covered include: microscopy, scanning electron microscopes, high magnification, and the scientific method.

Nucleotide-Specific Contrast for DNA Sequencing by Electron Spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mankos, Marian; Persson, Henrik H. J.; N’Diaye, Alpha T.

DNA sequencing by imaging in an electron microscope is an approach that holds promise to deliver long reads with low error rates and without the need for amplification. Earlier work using transmission electron microscopes, which use high electron energies on the order of 100 keV, has shown that low contrast and radiation damage necessitates the use of heavy atom labeling of individual nucleotides, which increases the read error rates. Other prior work using scattering electrons with much lower energy has shown to suppress beam damage on DNA. Here we explore possibilities to increase contrast by employing two methods, X-ray photoelectronmore » and Auger electron spectroscopy. Using bulk DNA samples with monomers of each base, both methods are shown to provide contrast mechanisms that can distinguish individual nucleotides without labels. In conclusion, both spectroscopic techniques can be readily implemented in a low energy electron microscope, which may enable label-free DNA sequencing by direct imaging.« less

Nucleotide-Specific Contrast for DNA Sequencing by Electron Spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Mankos, Marian; Persson, Henrik H. J.; N’Diaye, Alpha T.; ...

2016-05-05

DNA sequencing by imaging in an electron microscope is an approach that holds promise to deliver long reads with low error rates and without the need for amplification. Earlier work using transmission electron microscopes, which use high electron energies on the order of 100 keV, has shown that low contrast and radiation damage necessitates the use of heavy atom labeling of individual nucleotides, which increases the read error rates. Other prior work using scattering electrons with much lower energy has shown to suppress beam damage on DNA. Here we explore possibilities to increase contrast by employing two methods, X-ray photoelectronmore » and Auger electron spectroscopy. Using bulk DNA samples with monomers of each base, both methods are shown to provide contrast mechanisms that can distinguish individual nucleotides without labels. In conclusion, both spectroscopic techniques can be readily implemented in a low energy electron microscope, which may enable label-free DNA sequencing by direct imaging.« less

A next generation positron microscope and a survey of candidate samples for future positron studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dull, Terry Lou

A positron microscope has been constructed and is nearing the conclusion of its assembly and testing. The instrument is designed to perform positron and electron microscopy in both scanning and magnifying modes. In scanning mode, a small beam of particles is rastered across the target and the amplitude of a positron or electron related signal is recorded as a function of position. For positrons this signal may come from Doppler Broadening Spectroscopy, Reemitted Positron Spectroscopy or Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy. For electrons this signal may come from the number of secondary electrons or Auger Electron Spectroscopy. In magnifying mode an incident beam of particles is directed onto the target and emitted particles, either secondary electrons or reemitted positrons, are magnified to form an image. As a positron microscope the instrument will primarily operate in magnifying mode, as a positron reemission microscope. As an electron microscope the instrument will be able to operate in both magnifying and scanning modes. Depth-profiled Doppler Broadening Spectroscopy studies using a non-microscopic low-energy positron beam have also been performed on a series of samples to ascertain the applicability of positron spectroscopies and/or microscopy to their study. All samples have sub-micron film and/or feature size and thus are only susceptible to positron study with low-energy beams. Several stoichiometries and crystallinities of chalcogenide thin films (which can be optically reversibly switched between crystalline states) were studied and a correlation was found to exist between the amorphous/FCC S-parameter difference and the amorphous/FCC switching time. Amorphous silicon films were studied in an attempt to observe the well-established Staebler-Wronski effect as well as the more controversial photodilatation effect. However, DBS was not able to detect either effect. The passive oxide films on titanium and aluminum were studied in an attempt to verify the Point Defect Model, a detailed, but as yet microscopically unconfirmed, theory of the corrosive breakdown of passive films. DBS results supportive of the PDM were observed. Graphitic carbon fibers were also studied and DBS indicated the presence of a 200 nm thick outer fiber skin possibly characterized by a high degree of graphitic crystallite alignment.

Microscopic Electron Variations Measured Simultaneously By The Cluster Spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckley, A. M.; Carozzi, T. D.; Gough, M. P.; Beloff, N.

Data is used from the Particle Correlator experiments running on each of the four Cluster spacecraft so as to determine common microscopic behaviour in the elec- tron population observed over the macroscopic Cluster separations. The Cluster par- ticle correlator experiments operate by forming on board Auto Correlation Functions (ACFs) generated from short time series of electron counts obtained, as a function of electron energy, from the PEACE HEEA sensor. The information on the microscopic variation of the electron flux covers the frequency range DC up to 41 kHz (encom- passing typical electron plasma frequencies and electron gyro frequencies and their harmonics), the electron energy range is that covered by the PEACE HEEA sensor (within the range 1 eV to 26 keV). Results are presented of coherent electron struc- tures observed simultaneously by the four spacecraft in the differing plasma interac- tion regions and boundaries encountered by Cluster. As an aid to understanding the plasma interactions, use is made of numerical simulations which model both the un- derlying statistical properties of the electrons and also the manner in which particle correlator experiments operate.

Interference experiment with asymmetric double slit by using 1.2-MV field emission transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Harada, Ken; Akashi, Tetsuya; Niitsu, Kodai; Shimada, Keiko; Ono, Yoshimasa A; Shindo, Daisuke; Shinada, Hiroyuki; Mori, Shigeo

2018-01-17

Advanced electron microscopy technologies have made it possible to perform precise double-slit interference experiments. We used a 1.2-MV field emission electron microscope providing coherent electron waves and a direct detection camera system enabling single-electron detections at a sub-second exposure time. We developed a method to perform the interference experiment by using an asymmetric double-slit fabricated by a focused ion beam instrument and by operating the microscope under a "pre-Fraunhofer" condition, different from the Fraunhofer condition of conventional double-slit experiments. Here, pre-Fraunhofer condition means that each single-slit observation was performed under the Fraunhofer condition, while the double-slit observations were performed under the Fresnel condition. The interference experiments with each single slit and with the asymmetric double slit were carried out under two different electron dose conditions: high-dose for calculation of electron probability distribution and low-dose for each single electron distribution. Finally, we exemplified the distribution of single electrons by color-coding according to the above three types of experiments as a composite image.

Pre-microscope tunnelling — Inspiration or constraint?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walmsley, D. G.

1987-03-01

Before the microscope burst upon the scene, tunnelling had established for itself a substantial niche in the repertoire of the solid state physicist. Over a period of 20 years it has contributed importantly to our understanding of many systems. It elucidated the superconducting state, first by a direct display of the energy gap then by providing detailed information on the phonon spectra and electron-phonon coupling strength in junction electrodes. Its use as a phonon spectrometer was subsequently extended to semiconductors and to the oxides of insulating barriers. Eventually the vibrational spectra of monolayer organic and inorganic adsorbates became amenable with rich scientific rewards. In a few cases electronic transitions have been observed. Plasmon excitation by tunnelling electrons led to insights on the electron loss function in metals at visible frequencies and provided along the way an intriguing light emitting device. With the advent of the microscope it is now appropriate to enquire how much of this experience can profitably be carried over to the new environment. Are we constrained just to repeat the experiments in a new configuration? Happily no. The microscope offers us topographical and spectroscopic information of a new order. One might next ask how great is the contact between the two disciplines? We explore this question and seek to establish where the pre-microscope experience can be helpful in inspiring our use of this marvellous new facility that we know as the scanning tunnelling microscope.

Electronic structure and microscopic model of V(2)GeO(4)F(2)-a quantum spin system with S = 1.

PubMed

Rahaman, Badiur; Saha-Dasgupta, T

2007-07-25

We present first-principles density functional calculations and downfolding studies of the electronic and magnetic properties of the oxide-fluoride quantum spin system V(2)GeO(4)F(2). We discuss explicitly the nature of the exchange paths and provide quantitative estimates of magnetic exchange couplings. A microscopic modelling based on analysis of the electronic structure of this systems puts it in the interesting class of weakly coupled alternating chain S = 1 systems. Based on the microscopic model, we make inferrences about its spin excitation spectra, which needs to be tested by rigorous experimental study.

Miniature self-contained vacuum compatible electronic imaging microscope

DOEpatents

Naulleau, Patrick P.; Batson, Phillip J.; Denham, Paul E.; Jones, Michael S.

2001-01-01

A vacuum compatible CCD-based microscopic camera with an integrated illuminator. The camera can provide video or still feed from the microscope contained within a vacuum chamber. Activation of an optional integral illuminator can provide light to illuminate the microscope subject. The microscope camera comprises a housing with a objective port, modified objective, beam-splitter, CCD camera, and LED illuminator.

Electron Source Brightness and Illumination Semi-Angle Distribution Measurement in a Transmission Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Börrnert, Felix; Renner, Julian; Kaiser, Ute

2018-05-21

The electron source brightness is an important parameter in an electron microscope. Reliable and easy brightness measurement routes are not easily found. A determination method for the illumination semi-angle distribution in transmission electron microscopy is even less well documented. Herein, we report a simple measurement route for both entities and demonstrate it on a state-of-the-art instrument. The reduced axial brightness of the FEI X-FEG with a monochromator was determined to be larger than 108 A/(m2 sr V).

An ultrafast electron microscope gun driven by two-photon photoemission from a nanotip cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bormann, Reiner; Strauch, Stefanie; Schäfer, Sascha, E-mail: schaefer@ph4.physik.uni-goettingen.de

We experimentally and numerically investigate the performance of an advanced ultrafast electron source, based on two-photon photoemission from a tungsten needle cathode incorporated in an electron microscope gun geometry. Emission properties are characterized as a function of the electrostatic gun settings, and operating conditions leading to laser-triggered electron beams of very low emittance (below 20 nm mrad) are identified. The results highlight the excellent suitability of optically driven nano-cathodes for the further development of ultrafast transmission electron microscopy.

A scanning electron microscopy study of the macro-crystalline structure of 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ware, Jacqueline; Hammond, Ernest C., Jr.

1989-01-01

The compound, 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridine, was synthesized in the laboratory; an introductory level electron microscopy study of the macro-crystalline structure was conducted using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structure of these crystals was compared with the macrostructure of the crystal of 2-(2,4-dinitrobenzyl) pyridinium bromide, the hydrobromic salt of the compound which was also synthesized in the laboratory. A scanning electron microscopy crystal study was combined with a study of the principle of the electron microscope.

Electron beam assisted field evaporation of insulating nanowires/tubes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blanchard, N. P., E-mail: nicholas.blanchard@univ-lyon1.fr; Niguès, A.; Choueib, M.

2015-05-11

We demonstrate field evaporation of insulating materials, specifically BN nanotubes and undoped Si nanowires, assisted by a convergent electron beam. Electron irradiation leads to positive charging at the nano-object's apex and to an important increase of the local electric field thus inducing field evaporation. Experiments performed both in a transmission electron microscope and in a scanning electron microscope are presented. This technique permits the selective evaporation of individual nanowires in complex materials. Electron assisted field evaporation could be an interesting alternative or complementary to laser induced field desorption used in atom probe tomography of insulating materials.

The contributions of Otto Scherzer (1909-1982) to the development of the electron microscope.

PubMed

Marko, Michael; Rose, Harald

2010-08-01

Otto Scherzer was one of the pioneers of theoretical electron optics. He was coauthor of the first comprehensive book on electron optics and was the first to understand that round electron lenses could not be combined to correct aberrations, as is the case in light optics. He subsequently was the first to describe several alternative means to correct spherical and chromatic aberration of electron lenses. These ideas were put into practice by his laboratory and students at Darmstadt and their successors, leading to the fully corrected electron microscopes now in operation.

Speeding up the screening of steroids in urine: development of a user-friendly library.

PubMed

Galesio, M; López-Fdez, H; Reboiro-Jato, M; Gómez-Meire, Silvana; Glez-Peña, D; Fdez-Riverola, F; Lodeiro, Carlos; Diniz, M E; Capelo, J L

2013-12-11

This work presents a novel database search engine - MLibrary - designed to assist the user in the detection and identification of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) and its metabolites by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and mass spectrometry-based strategies. The detection of the AAS in the samples was accomplished by searching (i) the mass spectrometric (MS) spectra against the library developed to identify possible positives and (ii) by comparison of the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) spectra produced after fragmentation of the possible positives with a complete set of spectra that have previously been assigned to the software. The urinary screening for anabolic agents plays a major role in anti-doping laboratories as they represent the most abused drug class in sports. With the help of the MLibrary software application, the use of MALDI techniques for doping control is simplified and the time for evaluation and interpretation of the results is reduced. To do so, the search engine takes as input several MALDI-TOF-MS and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS spectra. It aids the researcher in an automatic mode by identifying possible positives in a single MS analysis and then confirming their presence in tandem MS analysis by comparing the experimental tandem mass spectrometric data with the database. Furthermore, the search engine can, potentially, be further expanded to other compounds in addition to AASs. The applicability of the MLibrary tool is shown through the analysis of spiked urine samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Single P-N junction tandem photovoltaic device

DOEpatents

Walukiewicz, Wladyslaw [Kensington, CA; Ager, III, Joel W.; Yu, Kin Man [Lafayette, CA

2012-03-06

A single P-N junction solar cell is provided having two depletion regions for charge separation while allowing the electrons and holes to recombine such that the voltages associated with both depletion regions of the solar cell will add together. The single p-n junction solar cell includes an alloy of either InGaN or InAlN formed on one side of the P-N junction with Si formed on the other side in order to produce characteristics of a two junction (2J) tandem solar cell through only a single P-N junction. A single P-N junction solar cell having tandem solar cell characteristics will achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 30%.

Single P-N junction tandem photovoltaic device

DOEpatents

Walukiewicz, Wladyslaw [Kensington, CA; Ager, III, Joel W.; Yu, Kin Man [Lafayette, CA

2011-10-18

A single P-N junction solar cell is provided having two depletion regions for charge separation while allowing the electrons and holes to recombine such that the voltages associated with both depletion regions of the solar cell will add together. The single p-n junction solar cell includes an alloy of either InGaN or InAlN formed on one side of the P-N junction with Si formed on the other side in order to produce characteristics of a two junction (2J) tandem solar cell through only a single P-N junction. A single P-N junction solar cell having tandem solar cell characteristics will achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 30%.

Charge generation layers for solution processed tandem organic light emitting diodes with regular device architecture.

PubMed

Höfle, Stefan; Bernhard, Christoph; Bruns, Michael; Kübel, Christian; Scherer, Torsten; Lemmer, Uli; Colsmann, Alexander

2015-04-22

Tandem organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) utilizing fluorescent polymers in both sub-OLEDs and a regular device architecture were fabricated from solution, and their structure and performance characterized. The charge carrier generation layer comprised a zinc oxide layer, modified by a polyethylenimine interface dipole, for electron injection and either MoO3, WO3, or VOx for hole injection into the adjacent sub-OLEDs. ToF-SIMS investigations and STEM-EDX mapping verified the distinct functional layers throughout the layer stack. At a given device current density, the current efficiencies of both sub-OLEDs add up to a maximum of 25 cd/A, indicating a properly working tandem OLED.

Production of multicharged metal ion beams on the first stage of tandem-type ECRIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hagino, Shogo, E-mail: hagino@nf.eie.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Nagaya, Tomoki; Nishiokada, Takuya

2016-02-15

Multicharged metal ion beams are required to be applied in a wide range of fields. We aim at synthesizing iron-endohedral fullerene by transporting iron ion beams from the first stage into the fullerene plasma in the second stage of the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). We developed new evaporators by using a direct ohmic heating method and a radiation heating method from solid state pure metal materials. We investigate their properties in the test chamber and produce iron ions on the first stage of the tandem-type ECRIS. As a result, we were successful in extracting Fe{sup +} ionmore » beams from the first stage and introducing Fe{sup +} ion beams to the second stage. We will try synthesizing iron-endohedral fullerene on the tandem-type ECRIS by using these evaporators.« less

Perovskite-perovskite tandem photovoltaics with optimized band gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eperon, Giles E.; Leijtens, Tomas; Bush, Kevin A.; Prasanna, Rohit; Green, Thomas; Wang, Jacob Tse-Wei; McMeekin, David P.; Volonakis, George; Milot, Rebecca L.; May, Richard; Palmstrom, Axel; Slotcavage, Daniel J.; Belisle, Rebecca A.; Patel, Jay B.; Parrott, Elizabeth S.; Sutton, Rebecca J.; Ma, Wen; Moghadam, Farhad; Conings, Bert; Babayigit, Aslihan; Boyen, Hans-Gerd; Bent, Stacey; Giustino, Feliciano; Herz, Laura M.; Johnston, Michael B.; McGehee, Michael D.; Snaith, Henry J.

2016-11-01

We demonstrate four- and two-terminal perovskite-perovskite tandem solar cells with ideally matched band gaps. We develop an infrared-absorbing 1.2-electron volt band-gap perovskite, FA0.75Cs0.25Sn0.5Pb0.5I3, that can deliver 14.8% efficiency. By combining this material with a wider-band gap FA0.83Cs0.17Pb(I0.5Br0.5)3 material, we achieve monolithic two-terminal tandem efficiencies of 17.0% with >1.65-volt open-circuit voltage. We also make mechanically stacked four-terminal tandem cells and obtain 20.3% efficiency. Notably, we find that our infrared-absorbing perovskite cells exhibit excellent thermal and atmospheric stability, not previously achieved for Sn-based perovskites. This device architecture and materials set will enable “all-perovskite” thin-film solar cells to reach the highest efficiencies in the long term at the lowest costs.

Modeling and designing multilayer 2D perovskite / silicon bifacial tandem photovoltaics for high efficiencies and long-term stability.

PubMed

Chung, Haejun; Sun, Xingshu; Mohite, Aditya D; Singh, Rahul; Kumar, Lokendra; Alam, Muhammad A; Bermel, Peter

2017-04-17

A key challenge in photovoltaics today is to develop cell technologies with both higher efficiencies and lower fabrication costs than incumbent crystalline silicon (c-Si) single-junction cells. While tandem cells have higher efficiencies than c-Si alone, it is generally challenging to find a low-cost, high-performance material to pair with c-Si. However, the recent emergence of 22% efficient perovskite photovoltaics has created a tremendous opportunity for high-performance, low-cost perovskite / crystalline silicon tandem photovoltaic cells. Nonetheless, two key challenges remain. First, integrating perovskites into tandem structures has not yet been demonstrated to yield performance exceeding commercially available crystalline silicon modules. Second, the stability of perovskites is inconsistent with the needs of most end-users, who install photovoltaic modules to produce power for 25 years or more. Making these cells viable thus requires innovation in materials processing, device design, fabrication, and yield. We will address these two gaps in the photovoltaic literature by investigating new types of 2D perovskite materials with n-butylammonium spacer layers, and integrating these materials into bifacial tandem solar cells providing at least 30% normalized power production. We find that an optimized 2D perovskite ((BA)₂(MA)₃(Sn_0.6Pb_0.4)₄I₁₃)/silicon bifacial tandem cell, given a globally average albedo of 30%, yields a normalized power production of 30.31%, which should be stable for extended time periods without further change in materials or encapsulation.

Generating 3D and 3D-like animations of strongly uneven surface microareas of bloodstains from small series of partially out-of-focus digital SEM micrographs.

PubMed

Hortolà, Policarp

2010-01-01

When dealing with microscopic still images of some kinds of samples, the out-of-focus problem represents a particularly serious limiting factor for the subsequent generation of fully sharp 3D animations. In order to produce fully-focused 3D animations of strongly uneven surface microareas, a vertical stack of six digital secondary-electron SEM micrographs of a human bloodstain microarea was acquired. Afterwards, single combined images were generated using a macrophotography and light microscope image post-processing software. Subsequently, 3D animations of texture and topography were obtained in different formats using a combination of software tools. Finally, a 3D-like animation of a texture-topography composite was obtained in different formats using another combination of software tools. By one hand, results indicate that the use of image post-processing software not concerned primarily with electron micrographs allows to obtain, in an easy way, fully-focused images of strongly uneven surface microareas of bloodstains from small series of partially out-of-focus digital SEM micrographs. On the other hand, results also indicate that such small series of electron micrographs can be utilized for generating 3D and 3D-like animations that can subsequently be converted into different formats, by using certain user-friendly software facilities not originally designed for use in SEM, that are easily available from Internet. Although the focus of this study was on bloodstains, the methods used in it well probably are also of relevance for studying the surface microstructures of other organic or inorganic materials whose sharp displaying is difficult of obtaining from a single SEM micrograph.

Application of automatic image analysis for morphometric studies of peroxisomes stained cytochemically for catalase. II. Light-microscopic application.

PubMed

Beier, K; Fahimi, H D

1987-01-01

The feasibility of the application of a television-based image analyzer, the Texture Analysis System (TAS, Leitz Wetzlar, FRG) in conjunction with a light microscope for morphometric studies of hepatic peroxisomes has been investigated. Rat liver peroxisomes were stained with the alkaline-DAB method for localization of catalase and semithin (0.25 and 1 micron) sections of plastic-embedded material were examined under an oil immersion objective. The TAS detected the peroxisomal profiles selectively and determined their morphometric parameters automatically. The same parameters were obtained also by morphometric analysis of electron micrographs from the same material. The volume density of peroxisomes determined by TAS in semithin sections of normal liver, after correction for section thickness, is quite close to the corresponding value obtained by morphometry of electron micrographs. The difference is approximately 20%. In animals treated with the hypolipidemic drug bezafibrate, which causes proliferation of peroxisomes, TAS detected readily the increase in volume density of peroxisomes in semithin sections. In comparison with electron microscopy, however, the light-microscopic approach seems to underestimate the proliferation. The lower resolution of the light microscope and overlapping of neighbouring particles in relatively thick sections used for light-microscopic analysis may account for the differences. The present study has demonstrated the usefulness of automatic image analysis in conjunction with selective cytochemical staining of peroxisomes for morphometry of this organelle in rat liver. The light-microscopic approach is not only faster but is also extremely economical by obviating the use of an electron microscope.

Electron beam induced deposition of silicon nanostructures from a liquid phase precursor.

PubMed

Liu, Yin; Chen, Xin; Noh, Kyong Wook; Dillon, Shen J

2012-09-28

This work demonstrates electron beam induced deposition of silicon from a SiCl(4) liquid precursor in a transmission electron microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Silicon nanodots of tunable size are reproducibly grown in controlled geometries. The volume of these features increases linearly with deposition time. The results indicate that secondary electrons generated at the substrate surface serve as the primary source of silicon reduction. However, at high current densities the influence of the primary electrons is observed to retard growth. The results demonstrate a new approach to fabricating silicon nanostructures and provide fundamental insights into the mechanism for liquid phase electron beam induced deposition.

Electron beam induced deposition of silicon nanostructures from a liquid phase precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yin; Chen, Xin; Noh, Kyong Wook; Dillon, Shen J.

2012-09-01

This work demonstrates electron beam induced deposition of silicon from a SiCl4 liquid precursor in a transmission electron microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Silicon nanodots of tunable size are reproducibly grown in controlled geometries. The volume of these features increases linearly with deposition time. The results indicate that secondary electrons generated at the substrate surface serve as the primary source of silicon reduction. However, at high current densities the influence of the primary electrons is observed to retard growth. The results demonstrate a new approach to fabricating silicon nanostructures and provide fundamental insights into the mechanism for liquid phase electron beam induced deposition.

Transmission Electron Microscope Measures Lattice Parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pike, William T.

1996-01-01

Convergent-beam microdiffraction (CBM) in thermionic-emission transmission electron microscope (TEM) is technique for measuring lattice parameters of nanometer-sized specimens of crystalline materials. Lattice parameters determined by use of CBM accurate to within few parts in thousand. Technique developed especially for use in quantifying lattice parameters, and thus strains, in epitaxial mismatched-crystal-lattice multilayer structures in multiple-quantum-well and other advanced semiconductor electronic devices. Ability to determine strains in indivdual layers contributes to understanding of novel electronic behaviors of devices.

Ponderomotive phase plate for transmission electron microscopes

DOEpatents

Reed, Bryan W [Livermore, CA

2012-07-10

A ponderomotive phase plate system and method for controllably producing highly tunable phase contrast transfer functions in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for high resolution and biological phase contrast imaging. The system and method includes a laser source and a beam transport system to produce a focused laser crossover as a phase plate, so that a ponderomotive potential of the focused laser crossover produces a scattering-angle-dependent phase shift in the electrons of the post-sample electron beam corresponding to a desired phase contrast transfer function.

In situ flat embedding of monolayers and cell relocation in the acrylic resin LR white for comparative light and electron microscopy studies.

PubMed

Steiner, M; Schöfer, C; Mosgoeller, W

1994-12-01

A simple and reliable method has been developed for the in situ LR White embedding of cell monolayers grown on glass cover-slips. Combined with cytochemical or immunological procedures, this technique allows light and/or electron microscopy investigations of a large number of cells in the same horizontal plane within a relatively short period of time. It can be applied to cells grown on microgrid finder cover-slips which allows a distinct site of even an individual cell of a monolayer to be studied at first at the light microscope level and subsequently at the electron microscope level. Hence, it is also suitable for controlling manipulation of single cells, followed by their serial sectioning after relocation in the electron microscope.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This electron microscope image shows extremely tiny tubular structures that are possible microscopic fossils of bacteria-like organisms that may have lived on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00285

Mars Life? - Microscopic Egg-shaped Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This electron microscope image shows egg-shaped structures, some of which may be possible microscopic fossils of Martian origin as discussed by NASA research published in the Aug. 16, 1996. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00286

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL PARTICLES AT A RURAL SITE IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

To determine the nature of aerosol particles in a rural area of the eastern United States, aerosol samples were collected at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, on various substrates and analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). SEM ana...

Characterization of calcium crystals in Abelia using x-ray diffraction and electron microscopes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Localization, chemical composition, and morphology of calcium crystals in leaves and stems of Abelia mosanensis and A. ×grandiflora were analyzed with a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM) equipped with an X-ray diffraction system, low temperature SEM (LT-SEM) and a transmission ...

77 FR 33422 - The Regents of the University of California, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-06

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration The Regents of the University of...: Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: FEI.... Applicant: The Regents of the University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720. Instrument: Electron Microscope...

Neuroanatomy from Mesoscopic to Nanoscopic Scales: An Improved Method for the Observation of Semithin Sections by High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Rodríguez, José-Rodrigo; Turégano-López, Marta; DeFelipe, Javier; Merchán-Pérez, Angel

2018-01-01

Semithin sections are commonly used to examine large areas of tissue with an optical microscope, in order to locate and trim the regions that will later be studied with the electron microscope. Ideally, the observation of semithin sections would be from mesoscopic to nanoscopic scales directly, instead of using light microscopy and then electron microscopy (EM). Here we propose a method that makes it possible to obtain high-resolution scanning EM images of large areas of the brain in the millimeter to nanometer range. Since our method is compatible with light microscopy, it is also feasible to generate hybrid light and electron microscopic maps. Additionally, the same tissue blocks that have been used to obtain semithin sections can later be used, if necessary, for transmission EM, or for focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). PMID:29568263

Neuroanatomy from Mesoscopic to Nanoscopic Scales: An Improved Method for the Observation of Semithin Sections by High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Rodríguez, José-Rodrigo; Turégano-López, Marta; DeFelipe, Javier; Merchán-Pérez, Angel

2018-01-01

Semithin sections are commonly used to examine large areas of tissue with an optical microscope, in order to locate and trim the regions that will later be studied with the electron microscope. Ideally, the observation of semithin sections would be from mesoscopic to nanoscopic scales directly, instead of using light microscopy and then electron microscopy (EM). Here we propose a method that makes it possible to obtain high-resolution scanning EM images of large areas of the brain in the millimeter to nanometer range. Since our method is compatible with light microscopy, it is also feasible to generate hybrid light and electron microscopic maps. Additionally, the same tissue blocks that have been used to obtain semithin sections can later be used, if necessary, for transmission EM, or for focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM).

Variations in contrast of scanning electron microscope images for microstructure analysis of Si-based semiconductor materials.

PubMed

Itakura, Masaru; Kuwano, Noriyuki; Sato, Kaoru; Tachibana, Shigeaki

2010-08-01

Image contrasts of Si-based semiconducting materials have been investigated by using the latest scanning electron microscope with various detectors under a range of experimental conditions. Under a very low accelerating voltage (500 V), we obtained a good image contrast between crystalline SiGe whiskers and the amorphous matrix using an in-lens secondary electron (SE) detector, while the conventional topographic SE image and the compositional backscattered electron (BSE) image gave no distinct contrast. By using an angular-selective BSE (AsB) detector for wide-angle scattered BSE, on the other hand, the crystal grains in amorphous matrix can be clearly visualized as 'channelling contrast'. The image contrast is very similar to that of their transmission electron microscope image. The in-lens SE (true SE falling dots SE1) and the AsB (channelling) contrasts are quite useful to distinguish crystalline parts from amorphous ones.

Dynamic imaging with electron microscopy

ScienceCinema

Campbell, Geoffrey; McKeown, Joe; Santala, Melissa

2018-02-13

Livermore researchers have perfected an electron microscope to study fast-evolving material processes and chemical reactions. By applying engineering, microscopy, and laser expertise to the decades-old technology of electron microscopy, the dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM) team has developed a technique that can capture images of phenomena that are both very small and very fast. DTEM uses a precisely timed laser pulse to achieve a short but intense electron beam for imaging. When synchronized with a dynamic event in the microscope's field of view, DTEM allows scientists to record and measure material changes in action. A new movie-mode capability, which earned a 2013 R&D 100 Award from R&D Magazine, uses up to nine laser pulses to sequentially capture fast, irreversible, even one-of-a-kind material changes at the nanometer scale. DTEM projects are advancing basic and applied materials research, including such areas as nanostructure growth, phase transformations, and chemical reactions.

Energy-filtered real- and k-space secondary and energy-loss electron imaging with Dual Emission Electron spectro-Microscope: Cs/Mo(110).

PubMed

Grzelakowski, Krzysztof P

2016-05-01

Since its introduction the importance of complementary k||-space (LEED) and real space (LEEM) information in the investigation of surface science phenomena has been widely demonstrated over the last five decades. In this paper we report the application of a novel kind of electron spectromicroscope Dual Emission Electron spectroMicroscope (DEEM) with two independent electron optical channels for reciprocal and real space quasi-simultaneous imaging in investigation of a Cs covered Mo(110) single crystal by using the 800eV electron beam from an "in-lens" electron gun system developed for the sample illumination. With the DEEM spectromicroscope it is possible to observe dynamic, irreversible processes at surfaces in the energy-filtered real space and in the corresponding energy-filtered kǁ-space quasi-simultaneously in two independent imaging columns. The novel concept of the high energy electron beam sample illumination in the cathode lens based microscopes allows chemically selective imaging and analysis under laboratory conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Argonne Physics Division - ATLAS

Science.gov Websites

Strategic Plan (2014) ATLAS Gus Savard Guy Savard, Director of ATLAS Welcome to ATLAS, the Argonne Tandem users. ATLAS mission statement and strategic plan guide the operation of the facility. The strategic plan defines the facilities main goals and is aligned with the US Nuclear Physics long-range plan

Does your SEM really tell the truth?--How would you know? Part 1.

PubMed

Postek, Michael T; Vladár, András E

2013-01-01

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has gone through a tremendous evolution to become a critical tool for many and diverse scientific and industrial applications. The high resolution of the SEM is especially suited for both qualitative and quantitative applications especially for nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing. Quantitatively, measurement, or metrology is one of the main uses. It is likely that one of the first questions asked before even the first scanning electron micrograph was ever recorded was: "… how big is that?" The quality of that answer has improved a great deal over the past few years especially since today these instruments are being used as a primary measurement tool on semiconductor processing lines to monitor the manufacturing processes. The well-articulated needs of semiconductor production prompted a rapid evolution of the instrument and its capabilities. Over the past 20 years or so, instrument manufacturers, through substantial semiconductor industry investment of research and development (R&D) money, have vastly improved the performance of these instruments. All users have benefited from this investment, especially where quantitative measurements with an SEM are concerned. But, how good are these data? This article discusses some of the most important aspects and larger issues associated with imaging and measurements with the SEM that every user should know, and understand before any critical quantitative work is attempted. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Miniature fiber optic spectrometer-based quantitative fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurement in single living cells.

PubMed

Chai, Liuying; Zhang, Jianwei; Zhang, Lili; Chen, Tongsheng

2015-03-01

Spectral measurement of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), spFRET, is a widely used FRET quantification method in living cells today. We set up a spectrometer-microscope platform that consists of a miniature fiber optic spectrometer and a widefield fluorescence microscope for the spectral measurement of absolute FRET efficiency (E) and acceptor-to-donor concentration ratio (R(C)) in single living cells. The microscope was used for guiding cells and the spectra were simultaneously detected by the miniature fiber optic spectrometer. Moreover, our platform has independent excitation and emission controllers, so different excitations can share the same emission channel. In addition, we developed a modified spectral FRET quantification method (mlux-FRET) for the multiple donors and multiple acceptors FRET construct (mD∼nA) sample, and we also developed a spectra-based 2-channel acceptor-sensitized FRET quantification method (spE-FRET). We implemented these modified FRET quantification methods on our platform to measure the absolute E and R(C) values of tandem constructs with different acceptor/donor stoichiometries in single living Huh-7 cells.

Development of a secondary electron energy analyzer for a transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Magara, Hideyuki; Tomita, Takeshi; Kondo, Yukihito; Sato, Takafumi; Akase, Zentaro; Shindo, Daisuke

2018-04-01

A secondary electron (SE) energy analyzer was developed for a transmission electron microscope. The analyzer comprises a microchannel plate (MCP) for detecting electrons, a coil for collecting SEs emitted from the specimen, a tube for reducing the number of backscattered electrons incident on the MCP, and a retarding mesh for selecting the energy of SEs incident on the MCP. The detection of the SEs associated with charging phenomena around a charged specimen was attempted by performing electron holography and SE spectroscopy using the energy analyzer. The results suggest that it is possible to obtain the energy spectra of SEs using the analyzer and the charging states of a specimen by electron holography simultaneously.

Structural analysis of ion-implanted chemical-vapor-deposited diamond by transmission electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, N.; Deguchi, M.; Wang, C. L.; Won, J. H.; Jeon, H. M.; Mori, Y.; Hatta, A.; Kitabatake, M.; Ito, T.; Hirao, T.; Sasaki, T.; Hiraki, A.

1997-04-01

A transmission electron microscope (TEM) study of ion-implanted chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) diamond is presented. CVD diamond used for transmission electron microscope observation was directly deposited onto Mo TEM grids. As-deposited specimens were irradiated by C (100 keV) ions at room temperature with a wide range of implantation doses (10 12-10 17/cm 2). Transmission electron diffraction (TED) patterns indicate that there exists a critical dose ( Dc) for the onset of amorphization of CVD diamond as a result of ion induced damage and the value of critical dose is confirmed to be about 3 × 10 15/cm 2. The ion-induced transformation process is clearly revealed by high resolution electron microscope (HREM) images. For a higher dose implantation (7 × 10 15/cm 2) a large amount of diamond phase is transformed into amorphous carbon and many tiny misoriented diamond blocks are found to be left in the amorphous solid. The average size of these misoriented diamond blocks is only about 1-2 nm. Further bombardment (10 17/cm 2) almost kills all of the diamond phase within the irradiated volume and moreover leads to local formation of micropolycrystalline graphite.

An investigation of nitride precipitates in archaeological iron artefacts from Poland.

PubMed

Kedzierski, Z; Stepiński, J; Zielińska-Lipiec, A

2010-03-01

The paper describes the investigations of nitride precipitates in a spearhead and a sword found in the territory of Poland, in cremation graveyards of the Przeworsk Culture, dated to the Roman Period. Three different techniques of the examination of nitride precipitates were employed: optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer) and transmission electron microscope. Two types of precipitates have been observed, and their plate-like shape was demonstrated. The large precipitate has been confirmed to be gamma'-Fe(4)N, whereas the small one has been identified as alpha''-Fe(16)N(2). The origin of nitride precipitates in archaeological iron artefacts from Poland is probably a result of the manufacturing process or cremation as part of burial rites. An examination of available iron artefacts indicates that nitride precipitates (have only limited effect on mechanical properties) influence the hardness of metal only to a very limited degree.

High performance and thermally stable tandem solar selective absorber coating for concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, M. Shiva; Kumar, K. K. Phani; Atchuta, S. R.; Sobha, B.; Sakthivel, S.

2018-05-01

A novel tandem absorber system (Mn-Cu-Co-Ox-ZrO2/SiO2) developed on an austenitic stainless steel (SS-304) substrate to show an excellent optical performance (αsol: 0.96; ɛ: 0.23@500 °C). In order to achieve this durable tandem, we experimented with two antireflective layers such as ZrO2-SiO2 and nano SiO2 layer on top of Mn-Cu-Co-Ox-ZrO2 layer. We optimized the thickness of antireflective layers to get good tandem system in terms of solar absorptance and emittance. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-Vis-NIR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the developed coatings. Finally, the Mn-Cu-Co-Ox-ZrO2/SiO2 exhibits high temperature resistance up to 800 °C, thus allow an increase in the operating temperature of CSP which may lead to high efficiency. We successfully developed a high temperature resistant tandem layer with easy manufacturability at low cost which is an attractive candidate for concentrated solar power generation (CSP).

A high fusion power gain tandem mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowler, T. K.; Moir, R. W.; Simonen, T. C.

2017-10-01

Utilizing advances in high field superconducting magnet technology and microwave gyrotrons we illustrate the possibility of a high power gain (Q = 10-20) tandem mirror fusion reactor. Inspired by recent Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT) achievements we employ a simple axisymmetric mirror magnet configuration. We consider both DT and cat. DD fuel options that utilize existing as well as future technology development. We identify subjects requiring further study such as hot electron physics, trapped particle modes and plasma startup.

Electron-irradiated two-terminal, monolithic InP/Ga0.47In0.53As tandem solar cells and annealing of radiation damage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cotal, H. L.; Walters, Robert J.; Summers, Geoffrey P.; Messenger, Scott R.

1994-01-01

Radiation damage results from two-terminal monolithic InP/Ga(0.47)In(0.53)As tandem solar cells subject to 1 MeV electron irradiation are presented. Efficiencies greater than 22 percent have been measured by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory from 2x2 sq cm cells at 1 sun, AMO (25 C). The short circuit current density, open circuit voltage and fill factor are found to tolerate the same amount of radiation at low fluences. At high fluence levels, slight differences are observed. Decreasing the base amount of radiation at the Ga(0.47)In(0.53)As bottomcell improved the radiation resistance of J(sub sc) dramatically. This is turn, extended the series current flow through the subcell substantially up to a fluence of 3x10(exp 15) cm(exp -2) compared to 3x10(exp 14) cm(exp -2), as observed previously. The degradation of the maximum power output form tandem device is comparable to that from shallow homojunction (SHJ) InP solar cells, and the mechanism responsible for such degradation is explained in terms of the radiation response of the component cells. Annealing studies revealed that the recovery of the tandem cell response is dictated by the annealing characteristics exhibited by SHJ InP solar cells.

Aberration corrected 1.2-MV cold field-emission transmission electron microscope with a sub-50-pm resolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Akashi, Tetsuya; Takahashi, Yoshio; Tanigaki, Toshiaki, E-mail: toshiaki.tanigaki.mv@hitachi.com

2015-02-16

Atomic-resolution electromagnetic field observation is critical to the development of advanced materials and to the unveiling of their fundamental physics. For this purpose, a spherical-aberration corrected 1.2-MV cold field-emission transmission electron microscope has been developed. The microscope has the following superior properties: stabilized accelerating voltage, minimized electrical and mechanical fluctuation, and coherent electron emission. These properties have enabled to obtain 43-pm information transfer. On the bases of these performances, a 43-pm resolution has been obtained by correcting lens aberrations up to the third order. Observations of GaN [411] thin crystal showed a projected atomic locations with a separation of 44 pm.

Indentation-Enabled In Situ Mechanical Characterization of Micro/Nanopillars in Electron Microscopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qiang; Fu, Xidan; Guo, Xiaolei; Liu, Zhiying; Shi, Yan; Zhang, Di

2018-04-01

Indentation-enabled micro/nanomechanical characterization of small-scale specimens provides powerful new tools for probing materials properties that were once unattainable by conventional experimental methods. Recent advancement in instrumentation further allows mechanical testing to be carried out in situ in electron microscopes, with high spatial and temporal resolution. This review discusses the recent development of nanoindentation-enabled in situ mechanical testing in electron microscopes, with an emphasis on the study of micro/nanopillars. Focus is given to novel applications beyond simple compressive and tensile testing that have been developed in the past few years, and limitations and possible future research directions in this field are proposed and discussed.

Spin microscope based on optically detected magnetic resonance

DOEpatents

Berman, Gennady P [Los Alamos, NM; Chernobrod, Boris M [Los Alamos, NM

2010-06-29

The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of unpaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Spin microscope based on optically detected magnetic resonance

DOEpatents

Berman, Gennady P.; Chernobrod, Boris M.

2009-11-10

The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of impaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Spin microscope based on optically detected magnetic resonance

DOEpatents

Berman, Gennady P.; Chernobrod, Boris M.

2007-12-11

The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of unpaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Spin microscope based on optically detected magnetic resonance

DOEpatents

Berman, Gennady P [Los Alamos, NM; Chernobrod, Boris M [Los Alamos, NM

2010-07-13

The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of unpaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Spin microscope based on optically detected magnetic resonance

DOEpatents

Berman, Gennady P [Los Alamos, NM; Chernobrod, Boris M [Los Alamos, NM

2009-10-27

The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of unpaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Atomic force microscopic imaging of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Balamuthia mandrillaris trophozoites and cysts.

PubMed

Aqeel, Yousuf; Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah; Ateeq, Muhammad; Raza Shah, Muhammad; Kulsoom, Huma; Khan, Naveed Ahmed

2015-01-01

Light microscopy and electron microscopy have been successfully used in the study of microbes, as well as free-living protists. Unlike light microscopy, which enables us to observe living organisms or the electron microscope which provides a two-dimensional image, atomic force microscopy provides a three-dimensional surface profile. Here, we observed two free-living amoebae, Acanthamoeba castellanii and Balamuthia mandrillaris under the phase contrast inverted microscope, transmission electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Although light microscopy was of lower magnification, it revealed functional biology of live amoebae such as motility and osmoregulation using contractile vacuoles of the trophozoite stage, but it is of limited value in defining the cyst stage. In contrast, transmission electron microscopy showed significantly greater magnification and resolution to reveal the ultra-structural features of trophozoites and cysts including intracellular organelles and cyst wall characteristics but it only produced a snapshot in time of a dead amoeba cell. Atomic force microscopy produced three-dimensional images providing detailed topographic description of shape and surface, phase imaging measuring boundary stiffness, and amplitude measurements including width, height and length of A. castellanii and B. mandrillaris trophozoites and cysts. These results demonstrate the importance of the application of various microscopic methods in the biological and structural characterization of the whole cell, ultra-structural features, as well as surface components and cytoskeleton of protist pathogens. © 2014 The Author(s) Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology © 2014 International Society of Protistologists.

Dynamics of Back Electron Transfer in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Featuring 4-tert-Butyl-Pyridine and Atomic-Layer-Deposited Alumina as Surface Modifiers.

PubMed

Katz, Michael J; Vermeer, Michael J DeVries; Farha, Omar K; Pellin, Michael J; Hupp, Joseph T

2015-06-18

A series of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) was constructed with TiO2 nanoparticles and N719 dye. The standard I3(-)/I(-) redox shuttle and the Co(1,10-phenanthroline)3(3+/2+) shuttle were employed. DSCs were modified with atomic-layered-deposited (ALD) coatings of Al2O3 and/or with the surface-adsorbing additive 4-tert-butyl-pyridine. Current-voltage data were collected to ascertain the influence of each modification upon the back electron transfer (ET) dynamics of the DSCs. The primary effect of the additives alone or in tandem is to increase the open-circuit voltage. A second is to alter the short-circuit current density, JSC. With dependence on the specifics of the system examined, any of a myriad of dynamics-related effects were observed to come into play, in both favorable (efficiency boosting) and unfavorable (efficiency damaging) ways. These effects include modulation of (a) charge-injection yields, (b) rates of interception of injected electrons by redox shuttles, and (c) rates of recombination of injected electrons with holes on surface-bound dyes. In turn, these influence charge-collection lengths, charge-collection yields, and onset potentials for undesired dark current. The microscopic origins of the effects appear to be related mainly to changes in driving force and/or electronic coupling for underlying component redox reactions. Perhaps surprisingly, only a minor role for modifier-induced shifts in conduction-band-edge energy was found. The combination of DSC-efficiency-relevant effects engendered by the modifiers was found to vary substantially as a function of the chemical identity of the redox shuttle employed. While types of modifiers are effective, a challenge going forward will be to construct systems in ways in which the benefits of organic and inorganic modifiers can be exploited in fully additive, or even synergistic, fashion.

Association of Membrane Rafts and Postsynaptic Density: Proteomics, Biochemical, and Ultrastructural Analyses

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Tatsuo; Zhang, Jingping; Miyazawa, Shoko; Liu, Qian; Farzan, Michael R.; Yao, Wei-Dong

2011-01-01

Postsynaptic membrane rafts are believed to play important roles in synaptic signaling, plasticity, and maintenance. However, their molecular identities remain elusive. Further, how they interact with the well-established signaling specialization, the postsynaptic density (PSD), is poorly understood. We previously detected a number of conventional PSD proteins in detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). Here, we have performed LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) analyses on postsynaptic membrane rafts and PSDs. Our comparative analysis identified an extensive overlap of protein components in the two structures. This overlapping could be explained, at least partly, by a physical association of the two structures. Meanwhile, a significant number of proteins displayed biased distributions to either rafts or PSDs, suggesting distinct roles for the two postsynaptic specializations. Using biochemical and electron microscopic methods, we directly detected membrane raft-PSD complexes. In vitro reconstitution experiments indicated that the formation of raft-PSD complexes was not due to the artificial reconstruction of once-solubilized membrane components and PSD structures, supporting that these complexes occurred in vivo. Taking together, our results provide evidence that postsynaptic membrane rafts and PSDs may be physically associated. Such association could be important in postsynaptic signal integration, synaptic function, and maintenance. PMID:21797867

Scanning electron microscope view of iron crystal growing on pyroxene crystal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

A scanning electron microscope photograph of a four-micron size iron crystal growing on a pyroxene crystal (calcium-magnesium-iron silicate) from the Apollo 15 Hadley-Apennino lunar landing site. The well developed crystal faces indicate that the crystal was formed from a hot vapor as the rock was cooling.

Arc-melting preparation of single crystal LaB.sub.6 cathodes

DOEpatents

Gibson, Edwin D.; Verhoeven, John D.

1977-06-21

A method for preparing single crystals of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB.sub.6) by arc melting a rod of compacted LaB.sub.6 powder. The method is especially suitable for preparing single crystal LaB.sub.6 cathodes for use in scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM).

Deciphering the physics and chemistry of perovskites with transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Polking, Mark J

2016-03-28

Perovskite oxides exhibit rich structural complexity and a broad range of functional properties, including ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, and superconductivity. The development of aberration correction for the transmission electron microscope and concurrent progress in electron spectroscopy, electron holography, and other techniques has fueled rapid progress in the understanding of the physics and chemistry of these materials. New techniques based on the transmission electron microscope are first surveyed, and the applications of these techniques for the study of the structure, chemistry, electrostatics, and dynamics of perovskite oxides are then explored in detail, with a particular focus on ferroelectric materials.

Detection of levamisole exposure in cocaine users by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lynch, Kara L; Dominy, Stephen S; Graf, Jonathan; Kral, Alexander H

2011-04-01

Levamisole, a veterinary antihelminthic, was recently recognized as an adulterant in cocaine and is known to cause severe adverse reactions in some cocaine users. Because of the health concerns involving levamisole-adulterated cocaine, we developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method for the detection of levamisole in urine. This method was used to determine the prevalence of levamisole in cocaine-positive patient samples. All cocaine-positive urine samples that were sent to the San Francisco General Hospital Clinical Laboratory were tested for levamisole for one month. For LC, an Agilent 1200 series was used with a C(18) column and a gradient of mobile phase A (0.05% formic acid) and B (acetonitrile/methanol). Detection was carried out with an Applied Biosystems QTRAP(®) LC-MS-MS. The levamisole LC-MS-MS method was linear over the range of 5-2500 ng/mL (r > 0.996). Interassay and intraassay CVs were < 6%. The lower limit of detection for levamisole was 0.5 ng/mL. Out of 949 total urine drug screens, 20% were positive for benzoylecgonine, and of those, 88% were positive for levamisole. The high prevalence of levamisole-adulterated cocaine and potential toxicity in cocaine users is a serious public health concern. These findings validate the utility of an LC-MS-MS method for the detection of levamisole.

Source brightness and useful beam current of carbon nanotubes and other very small emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruit, P.; Bezuijen, M.; Barth, J. E.

2006-01-01

The potential application of carbon nanotubes as electron sources in electron microscopes is analyzed. The resolution and probe current that can be obtained from a carbon nanotube emitter in a low-voltage scanning electron microscope are calculated and compared to the state of the art using Schottky electron sources. Many analytical equations for probe-size versus probe-current relations in different parameter regimes are obtained. It is shown that for most carbon nanotube emitters, the gun lens aberrations are larger than the emitters' virtual source size and thus restrict the microscope's performance. The result is that the advantages of the higher brightness of nanotube emitters are limited unless the angular emission current is increased over present day values or the gun lens aberrations are decreased. For some nanotubes with a closed cap, it is known that the emitted electron beam is coherent over the full emission cone. We argue that for such emitters the parameter ``brightness'' becomes meaningless. The influence of phase variations in the electron wave front emitted from such a nanotube emitter on the focusing of the electron beam is analyzed.

High-pressure freezing for scanning transmission electron tomography analysis of cellular organelles.

PubMed

Walther, Paul; Schmid, Eberhard; Höhn, Katharina

2013-01-01

Using an electron microscope's scanning transmission mode (STEM) for collection of tomographic datasets is advantageous compared to bright field transmission electron microscopic (TEM). For image formation, inelastic scattering does not cause chromatic aberration, since in STEM mode no image forming lenses are used after the beam has passed the sample, in contrast to regular TEM. Therefore, thicker samples can be imaged. It has been experimentally demonstrated that STEM is superior to TEM and energy filtered TEM for tomography of samples as thick as 1 μm. Even when using the best electron microscope, adequate sample preparation is the key for interpretable results. We adapted protocols for high-pressure freezing of cultivated cells from a physiological state. In this chapter, we describe optimized high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution protocols for STEM tomography in order to obtain high membrane contrast.

Transmission environmental scanning electron microscope with scintillation gaseous detection device.

PubMed

Danilatos, Gerasimos; Kollia, Mary; Dracopoulos, Vassileios

2015-03-01

A transmission environmental scanning electron microscope with use of a scintillation gaseous detection device has been implemented. This corresponds to a transmission scanning electron microscope but with addition of a gaseous environment acting both as environmental and detection medium. A commercial type of low vacuum machine has been employed together with appropriate modifications to the detection configuration. This involves controlled screening of various emitted signals in conjunction with a scintillation gaseous detection device already provided with the machine for regular surface imaging. Dark field and bright field imaging has been obtained along with other detection conditions. With a progressive series of modifications and tests, the theory and practice of a novel type of microscopy is briefly shown now ushering further significant improvements and developments in electron microscopy as a whole. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physics and engineering aspects of cell and tissue imaging systems: microscopic devices and computer assisted diagnosis.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaodong; Ren, Liqiang; Zheng, Bin; Liu, Hong

2013-01-01

The conventional optical microscopes have been used widely in scientific research and in clinical practice. The modern digital microscopic devices combine the power of optical imaging and computerized analysis, archiving and communication techniques. It has a great potential in pathological examinations for improving the efficiency and accuracy of clinical diagnosis. This chapter reviews the basic optical principles of conventional microscopes, fluorescence microscopes and electron microscopes. The recent developments and future clinical applications of advanced digital microscopic imaging methods and computer assisted diagnosis schemes are also discussed.

Analysis of microscopic parameters of surface charging in polymer caused by defocused electron beam irradiation.

PubMed

Liu, Jing; Zhang, Hai-Bo

2014-12-01

The relationship between microscopic parameters and polymer charging caused by defocused electron beam irradiation is investigated using a dynamic scattering-transport model. The dynamic charging process of an irradiated polymer using a defocused 30 keV electron beam is conducted. In this study, the space charge distribution with a 30 keV non-penetrating e-beam is negative and supported by some existing experimental data. The internal potential is negative, but relatively high near the surface, and it decreases to a maximum negative value at z=6 μm and finally tend to 0 at the bottom of film. The leakage current and the surface potential behave similarly, and the secondary electron and leakage currents follow the charging equilibrium condition. The surface potential decreases with increasing beam current density, trap concentration, capture cross section, film thickness and electron-hole recombination rate, but with decreasing electron mobility and electron energy. The total charge density increases with increasing beam current density, trap concentration, capture cross section, film thickness and electron-hole recombination rate, but with decreasing electron mobility and electron energy. This study shows a comprehensive analysis of microscopic factors of surface charging characteristics in an electron-based surface microscopy and analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fully kinetic simulations of collisionless, mesothermal plasma emission: Macroscopic plume structure and microscopic electron characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yuan; Wang, Joseph

2017-03-01

This paper presents a fully kinetic particle particle-in-cell simulation study on the emission of a collisionless plasma plume consisting of cold beam ions and thermal electrons. Results are presented for both the two-dimensional macroscopic plume structure and the microscopic electron kinetic characteristics. We find that the macroscopic plume structure exhibits several distinctive regions, including an undisturbed core region, an electron cooling expansion region, and an electron isothermal expansion region. The properties of each region are determined by microscopic electron kinetic characteristics. The division between the undisturbed region and the cooling expansion region approximately matches the Mach line generated at the edge of the emission surface, and that between the cooling expansion region and the isothermal expansion region approximately matches the potential well established in the beam. The interactions between electrons and the potential well lead to a new, near-equilibrium state different from the initial distribution for the electrons in the isothermal expansion region. The electron kinetic characteristics in the plume are also very anisotropic. As the electron expansion process is mostly non-equilibrium and anisotropic, the commonly used assumption that the electrons in a collisionless, mesothermal plasma plume may be treated as a single equilibrium fluid in general is not valid.

Separation and identification of the silt-sized heavy-mineral fraction in sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Commeau, Judith A.; Poppe, Lawrence J.; Commeau, R.F.

1992-01-01

The separation of silt-sized minerals by specific gravity is made possible by using a nontoxic, heavy liquid medium of sodium polytungstate and water. Once separated, the silt-sized heavy-mineral fraction is prepared for analysis with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an automatic image analyzer and energy-dispersive spectrometer. Particles within each sample are sized and sorted according to their chemistry, and the data are tabulated in histograms and tables. Where possible, the user can define the chemical categories to simulate distinct mineral groups. Polymorphs and minerals that have overlapping compositions are combined into a group and differentiated by X-ray diffraction. Hundreds of particles can be rapidly sized and classified by chemistry. The technique can be employed on sediments from any environment.

Analysis with electron microscope of multielement samples using pure element standards

DOEpatents

King, Wayne E.

1987-01-01

A method and modified analytical electron microscope for determining the concentration of elements in a multielement sample by exposing samples with differing thicknesses for each element to a beam of electrons, simultaneously measuring the electron dosage and x-ray intensities for each sample of element to determine a "K.sub.AB " value to be used in the equation ##EQU1## where I is intensity and C is concentration for elements A and B, and exposing the multielement sample to determine the concentrations of the elements in the sample.

Rapid and precise scanning helium ion microscope milling of solid-state nanopores for biomolecule detection.

PubMed

Yang, Jijin; Ferranti, David C; Stern, Lewis A; Sanford, Colin A; Huang, Jason; Ren, Zheng; Qin, Lu-Chang; Hall, Adam R

2011-07-15

We report the formation of solid-state nanopores using a scanning helium ion microscope. The fabrication process offers the advantage of high sample throughput along with fine control over nanopore dimensions, producing single pores with diameters below 4 nm. Electronic noise associated with ion transport through the resultant pores is found to be comparable with levels measured on devices made with the established technique of transmission electron microscope milling. We demonstrate the utility of our nanopores for biomolecular analysis by measuring the passage of double-strand DNA.

Intrinsic instability of aberration-corrected electron microscopes.

PubMed

Schramm, S M; van der Molen, S J; Tromp, R M

2012-10-19

Aberration-corrected microscopes with subatomic resolution will impact broad areas of science and technology. However, the experimentally observed lifetime of the corrected state is just a few minutes. Here we show that the corrected state is intrinsically unstable; the higher its quality, the more unstable it is. Analyzing the contrast transfer function near optimum correction, we define an "instability budget" which allows a rational trade-off between resolution and stability. Unless control systems are developed to overcome these challenges, intrinsic instability poses a fundamental limit to the resolution practically achievable in the electron microscope.

In situ nanomechanical testing of twinned metals in a transmission electron microscope

DOE PAGES

Li, Nan; Wang, Jiangwei; Mao, Scott; ...

2016-04-01

This paper focuses on in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization to explore twins in face-centered-cubic and body-centered-cubic monolithic metals, and their impact on the overall mechanical performance. Taking advantage of simultaneous nanomechanical deformation and nanoscale imaging using versatile in situ TEM tools, direct correlation of these unique microscopic defects with macroscopic mechanical performance becomes possible. This article summarizes recent evidence to support the mechanisms related to strengthening and plasticity in metals, including nanotwinned Cu, Ni, Al, Au, and others in bulk, thin film, and nanowire forms.

In situ nanomechanical testing of twinned metals in a transmission electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Nan; Wang, Jiangwei; Mao, Scott

This paper focuses on in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization to explore twins in face-centered-cubic and body-centered-cubic monolithic metals, and their impact on the overall mechanical performance. Taking advantage of simultaneous nanomechanical deformation and nanoscale imaging using versatile in situ TEM tools, direct correlation of these unique microscopic defects with macroscopic mechanical performance becomes possible. This article summarizes recent evidence to support the mechanisms related to strengthening and plasticity in metals, including nanotwinned Cu, Ni, Al, Au, and others in bulk, thin film, and nanowire forms.

Thermophysical ESEM and TEM Characterization of Carbon Fibers CTE, Spectroscopy and Roughness Studies at High Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ochoa, Ozden O.

2004-01-01

Accurate determination of the transverse properties of carbon fibers is important for assessment and prediction of local material as well as global structural response of composite components. However the measurements are extremely difficult due to the very small diameters of the fibers (few microns only) and must be conducted within a microscope. In this work, environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) are used to determine the transverse coefficient of thermal expansion of different carbon fibers as a function of temperature.

Radiation hardness of Ga0.5In0.5 P/GaAs tandem solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurtz, Sarah R.; Olson, J. M.; Bertness, K. A.; Friedman, D. J.; Kibbler, A.; Cavicchi, B. T.; Krut, D. D.

1991-01-01

The radiation hardness of a two-junction monolithic Ga sub 0.5 In sub 0.5 P/GaAs cell with tunnel junction interconnect was investigated. Related single junction cells were also studied to identify the origins of the radiation losses. The optimal design of the cell is discussed. The air mass efficiency of an optimized tandem cell after irradiation with 10(exp 15) cm (-2) 1 MeV electrons is estimated to be 20 percent using currently available technology.

Gold(I)-catalyzed diazo coupling: strategy towards alkene formation and tandem benzannulation.

PubMed

Zhang, Daming; Xu, Guangyang; Ding, Dong; Zhu, Chenghao; Li, Jian; Sun, Jiangtao

2014-10-06

A gold(I)-catalyzed cross-coupling of diazo compounds to afford tetrasubstituted alkenes has been developed by taking advantage of a trivial electronic difference between two diazo substrates. A N-heterocyclic-carbene-derived gold complex is the most effective catalyst for this transformation. Based on this new strategy, a gold(I)-initiated benzannulation has been achieved through a tandem reaction involving a diazo cross-coupling, 6π electrocyclization, and oxidative aromatization. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Determination of aberration center of Ronchigram for automated aberration correctors in scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Sannomiya, Takumi; Sawada, Hidetaka; Nakamichi, Tomohiro; Hosokawa, Fumio; Nakamura, Yoshio; Tanishiro, Yasumasa; Takayanagi, Kunio

2013-12-01

A generic method to determine the aberration center is established, which can be utilized for aberration calculation and axis alignment for aberration corrected electron microscopes. In this method, decentering induced secondary aberrations from inherent primary aberrations are minimized to find the appropriate axis center. The fitness function to find the optimal decentering vector for the axis was defined as a sum of decentering induced secondary aberrations with properly distributed weight values according to the aberration order. Since the appropriate decentering vector is determined from the aberration values calculated at an arbitrary center axis, only one aberration measurement is in principle required to find the center, resulting in /very fast center search. This approach was tested for the Ronchigram based aberration calculation method for aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Both in simulation and in experiments, the center search was confirmed to work well although the convergence to find the best axis becomes slower with larger primary aberrations. Such aberration center determination is expected to fully automatize the aberration correction procedures, which used to require pre-alignment of experienced users. This approach is also applicable to automated aperture positioning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

User-Centered Design, Experience, and Usability of an Electronic Consent User Interface to Facilitate Informed Decision-Making in an HIV Clinic.

PubMed

Ramos, S Raquel

2017-11-01

Health information exchange is the electronic accessibility and transferability of patient medical records across various healthcare settings and providers. In some states, patients have to formally give consent to allow their medical records to be electronically shared. The purpose of this study was to apply a novel user-centered, multistep, multiframework approach to design and test an electronic consent user interface, so patients with HIV can make more informed decisions about electronically sharing their health information. This study consisted of two steps. Step 1 was a cross-sectional, descriptive, qualitative study that used user-centric design interviews to create the user interface. This informed Step 2. Step 2 consisted of a one group posttest to examine perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, preference, and comprehension of a health information exchange electronic consent user interface. More than half of the study population had college experience, but challenges remained with overall comprehension regarding consent. The user interface was not independently successful, suggesting that in addition to an electronic consent user interface, human interaction may also be necessary to address the complexities associated with consenting to electronically share health information. Comprehension is key factor in the ability to make informed decisions.

Electron beam dynamics in an ultrafast transmission electron microscope with Wehnelt electrode.

PubMed

Bücker, K; Picher, M; Crégut, O; LaGrange, T; Reed, B W; Park, S T; Masiel, D J; Banhart, F

2016-12-01

High temporal resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques have shown significant progress in recent years. Using photoelectron pulses induced by ultrashort laser pulses on the cathode, these methods can probe ultrafast materials processes and have revealed numerous dynamic phenomena at the nanoscale. Most recently, the technique has been implemented in standard thermionic electron microscopes that provide a flexible platform for studying material's dynamics over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. In this study, the electron pulses in such an ultrafast transmission electron microscope are characterized in detail. The microscope is based on a thermionic gun with a Wehnelt electrode and is operated in a stroboscopic photoelectron mode. It is shown that the Wehnelt bias has a decisive influence on the temporal and energy spread of the picosecond electron pulses. Depending on the shape of the cathode and the cathode-Wehnelt distance, different emission patterns with different pulse parameters are obtained. The energy spread of the pulses is determined by space charge and Boersch effects, given by the number of electrons in a pulse. However, filtering effects due to the chromatic aberrations of the Wehnelt electrode allow the extraction of pulses with narrow energy spreads. The temporal spread is governed by electron trajectories of different length and in different electrostatic potentials. High temporal resolution is obtained by excluding shank emission from the cathode and aberration-induced halos in the emission pattern. By varying the cathode-Wehnelt gap, the Wehnelt bias, and the number of photoelectrons in a pulse, tradeoffs between energy and temporal resolution as well as beam intensity can be made as needed for experiments. Based on the characterization of the electron pulses, the optimal conditions for the operation of ultrafast TEMs with thermionic gun assembly are elaborated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dose-rate-dependent damage of cerium dioxide in the scanning transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Johnston-Peck, Aaron C; DuChene, Joseph S; Roberts, Alan D; Wei, Wei David; Herzing, Andrew A

2016-11-01

Beam damage caused by energetic electrons in the transmission electron microscope is a fundamental constraint limiting the collection of artifact-free information. Through understanding the influence of the electron beam, experimental routines may be adjusted to improve the data collection process. Investigations of CeO 2 indicate that there is not a critical dose required for the accumulation of electron beam damage. Instead, measurements using annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy demonstrate that the onset of measurable damage occurs when a critical dose rate is exceeded. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is that oxygen vacancies created by exposure to a 300keV electron beam are actively annihilated as the sample re-oxidizes in the microscope environment. As a result, only when the rate of vacancy creation exceeds the recovery rate will beam damage begin to accumulate. This observation suggests that dose-intensive experiments can be accomplished without disrupting the native structure of the sample when executed using dose rates below the appropriate threshold. Furthermore, the presence of an encapsulating carbonaceous layer inhibits processes that cause beam damage, markedly increasing the dose rate threshold for the accumulation of damage. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Dose-rate-dependent damage of cerium dioxide in the scanning transmission electron microscope

PubMed Central

Johnston-Peck, Aaron C.; DuChene, Joseph S.; Roberts, Alan D.; Wei, Wei David; Herzing, Andrew A.

2016-01-01

Beam damage caused by energetic electrons in the transmission electron microscope is a fundamental constraint limiting the collection of artifact-free information. Through understanding the influence of the electron beam, experimental routines may be adjusted to improve the data collection process. Investigations of CeO2 indicate that there is not a critical dose required for the accumulation of electron beam damage. Instead, measurements using annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy demonstrate that the onset of measurable damage occurs when a critical dose rate is exceeded. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is that oxygen vacancies created by exposure to a 300 keV electron beam are actively annihilated as the sample re-oxidizes in the microscope environment. As a result, only when the rate of vacancy creation exceeds the recovery rate will beam damage begin to accumulate. This observation suggests that dose-intensive experiments can be accomplished without disrupting the native structure of the sample when executed using dose rates below the appropriate threshold. Furthermore, the presence of an encapsulating carbonaceous layer inhibits processes that cause beam damage, markedly increasing the dose rate threshold for the accumulation of damage. PMID:27469265

Openstage: A Low-Cost Motorized Microscope Stage with Sub-Micron Positioning Accuracy

PubMed Central

Campbell, Robert A. A.; Eifert, Robert W.; Turner, Glenn C.

2014-01-01

Recent progress in intracellular calcium sensors and other fluorophores has promoted the widespread adoption of functional optical imaging in the life sciences. Home-built multiphoton microscopes are easy to build, highly customizable, and cost effective. For many imaging applications a 3-axis motorized stage is critical, but commercially available motorization hardware (motorized translators, controller boxes, etc) are often very expensive. Furthermore, the firmware on commercial motor controllers cannot easily be altered and is not usually designed with a microscope stage in mind. Here we describe an open-source motorization solution that is simple to construct, yet far cheaper and more customizable than commercial offerings. The cost of the controller and motorization hardware are under $1000. Hardware costs are kept low by replacing linear actuators with high quality stepper motors. Electronics are assembled from commonly available hobby components, which are easy to work with. Here we describe assembly of the system and quantify the positioning accuracy of all three axes. We obtain positioning repeatability of the order of in X/Y and in Z. A hand-held control-pad allows the user to direct stage motion precisely over a wide range of speeds ( to ), rapidly store and return to different locations, and execute “jumps” of a fixed size. In addition, the system can be controlled from a PC serial port. Our “OpenStage” controller is sufficiently flexible that it could be used to drive other devices, such as micro-manipulators, with minimal modifications. PMID:24586468

Qualitative and quantitative interpretation of SEM image using digital image processing.

PubMed

Saladra, Dawid; Kopernik, Magdalena

2016-10-01

The aim of the this study is improvement of qualitative and quantitative analysis of scanning electron microscope micrographs by development of computer program, which enables automatic crack analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. Micromechanical tests of pneumatic ventricular assist devices result in a large number of micrographs. Therefore, the analysis must be automatic. Tests for athrombogenic titanium nitride/gold coatings deposited on polymeric substrates (Bionate II) are performed. These tests include microshear, microtension and fatigue analysis. Anisotropic surface defects observed in the SEM micrographs require support for qualitative and quantitative interpretation. Improvement of qualitative analysis of scanning electron microscope images was achieved by a set of computational tools that includes binarization, simplified expanding, expanding, simple image statistic thresholding, the filters Laplacian 1, and Laplacian 2, Otsu and reverse binarization. Several modifications of the known image processing techniques and combinations of the selected image processing techniques were applied. The introduced quantitative analysis of digital scanning electron microscope images enables computation of stereological parameters such as area, crack angle, crack length, and total crack length per unit area. This study also compares the functionality of the developed computer program of digital image processing with existing applications. The described pre- and postprocessing may be helpful in scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy surface investigations. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Single Stage Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assignment of the C-5 Uronic Acid Stereochemistry in Heparan Sulfate Tetrasaccharides using Electron Detachment Dissociation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agyekum, Isaac; Zong, Chengli; Boons, Geert-Jan; Amster, I. Jonathan

2017-09-01

The analysis of heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycans presents many challenges, due to the high degree of structural heterogeneity arising from their non-template biosynthesis. Complete structural elucidation of glycosaminoglycans necessitates the unambiguous assignments of sulfo modifications and the C-5 uronic acid stereochemistry. Efforts to develop tandem mass spectrometric-based methods for the structural analysis of glycosaminoglycans have focused on the assignment of sulfo positions. The present work focuses on the assignment of the C-5 stereochemistry of the uronic acid that lies closest to the reducing end. Prior work with electron-based tandem mass spectrometry methods, specifically electron detachment dissociation (EDD), have shown great promise in providing stereo-specific product ions, such as the B3 ´ -CO2, which has been found to distinguish glucuronic acid (GlcA) from iduronic acid (IdoA) in some HS tetrasaccharides. The previously observed diagnostic ions are generally not observed with 2- O-sulfo uronic acids or for more highly sulfated heparan sulfate tetrasaccharides. A recent study using electron detachment dissociation and principal component analysis revealed a series of ions that correlate with GlcA versus IdoA for a set of 2- O-sulfo HS tetrasaccharide standards. The present work comprehensively investigates the efficacy of these ions for assigning the C-5 stereochemistry of the reducing end uronic acid in 33 HS tetrasaccharides. A diagnostic ratio can be computed from the sum of the ions that correlate to GlcA to those that correlate to IdoA. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

[Microscopic investigation of vessel wall after endovascular catheter atherectomy].

PubMed

Tsygankov, V N; Khovalkin, R G; Chekmareva, I A; Kalinin, D V; Filippova, E M

2014-01-01

Endovascular target catheter atherectomy (ETCA) - method of artery patency allowing to obtain occlusion substrate. Given the high destructive effect of atherectome's elements on tissue the objective was determination possibility of histological and electron microscopic investigation of this substrate after atherectomy. The research included 8 patients who underwent ETCA of legs arteries. It was observed substrate removal from broken stent in 1 case. 2 of 8 patients had diabetes. Obtained substrate was available for histological and electron microscopic investigation. Atherosclerosis was confirmed in all cases. It was not observed substrate significant morphological changes in patients with presence or absence of diabetes. Microscopic investigation of substrate from broken stent shows pronounced development of granulation tissue that was regarded as special form of reparative regeneration. Finding internal elastic membrane during microscopic investigation in some cases proves radical intervention. The authors consider that microscopic investigation of substrate after ETCA may be used for diagnosis verification, thorough analysis of morphological changes in lesion area and radicalism of atherectomy.

First Clinical Applications of a High-Definition Three-Dimensional Exoscope in Pediatric Neurosurgery

PubMed Central

Munoz-Bendix, Christopher; Beseoglu, Kerim; Steiger, Hans-Jakob; Ahmadi, Sebastian A

2018-01-01

The ideal visualization tools in microneurosurgery should provide magnification, illumination, wide fields of view, ergonomics, and unobstructed access to the surgical field. The operative microscope was the predominant innovation in modern neurosurgery. Recently, a high-definition three-dimensional (3D) exoscope was developed. We describe the first applications in pediatric neurosurgery. The VITOM 3D exoscope (Karl Storz GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used in pediatric microneurosurgical operations, along with an OPMI PENTERO operative microscope (Carl Zeiss AG, Jena, Germany). Experiences were retrospectively evaluated with five-level Likert items regarding ease of preparation, image definition, magnification, illumination, field of view, ergonomics, accessibility of the surgical field, and general user-friendliness. Three operations were performed: supratentorial open biopsy in the supine position, infratentorial brain tumor resection in the park bench position, and myelomeningocele closure in the prone position. While preparation and image definition were rated equal for microscope and exoscope, the microscope’s field of view, illumination, and user-friendliness were considered superior, while the advantages of the exoscope were seen in ergonomics and the accessibility of the surgical field. No complications attributed to visualization mode occurred. In our experience, the VITOM 3D exoscope is an innovative visualization tool with advantages over the microscope in ergonomics and the accessibility of the surgical field. However, improvements were deemed necessary with regard to field of view, illumination, and user-friendliness. While the debate of a “perfect” visualization modality is influenced by personal preference, this novel visualization device has the potential to become a valuable tool in the neurosurgeon’s armamentarium. PMID:29581920

Deciphering the mode of action of a mutant Allium sativum Leaf Agglutinin (mASAL), a potent antifungal protein on Rhizoctonia solani.

PubMed

Ghosh, Prithwi; Roy, Amit; Hess, Daniel; Ghosh, Anupama; Das, Sampa

2015-10-26

Mutant Allium sativum leaf agglutinin (mASAL) is a potent, biosafe, antifungal protein that exhibits fungicidal activity against different phytopathogenic fungi, including Rhizoctonia solani. The effect of mASAL on the morphology of R.solani was monitored primarily by scanning electron and light microscopic techniques. Besides different fluorescent probes were used for monitoring various intracellular changes associated with mASAL treatment like change in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of programmed cell death (PCD). In addition ligand blot followed by LC-MS/MS analyses were performed to detect the putative interactors of mASAL. Knowledge on the mode of function for any new protein is a prerequisite for its biotechnological application. Detailed morphological analysis of mASAL treated R. solani hyphae using different microscopic techniques revealed a detrimental effect of mASAL on both the cell wall and the plasma membrane. Moreover, exposure to mASAL caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the subsequent intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the target organism. In conjunction with this observation, evidence of the induction of programmed cell death (PCD) was also noted in the mASAL treated R. solani hyphae. Furthermore, we investigated its interacting partners from R. solani. Using ligand blots followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses, we identified different binding partners including Actin, HSP70, ATPase and 14-3-3 protein. Taken together, the present study provides insight into the probable mode of action of the antifungal protein, mASAL on R. solani which could be exploited in future biotechnological applications.

FRET two-hybrid assay by linearly fitting FRET efficiency to concentration ratio between acceptor and donor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Mengyan; Yang, Fangfang; Mai, Zihao; Qu, Wenfeng; Lin, Fangrui; Wei, Lichun; Chen, Tongsheng

2018-04-01

We here introduce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) two-hybrid assay method to measure the maximal donor(D)- and acceptor(A)-centric FRET efficiency (ED,max and EA,max) of the D-A complex and its stoichiometry by linearly fitting the donor-centric FRET efficiency (ED) to the acceptor-to-donor concentration ratio (RC) and acceptor-centric FRET efficiency (EA) to 1/RC, respectively. We performed this method on a wide-field fluorescence microscope for living HepG2 cells co-expressing FRET tandem constructs and free donor/acceptor and obtained correct ED, EA, and stoichiometry values of those tandem constructs. Evaluation on the binding of Bad with Bcl-XL in Hela cells showed that Bad interacted strongly with Bcl-XL to form a Bad-Bcl-XL complex on mitochondria, and one Bad interacted mainly with one Bcl-XL molecule in healthy cells, while with multiple (maybe 2) Bcl-XL molecules in apoptotic cells.

Characterization of Plasma Discharges in a High-Field Magnetic Tandem Mirror

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang-Diaz, Franklin R.

1998-01-01

High density magnetized plasma discharges in open-ended geometries, like Tandem Mirrors, have a variety of space applications. Chief among them is the production of variable Specific Impulse (I(sub sp)) and variable thrust in a magnetic nozzle. Our research group is pursuing the experimental characterization of such discharges in our high-field facility located at the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory (ASPL). These studies focus on identifying plasma stability criteria as functions of density, temperature and magnetic field strength. Plasma heating is accomplished by both Electron and Ion Cyclotron Resonance (ECR and ICR) at frequencies of 2-3 Ghz and 1-30 Mhz respectively, for both Hydrogen and Helium. Electron density and temperature has measured by movable Langmuir probes. Macroscopic plasma stability is being investigated in ongoing research.

In Situ Microstructural Control and Mechanical Testing Inside the Transmission Electron Microscope at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Baoming; Haque, M. A.

2015-08-01

With atomic-scale imaging and analytical capabilities such as electron diffraction and energy-loss spectroscopy, the transmission electron microscope has allowed access to the internal microstructure of materials like no other microscopy. It has been mostly a passive or post-mortem analysis tool, but that trend is changing with in situ straining, heating and electrical biasing. In this study, we design and demonstrate a multi-functional microchip that integrates actuators, sensors, heaters and electrodes with freestanding electron transparent specimens. In addition to mechanical testing at elevated temperatures, the chip can actively control microstructures (grain growth and phase change) of the specimen material. Using nano-crystalline aluminum, nickel and zirconium as specimen materials, we demonstrate these novel capabilities inside the microscope. Our approach of active microstructural control and quantitative testing with real-time visualization can influence mechanistic modeling by providing direct and accurate evidence of the fundamental mechanisms behind materials behavior.

Isotope analysis in the transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Susi, Toma; Hofer, Christoph; Argentero, Giacomo; Leuthner, Gregor T; Pennycook, Timothy J; Mangler, Clemens; Meyer, Jannik C; Kotakoski, Jani

2016-10-10

The Ångström-sized probe of the scanning transmission electron microscope can visualize and collect spectra from single atoms. This can unambiguously resolve the chemical structure of materials, but not their isotopic composition. Here we differentiate between two isotopes of the same element by quantifying how likely the energetic imaging electrons are to eject atoms. First, we measure the displacement probability in graphene grown from either 12 C or 13 C and describe the process using a quantum mechanical model of lattice vibrations coupled with density functional theory simulations. We then test our spatial resolution in a mixed sample by ejecting individual atoms from nanoscale areas spanning an interface region that is far from atomically sharp, mapping the isotope concentration with a precision better than 20%. Although we use a scanning instrument, our method may be applicable to any atomic resolution transmission electron microscope and to other low-dimensional materials.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Procedure for HE Powders on a Zeiss Sigma HD VP SEM

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zaka, F.

This method describes the characterization of inert and HE materials by the Zeiss Sigma HD VP field emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM uses an accelerated electron beam to generate high-magnification images of explosives and other materials. It is fitted with five detectors (SE, Inlens, STEM, VPSE, HDBSD) to enable imaging of the sample via different secondary electron signatures, angles, and energies. In addition to imaging through electron detection, the microscope is also fitted with two Oxford Instrument Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) 80 mm detectors to generate elemental constituent spectra and two-dimensional maps of the material being scanned.

Microscopic investigation of cavitation erosion damage in metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hackworh, J. V.; Adler, W. F.

1974-01-01

The results of research to identify the cavitation erosion damage mechanisms at the microscopic level for three metals (aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium) representing a range of properties and microstructure are presented. The metals were exposed to cavitation generated in distilled water by a 20-kHz ultrasonic facility operating at a vibration amplitude of 2 mils. Representative properties of the metals and experimental details are summarized. Replicas of the eroded surfaces of the specimens obtained periodically during exposure were examined with a transmission electron microscope to follow progression of the erosion damage and identify dominant erosion mechanisms as a function of exposure time. Eroded surfaces of selected specimens were also examined with a scanning electron microscope to assist in the interpretation.

Method and apparatus for a high-resolution three dimensional confocal scanning transmission electron microscope

DOEpatents

de Jonge, Niels [Oak Ridge, TN

2010-08-17

A confocal scanning transmission electron microscope which includes an electron illumination device providing an incident electron beam propagating in a direction defining a propagation axis, and a precision specimen scanning stage positioned along the propagation axis and movable in at least one direction transverse to the propagation axis. The precision specimen scanning stage is configured for positioning a specimen relative to the incident electron beam. A projector lens receives a transmitted electron beam transmitted through at least part of the specimen and focuses this transmitted beam onto an image plane, where the transmitted beam results from the specimen being illuminated by the incident electron beam. A detection system is placed approximately in the image plane.

Electron microscope phase enhancement

DOEpatents

Jin, Jian; Glaeser, Robert M.

2010-06-15

A microfabricated electron phase shift element is used for modifying the phase characteristics of an electron beam passing though its center aperture, while not affecting the more divergent portion of an incident beam to selectively provide a ninety-degree phase shift to the unscattered beam in the back focal plan of the objective lens, in order to realize Zernike-type, in-focus phase contrast in an electron microscope. One application of the element is to increase the contrast of an electron microscope for viewing weakly scattering samples while in focus. Typical weakly scattering samples include biological samples such as macromolecules, or perhaps cells. Preliminary experimental images demonstrate that these devices do apply a ninety degree phase shift as expected. Electrostatic calculations have been used to determine that fringing fields in the region of the scattered electron beams will cause a negligible phase shift as long as the ratio of electrode length to the transverse feature-size aperture is about 5:1. Calculations are underway to determine the feasibility of aspect smaller aspect ratios of about 3:1 and about 2:1.

High Performance Tandem Perovskite/Polymer Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yao; Bag, Monojit; Page, Zachariah; Renna, Lawrence; Kim, Paul; Choi, Jaewon; Emrick, Todd; Venkataraman, D.; Russell, Thomas

Combining perovskites with other inorganic materials, such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or silicon, is enabling significant improvement in solar cell device performance. Here, we demonstrate a highly efficient hybrid tandem solar cell fabricated through a facile solution deposition approach to give a perovskite front sub-cell and a polymer:fullerene blend back sub-cell. This methodology eliminates the adverse effects of thermal annealing during perovskite fabrication on polymer solar cells. The record tandem solar cell efficiency of 15.96% is 40% greater than the corresponding perovskite-based single junction device and 65% greater than the polymer-based single junction device, while mitigating deleterious hysteresis effects often associated with perovskite solar cells. The hybrid tandem devices demonstrate the synergistic effects arising from the combination of perovskite and polymer-based materials for solar cells. This work was supported by the Department of Energy-supported Energy Frontier Research Center at the University of Massachusetts (DE-SC0001087). The authors acknowledge the W.M. Keck Electron Microscopy.

Lithium hydride doped intermediate connector for high-efficiency and long-term stable tandem organic light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Ding, Lei; Tang, Xun; Xu, Mei-Feng; Shi, Xiao-Bo; Wang, Zhao-Kui; Liao, Liang-Sheng

2014-10-22

Lithium hydride (LiH) is employed as a novel n-dopant in the intermediate connector for tandem organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) because of its easy coevaporation with other electron transporting materials. The tandem OLEDs with two and three electroluminescent (EL) units connected by a combination of LiH doped 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3) and 1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN) demonstrate approximately 2-fold and 3-fold enhancement in current efficiency, respectively. In addition, no extra voltage drop across the intermediate connector is observed. Particularly, the lifetime (T75%) in the tandem OLED with two and three EL units is substantially improved by 3.8 times and 7.4 times, respectively. The doping effect of LiH into Alq3, the charge injection, and transport characteristics of LiH-doped Alq3 are further investigated by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS).

Mars Life? - Microscopic Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

In the center of this electron microscope image of a small chip from a meteorite are several tiny structures that are possible microscopic fossils of primitive, bacteria-like organisms that may have lived on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00283

Concurrent in situ ion irradiation transmission electron microscope

DOE PAGES

Hattar, K.; Bufford, D. C.; Buller, D. L.

2014-08-29

An in situ ion irradiation transmission electron microscope has been developed and is operational at Sandia National Laboratories. This facility permits high spatial resolution, real time observation of electron transparent samples under ion irradiation, implantation, mechanical loading, corrosive environments, and combinations thereof. This includes the simultaneous implantation of low-energy gas ions (0.8–30 keV) during high-energy heavy ion irradiation (0.8–48 MeV). In addition, initial results in polycrystalline gold foils are provided to demonstrate the range of capabilities.

ToF-SIMS Parallel Imaging MS/MS of Lipid Species in Thin Tissue Sections.

PubMed

Bruinen, Anne Lisa; Fisher, Gregory L; Heeren, Ron M A

2017-01-01

Unambiguous identification of detected species is essential in complex biomedical samples. To date, there are not many mass spectrometry imaging techniques that can provide both high spatial resolution and identification capabilities. A new and patented imaging tandem mass spectrometer, exploiting the unique characteristics of the nanoTOF II (Physical Electronics, USA) TOF-SIMS TRIFT instrument, was developed to address this.Tandem mass spectrometry is based on the selection of precursor ions from the full secondary ion spectrum (MS 1 ), followed by energetic activation and fragmentation, and collection of the fragment ions to obtain a tandem MS spectrum (MS 2 ). The PHI NanoTOF II mass spectrometer is equipped with a high-energy collision induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation cell as well as a second time-of-flight analyzer developed for simultaneous ToF-SIMS and tandem MS imaging experiments.We describe here the results of a ToF-SIMS imaging experiment on a thin tissue section of an infected zebrafish as a model organism for tuberculosis. The focus is on the obtained ion distribution plot of a fatty acid as well as its identification by tandem mass spectrometry.

Confirmation of thalamosubthalamic projections by electron microscopic autoradiography.

PubMed

Sugimoto, T; Hattori, T

1983-05-16

Direct projections from the centre median-parafascicular complex (CM-Pf) to the subthalamic nucleus(STN) were confirmed by electron microscopic autoradiography. [3H]Leucine injections into the rat CM-Pf produced preferential labeling of Gray's type I boutons containing round vesicles in the ipsilateral STN. Further results strongly suggested the existence of some common CM-Pf projections to both the striatum and STN.

Collection and Analysis of Aircraft Emitted Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, James Charles

1999-01-01

The University of Denver Aerosol Group proposed to adapt an impactor system for the collection of particles emitted by aircraft. The collection substrates were electron microscope grids which were analyzed by Dr. Pat Sheridan using a transmission electron microscope. The impactor was flown in the SNIFF behind aircraft and engine emissions were sampled. This report details the results of that work.

Foucault imaging by using non-dedicated transmission electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taniguchi, Yoshifumi; Matsumoto, Hiroaki; Harada, Ken

2012-08-27

An electron optical system for observing Foucault images was constructed using a conventional transmission electron microscope without any special equipment for Lorentz microscopy. The objective lens was switched off and an electron beam was converged by a condenser optical system to the crossover on the selected area aperture plane. The selected area aperture was used as an objective aperture to select the deflected beam for Foucault mode, and the successive image-forming lenses were controlled for observation of the specimen images. The irradiation area on the specimen was controlled by selecting the appropriate diameter of the condenser aperture.

Electron microscopic evaluation of a gold glaucoma micro shunt after explantation.

PubMed

Berk, Thomas A; Tam, Diamond Y; Werner, Liliana; Mamalis, Nick; Ahmed, Iqbal Ike K

2015-03-01

We present a case of an explanted gold glaucoma micro shunt (GMS Plus) and the subsequent light and electron microscopic analyses. The shunt was implanted in a patient with medically refractive glaucoma. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was stable at 12 mm Hg 6 months postoperatively but spiked to 26 mm Hg 6 months later; membranous growth was visible on the implant gonioscopically. A second gold micro shunt was placed 2 years after the first. The IOP was 7 mm Hg 1 week postoperatively but increased to 23 mm Hg 3 weeks later; similar membranous growth was visible on this implant. One of the shunts was explanted, and light and scanning electron microscopic analyses revealed encapsulation around the shunt exterior and connective tissue invasion of the microstructure. This represents the first electron microscopic analysis of an explanted gold glaucoma micro shunt and the first unequivocal images of the fibrotic pseudo-capsule traversing its microchannels and fenestrations. Dr. Ahmed is a consultant to and has received research grants from Solx, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review of current progress in nanometrology with the helium ion microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Postek, Michael T.; Vladár, András; Archie, Charles; Ming, Bin

2011-02-01

Scanning electron microscopy has been employed as an imaging and measurement tool for more than 50 years and it continues as a primary tool in many research and manufacturing facilities across the world. A new challenger to this work is the helium ion microscope (HIM). The HIM is a new imaging and metrology technology. Essentially, substitution of the electron source with a helium ion source yields a tool visually similar in function to the scanning electron microscope, but very different in the fundamental imaging and measurement process. The imaged and measured signal originates differently than in the scanning electron microscope and that fact and its single atom source diameter may be able to push the obtainable resolution lower, provide greater depth-of-field and ultimately improve the metrology. Successful imaging and metrology with this instrument entails understanding and modeling of new ion beam/specimen interaction physics. As a new methodology, HIM is beginning to show promise and the abundance of potentially advantageous applications for nanometrology has yet to be fully exploited. This paper discusses some of the progress made at NIST in collaboration with IBM to understand the science behind this new technology.

Fabrication of large area plasmonic nanoparticle grating structure on silver halide based transmission electron microscope film and its application as a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sudheer,, E-mail: sudheer@rrcat.gov.in; Tiwari, P.; Singh, M. N.

The plasmonic responses of silver nanoparticle grating structures of different periods made on silver halide based electron microscope film are investigated. Raster scan of the conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to carry out electron beam lithography for fabricating the plasmonic nanoparticle grating (PNG) structures. Morphological characterization of the PNG structures, carried out by the SEM and the atomic force microscope, indicates that the depth of the groove decreases with a decrease in the grating period. Elemental characterization performed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy and the x-ray diffraction shows the presence of nanoparticles of silver in the PNG grating.more » The optical characterization of the gratings shows that the localized surface plasmon resonance peak shifts from 366 to 378 nm and broadens with a decrease in grating period from 10 to 2.5 μm. The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of the Rhodamine-6G dye coated PNG structure shows the maximum enhancement by two orders of magnitude in comparison to the randomly distributed silver nanoparticles having similar size and shape as the PNG structure.« less

Wintertime Experimental investigation of Morphology, Mixing States and Columnar Optical Properties of Aerosols over a Desert location in India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, S.; Kumar, T.; Sharma, C.; Prasad, M. V. S. N.; Singh, S.; Agnihotri, R.; Arya, B. C.; Gupta, B.; Naaraayanan, T.; Gautam, S.; Kumar, D.; Sood, K. N.; Tawale, J. S.; Sharma, A. K.; Mitra, A. K.

2014-12-01

Indian Desert (The Thar Desert) is considered as the source of mineral dust in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) especially in pre-monsoon period due to large scale convective activities during hot summer. To study the physico-chemical characteristics of aerosols over the Thar Desert (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan) during winter (December, 2013), a field campaign has been carried out in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan state. Experiments were conducted inside the city as well as far from the city. The faraway location is close to international border of another country i.e. Pakistan. PM2.5 and PM10 were collected within the city while PM5 was collected far from the city. Particles were collected on Teflon filters for bulk analysis with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), on Tin substrate for individual particle morphology and elemental composition analysis with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) and on the Cu-TEM grid for individual particle morphology and mixing state characterization using High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM). Together with this, aerosol size distribution observation and columnar spectral aerosol optical properties have been carried out with OPC (Optical Particle Counter, GRIMM Model 1.108) and hand held Microtops-II, respectively. HRTEM analysis reveals occurrence of carbonaceous fractals found in various mixing states 1) aged with some hygroscopic species 2) embedded in sulfate host 3) semi-externally mixed with sulfate and other species. Core-shell particles were also observed with varying core composition (carbon, typical mineral dust, and calcite) and shell thickness (shell comprising of water). The back trajectory analysis reveals the source of wind from Karachi and Islamabad from Pakistan which may be the potential source of carbonaceous species over the sampling site. SEM-EDS analysis reveals occurrence of mineral dust 1) pure mineral dust (Ca and Si rich) 2) polluted mineral dust (mixed with carbon and Cr) together with some pollutants (rich in carbon, S, K, Cl, Mo and Nb). Signatures of various organics were traced using FTIR. Aerosol columnar spectral optical properties, size distribution and meteorology in tandem with aforementioned aerosol properties will be discussed in detail during the presentation.

Off-line compatible electronic cash method and system

DOEpatents

Kravitz, D.W.; Gemmell, P.S.; Brickell, E.F.

1998-11-03

An off-line electronic cash system having an electronic coin, a bank B, a payee S, and a user U with an account at the bank B as well as a user password z{sub u,i}, has a method for performing an electronic cash transfer. An electronic coin is withdrawn from the bank B by the user U and an electronic record of the electronic coin is stored by the bank B. The coin is paid to the payee S by the user U. The payee S deposits the coin with the bank B. A determination is made that the coin is spent and the record of the coin is deleted by the bank B. A further deposit of the same coin after the record is deleted is determined. Additionally, a determination is made which user U originally withdrew the coin after deleting the record. To perform these operations a key pair is generated by the user, including public and secret signature keys. The public signature key along with a user password z{sub u,i} and a withdrawal amount are sent to the bank B by the user U. In response, the bank B sends a coin to the user U signed by the secret key of the bank indicating the value of the coin and the public key of the user U. The payee S transmits a challenge counter to the user U prior to receiving the coin. 16 figs.

Off-line compatible electronic cash method and system

DOEpatents

Kravitz, David W.; Gemmell, Peter S.; Brickell, Ernest F.

1998-01-01

An off-line electronic cash system having an electronic coin, a bank B, a payee S, and a user U with an account at the bank B as well as a user password z.sub.u,i, has a method for performing an electronic cash transfer. An electronic coin is withdrawn from the bank B by the user U and an electronic record of the electronic coin is stored by the bank B. The coin is paid to the payee S by the user U. The payee S deposits the coin with the bank B. A determination is made that the coin is spent and the record of the coin is deleted by the bank B. A further deposit of the same coin after the record is deleted is determined. Additionally, a determination is made which user U originally withdrew the coin after deleting the record. To perform these operations a key pair is generated by the user, including public and secret signature keys. The public signature key along with a user password z.sub.u,i and a withdrawal amount are sent to the bank B by the user U. In response, the bank B sends a coin to the user U signed by the secret key of the bankindicating the value of the coin and the public key of the user U. The payee S transmits a challenge counter to the user U prior to receiving the coin.

Tandem array of nanoelectronic readers embedded coplanar to a fluidic nanochannel for correlated single biopolymer analysis

PubMed Central

Lesser-Rojas, Leonardo; Sriram, K. K.; Liao, Kuo-Tang; Lai, Shui-Chin; Kuo, Pai-Chia; Chu, Ming-Lee; Chou, Chia-Fu

2014-01-01

We have developed a two-step electron-beam lithography process to fabricate a tandem array of three pairs of tip-like gold nanoelectronic detectors with electrode gap size as small as 9 nm, embedded in a coplanar fashion to 60 nm deep, 100 nm wide, and up to 150 μm long nanochannels coupled to a world-micro-nanofluidic interface for easy sample introduction. Experimental tests with a sealed device using DNA-protein complexes demonstrate the coplanarity of the nanoelectrodes to the nanochannel surface. Further, this device could improve transverse current detection by correlated time-of-flight measurements of translocating samples, and serve as an autocalibrated velocimeter and nanoscale tandem Coulter counters for single molecule analysis of heterogeneous samples. PMID:24753731

Preparation of polymeric Janus particles by directional UV-induced reactions.

PubMed

Liu, Lianying; Ren, Mingwei; Yang, Wantai

2009-09-15

Polymeric Janus particles are obtained by UV-induced selective surface grafting polymerizations and coupling reactions, in virtue of the light-absorption of photoreactive materials such as the immobilized photoinitiator and spread photoinitiator solution on the surfaces exposed to UV light and the sheltering of densely arrayed immovable particles from light. Varying the monomers or macromolecules applied in photografting polymerization or coupling reaction, and choosing diverse polymeric particles of various size, bicolor and amphiphilic Janus particles could be successfully achieved. Observations by fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscope ,and transmission electron microscope confirmed the asymmetrical morphology of the resultant Janus particles.

Lipid Informed Quantitation and Identification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kevin Crowell, PNNL

2014-07-21

LIQUID (Lipid Informed Quantitation and Identification) is a software program that has been developed to enable users to conduct both informed and high-throughput global liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based lipidomics analysis. This newly designed desktop application can quickly identify and quantify lipids from LC-MS/MS datasets while providing a friendly graphical user interface for users to fully explore the data. Informed data analysis simply involves the user specifying an electrospray ionization mode, lipid common name (i.e. PE(16:0/18:2)), and associated charge carrier. A stemplot of the isotopic profile and a line plot of the extracted ion chromatogram are also provided to showmore » the MS-level evidence of the identified lipid. In addition to plots, other information such as intensity, mass measurement error, and elution time are also provided. Typically, a global analysis for 15,000 lipid targets« less

Interaction of electrons with light metal hydrides in the transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Wang, Yongming; Wakasugi, Takenobu; Isobe, Shigehito; Hashimoto, Naoyuki; Ohnuki, Somei

2014-12-01

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of light metal hydrides is complicated by the instability of these materials under electron irradiation. In this study, the electron kinetic energy dependences of the interactions of incident electrons with lithium, sodium and magnesium hydrides, as well as the constituting element effect on the interactions, were theoretically discussed, and electron irradiation damage to these hydrides was examined using in situ TEM. The results indicate that high incident electron kinetic energy helps alleviate the irradiation damage resulting from inelastic or elastic scattering of the incident electrons in the TEM. Therefore, observations and characterizations of these materials would benefit from increased, instead decreased, TEM operating voltage. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Learner Autonomy as a Social Construct in the Context of "Italki"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turula, Anna

2017-01-01

The article looks at language learner autonomy as a social construct in relation to the context and its user based on the example of "Italki", a social networking site for tandem language learning. Considering the two foci--the context and the learner--the study is divided into two parts, both carried out from the perspective of online…

Comparison of grain to grain orientation and stiffness mapping by spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy and EBSD.

PubMed

Mark, A F; Li, W; Sharples, S; Withers, P J

2017-07-01

Our aim was to establish the capability of spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy (SRAS) to map grain orientations and the anisotropy in stiffness at the sub-mm to micron scale by comparing the method with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) undertaken within a scanning electron microscope. In the former the grain orientations are deduced by measuring the spatial variation in elastic modulus; conversely, in EBSD the elastic anisotropy is deduced from direct measurements of the crystal orientations. The two test-cases comprise mapping the fusion zones for large TIG and MMA welds in thick power plant austenitic and ferritic steels, respectively; these are technologically important because, among other things, elastic anisotropy can cause ultrasonic weld inspection methods to become inaccurate because it causes bending in the paths of sound waves. The spatial resolution of SRAS is not as good as that for EBSD (∼100 μm vs. ∼a few nm), nor is the angular resolution (∼1.5° vs. ∼0.5°). However the method can be applied to much larger areas (currently on the order of 300 mm square), is much faster (∼5 times), is cheaper and easier to perform, and it could be undertaken on the manufacturing floor. Given these advantages, particularly to industrial users, and the on-going improvements to the method, SRAS has the potential to become a standard method for orientation mapping, particularly in cases where the elastic anisotropy is important over macroscopic/component length scales. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

Numerical Analysis of Plasma Transport in Tandem Volume Magnetic Multicusp Ion Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-01

the results of the model are qualitatively correct. Boltzmann Equation, Ion Sources, Plasma Simulation, Electron Temperature, Plasma Density, Ion Temperature, Hydrogen Ions, Magnetic Filters, Hydrogen Plasma Chemistry .

Revealing the 1 nm/s extensibility of nanoscale amorphous carbon in a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei

2013-01-01

In an ultra-high vacuum scanning electron microscope, the edged branches of amorphous carbon film (∼10 nm thickness) can be continuously extended with an eye-identifying speed (on the order of ∼1 nm/s) under electron beam. Such unusual mobility of amorphous carbon may be associated with deformation promoted by the electric field, which resulted from an inner secondary electron potential difference from the main trunk of carbon film to the tip end of branches under electron beam. This result demonstrates importance of applying electrical effects to modify properties of carbon materials. It may have positive implications to explore some amorphous carbon as electron field emission device. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Low-voltage electron microscopy of polymer and organic molecular thin films.

PubMed

Drummy, Lawrence F; Yang, Junyan; Martin, David C

2004-06-01

We have demonstrated the capabilities of a novel low-voltage electron microscope (LVEM) for imaging polymer and organic molecular thin films. The LVEM can operate in transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron diffraction modes. The microscope operates at a nominal accelerating voltage of 5 kV and fits on a tabletop. A detailed discussion of the electron-sample interaction processes is presented, and the mean free path for total electron scattering was calculated to be 15 nm for organic samples at 5 kV. The total end point dose for the destruction of crystallinity at 5 kV was estimated at 5 x 10(-4) and 3.5 x 10(-2) C/cm2 for polyethylene and pentacene, respectively. These values are significantly lower than those measured at voltages greater than 100 kV. A defocus series of colloidal gold particles allowed us to estimate the experimental contrast transfer function of the microscope. Images taken of several organic materials have shown high contrast for low atomic number elements and a resolution of 2.5 nm. The materials studied here include thin films of the organic semiconductor pentacene, triblock copolymer films, single-molecule dendrimers, electrospun polymer fibers and gold nanoparticles. Copyright 2004 Elsevier B.V.

[THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MORPHOLOGY OF BIOFILM OF PERIODONTIUM UNDER INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF GUMS (CHRONIC CATARRHAL GINGIVITIS, CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS, CANDIDA-ASSOCIATED PERIODONTITIS) ACCORDING RESULTS OF ELECTRONIC MICROSCOPY].

PubMed

Ippolitov, E V; Didenko, L V; Tzarev, V N

2015-12-01

The study was carried out to analyze morphology of biofilm of periodontium and to develop electronic microscopic criteria of differentiated diagnostic of inflammatory diseases of gums. The scanning electronic microscopy was applied to analyze samples of bioflm of periodont from 70 patients. Including ten patients with every nosologic form of groups with chronic catarrhal periodontitis. of light, mean and severe degree, chronic catarrhal gingivitis, Candida-associated paroperiodontitis and 20 healthy persons with intact periodontium. The analysis was implemented using dual-beam scanning electronic microscope Quanta 200 3D (FEI company, USA) and walk-through electronic micJEM 100B (JEOL, Japan). To detect marker DNA of periodont pathogenic bacteria in analyzed samples the kit of reagentsfor polymerase chain reaction "MultiDent-5" ("GenLab", Russia). The scanning electronic microscopy in combination with transmission electronic microscopy and polymerase chain reaction permits analyzing structure, composition and degree of development of biofilm of periodontium and to apply differentiated diagnostic of different nosologic forms of inflammatory diseases of periodontium, including light form of chronic periodontitis and gingivitis. The electronic microscopical indications of diseases ofperiodontium of inflammatory character are established: catarrhal gingivitis, (coccal morphological alternate), chronic periodontitis (bacillary morphological alternate), Candida-associated periodontitis (Candida morphological alternate of biofilm ofperiodontium).

Acquisition parameters optimization of a transmission electron forward scatter diffraction system in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope for nanomaterials characterization.

PubMed

Brodusch, Nicolas; Demers, Hendrix; Trudeau, Michel; Gauvin, Raynald

2013-01-01

Transmission electron forward scatter diffraction (t-EFSD) is a new technique providing crystallographic information with high resolution on thin specimens by using a conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system in a scanning electron microscope. In this study, the impact of tilt angle, working distance, and detector distance on the Kikuchi pattern quality were investigated in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope (CFE-SEM). We demonstrated that t-EFSD is applicable for tilt angles ranging from -20° to -40°. Working distance (WD) should be optimized for each material by choosing the WD for which the EBSD camera screen illumination is the highest, as the number of detected electrons on the screen is directly dependent on the scattering angle. To take advantage of the best performances of the CFE-SEM, the EBSD camera should be close to the sample and oriented towards the bottom to increase forward scattered electron collection efficiency. However, specimen chamber cluttering and beam/mechanical drift are important limitations in the CFE-SEM used in this work. Finally, the importance of t-EFSD in materials science characterization was illustrated through three examples of phase identification and orientation mapping. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Direction-division multiplexed holographic free-electron-driven light sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, Brendan P.; MacDonald, Kevin F.; Zheludev, Nikolay I.

2018-01-01

We report on a free-electron-driven light source with a controllable direction of emission. The source comprises a microscopic array of plasmonic surface-relief holographic domains, each tailored to direct electron-induced light emission at a selected wavelength into a collimated beam in a prescribed direction. The direction-division multiplexed source is tested by driving it with the 30 kV electron beam of a scanning electron microscope: light emission, at a wavelength of 800 nm in the present case, is switched among different output angles by micron-scale repositioning of the electron injection point among domains. Such sources, with directional switching/tuning possible at picosecond timescales, may be applied to field-emission and surface-conduction electron-emission display technologies, optical multiplexing, and charged-particle-beam position metrology.

Development of a high brightness ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope based on a laser-driven cold field emission source.

PubMed

Houdellier, F; Caruso, G M; Weber, S; Kociak, M; Arbouet, A

2018-03-01

We report on the development of an ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope based on a cold field emission source which can operate in either DC or ultrafast mode. Electron emission from a tungsten nanotip is triggered by femtosecond laser pulses which are tightly focused by optical components integrated inside a cold field emission source close to the cathode. The properties of the electron probe (brightness, angular current density, stability) are quantitatively determined. The measured brightness is the largest reported so far for UTEMs. Examples of imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy using ultrashort electron pulses are given. Finally, the potential of this instrument is illustrated by performing electron holography in the off-axis configuration using ultrashort electron pulses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solid-state nanopores of controlled geometry fabricated in a transmission electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Hui; Egerton, Ray F.

2017-11-01

Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography were applied to in situ studies of the formation, shape, and diameter of nanopores formed in a silicon nitride membrane in a transmission electron microscope. The nanopore geometry was observed in three dimensions by electron tomography. Drilling conditions, such as probe current, beam convergence angle, and probe position, affect the formation rate and the geometry of the pores. With a beam convergence semi-angle of α = 22 mrad, a conical shaped nanopore is formed but at α = 45 mrad, double-cone (hourglass-shaped) nanopores were produced. Nanopores with an effective diameter between 10 nm and 1.8 nm were fabricated by controlling the drilling time.

Note: Electron energy spectroscopy mapping of surface with scanning tunneling microscope.

PubMed

Li, Meng; Xu, Chunkai; Zhang, Panke; Li, Zhean; Chen, Xiangjun

2016-08-01

We report a novel scanning probe electron energy spectrometer (SPEES) which combines a double toroidal analyzer with a scanning tunneling microscope to achieve both topography imaging and electron energy spectroscopy mapping of surface in situ. The spatial resolution of spectroscopy mapping is determined to be better than 0.7 ± 0.2 μm at a tip sample distance of 7 μm. Meanwhile, the size of the field emission electron beam spot on the surface is also measured, and is about 3.6 ± 0.8 μm in diameter. This unambiguously demonstrates that the spatial resolution of SPEES technique can be much better than the size of the incident electron beam.

Basic Energy Sciences Program Update

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None, None

2016-01-04

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) supports fundamental research to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels to provide the foundations for new energy technologies and to support DOE missions in energy, environment, and national security. The research disciplines covered by BES—condensed matter and materials physics, chemistry, geosciences, and aspects of physical biosciences— are those that discover new materials and design new chemical processes. These disciplines touch virtually every aspect of energy resources, production, conversion, transmission, storage, efficiency, and waste mitigation. BES also plans, constructs, andmore » operates world-class scientific user facilities that provide outstanding capabilities for imaging and spectroscopy, characterizing materials of all kinds ranging from hard metals to fragile biological samples, and studying the chemical transformation of matter. These facilities are used to correlate the microscopic structure of materials with their macroscopic properties and to study chemical processes. Such experiments provide critical insights to electronic, atomic, and molecular configurations, often at ultrasmall length and ultrafast time scales.« less

Micro-buffy coats of whole blood: a method for the electron microscopic study of mononuclear cells.

PubMed

Nunes, J F; Soares, J O; Alves de Matos, A P

1979-09-01

A method for the electron microscopic study of human peripheral lymphocytes by which very small buffy coats are obtained through centrifugation of heparinized whole blood in glass or plastic microhematocrit tubes is presented. This method is time saving and efficient, yielding well preserved material and a comparatively large number of mononuclear cells (mainly lymphocytes) in each thin section.

Practical application of HgI2 detectors to a space-flight scanning electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, J. G.; Conley, J. M.; Albee, A. L.; Iwanczyk, J. S.; Dabrowski, A. J.

1989-01-01

Mercuric iodide X-ray detectors have been undergoing tests in a prototype scanning electron microscope system being developed for unmanned space flight. The detector program addresses the issues of geometric configuration in the SEM, compact packaging that includes separate thermoelectric coolers for the detector and FET, X-ray transparent hermetic encapsulation and electrical contacts, and a clean vacuum environment.

Effect of process parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanare, S. P.; Kalyankar, V. D.

2018-04-01

Friction stir welding is emerging as a promising technique for joining of lighter metal alloys due to its several advantages over conventional fusion welding processes such as low thermal distortion, good mechanical properties, fine weld joint microstructure, etc. This review article mainly focuses on analysis of microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints. Various microstructure characterization techniques used by previous researchers such as optical microscopes, x-ray diffraction, electron probe microscope, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopes with electron back scattered diffraction, electron dispersive microscopy, etc. are thoroughly overviewed and their results are discussed. The effects of friction stir welding process parameters such as tool rotational speed, welding speed, tool plunge depth, axial force, tool shoulder diameter to tool pin diameter ratio, tool geometry etc. on microstructure and mechanical properties of welded joints are studied and critical observations are noted down. The microstructure examination carried out by previous researchers on various zones of welded joints such as weld zone, heat affected zone and base metal are studied and critical remarks have been presented. Mechanical performances of friction stir welded joints based on tensile test, micro-hardness test, etc. are discussed. This article includes exhaustive literature review of standard research articles which may become ready information for subsequent researchers to establish their line of action.

Automated in-chamber specimen coating for serial block-face electron microscopy.

PubMed

Titze, B; Denk, W

2013-05-01

When imaging insulating specimens in a scanning electron microscope, negative charge accumulates locally ('sample charging'). The resulting electric fields distort signal amplitude, focus and image geometry, which can be avoided by coating the specimen with a conductive film prior to introducing it into the microscope chamber. This, however, is incompatible with serial block-face electron microscopy (SBEM), where imaging and surface removal cycles (by diamond knife or focused ion beam) alternate, with the sample remaining in place. Here we show that coating the sample after each cutting cycle with a 1-2 nm metallic film, using an electron beam evaporator that is integrated into the microscope chamber, eliminates charging effects for both backscattered (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) imaging. The reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by the film is smaller than that caused by the widely used low-vacuum method. Sample surfaces as large as 12 mm across were coated and imaged without charging effects at beam currents as high as 25 nA. The coatings also enabled the use of beam deceleration for non-conducting samples, leading to substantial SNR gains for BSE contrast. We modified and automated the evaporator to enable the acquisition of SBEM stacks, and demonstrated the acquisition of stacks of over 1000 successive cut/coat/image cycles and of stacks using beam deceleration or SE contrast. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2013 Royal Microscopical Society.

Visualization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Fibrin Meshwork in Human Fibrinopurulent Inflammatory Lesions: III. Correlative Light and Electron Microscopic Study

PubMed Central

Onouchi, Takanori; Shiogama, Kazuya; Mizutani, Yasuyoshi; Takaki, Takashi; Tsutsumi, Yutaka

2016-01-01

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released from dead neutrophils at the site of inflammation represent webs of neutrophilic DNA stretches dotted with granule-derived antimicrobial proteins, including lactoferrin, and play important roles in innate immunity against microbial infection. We have shown the coexistence of NETs and fibrin meshwork in varied fibrinopurulent inflammatory lesions at both light and electron microscopic levels. In the present study, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) employing confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was performed to bridge light and electron microscopic images of NETs and fibrin fibrils in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, autopsied lung sections of legionnaire’s pneumonia. Lactoferrin immunoreactivity and 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) reactivity were used as markers of NETs, and fibrin was probed by fibrinogen gamma chain. Of note is that NETs light microscopically represented as lactoferrin and DAPI-colocalized dots, 2.5 μm in diameter. CLEM gave super-resolution images of NETs and fibrin fibrils: “Dotted” NETs were ultrastructurally composed of fine filaments and masses of 58 nm-sized globular materials. A fibrin fibril consisted of clusters of smooth-surfaced filaments. NETs filaments (26 nm in diameter) were significantly thinner than fibrin filaments (295 nm in diameter). Of note is that CLEM was applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of autopsy material. PMID:27917008

Ion/Neutral, Ion/Electron, Ion/Photon, and Ion/Ion Interactions in Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Do we need them all? Are they enough?

PubMed Central

McLuckey, Scott A.; Mentinova, Marija

2011-01-01

A range of strategies and tools has been developed to facilitate the determination of primary structures of analyte molecules of interest via tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The two main factors that determine the primary structural information present in an MS/MS spectrum are the type of ion generated from the analyte molecule and the dissociation method. The ion-type subjected to dissociation is determined by the ionization method/conditions and ion transformation processes that might take place after initial gas-phase ion formation. Furthermore, the range of analyte-related ion types can be expanded via derivatization reactions prior to mass spectrometry. Dissociation methods include those that simply alter the population of internal states of the mass-selected ion (i.e., activation methods like collision-induced dissociation) as well as processes that rely on transformation of the ion-type prior to dissociation (e.g., electron capture dissociation). A variety of ionic interactions has been studied for the purpose of ion dissociation and ion transformation that include ion/neutral, ion/photon, ion/electron, and ion/ion interactions. A wide range of phenomena has been observed, many of which have been explored/developed as means for structural analysis. The techniques arising from these phenomena are discussed within the context of the elements of structure determination in tandem mass spectrometry, viz., ion-type definition and dissociation. Unique aspects of the various ion interactions are emphasized along with any barriers to widespread implementation. PMID:21472539

Effect of thickness on physical properties of electron beam vacuum evaporated CdZnTe thin films for tandem solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chander, Subhash; Dhaka, M. S.

2016-10-01

The thickness and physical properties of electron beam vacuum evaporated CdZnTe thin films have been optimized in the present work. The films of thickness 300 nm and 400 nm were deposited on ITO coated glass substrates and subjected to different characterization tools like X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometer, source meter and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the structural, optical, electrical and surface morphological properties respectively. The XRD results show that the as-deposited CdZnTe thin films have zinc blende cubic structure and polycrystalline in nature with preferred orientation (111). Different structural parameters are also evaluated and discussed. The optical study reveals that the optical transition is found to be direct and energy band gap is decreased for higher thickness. The transmittance is found to increase with thickness and red shift observed which is suitable for CdZnTe films as an absorber layer in tandem solar cells. The current-voltage characteristics of deposited films show linear behavior in both forward and reverse directions as well as the conductivity is increased for higher film thickness. The SEM studies show that the as-deposited CdZnTe thin films are found to be homogeneous, uniform, small circle-shaped grains and free from crystal defects. The experimental results confirm that the film thickness plays an important role to optimize the physical properties of CdZnTe thin films for tandem solar cell applications as an absorber layer.

Electronic Collection Management and Electronic Information Services

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

compilation report, use: ADA415655 The component part is provided here to allow users access to individually authored sections f proceedings, annals...providers or as brokers between the user and the primary service provider. There has also been a significant reorientation from concept of "ownership...access. It will also look at the major trends in electronic user services including electronic information delivery and electronic reference. Finally, it

Disentangling specific versus generic doping mechanisms in oxide heterointerfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabel, J.; Zapf, M.; Scheiderer, P.; Schütz, P.; Dudy, L.; Stübinger, M.; Schlueter, C.; Lee, T.-L.; Sing, M.; Claessen, R.

2017-05-01

More than a decade after the discovery of the two-dimensional electron system (2DES) at the interface between the band insulators LaAlO3 (LAO) and SrTiO3 (STO) its microscopic origin is still under debate. Several explanations have been proposed, the main contenders being electron doping by oxygen vacancies and electronic reconstruction, i.e., the redistribution of electrons to the interface to minimize the electrostatic energy in the polar LAO film. However, no experiment thus far could provide unambiguous information on the microscopic origin of the interfacial charge carriers. Here we utilize a novel experimental approach combining photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) with highly brilliant synchrotron radiation and apply it to a set of samples with varying key parameters that are thought to be crucial for the emergence of interfacial conductivity. Based on microscopic insight into the electronic structure, we obtain results tipping the scales in favor of polar discontinuity as a generic, robust driving force for the 2DES formation. Likewise, other functionalities such as magnetism or superconductivity might be switched in all-oxide devices by polarity-driven charge transfer.

A new variable temperature solution-solid interface scanning tunneling microscope.

PubMed

Jahanbekam, Abdolreza; Mazur, Ursula; Hipps, K W

2014-10-01

We present a new solution-solid (SS) interface scanning tunneling microscope design that enables imaging at high temperatures with low thermal drift and with volatile solvents. In this new design, distinct from the conventional designs, the entire microscope is surrounded in a controlled-temperature and controlled-atmosphere chamber. This allows users to take measurements at high temperatures while minimizing thermal drift. By incorporating an open solution reservoir in the chamber, solvent evaporation from the sample is minimized; allowing users to use volatile solvents for temperature dependent studies at high temperatures. The new design enables the user to image at the SS interface with some volatile solvents for long periods of time (>24 h). An increase in the nonlinearity of the piezoelectric scanner in the lateral direction as a function of temperature is addressed. A temperature dependent study of cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin (CoOEP) at the toluene/Au(111) interface has been performed with this instrument. It is demonstrated that the lattice parameters remain constant within experimental error from 24 °C to 75 °C. Similar quality images were obtained over the entire temperature range. We report the unit cell of CoOEP at the toluene/Au(111) interface (based on two molecules per unit cell) to be A = (1.36 ± 0.04) nm, B = (2.51 ± 0.04) nm, and α = 97° ± 2°.

Fine structure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the juvenile hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata bissa.

PubMed

Iwasaki, S; Asami, T; Wanichanon, C

1996-04-01

Various species of turtles are adapted to different environments, such as freshwater, seawater, and terrestrial habitats. Comparisons of histological and ultrastructural features of the tongue of the juvenile Hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata bissa, with those of freshwater turtles should reveal some aspects of the relationship between the structure of the lingual epithelium and the environment. The light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope were used. Light microscopy revealed that the mucosal epithelium of the tongue was of the keratinized, stratified squamous type. Under the scanning electron microscope, no lingual papillae were visible on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Micropits and the thickening of cell margins were clearly seen on the surface of cells located on the outermost side. The transmission electron microscope revealed that the cells in the intermediate layer were gradually flattened from the basal side to the surface side, as were their nuclei. In the shallow intermediate layer, the cells were significantly flattened, and their nuclei were condensed or had disappeared. The cytoplasm contained keratohyalin granules, tonofibrils, free ribosomes, mitochondria, and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Numerous free ribosomes were attached to the surface of small keratohyalin granules. The cells of the keratinized layer were significantly flattened, and their nuclei had completely disappeared. Most of cytoplasm was filled with keratin fibers of high electron density. Keratin fibers of the shedding cells, which were located on the outermost side of the keratinized layer, appeared looser, and each fiber, which was somewhat thicker than the tonofibrils and tonofilaments, was clearly distinguishable. The lingual epithelium of the juvenile Hawksbill turtle differs significantly from that of the adult freshwater turtle, in spite of the similarity in gross morphology of the tongues of these species.

Terrestrial Clay under Microscope

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-09-30

A scanning electron microscope captured this image of terresterial soil containing a phyllosilicate mineral from Koua Bocca, Ivory Coast, West Africa. This soil shares some similarities with Martian soil scooped by NASA Phoenix Lander.

Characterization of quantum well structures using a photocathode electron microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spencer, Michael G.; Scott, Craig J.

1989-01-01

Present day integrated circuits pose a challenge to conventional electronic and mechanical test methods. Feature sizes in the submicron and nanometric regime require radical approaches in order to facilitate electrical contact to circuits and devices being tested. In addition, microwave operating frequencies require careful attention to distributed effects when considering the electrical signal paths within and external to the device under test. An alternative testing approach which combines the best of electrical and optical time domain testing is presented, namely photocathode electron microscope quantitative voltage contrast (PEMQVC).

The free-electron laser - Maxwell's equations driven by single-particle currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colson, W. B.; Ride, S. K.

1980-01-01

It is shown that if single particle currents are coupled to Maxwell's equations, the resulting set of self-consistent nonlinear equations describes the evolution of the electron beam and the amplitude and phase of the free-electron-laser field. The formulation is based on the slowly varying amplitude and phase approximation, and the distinction between microscopic and macroscopic scales, which distinguishes the microscopic bunching from the macroscopic pulse propagation. The capabilities of this new theoretical approach become apparent when its predictions for the ultrashort pulse free-electron laser are compared to experimental data; the optical pulse evolution, determined simply and accurately, agrees well with observations.

Analysis with electron microscope of multielement samples using pure element standards

DOEpatents

King, W.E.

1986-01-06

This disclosure describes a method and modified analytical electron microscope for determining the concentration of elements in a multielement sample by exposing samples with differing thicknesses for each element to a beam of electrons. Simultaneously the electron dosage and x-ray intensities are measured for each sample of element to determine a ''K/sub AB/'' value to be used in the equation (I/sub A/I/sub B/) = K/sub AB/ (C/sub A//C/sub B/), where I is intensity and C is concentration for elements A and B. The multielement sample is exposed to determine the concentrations of the elements in the sample.

Microstructural study of the nickel-base alloy WAZ-20 using qualitative and quantitative electron optical techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, S. G.

1973-01-01

The NASA nickel-base alloy WAZ-20 was analyzed by advanced metallographic techniques to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize its phases and stability. The as-cast alloy contained primary gamma-prime, a coarse gamma-gamma prime eutectic, a gamma-fine gamma prime matrix, and MC carbides. A specimen aged at 870 C for 1000 hours contained these same constituents and a few widely scattered high W particles. No detrimental phases (such as sigma or mu) were observed. Scanning electron microscope, light metallography, and replica electron microscope methods are compared. The value of quantitative electron microprobe techniques such as spot and area analysis is demonstrated.

Observation of a brine layer on an ice surface with an environmental scanning electron microscope at higher pressures and temperatures.

PubMed

Krausko, Ján; Runštuk, Jiří; Neděla, Vilém; Klán, Petr; Heger, Dominik

2014-05-20

Observation of a uranyl-salt brine layer on an ice surface using backscattered electron detection and ice surface morphology using secondary-electron detection under equilibrium conditions was facilitated using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) at temperatures above 250 K and pressures of hundreds of Pa. The micrographs of a brine layer over ice grains prepared by either slow or shock freezing provided a complementary picture of the contaminated ice grain boundaries. Fluorescence spectroscopy of the uranyl ions in the brine layer confirmed that the species exists predominately in the solvated state under experimental conditions of ESEM.

Diffraction effects and inelastic electron transport in angle-resolved microscopic imaging applications.

PubMed

Winkelmann, A; Nolze, G; Vespucci, S; Naresh-Kumar, G; Trager-Cowan, C; Vilalta-Clemente, A; Wilkinson, A J; Vos, M

2017-09-01

We analyse the signal formation process for scanning electron microscopic imaging applications on crystalline specimens. In accordance with previous investigations, we find nontrivial effects of incident beam diffraction on the backscattered electron distribution in energy and momentum. Specifically, incident beam diffraction causes angular changes of the backscattered electron distribution which we identify as the dominant mechanism underlying pseudocolour orientation imaging using multiple, angle-resolving detectors. Consequently, diffraction effects of the incident beam and their impact on the subsequent coherent and incoherent electron transport need to be taken into account for an in-depth theoretical modelling of the energy- and momentum distribution of electrons backscattered from crystalline sample regions. Our findings have implications for the level of theoretical detail that can be necessary for the interpretation of complex imaging modalities such as electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) of defects in crystals. If the solid angle of detection is limited to specific regions of the backscattered electron momentum distribution, the image contrast that is observed in ECCI and similar applications can be strongly affected by incident beam diffraction and topographic effects from the sample surface. As an application, we demonstrate characteristic changes in the resulting images if different properties of the backscattered electron distribution are used for the analysis of a GaN thin film sample containing dislocations. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Microscopy published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Microscopical Society.

MicroScope—an integrated microbial resource for the curation and comparative analysis of genomic and metabolic data

PubMed Central

Vallenet, David; Belda, Eugeni; Calteau, Alexandra; Cruveiller, Stéphane; Engelen, Stefan; Lajus, Aurélie; Le Fèvre, François; Longin, Cyrille; Mornico, Damien; Roche, David; Rouy, Zoé; Salvignol, Gregory; Scarpelli, Claude; Thil Smith, Adam Alexander; Weiman, Marion; Médigue, Claudine

2013-01-01

MicroScope is an integrated platform dedicated to both the methodical updating of microbial genome annotation and to comparative analysis. The resource provides data from completed and ongoing genome projects (automatic and expert annotations), together with data sources from post-genomic experiments (i.e. transcriptomics, mutant collections) allowing users to perfect and improve the understanding of gene functions. MicroScope (http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/agc/microscope) combines tools and graphical interfaces to analyse genomes and to perform the manual curation of gene annotations in a comparative context. Since its first publication in January 2006, the system (previously named MaGe for Magnifying Genomes) has been continuously extended both in terms of data content and analysis tools. The last update of MicroScope was published in 2009 in the Database journal. Today, the resource contains data for >1600 microbial genomes, of which ∼300 are manually curated and maintained by biologists (1200 personal accounts today). Expert annotations are continuously gathered in the MicroScope database (∼50 000 a year), contributing to the improvement of the quality of microbial genomes annotations. Improved data browsing and searching tools have been added, original tools useful in the context of expert annotation have been developed and integrated and the website has been significantly redesigned to be more user-friendly. Furthermore, in the context of the European project Microme (Framework Program 7 Collaborative Project), MicroScope is becoming a resource providing for the curation and analysis of both genomic and metabolic data. An increasing number of projects are related to the study of environmental bacterial (meta)genomes that are able to metabolize a large variety of chemical compounds that may be of high industrial interest. PMID:23193269

Highly dispersible diamond nanoparticles for pretreatment of diamond films on Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Shenjie; Huang, Jian; Zhou, Xinyu; Ren, Bing; Tang, Ke; Xi, Yifan; Wang, Lin; Wang, Linjun; Lu, Yicheng

2018-03-01

High quality diamond film on Si substrate was synthesized by coating diamond nanoparticles prepared by polyglycerol grafting (ND-PG) dispersion as pre-treatment method. Transmission electron microscope indicates that ND-PG is much more dispersible than untreated nanoparticles in organic solvents. The surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscope while atomic force microscope was conducted to measure the surface roughness. Microstructure properties were carried out by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed an increase in nucleation density, an acceleration of growth rate and an improvement of film crystalline quality by using spin-coating ND-PG pretreatment.

Development of 1500mm Wide Wrought Magnesium Alloys by Twin Roll Casting Technique in Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duygulu, Ozgur; Ucuncuoglu, Selda; Oktay, Gizem; Temur, Deniz Sultan; Yucel, Onuralp; Kaya, Ali Arslan

Magnesium alloy AZ31, AZ61, AZ91, AM50 and AM60 sheets were produced by twin roll casting first time in Turkey. Sheets of 4.5-6.5mm thick and 1500mm width were successfully achieved. Microstructure of the sheet was analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Semi-quantitative analyses were performed by SEM-EDS. In addition, X-ray studies were performed for both characterization and texture purposes. Mechanical properties were investigated by tensile tests and also hardness measurements. Homogenization and annealing heat treatments were performed on the produced sheets.

Electron microscopy study of the iron meteorite Santa Catharina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, J.; Williams, D. B.; Goldstein, J. I.; Clarke, R. S., Jr.

1990-01-01

A characterization of the microstructural features of Santa Catharina (SC) from the millimeter to submicron scale is presented. The same specimen was examined using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, an electron probe microanalyzer, and an analytical electron microscope. Findings include the fact that SC metal nodules may have different bulk Ni values, leading to different microstructures upon cooling; that SC USNM 6293 is the less corroded sample, as tetrataenite exists as less than 10 nm ordered domains throughout the entire fcc matrix (it is noted that this structure is the same as that of the Twin City meteorite and identical to clear taenite II in the retained taenite regions of the octahedrites); that SC USNM 3043 has a more complicated microstructure due to corrosion; and that the low Ni phase of the cloudy zone was selectively corroded in some areas and formed the dark regions, indicating that the SC meteorite corrosion process was electrochemical in nature and may involve Cl-containing akaganeite.

Acquisition of a High Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope for the Analysis of Returned Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nittler, Larry R.

2003-01-01

This grant furnished funds to purchase a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM) to support our analytical facilities for extraterrestrial samples. After evaluating several instruments, we purchased a JEOL 6500F thermal field emission SEM with the following analytical accessories: EDAX energy-dispersive x-ray analysis system with fully automated control of instrument and sample stage; EDAX LEXS wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectrometer for high sensitivity light-element analysis; EDAX/TSL electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system with software for phase identification and crystal orientation mapping; Robinson backscatter electron detector; and an in situ micro-manipulator (Kleindiek). The total price was $550,000 (with $150,000 of the purchase supported by Carnegie institution matching funds). The microscope was delivered in October 2002, and most of the analytical accessories were installed by January 2003. With the exception of the wavelength spectrometer (which has been undergoing design changes) everything is working well and the SEM is in routine use in our laboratory.

Progress on PEEM3 -- An Aberration Corrected X-Ray Photoemission Electron Microscope at the ALS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

MacDowell, A. A.; Feng, J.; DeMello, A.

2007-01-19

A new ultrahigh-resolution photoemission electron microscope called PEEM3 is being developed and built at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). An electron mirror combined with a much-simplified magnetic dipole separator is to be used to provide simultaneous correction of spherical and chromatic aberrations. It is installed on an elliptically polarized undulator (EPU) beamline, and will be operated with very high spatial resolution and high flux to study the composition, structure, electric and magnetic properties of complex materials. The instrument has been designed and is described. The instrumental hardware is being deployed in 2 phases. The first phase is the deployment ofmore » a standard PEEM type microscope consisting of the standard linear array of electrostatic electron lenses. The second phase will be the installation of the aberration corrected upgrade to improve resolution and throughput. This paper describes progress as the instrument enters the commissioning part of the first phase.« less

Progress on PEEM3 - An Aberration Corrected X-Ray PhotoemissionElectron Microscope at the ALS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

MacDowell, Alastair A.; Feng, J.; DeMello, A.

2006-05-20

A new ultrahigh-resolution photoemission electron microscope called PEEM3 is being developed and built at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). An electron mirror combined with a much-simplified magnetic dipole separator is to be used to provide simultaneous correction of spherical and chromatic aberrations. It is installed on an elliptically polarized undulator (EPU) beamline, and will be operated with very high spatial resolution and high flux to study the composition, structure, electric and magnetic properties of complex materials. The instrument has been designed and is described. The instrumental hardware is being deployed in 2 phases. The first phase is the deployment ofmore » a standard PEEM type microscope consisting of the standard linear array of electrostatic electron lenses. The second phase will be the installation of the aberration corrected upgrade to improve resolution and throughput. This paper describes progress as the instrument enters the commissioning part of the first phase.« less

Intracellular localisation of dengue-2 RNA in mosquito cell culture using electron microscopic in situ hybridisation.

PubMed

Grief, C; Galler, R; Côrtes, L M; Barth, O M

1997-01-01

Non-isotopic in situ hybridisation was used at the electron microscope level to determine the localisation of viral RNA in dengue-2 infected mosquito cells at 14, 24, 48 and 72 h post-infection. In situ hybridisation was carried out on sections of dengue-2 infected mosquito cells using a digoxigenin-labelled DNA probe to the envelope protein gene sequence of the virus. Viral RNA was consistently localised over the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the virus-induced smooth membrane structures which form within the endoplasmic reticulum. During the later stages of infection electron-dense areas were observed to develop in close proximity to the smooth membrane structures. Electron microscopic in situ hybridisation showed that these denser areas contained both viral RNA and virus particles. Our results show that in dengue-2 infected mosquito cells the smooth membrane structures are an important site for the concentration of dengue viral RNA and its possible subsequent encapsidation into virus particles.

Thermal conductivity and dielectric functions of alkali chloride XCl (X = Li, Na, K and Rb): a first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, M.; Yang, J. Y.; Liu, L. H.

2016-07-01

The macroscopic physical properties of solids are fundamentally determined by the interactions among microscopic electrons, phonons and photons. In this work, the thermal conductivity and infrared-visible-ultraviolet dielectric functions of alkali chlorides and their temperature dependence are fully investigated at the atomic level, seeking to unveil the microscopic quantum interactions beneath the macroscopic properties. The microscopic phonon-phonon interaction dominates the thermal conductivity which can be investigated by the anharmonic lattice dynamics in combination with Peierls-Boltzmann transport equation. The photon-phonon and electron-photon interaction intrinsically induce the infrared and visible-ultraviolet dielectric functions, respectively, and such microscopic processes can be simulated by first-principles molecular dynamics without empirical parameters. The temperature influence on dielectric functions can be effectively included by choosing the thermally equilibrated configurations as the basic input to calculate the total dipole moment and electronic band structure. The overall agreement between first-principles simulations and literature experiments enables us to interpret the macroscopic thermal conductivity and dielectric functions of solids in a comprehensive way.

Computing Trimmed, Mean-Camber Surfaces At Minimum Drag

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamar, John E.; Hodges, William T.

1995-01-01

VLMD computer program determines subsonic mean-camber surfaces of trimmed noncoplanar planforms with minimum vortex drag at specified lift coefficient. Up to two planforms designed together. Method used that of subsonic vortex lattice method of chord loading specification, ranging from rectangular to triangular, left specified by user. Program versatile and applied to isolated wings, wing/canard configurations, tandem wing, and wing/-winglet configuration. Written in FORTRAN.

Visualizing 3-D microscopic specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forsgren, Per-Ola; Majlof, Lars L.

1992-06-01

The confocal microscope can be used in a vast number of fields and applications to gather more information than is possible with a regular light microscope, in particular about depth. Compared to other three-dimensional imaging devices such as CAT, NMR, and PET, the variations of the objects studied are larger and not known from macroscopic dissections. It is therefore important to have several complementary ways of displaying the gathered information. We present a system where the user can choose display techniques such as extended focus, depth coding, solid surface modeling, maximum intensity and other techniques, some of which may be combined. A graphical user interface provides easy and direct control of all input parameters. Motion and stereo are available options. Many three- dimensional imaging devices give recordings where one dimension has different resolution and sampling than the other two which requires interpolation to obtain correct geometry. We have evaluated algorithms with interpolation in object space and in projection space. There are many ways to simplify the geometrical transformations to gain performance. We present results of some ways to simplify the calculations.

Scanning electron microscope view of iron crystal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

A scanning electron microscope photograph of iron crystals which grow in a small vug or cavity in a recrystallized breccia (fragmented rock) from the Apollo 15 Hadley-Apennino lunar landing site. The largest crystal is three microns across. Perfectly developed crystals such as these indicate slow formation from a hot vapor as the rock was cooling. The crystals are resting on an interlocking lattice of pyroxene (calsium-magnesium-iron silicate).

Scanning electron microscope view of iron crystal

NASA Image and Video Library

1972-11-10

A scanning electron microscope photograph of iron crystals which grow in a small vug or cavity in a recrystallized breccia (fragmented rock) from the Apollo 15 Hadley-Apennino lunar landing site. The largest crystal is three microns across. Perfectly developed crystals such as these indicate slow formation from a hot vapor as the rock was cooling. The crystals are resting on an interlocking lattice of pyroxene (calsium-magnesium-iron silicate).

Electron microscope evidence of virus infection in cultured marine fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xiu-Qin; Zhang, Jin-Xing; Qu, Ling-Yun

2000-09-01

Electron microscope investigation on the red sea bream ( Pagrosomus major), bastard halibut ( Paralichthys olivaceus) and stone flounder ( Kareius bicoloratus) in North China revealed virus infection in the bodies of the dead and diseased fish. These viruses included the lymphocystis disease virus (LDV), parvovirus, globular virus, and a kind of baculavirus which was not discovered and reported before and is now tentatively named baculavirus of stone flounder ( Kareius bicoloratus).

Electrophysiology Tool Construction

PubMed Central

Ide, David

2016-01-01

This protocol documents the construction of a custom microscope stage system currently in widespread use by a wide variety of investigators. The current design and construction of this stage is the result of multiple iterations, integrating input from a number of electrophysiologists working with a variety of preparations. Thus, this tool is a generally applicable solution, suitable for a wide array of end-user requirements; its flexible design facilitates rapid and easy configuration, making it useful for multi-user microscopes, as individual researchers can reconfigure the stage system or have their own readily replaceable stage plates. Furthermore, the stage can be manufactured using equipment typically found in small research machine shops, and by keeping the various parts on hand, machinists can quickly satisfy new requests and/or modifications for a wide variety of applications. PMID:23315946

Murphy's law-if anything can go wrong, it will: Problems in phage electron microscopy.

PubMed

Ackermann, Hans-W; Tiekotter, Kenneth L

2012-04-01

The quality of bacteriophage electron microscopy appears to be on a downward course since the 1980s. This coincides with the introduction of digital electron microscopes and a general lowering of standards, possibly due to the disappearance of several world-class electron microscopists The most important problem seems to be poor contrast. Positive staining is frequently not recognized as an undesirable artifact. Phage parts, bacterial debris, and aberrant or damaged phage particles may be misdiagnosed as bacterial viruses. Digital electron microscopes often seem to be operated without magnification control because this is difficult and inconvenient. In summary, most phage electron microscopy problems may be attributed to human failure. Journals are a last-ditch defense and have a heavy responsibility in selecting competent reviewers and rejecting, or not, unsatisfactory articles.

Failure Analysis of Heavy-Ion-Irradiated Schottky Diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casey, Megan C.; Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Wilcox, Edward P.; Topper, Alyson D.; Campola, Michael J.; Label, Kenneth A.

2017-01-01

In this work, we use high- and low-magnitude optical microscope images, infrared camera images, and scanning electron microscope images to identify and describe the failure locations in heavy-ion-irradiated Schottky diodes.

Building mechanism for a high open-circuit voltage in an all-solution-processed tandem polymer solar cell.

PubMed

Kong, Jaemin; Lee, Jongjin; Kim, Geunjin; Kang, Hongkyu; Choi, Youna; Lee, Kwanghee

2012-08-14

Additional post-processing techniques, such as post-thermal annealing and UV illumination, were found to be required to obtain desirable values of the cell parameters in a tandem polymer solar cell incorporated with solution-processed basic n-type titanium sub-oxide (TiO(x))/acidic p-type poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) interlayers. Subsequent to the fabrication of the tandem polymer solar cells, the open-circuit voltage (V(OC)) of the cells exhibited half of the expected value. Only after the application of the post-treatments, the V(OC) of a tandem cell increased from the initial half-cell value (∼0.6 V) to its full-cell value (∼1.2 V). The selective light-biased incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) measurements indicated that the initial V(OC) originated from the back subcell and that the application of the post-processing treatments revived the front subcell, such that the net photocurrent of the tandem cell was finally governed by a recombination process of holes from the back subcell and electrons from the front subcell. Based on our experimental results, we suggest that a V(OC) enhancement could be ascribed to two types of subsequent junction formations at the interface between the TiO(x) and PEDOT:PSS interlayers: an 'ion-mediated dipole junction', resulting from the electro-kinetic migration of cationic ions in the interlayers during post-thermal annealing in the presence of a low-work-function metal cathode, and a 'photoinduced Schottky junction', formed by increasing the charge carrier density in the n-type TiO(x) interlayer during UV illumination process. The two junctions separately contributed to the formation of a recombination junction through which the electrons in TiO(x) and the holes in PEDOT:PSS were able to recombine without substantial voltage drops.

A Tandem Microscopic-Electrochemical Examination of A Charge-Induced Surface Phase Sequence: Ordered Au(110) in Aqueous Iodide Electrolytes as Probed by Potentiodynamic Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

and Rh(lll)9-12 by STM, and halides on Au(lll) by SXRS. 1 3 ’ 1 4 For several of these systems, especially anion adsorption on gold , the adsorbate...index faces of gold in aqueous solution by means of in- situ STM combined with conventional electrochemical methods. The value of the electrochemical...structure and conversion dynamics. A related description of the Au(lO0)-I- system, along with a comparison with the behavior of the other two low-index gold

A portable microscopy system for fluorescence, polarized, and brightfield imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Paul; Wattinger, Rolla; Lewis, Cody; Venancio, Vinicius Paula; Mertens-Talcott, Susanne U.; Coté, Gerard

2018-02-01

The use of mobile phones to conduct diagnostic microscopy at the point-of-care presents intriguing possibilities for the advancement of high-quality medical care in remote settings. However, it is challenging to create a single device that can adapt to the ever-varying camera technologies in phones or that can image with the customization that multiple modalities require for applications such as malaria diagnosis. A portable multi-modal microscope system is presented that utilizes a Raspberry Pi to collect and transmit data wirelessly to a myriad of electronic devices for image analysis. The microscopy system is capable of providing to the user correlated brightfield, polarized, and fluorescent images of samples fixed on traditional microscopy slides. The multimodal diagnostic capabilities of the microscope were assessed by measuring parasitemia of Plasmodium falciparum-infected thin blood smears. The device is capable of detecting fluorescently-labeled DNA using FITC excitation (490 nm) and emission (525 nm), the birefringent P. falciparum byproduct hemozoin, and detecting brightfield absorption with a resolution of 0.78 micrometers (element 9-3 of a 1951 Air Force Target). This microscopy system is a novel portable imaging tool that may be a viable candidate for field implementation if challenges of system durability, cost considerations, and full automation can be overcome.

Fabrication and In Situ Transmission Electron Microscope Characterization of Free-Standing Graphene Nanoribbon Devices.

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Kitaura, Ryo; Suzuki, Shoji; Miyauchi, Yuhei; Matsuda, Kazunari; Yamamoto, Yuta; Arai, Shigeo; Shinohara, Hisanori

2016-01-26

Edge-dependent electronic properties of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have attracted intense interests. To fully understand the electronic properties of GNRs, the combination of precise structural characterization and electronic property measurement is essential. For this purpose, two experimental techniques using free-standing GNR devices have been developed, which leads to the simultaneous characterization of electronic properties and structures of GNRs. Free-standing graphene has been sculpted by a focused electron beam in transmission electron microscope (TEM) and then purified and narrowed by Joule heating down to several nanometer width. Structure-dependent electronic properties are observed in TEM, and significant increase in sheet resistance and semiconducting behavior become more salient as the width of GNR decreases. The narrowest GNR width we obtained with the present method is about 1.6 nm with a large transport gap of 400 meV.

Note: Electron energy spectroscopy mapping of surface with scanning tunneling microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Meng; Xu, Chunkai, E-mail: xuck@ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: xjun@ustc.edu.cn; Zhang, Panke

We report a novel scanning probe electron energy spectrometer (SPEES) which combines a double toroidal analyzer with a scanning tunneling microscope to achieve both topography imaging and electron energy spectroscopy mapping of surface in situ. The spatial resolution of spectroscopy mapping is determined to be better than 0.7 ± 0.2 μm at a tip sample distance of 7 μm. Meanwhile, the size of the field emission electron beam spot on the surface is also measured, and is about 3.6 ± 0.8 μm in diameter. This unambiguously demonstrates that the spatial resolution of SPEES technique can be much better than themore » size of the incident electron beam.« less

Experimental evaluation of environmental scanning electron microscopes at high chamber pressure.

PubMed

Fitzek, H; Schroettner, H; Wagner, J; Hofer, F; Rattenberger, J

2015-11-01

In environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) high pressure applications have become increasingly important. Wet or biological samples can be investigated without time-consuming sample preparation and potential artefacts from this preparation can be neglected. Unfortunately, the signal-to-noise ratio strongly decreases with increasing chamber pressure. To evaluate the high pressure performance of ESEM and to compare different electron microscopes, information about spatial resolution and detector type is not enough. On the one hand, the scattering of the primary electron beam increases, which vanishes the contrast in images; and on the other hand, the secondary electrons (SE) signal amplification decreases. The stagnation gas thickness (effective distance the beam has to travel through the imaging gas) as well as the SE detection system depend on the microscope and for a complete and serious evaluation of an ESEM or low vacuum SEM it is necessary to specify these two parameters. A method is presented to determine the fraction of scattered and unscattered electrons and to calculate the stagnation gas thickness (θ). To evaluate the high pressure performance of the SE detection system, a method is presented that allows for an analysis of a single image and the calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio of this image. All investigations are performed on an FEI ESEM Quanta 600 (field emission gun) and an FEI ESEM Quanta 200 (thermionic gun). These methods and measurements should represent opportunities for evaluating the high pressure performance of an ESEM. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Automated Detection of Synapses in Serial Section Transmission Electron Microscopy Image Stacks

PubMed Central

Kreshuk, Anna; Koethe, Ullrich; Pax, Elizabeth; Bock, Davi D.; Hamprecht, Fred A.

2014-01-01

We describe a method for fully automated detection of chemical synapses in serial electron microscopy images with highly anisotropic axial and lateral resolution, such as images taken on transmission electron microscopes. Our pipeline starts from classification of the pixels based on 3D pixel features, which is followed by segmentation with an Ising model MRF and another classification step, based on object-level features. Classifiers are learned on sparse user labels; a fully annotated data subvolume is not required for training. The algorithm was validated on a set of 238 synapses in 20 serial 7197×7351 pixel images (4.5×4.5×45 nm resolution) of mouse visual cortex, manually labeled by three independent human annotators and additionally re-verified by an expert neuroscientist. The error rate of the algorithm (12% false negative, 7% false positive detections) is better than state-of-the-art, even though, unlike the state-of-the-art method, our algorithm does not require a prior segmentation of the image volume into cells. The software is based on the ilastik learning and segmentation toolkit and the vigra image processing library and is freely available on our website, along with the test data and gold standard annotations (http://www.ilastik.org/synapse-detection/sstem). PMID:24516550

rFRET: A comprehensive, Matlab-based program for analyzing intensity-based ratiometric microscopic FRET experiments.

PubMed

Nagy, Peter; Szabó, Ágnes; Váradi, Tímea; Kovács, Tamás; Batta, Gyula; Szöllősi, János

2016-04-01

Fluorescence or Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) remains one of the most widely used methods for assessing protein clustering and conformation. Although it is a method with solid physical foundations, many applications of FRET fall short of providing quantitative results due to inappropriate calibration and controls. This shortcoming is especially valid for microscopy where currently available tools have limited or no capability at all to display parameter distributions or to perform gating. Since users of multiparameter flow cytometry usually apply these tools, the absence of these features in applications developed for microscopic FRET analysis is a significant limitation. Therefore, we developed a graphical user interface-controlled Matlab application for the evaluation of ratiometric, intensity-based microscopic FRET measurements. The program can calculate all the necessary overspill and spectroscopic correction factors and the FRET efficiency and it displays the results on histograms and dot plots. Gating on plots and mask images can be used to limit the calculation to certain parts of the image. It is an important feature of the program that the calculated parameters can be determined by regression methods, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and from summed intensities in addition to pixel-by-pixel evaluation. The confidence interval of calculated parameters can be estimated using parameter simulations if the approximate average number of detected photons is known. The program is not only user-friendly, but it provides rich output, it gives the user freedom to choose from different calculation modes and it gives insight into the reliability and distribution of the calculated parameters. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minami, R., E-mail: minami@prc.tsukuba.ac.jp; Imai, T.; Kariya, T.

Temporally and spatially resolved soft x-ray and end-loss-electron analyses of the electron cyclotron heated plasmas are carried out by using a semiconductor detector array and an electrostatic energy analyzer in the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror. The flux and the energy spectrum of the end loss electrons are measured by a multi-grid energy analyzer. Recently, the electron cyclotron heating power modulation experiments have been started in order to generate and control the high heat flux and to make the edge localized mode-like intermittent heat load pattern for the divertor simulation studies by the use of these detectors for electron properties.

Investigation of Mineral Transformations in Wet Supercritical CO2 by Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arey, Bruce W.; Kovarik, Libor; Wang, Zheming

2011-10-10

The capture and storage of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in deep geologic formations represents one of the most promising options for mitigating the impacts of greenhouse gases on global warming. In this regard, mineral-fluid interactions are of prime importance since such reactions can result in the long term sequestration of CO2 by trapping in mineral phases. Recently it has been recognized that interactions with neat to water-saturated non-aqueous fluids are of prime importance in understanding mineralization reactions since the introduced CO2 is likely to contain water initially or soon after injection and the supercritical CO2 (scCO2) is lessmore » dense than the aqueous phase which can result in a buoyant scCO2 plume contacting the isolating caprock. As a result, unraveling the molecular/microscopic mechanisms of mineral transformation in neat to water saturated scCO2 has taken on an added important. In this study, we are examining the interfacial reactions of the olivine mineral forsterite (Mg2SiO4) over a range of water contents up to and including complete water saturation in scCO2. The surface precipitates that form on the reacted forsterite grains are extremely fragile and difficult to experimentally characterize. In order to address this issue we have developed experimental protocols for preparing and imaging electron-transparent samples from fragile structures. These electron-transparent samples are then examined using a combination of STEM/EDX, FIB-TEM, and helium ion microscope (HIM) imaging (Figures 1-3). This combination of capabilities has provided unique insight into the geochemical processes that occur on scCO2 reacted mineral surfaces. The experimental procedures and protocols that have been developed also have useful applications for examining fragile structures on a wide variety of materials. This research was performed using EMSL, a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.« less

Vise holds specimens for microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greule, W. N.

1980-01-01

Convenient, miniature, spring-loaded clamp holds specimens for scanning electron microscope. Clamp is made out of nesting sections of studded angle-aluminum. Specimens are easier to mount and dismount with vise than with conductive adhesive or paint.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This electron microscope image shows tubular structures of likely Martian origin. These structures are very similar in size and shape to extremely tiny microfossils found in some Earth rocks. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00287

Determining the Binding Sites of β-Cyclodextrin and Peptides by Electron-Capture Dissociation High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Yulin; Geib, Timon; Volmer, Dietrich A.

2015-07-01

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a group of cyclic oligosaccharides, which readily form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds to increase bioavailability, thus making CDs ideal drug excipients. Recent studies have also shown that CDs exhibit a wide range of protective effects, preventing proteins from aggregation, degradation, and folding. These effects strongly depend on the binding sites on the protein surface. CDs only exhibit weak interactions with amino acids, however; conventional analytical techniques therefore usually fail to reveal the exact location of the binding sites. Moreover, some studies even suggest that CD inclusion complexes are merely electrostatic adducts. Here, electron capture dissociation (ECD) was applied in this proof-of-concept study to examine the exact nature of the CD/peptide complexes, and CD binding sites were unambiguously located for the first time via Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) tandem mass spectrometry.

Characterization of Isomeric Glycans by Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography-Electronic Excitation Dissociation Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yang; Wei, Juan; Costello, Catherine E.; Lin, Cheng

2018-04-01

The occurrence of numerous structural isomers in glycans from biological sources presents a severe challenge for structural glycomics. The subtle differences among isomeric structures demand analytical methods that can provide structural details while working efficiently with on-line glycan separation methods. Although liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a powerful tool for mixture analysis, the commonly utilized collision-induced dissociation (CID) method often does not generate a sufficient number of fragments at the MS2 level for comprehensive structural characterization. Here, we studied the electronic excitation dissociation (EED) behaviors of metal-adducted, permethylated glycans, and identified key spectral features that could facilitate both topology and linkage determinations. We developed an EED-based, nanoscale, reversed phase (RP)LC-MS/MS platform, and demonstrated its ability to achieve complete structural elucidation of up to five structural isomers in a single LC-MS/MS analysis. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Human embryonic stem cell phosphoproteome revealed by electron transfer dissociation tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Swaney, Danielle L; Wenger, Craig D; Thomson, James A; Coon, Joshua J

2009-01-27

Protein phosphorylation is central to the understanding of cellular signaling, and cellular signaling is suggested to play a major role in the regulation of human embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency. Here, we describe the use of conventional tandem mass spectrometry-based sequencing technology--collision-activated dissociation (CAD)--and the more recently developed method electron transfer dissociation (ETD) to characterize the human ES cell phosphoproteome. In total, these experiments resulted in the identification of 11,995 unique phosphopeptides, corresponding to 10,844 nonredundant phosphorylation sites, at a 1% false discovery rate (FDR). Among these phosphorylation sites are 5 localized to 2 pluripotency critical transcription factors--OCT4 and SOX2. From these experiments, we conclude that ETD identifies a larger number of unique phosphopeptides than CAD (8,087 to 3,868), more frequently localizes the phosphorylation site to a specific residue (49.8% compared with 29.6%), and sequences whole classes of phosphopeptides previously unobserved.

Versatile Tandem Ring-Opening/Ring-Closing Metathesis Polymerization: Strategies for Successful Polymerization of Challenging Monomers and Their Mechanistic Studies.

PubMed

Park, Hyeon; Kang, Eun-Hye; Müller, Laura; Choi, Tae-Lim

2016-02-24

Tandem ring-opening/ring-closing metathesis (RO/RCM) results in extremely fast living polymerization; however, according to previous reports, only monomers containing certain combinations of cycloalkenes, terminal alkynes, and nitrogen linkers successfully underwent tandem polymerization. After examining the polymerization pathways, we proposed that the relatively slow intramolecular cyclization might lead to competing side reactions such as intermolecular cross metathesis reactions to form inactive propagating species. Thus, we developed two strategies to enhance tandem polymerization efficiency. First, we modified monomer structures to accelerate tandem RO/RCM cyclization by enhancing the Thorpe-Ingold effect. This strategy increased the polymerization rate and suppressed the chain transfer reaction to achieve controlled polymerization, even for challenging syntheses of dendronized polymers. Alternatively, reducing the reaction concentration facilitated tandem polymerization, suggesting that the slow tandem RO/RCM cyclization step was the main reason for the previous failure. To broaden the monomer scope, we used monomers containing internal alkynes and observed that two different polymer units with different ring sizes were produced as a result of nonselective α-addition and β-addition on the internal alkynes. Thorough experiments with various monomers with internal alkynes suggested that steric and electronic effects of the alkyne substituents influenced alkyne addition selectivity and the polymerization reactivity. Further polymerization kinetics studies revealed that the rate-determining step of monomers containing certain internal alkynes was the six-membered cyclization step via β-addition, whereas that for other monomers was the conventional intermolecular propagation step, as observed in other chain-growth polymerizations. This conclusion agrees well with all those polymerization results and thus validates our strategies.

Freeze-fracture of infected plant leaves in ethanol for scanning electron microscopic study of fungal pathogens.

PubMed

Moore, Jayma A; Payne, Scott A

2012-01-01

Fungi often are found within plant tissues where they cannot be visualized with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). We present a simple way to reveal cell interiors while avoiding many common causes of artifact. Freeze-fracture of leaf tissue using liquid nitrogen during the 100% ethanol step of the dehydration process just before critical point drying is useful in exposing intracellular fungi to the SEM.

Clinical Investigation Program Report Control Symbol MED 300.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

13 Agent Induced Delay of Gastric Emptying. (0) (PR) (P) 1979 The Experimental Fat Embolism Syndrome: An Electron 15 Microscopic Study of Lung in...1981 Investigation of Chronic Phantom Pain. (0) (PR) (P) 25 v Year Page Initiated 1981 Experimental Fat Embolism Syndrome: Basic Studies and 26...14 Detail Summary Sheet Date 3 Oct 83 Prot No.: 79-21 Status: Ongoing Title: The Experimental Fat Embolism Syndrome: An Electron Microscopic Study of

High-resolution, cryogenic, side-entry type specimen stage

DOEpatents

King, Wayne E.; Merkle, Karl L.

1979-01-01

A high-resolution, cryogenic side-entry type specimen stage includes a copper block within which a specimen can be positioned in the electron beam of an electron microscope, one end of the copper block constituting a specimen heat exchanger, means for directing a flow of helium at cryogenic temperature into the heat exchanger, and electrical leads running from the specimen to the exterior of the microscope for four point D.C. electrical resistivity measurements.

The Enhanced Driver’s License: Collateral Gains or Collateral Damage?

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

fact, are only detectible under a high- powered electron microscope. The indication, thus, is that the improvements made to the driver’s license...security environment, say airport security, there is no time to analyze driver’s licenses under a high- powered electron microscope to ensure they are...95 Advancements in recent decades have reduced the size and cost of RFID technology and as such, have increased the number of purposes ( supply

Low Voltage Electron Beam Lithography

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

September 1970 (Societe Franaise do Microscopic Elecuouique, Plaris, 1970) Vol. 2, p. 55. [31 H . C. Pfeiffer, "Basic limitations of probefonning systems...USA (editors: 0. Jobari and I. Corvin). [4) T. Groves, D. L Hunmond, H . Kuo, ’Elecmnm-beam broadening effct caused by discreteness of space charge...Electron Microscope Gun". Br. J. Appi. Phys.. February 1952, pp. 40-46. M. E. Haine, P. A. Einstein, and P. H . Brocherd. "Resistance Bias

Linear, Single-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid Isolated from Kilham Rat Virus

PubMed Central

Salzman, Lois Ann; White, Wesley L.; Kakefuda, Tsuyoshi

1971-01-01

Kilham rat virus (KRV) was grown in a rat nephroma cell line and was purified by two isopycnic centrifugations in cesium chloride. The virus contains single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with a molecular weight of approximately 1.6 × 106. The DNA was extracted from the virion by both phenol extraction and by 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 50 C. KRV DNA, extracted by both procedures, was observed in an electron microscope by using a cytochrome c or diethylaminoethyldextran monolayer. The DNA was also exposed to exonuclease I, an enzyme which hydrolyzes specifically linear, single-stranded DNA. Hydrolysis of 70 to 80% of the DNA was observed. Both the enzymatic and the electron microscope studies support the conclusion that extracted KRV DNA is a single-stranded, linear molecule. The length of the DNA was measured in the electron microscope and determined to be 1.505 ± 0.206 μm. Images PMID:4327590

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Henn, T.; Kiessling, T., E-mail: tobias.kiessling@physik.uni-wuerzburg.de; Ossau, W.

We describe a two-color pump-probe scanning magneto-optical Kerr effect microscope which we have developed to investigate electron spin phenomena in semiconductors at cryogenic temperatures with picosecond time and micrometer spatial resolution. The key innovation of our microscope is the usage of an ultrafast “white light” supercontinuum fiber-laser source which provides access to the whole visible and near-infrared spectral range. Our Kerr microscope allows for the independent selection of the excitation and detection energy while avoiding the necessity to synchronize the pulse trains of two separate picosecond laser systems. The ability to independently tune the pump and probe wavelength enables themore » investigation of the influence of excitation energy on the optically induced electron spin dynamics in semiconductors. We demonstrate picosecond real-space imaging of the diffusive expansion of optically excited electron spin packets in a (110) GaAs quantum well sample to illustrate the capabilities of the instrument.« less

A densitometric analysis of commercial 35mm films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammond, Ernest C., Jr.; Ruffin, Christopher, III

1989-01-01

IIaO films have been subjected to various sensitometric tests. The have included thermal and aging effects and reciprocity failure studies. In order to compare the special IIaO film with popular brands of 35 mm films and their possible use in astrophotography, Agfa, Fuji and Kodak print and slide formats, as well as black and white and color formats, were subjected to sensitometric, as well as densitometric analysis. A scanning electron microscope was used to analyze grain structure size, and shape as a function of both speed and brand. Preliminary analysis of the grain structure using an ISI-SS40 scanning electron microscope indicates that the grain sizes for darker densities are much larger than the grain size for lighter densities. Researchers analyze the scanning electron microscope findings of the various grains versus densities as well as enhancement of the grains, using the IP-8500 Digital Image Processor.

Artificial submicron or nanometer speckle fabricating technique and electron microscope speckle photography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu Zhanwei; Xie Huimin; Fang Daining

2007-03-15

In this article, a novel artificial submicro- or nanometer speckle fabricating technique is proposed by taking advantage of submicro or nanometer particles. In the technique, submicron or nanometer particles were adhered to an object surface by using ultrasonic dispersing technique. The particles on the object surface can be regarded as submicro or nanometer speckle by using a scanning electronic microscope at a special magnification. In addition, an electron microscope speckle photography (EMSP) method is developed to measure in-plane submicron or nanometer deformation of the object coated with the artificial submicro or nanometer speckles. The principle of artificial submicro or nanometermore » speckle fabricating technique and the EMSP method are discussed in detail in this article. Some typical applications of this method are offered. The experimental results verified that the artificial submicro or nanometer speckle fabricating technique and EMSP method is feasible.« less

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated by platinum catalyst nanoparticles--examination and microanalysis using scanning and transmission electron microscopies.

PubMed

Guinel, M J-F; Brodusch, N; Verde-Gómez, Y; Escobar-Morales, B; Gauvin, R

2013-10-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) have been characterized using a cold field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a high resolution field-emission transmission electron microscope (TEM). With this particular composite material, the complementary nature of the two instruments was demonstrated. Although the long CNTs were found to be mostly bent and defective in some parts, the nucleation of Pt occurred randomly and uniformly covered the CNTs. The NPs displayed a large variation in size, were sometimes defective with twins and stacking faults, and were found to be faceted with the presence of surface steps. The shape and size of the NPs and the presence of defects may have significant consequences on the activity of the Pt catalyst material. Also, thin layers of platinum oxide were identified on the surface of some NPs. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2013 Royal Microscopical Society.

In situ microscopy of rapidly heated nano-Al and nano-Al/WO{sub 3} thermites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sullivan, Kyle T.; Zachariah, Michael R.; Chiou, Wen-An

2010-09-27

The initiation and reaction mechanism of nano-Al and nano-Al thermites in rapid heating environments is investigated in this work. A semiconductor-based grid/stage was used, capable of in situ heating of a sample from room temperature to 1473 K, and at a rate of 10{sup 6} K/s, inside an electron microscope. Nano-Al was rapidly heated in a transmission electron microscope, and before and after images indicate that the aluminum migrates through the shell, consistent with a diffusion-based mechanism. A nano-Al/WO{sub 3} composite was then heated in a scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that a reactive sintering mechanism is occurring formore » the nano-Al/WO{sub 3} thermite, as the products are found to be in surface contact and significantly deformed after the heating pulse.« less

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observation of the parasitic form of Trichophyton violaceum in the infected hair from tinea capitis.

PubMed

Zhuang, Kaiwen; Ran, Xin; Lei, Song; Zhang, Chaoliang; Lama, Jebina; Ran, Yuping

2014-01-01

Trichophyton violaceum is a pathogen of tinea capitis and usually cause infection of scalp and hair in children. To investigate the parasitic form of T. violaceum in the human hair tissue, the infected hair strands were collected from a 9-year-old boy with tinea capitis due to T. violaceum and observed under both the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The SEM and TEM findings revealed that T. violaceum parasitically lives in the hair shaft in various forms and the morphological transformation of the fungus from hyphae into arthrospores was noted. The involved hair shaft was damaged to the great extent and its ultrastructural changes were evident. Those morphological characteristics of T. violaceum and the three-dimensional ultastructure changes of infected hairs give a better knowledge about the host-fungus relationship in tinea capitis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Irradiation Creep in Graphite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ubic, Rick; Butt, Darryl; Windes, William

2014-03-13

An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of irradiation creep in graphite material is required to correctly interpret experimental data, explain micromechanical modeling results, and predict whole-core behavior. This project will focus on experimental microscopic data to demonstrate the mechanism of irradiation creep. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy should be able to image both the dislocations in graphite and the irradiation-induced interstitial clusters that pin those dislocations. The team will first prepare and characterize nanoscale samples of virgin nuclear graphite in a transmission electron microscope. Additional samples will be irradiated to varying degrees at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) facility and similarlymore » characterized. Researchers will record microstructures and crystal defects and suggest a mechanism for irradiation creep based on the results. In addition, the purchase of a tensile holder for a transmission electron microscope will allow, for the first time, in situ observation of creep behavior on the microstructure and crystallographic defects.« less

Scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence imaging of subgrain boundaries, twins and planar deformation features in quartz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamers, M. F.; Pennock, G. M.; Drury, M. R.

2017-04-01

The study of deformation features has been of great importance to determine deformation mechanisms in quartz. Relevant microstructures in both growth and deformation processes include dislocations, subgrains, subgrain boundaries, Brazil and Dauphiné twins and planar deformation features (PDFs). Dislocations and twin boundaries are most commonly imaged using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), because these cannot directly be observed using light microscopy, in contrast to PDFs. Here, we show that red-filtered cathodoluminescence imaging in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a useful method to visualise subgrain boundaries, Brazil and Dauphiné twin boundaries. Because standard petrographic thin sections can be studied in the SEM, the observed structures can be directly and easily correlated to light microscopy studies. In contrast to TEM preparation methods, SEM techniques are non-destructive to the area of interest on a petrographic thin section.

Structure of IgG and IgY molecules in ribosome-antibody complexes as studied by electron microscopy.

PubMed

Noll, F; Lutsch, G; Bielka, H

1982-03-01

The overall shape and dimensions of IgG (rabbit) and IgY (chicken) antibodies against ribosomal proteins have been studied in electron micrographs of ribosome-antibody complexes. The antibodies appear as Y-shaped molecules with an angle of about 90 degrees between their Fab arms. The length of one Fab arm amounts to about 10 nm. No differences between the IgG and IgY molecules could be detected electron microscopically. The data obtained on the shape of IgG and IgY correlate with those of earlier electron microscopic studies while the determined size of the Fab arms is in the range found by scattering methods.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lorut, F.; Imbert, G.; Roggero, A.

In this paper, we investigate the tendency of porous low-K dielectrics (also named Ultra Low-K, ULK) behavior to shrink when exposed to the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope. Various experimental electron beam conditions have been used for irradiating ULK thin films, and the resulting shrinkage has been measured through use of an atomic force microscope tool. We report the shrinkage to be a fast, cumulative, and dose dependent effect. Correlation of the shrinkage with incident electron beam energy loss has also been evidenced. The chemical modification of the ULK films within the interaction volume has been demonstrated, withmore » a densification of the layer and a loss of carbon and hydrogen elements being observed.« less

The Scanning Electron Microscope As An Accelerator For The Undergraduate Advanced Physics Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Randolph S.; Berggren, Karl K.; Mondol, Mark

2011-06-01

Few universities or colleges have an accelerator for use with advanced physics laboratories, but many of these institutions have a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on site, often in the biology department. As an accelerator for the undergraduate, advanced physics laboratory, the SEM is an excellent substitute for an ion accelerator. Although there are no nuclear physics experiments that can be performed with a typical 30 kV SEM, there is an opportunity for experimental work on accelerator physics, atomic physics, electron-solid interactions, and the basics of modern e-beam lithography.

MicroScope in 2017: an expanding and evolving integrated resource for community expertise of microbial genomes

PubMed Central

Vallenet, David; Calteau, Alexandra; Cruveiller, Stéphane; Gachet, Mathieu; Lajus, Aurélie; Josso, Adrien; Mercier, Jonathan; Renaux, Alexandre; Rollin, Johan; Rouy, Zoe; Roche, David; Scarpelli, Claude; Médigue, Claudine

2017-01-01

The annotation of genomes from NGS platforms needs to be automated and fully integrated. However, maintaining consistency and accuracy in genome annotation is a challenging problem because millions of protein database entries are not assigned reliable functions. This shortcoming limits the knowledge that can be extracted from genomes and metabolic models. Launched in 2005, the MicroScope platform (http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/agc/microscope) is an integrative resource that supports systematic and efficient revision of microbial genome annotation, data management and comparative analysis. Effective comparative analysis requires a consistent and complete view of biological data, and therefore, support for reviewing the quality of functional annotation is critical. MicroScope allows users to analyze microbial (meta)genomes together with post-genomic experiment results if any (i.e. transcriptomics, re-sequencing of evolved strains, mutant collections, phenotype data). It combines tools and graphical interfaces to analyze genomes and to perform the expert curation of gene functions in a comparative context. Starting with a short overview of the MicroScope system, this paper focuses on some major improvements of the Web interface, mainly for the submission of genomic data and on original tools and pipelines that have been developed and integrated in the platform: computation of pan-genomes and prediction of biosynthetic gene clusters. Today the resource contains data for more than 6000 microbial genomes, and among the 2700 personal accounts (65% of which are now from foreign countries), 14% of the users are performing expert annotations, on at least a weekly basis, contributing to improve the quality of microbial genome annotations. PMID:27899624

Dissection and lateral mounting of zebrafish embryos: analysis of spinal cord development.

PubMed

Beck, Aaron P; Watt, Roland M; Bonner, Jennifer

2014-02-28

The zebrafish spinal cord is an effective investigative model for nervous system research for several reasons. First, genetic, transgenic and gene knockdown approaches can be utilized to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system development. Second, large clutches of developmentally synchronized embryos provide large experimental sample sizes. Third, the optical clarity of the zebrafish embryo permits researchers to visualize progenitor, glial, and neuronal populations. Although zebrafish embryos are transparent, specimen thickness can impede effective microscopic visualization. One reason for this is the tandem development of the spinal cord and overlying somite tissue. Another reason is the large yolk ball, which is still present during periods of early neurogenesis. In this article, we demonstrate microdissection and removal of the yolk in fixed embryos, which allows microscopic visualization while preserving surrounding somite tissue. We also demonstrate semipermanent mounting of zebrafish embryos. This permits observation of neurodevelopment in the dorso-ventral and anterior-posterior axes, as it preserves the three-dimensionality of the tissue.

Dissection and Lateral Mounting of Zebrafish Embryos: Analysis of Spinal Cord Development

PubMed Central

Beck, Aaron P.; Watt, Roland M.; Bonner, Jennifer

2014-01-01

The zebrafish spinal cord is an effective investigative model for nervous system research for several reasons. First, genetic, transgenic and gene knockdown approaches can be utilized to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system development. Second, large clutches of developmentally synchronized embryos provide large experimental sample sizes. Third, the optical clarity of the zebrafish embryo permits researchers to visualize progenitor, glial, and neuronal populations. Although zebrafish embryos are transparent, specimen thickness can impede effective microscopic visualization. One reason for this is the tandem development of the spinal cord and overlying somite tissue. Another reason is the large yolk ball, which is still present during periods of early neurogenesis. In this article, we demonstrate microdissection and removal of the yolk in fixed embryos, which allows microscopic visualization while preserving surrounding somite tissue. We also demonstrate semipermanent mounting of zebrafish embryos. This permits observation of neurodevelopment in the dorso-ventral and anterior-posterior axes, as it preserves the three-dimensionality of the tissue. PMID:24637734

The PC9A Filter Screening Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

conjunction with an optical microscope for identification of other important debris such as glass beads. The FST has now been installed at RAAF East...conservative screening limits need to be sent for detailed laboratory analysis. Laboratory analysis has traditionally involved a manual microscopic ...Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM EDS) to determine the composition and likely source. The Engine Maintenance Manual

Three dimensional profile measurement using multi-channel detector MVM-SEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshikawa, Makoto; Harada, Sumito; Ito, Keisuke; Murakawa, Tsutomu; Shida, Soichi; Matsumoto, Jun; Nakamura, Takayuki

2014-07-01

In next generation lithography (NGL) for the 1x nm node and beyond, the three dimensional (3D) shape measurements such as side wall angle (SWA) and height of feature on photomask become more critical for the process control. Until today, AFM (Atomic Force Microscope), X-SEM (cross-section Scanning Electron Microscope) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) tools are normally used for 3D measurements, however, these techniques require time-consuming preparation and observation. And both X-SEM and TEM are destructive measurement techniques. This paper presents a technology for quick and non-destructive 3D shape analysis using multi-channel detector MVM-SEM (Multi Vision Metrology SEM), and also reports its accuracy and precision.

An in-plane magnetic chiral dichroism approach for measurement of intrinsic magnetic signals using transmitted electrons

PubMed Central

Song, Dongsheng; Tavabi, Amir H.; Li, Zi-An; Kovács, András; Rusz, Ján; Huang, Wenting; Richter, Gunther; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal E.; Zhu, Jing

2017-01-01

Electron energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism is a powerful technique that allows the local magnetic properties of materials to be measured quantitatively with close-to-atomic spatial resolution and element specificity in the transmission electron microscope. Until now, the technique has been restricted to measurements of the magnetic circular dichroism signal in the electron beam direction. However, the intrinsic magnetization directions of thin samples are often oriented in the specimen plane, especially when they are examined in magnetic-field-free conditions in the transmission electron microscope. Here, we introduce an approach that allows in-plane magnetic signals to be measured using electron magnetic chiral dichroism by selecting a specific diffraction geometry. We compare experimental results recorded from a cobalt nanoplate with simulations to demonstrate that an electron magnetic chiral dichroism signal originating from in-plane magnetization can be detected successfully. PMID:28504267

[Prevalence and user profile of electronic cigarettes in Spain (2014)].

PubMed

Lidón-Moyano, Cristina; Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Fu, Marcela; Ballbè, Montse; Martín-Sánchez, Juan Carlos; Fernández, Esteve

To describe the prevalence and user profile of electronic cigarettes among Spanish adults and evaluate the potential dual use of these devices with combustible or conventional tobacco in 2014 in Spain. Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish adult (16-75 years old) population (n=1,016). A computer-assisted telephone survey was conducted in 2014. The prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the use of electronic cigarettes stratified by gender, age, tobacco consumption and social status were calculated. The sample was weighted and a logistic regression model adjusted to obtain the crude odds ratios (OR) adjusted by gender, age and social status. 10.3% (95% CI: 8.6-12.4) of the Spanish adult population stated being ever users of electronic cigarettes (2% current users, 3.2% past users and 5.1% experimental users). Among current electronic cigarette users, 57.2% also smoked combustible or conventional tobacco, 28% had never smoked and 14.8% were former smokers. The prevalence of electronic cigarette use was higher in the younger population (adjusted OR=23.8; 95% CI: 2.5-227.7) and smokers of combustible tobacco (adjusted OR=10.1; 95% CI: 5.8-17.5). The use of electronic cigarettes in Spain is scarce and is most prevalent among young people and tobacco smokers. Nevertheless, one out of four current electronic cigarette users have never smoked. Hence, the regulation of these devices should be reinforced to avoid a possible gateway to nicotine products among never smokers. Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Electron beam analysis of particulate cometary material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, John

1989-01-01

Electron microscopy will be useful for characterization of inorganic dust grains in returned comet nucleus samples. The choice of instrument(s) will depend primarily on the nature of the samples, but ultimately a variety of electron-beam methods could be employed. Scanning and analytical (transmission) electron microscopy are the logical choise for morphological, mineralogical, and bulk chemical analyses of dust grains removed from ices. It may also be possible to examine unmelted ice/dust mixtures using an environmental scanning electron microscope equipped with a cryo-transfer unit and a cold stage. Electron microscopic observations of comet nuclei might include: (1) porosities of dust grains; (2) morphologies and microstructures of individual mineral grains; (3) relative abundances of olivine, pyroxene, and glass; and (4) the presence of phases that might have resulted from aqueous alteration (layer silicates, carbonates, sulfates).

Microscopy with slow electrons: from LEEM to XPEEM

ScienceCinema

Bauer, Ernst [Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, United States

2017-12-09

The short penetration and escape depth of electrons with energies below 1 keV make them ideally suited for the study of surfaces and ultrathin films. The combination of the low energy electrons and the high lateral resolution of a microscope produces a powerful method for the characterization of nanostructures on bulk samples, in particular if the microscope is equipped with an imaging energy filter and connected to a synchrotron radiation source. Comprehensive characterization by imaging, diffraction, and spectroscope of the structural, chemical, and magnetic properties is then possible. The Talk will describe the various imaging techniques in using reflected and emitted electrons in low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and x-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM), with an emphasis on magnetic materials with spin-polarized LEEM and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism PEEM. The talk with end with an outlook on future possibilities.

Phase contrast in high resolution electron microscopy

DOEpatents

Rose, H.H.

1975-09-23

This patent relates to a device for developing a phase contrast signal for a scanning transmission electron microscope. The lens system of the microscope is operated in a condition of defocus so that predictable alternate concentric regions of high and low electron density exist in the cone of illumination. Two phase detectors are placed beneath the object inside the cone of illumination, with the first detector having the form of a zone plate, each of its rings covering alternate regions of either higher or lower electron density. The second detector is so configured that it covers the regions of electron density not covered by the first detector. Each detector measures the number of electrons incident thereon and the signal developed by the first detector is subtracted from the signal developed by the record detector to provide a phase contrast signal. (auth)

A versatile atomic force microscope integrated with a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Kreith, J; Strunz, T; Fantner, E J; Fantner, G E; Cordill, M J

2017-05-01

A versatile atomic force microscope (AFM), which can be installed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), is introduced. The flexible design of the instrument enables correlated analysis for different experimental configurations, such as AFM imaging directly after nanoindentation in vacuum. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the specially designed AFM installed inside a SEM, slip steps emanating around nanoindents in single crystalline brass were examined. This example showcases how the combination of AFM and SEM imaging can be utilized for quantitative dislocation analysis through the measurement of the slip step heights without the hindrance of oxide formation. Finally, an in situ nanoindentation technique is introduced, illustrating the use of AFM imaging during indentation experiments to examine plastic deformation occurring under the indenter tip. The mechanical indentation data are correlated to the SEM and AFM images to estimate the number of dislocations emitted to the surface.

KLASS: Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garner, Lesley C.

2007-01-01

Software provides access to many sophisticated scientific instrumentation (Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), a Light Microscope, a Scanning Probe Microscope (covering Scanning Tunneling, Atomic Force, and Magnetic Force microscopy), and an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer for the SEM). Flash animation videos explain how each of the instruments work. Videos on how they are used at NASA and the sample preparation. Measuring and labeling tools provided with each instrument. Hands on experience of controlling the virtual instrument to conduct investigations, much like the real scientists at NASA do. Very open architecture. Open source on SourceForge. Extensive use of XML Target audience is high school and entry-level college students. "Many beginning students never get closer to an electron microscope than the photos in their textbooks. But anyone can get a sense of what the instrument can do by downloading this simulator from NASA's Kennedy Space Center." Science Magazine, April 8th, 2005

Compact Microscope Imaging System Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDowell, Mark

2001-01-01

The Compact Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) is a diagnostic tool with intelligent controls for use in space, industrial, medical, and security applications. The CMIS can be used in situ with a minimum amount of user intervention. This system, which was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center, can scan, find areas of interest, focus, and acquire images automatically. Large numbers of multiple cell experiments require microscopy for in situ observations; this is only feasible with compact microscope systems. CMIS is a miniature machine vision system that combines intelligent image processing with remote control capabilities. The software also has a user-friendly interface that can be used independently of the hardware for post-experiment analysis. CMIS has potential commercial uses in the automated online inspection of precision parts, medical imaging, security industry (examination of currency in automated teller machines and fingerprint identification in secure entry locks), environmental industry (automated examination of soil/water samples), biomedical field (automated blood/cell analysis), and microscopy community. CMIS will improve research in several ways: It will expand the capabilities of MSD experiments utilizing microscope technology. It may be used in lunar and Martian experiments (Rover Robot). Because of its reduced size, it will enable experiments that were not feasible previously. It may be incorporated into existing shuttle orbiter and space station experiments, including glove-box-sized experiments as well as ground-based experiments.

Efficient direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion by in situ interface transformation of a tandem structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, Matthias M.; Lewerenz, Hans-Joachim; Lackner, David; Dimroth, Frank; Hannappel, Thomas

2015-09-01

Photosynthesis is nature's route to convert intermittent solar irradiation into storable energy, while its use for an industrial energy supply is impaired by low efficiency. Artificial photosynthesis provides a promising alternative for efficient robust carbon-neutral renewable energy generation. The approach of direct hydrogen generation by photoelectrochemical water splitting utilizes customized tandem absorber structures to mimic the Z-scheme of natural photosynthesis. Here a combined chemical surface transformation of a tandem structure and catalyst deposition at ambient temperature yields photocurrents approaching the theoretical limit of the absorber and results in a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 14%. The potentiostatically assisted photoelectrode efficiency is 17%. Present benchmarks for integrated systems are clearly exceeded. Details of the in situ interface transformation, the electronic improvement and chemical passivation are presented. The surface functionalization procedure is widely applicable and can be precisely controlled, allowing further developments of high-efficiency robust hydrogen generators.

Interface Optoelectronics Engineering for Mechanically Stacked Tandem Solar Cells Based on Perovskite and Silicon.

PubMed

Kanda, Hiroyuki; Uzum, Abdullah; Nishino, Hitoshi; Umeyama, Tomokazu; Imahori, Hiroshi; Ishikawa, Yasuaki; Uraoka, Yukiharu; Ito, Seigo

2016-12-14

Engineering of photonics for antireflection and electronics for extraction of the hole using 2.5 nm of a thin Au layer have been performed for two- and four-terminal tandem solar cells using CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite (top cell) and p-type single crystal silicon (c-Si) (bottom cell) by mechanically stacking. Highly transparent connection multilayers of evaporated-Au and sputtered-ITO films were fabricated at the interface to be a point-contact tunneling junction between the rough perovskite and flat silicon solar cells. The mechanically stacked tandem solar cell with an optimized tunneling junction structure was ⟨perovskite for the top cell/Au (2.5 nm)/ITO (154 nm) stacked-on ITO (108 nm)/c-Si for the bottom cell⟩. It was confirmed the best efficiency of 13.7% and 14.4% as two- and four-terminal devices, respectively.

Efficient direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion by in situ interface transformation of a tandem structure

PubMed Central

May, Matthias M.; Lewerenz, Hans-Joachim; Lackner, David; Dimroth, Frank; Hannappel, Thomas

2015-01-01

Photosynthesis is nature's route to convert intermittent solar irradiation into storable energy, while its use for an industrial energy supply is impaired by low efficiency. Artificial photosynthesis provides a promising alternative for efficient robust carbon-neutral renewable energy generation. The approach of direct hydrogen generation by photoelectrochemical water splitting utilizes customized tandem absorber structures to mimic the Z-scheme of natural photosynthesis. Here a combined chemical surface transformation of a tandem structure and catalyst deposition at ambient temperature yields photocurrents approaching the theoretical limit of the absorber and results in a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 14%. The potentiostatically assisted photoelectrode efficiency is 17%. Present benchmarks for integrated systems are clearly exceeded. Details of the in situ interface transformation, the electronic improvement and chemical passivation are presented. The surface functionalization procedure is widely applicable and can be precisely controlled, allowing further developments of high-efficiency robust hydrogen generators. PMID:26369620

A Monte Carlo model of hot electron trapping and detrapping in SiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamocsai, R. L.; Porod, W.

1991-02-01

High-field stressing and oxide degradation of SiO2 are studied using a microscopic model of electron heating and charge trapping and detrapping. Hot electrons lead to a charge buildup in the oxide according to the dynamic trapping-detrapping model by Nissan-Cohen and co-workers [Y. Nissan-Cohen, J. Shappir, D. Frohman-Bentchkowsky, J. Appl. Phys. 58, 2252 (1985)]. Detrapping events are modeled as trap-to-band impact ionization processes initiated by high energy conduction electrons. The detailed electronic distribution function obtained from Monte Carlo transport simulations is utilized for the determination of the detrapping rates. We apply our microscopic model to the calculation of the flat-band voltage shift in silicon dioxide as a function of the electric field, and we show that our model is able to reproduce the experimental results. We also compare these results to the predictions of the empirical trapping-detrapping model which assumes a heuristic detrapping cross section. Our microscopic theory accounts for the nonlocal nature of impact ionization which leads to a dark space close to the injecting cathode, which is unaccounted for in the empirical model.

Microscopic Electron Dynamics in Metal Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Systems.

PubMed

Kluczyk, Katarzyna; Jacak, Lucjan; Jacak, Witold; David, Christin

2018-06-25

Nanoparticles—regularly patterned or randomly dispersed—are a key ingredient for emerging technologies in photonics. Of particular interest are scattering and field enhancement effects of metal nanoparticles for energy harvesting and converting systems. An often neglected aspect in the modeling of nanoparticles are light interaction effects at the ultimate nanoscale beyond classical electrodynamics. Those arise from microscopic electron dynamics in confined systems, the accelerated motion in the plasmon oscillation and the quantum nature of the free electron gas in metals, such as Coulomb repulsion and electron diffusion. We give a detailed account on free electron phenomena in metal nanoparticles and discuss analytic expressions stemming from microscopic (Random Phase Approximation—RPA) and semi-classical (hydrodynamic) theories. These can be incorporated into standard computational schemes to produce more reliable results on the optical properties of metal nanoparticles. We combine these solutions into a single framework and study systematically their joint impact on isolated Au, Ag, and Al nanoparticles as well as dimer structures. The spectral position of the plasmon resonance and its broadening as well as local field enhancement show an intriguing dependence on the particle size due to the relevance of additional damping channels.

3D-measurement using a scanning electron microscope with four Everhart-Thornley detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vynnyk, Taras; Scheuer, Renke; Reithmeier, Eduard

2011-06-01

Due to the emerging degree of miniaturization in microstructures, Scanning-Electron-Microscopes (SEM) have become important instruments in the quality assurance of chip manufacturing. With a two- or multiple detector system for secondary electrons, a SEM can be used for the reconstruction of three dimensional surface profiles. Although there are several projects dealing with the reconstruction of three dimensional surfaces using electron microscopes with multiple Everhart-Thornley detectors (ETD), there is no profound knowledge of the behaviour of emitted electrons. Hence, several values, which are used for reconstruction algorithms, such as the photometric method, are only estimates; for instance, the exact collection efficiency of the ETD, which is still unknown. This paper deals with the simulation of electron trajectories in a one-, two- and four-detector system with varying working distances and varying grid currents. For each detector, the collection efficiency is determined by taking the working distance and grid current into account. Based on the gathered information, a new collection grid, which provides a homogenous emission signal for each detector of a multiple detector system, is developed. Finally, the results of the preceding tests are utilized for a reconstruction of a three dimensional surface using the photometric method with a non-lambert intensity distribution.

3-D Imaging In Virtual Environment: A Scientific Clinical and Teaching Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, Muriel D.; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

1996-01-01

The advent of powerful graphics workstations and computers has led to the advancement of scientific knowledge through three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction and imaging of biological cells and tissues. The Biocomputation Center at NASA Ames Research Center pioneered the effort to produce an entirely computerized method for reconstruction of objects from serial sections studied in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The software developed, ROSS (Reconstruction of Serial Sections), is now being distributed to users across the United States through Space Act Agreements. The software is in widely disparate fields such as geology, botany, biology and medicine. In the Biocomputation Center, ROSS serves as the basis for development of virtual environment technologies for scientific and medical use. This report will describe the Virtual Surgery Workstation Project that is ongoing with clinicians at Stanford University Medical Center, and the role of the Visible Human data in the project.

Analysis of extensively washed hair from cocaine users and drug chemists to establish new reporting criteria.

PubMed

Morris-Kukoski, Cynthia L; Montgomery, Madeline A; Hammer, Rena L

2014-01-01

Samples from a self-proclaimed cocaine (COC) user, from 19 drug users (postmortem) and from 27 drug chemists were extensively washed and analyzed for COC, benzoylecgonine, norcocaine (NC), cocaethylene (CE) and aryl hydroxycocaines by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Published wash criteria and cutoffs were applied to the results. Additionally, the data were used to formulate new reporting criteria and interpretation guidelines for forensic casework. Applying the wash and reporting criteria, hair that was externally contaminated with COC was distinguished from hair collected from individuals known to have consumed COC. In addition, CE, NC and hydroxycocaine metabolites were only present in COC users' hair and not in drug chemists' hair. When properly applied, the use of an extended wash, along with the reporting criteria defined here, will exclude false-positive results from environmental contact with COC. Published by Oxford University Press 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Tomography experiment of an integrated circuit specimen using 3 MeV electrons in the transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Zhang, Hai-Bo; Zhang, Xiang-Liang; Wang, Yong; Takaoka, Akio

2007-01-01

The possibility of utilizing high-energy electron tomography to characterize the micron-scale three dimensional (3D) structures of integrated circuits has been demonstrated experimentally. First, electron transmission through a tilted SiO(2) film was measured with an ultrahigh-voltage electron microscope (ultra-HVEM) and analyzed from the point of view of elastic scattering of electrons, showing that linear attenuation of the logarithmic electron transmission still holds valid for effective specimen thicknesses up to 5 microm under 2 MV accelerating voltages. Electron tomography of a micron-order thick integrated circuit specimen including the Cu/via interconnect was then tried with 3 MeV electrons in the ultra-HVEM. Serial projection images of the specimen tilted at different angles over the range of +/-90 degrees were acquired, and 3D reconstruction was performed with the images by means of the IMOD software package. Consequently, the 3D structures of the Cu lines, via and void, were revealed by cross sections and surface rendering.

Advanced Electron Holography Applied to Electromagnetic Field Study in Materials Science.

PubMed

Shindo, Daisuke; Tanigaki, Toshiaki; Park, Hyun Soon

2017-07-01

Advances and applications of electron holography to the study of electromagnetic fields in various functional materials are presented. In particular, the development of split-illumination electron holography, which introduces a biprism in the illumination system of a holography electron microscope, enables highly accurate observations of electromagnetic fields and the expansion of the observable area. First, the charge distributions on insulating materials were studied by using split-illumination electron holography and including a mask in the illumination system. Second, the three-dimensional spin configurations of skyrmion lattices in a helimagnet were visualized by using a high-voltage holography electron microscope. Third, the pinning of the magnetic flux lines in a high-temperature superconductor YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-y was analyzed by combining electron holography and scanning ion microscopy. Finally, the dynamic accumulation and collective motions of electrons around insulating biomaterial surfaces were observed by utilizing the amplitude reconstruction processes of electron holography. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Confocal Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jian; Tan, Jiubin

2016-12-01

The confocal microscope is appropriate for imaging cells or the measurement of industrial artefacts. However, junior researchers and instrument users sometimes misuse imaging concepts and metrological characteristics, such as position resolution in industrial metrology and scale resolution in bio-imaging. And, metrological characteristics or influence factors in 3D measurement such as height assessment error caused by 3D coupling effect are so far not yet identified. In this book, the authors outline their practices by the working experiences on standardization and system design. This book assumes little previous knowledge of optics, but rich experience in engineering of industrial measurements, in particular with profile metrology or areal surface topography will be very helpful to understand the theoretical concerns and value of the technological advances. It should be useful for graduate students or researchers as extended reading material, as well as microscope users alongside their handbook.

Dark-field imaging based on post-processed electron backscatter diffraction patterns of bulk crystalline materials in a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Brodusch, Nicolas; Demers, Hendrix; Gauvin, Raynald

2015-01-01

Dark-field (DF) images were acquired in the scanning electron microscope with an offline procedure based on electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns (EBSPs). These EBSD-DF images were generated by selecting a particular reflection on the electron backscatter diffraction pattern and by reporting the intensity of one or several pixels around this point at each pixel of the EBSD-DF image. Unlike previous studies, the diffraction information of the sample is the basis of the final image contrast with a pixel scale resolution at the EBSP providing DF imaging in the scanning electron microscope. The offline facility of this technique permits the selection of any diffraction condition available in the diffraction pattern and displaying the corresponding image. The high number of diffraction-based images available allows a better monitoring of deformation structures compared to electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) which is generally limited to a few images of the same area. This technique was applied to steel and iron specimens and showed its high capability in describing more rigorously the deformation structures around micro-hardness indents. Due to the offline relation between the reference EBSP and the EBSD-DF images, this new technique will undoubtedly greatly improve our knowledge of deformation mechanism and help to improve our understanding of the ECCI contrast mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Several Resharpening Techniques.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-19

AD-AI20 320 ARMY INST OF DENTAL RESEARCH WASHINGTON OC F/6 6/5 SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF SEVERAL RESHARPENIN-ETC(U) UNLASSIFIE D...NIT NUMBERS US Army Institute of Dental Research Walter Reed Army Medical Center N/A Washington, DC 20012 it. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADORESS I...several resharpening techniques by Donald J. DeNucci, DDS, MS and Carson L. Mader, DMD, MSD United States Army Institute of Dental Research Walter Reed

A Transmission Electron Microscope Investigation of Space Weathering Effects in Hayabusa Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, Lindsay P.; Berger, Eve L.

2014-01-01

The Hayabusa mission to asteroid 25143 Itokawa successfully returned the first direct samples of the regolith from the surface of an asteroid. The Hayabusa samples thus present a special opportunity to directly investigate the evolution of asteroidal surfaces, from the development of the regolith to the study of the more complex effects of space weathering. Here we describe the mineralogy, microstructure and composition of three Hayabusa mission particles using transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques

Technique to quantitatively measure magnetic properties of thin structures at <10 NM spatial resolution

DOEpatents

Bajt, Sasa

2003-07-08

A highly sensitive and high resolution magnetic microscope images magnetic properties quantitatively. Imaging is done with a modified transmission electron microscope that allows imaging of the sample in a zero magnetic field. Two images from closely spaced planes, one in focus and one slightly out of focus, are sufficient to calculate the absolute values of the phase change imparted to the electrons, and hence obtain the magnetization vector field distribution.

Applications of the Analytical Electron Microscope to Materials Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldstein, J. I.

1992-01-01

In the last 20 years, the analytical electron microscope (AEM) as allowed investigators to obtain chemical and structural information from less than 50 nanometer diameter regions in thin samples of materials and to explore problems where reactions occur at boundaries and interfaces or within small particles or phases in bulk samples. Examples of the application of the AEM to materials science problems are presented in this paper and demonstrate the usefulness and the future potential of this instrument.

A 25% tannic acid solution as a root canal irrigant cleanser: a scanning electron microscope study.

PubMed

Bitter, N C

1989-03-01

A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the cleansing properties of a 25% tannic acid solution on the dentinal surface in the pulp chamber of endodontically prepared teeth. This was compared with the amorphous smear layer of the canal with the use of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite solution as an irrigant. The tannic acid solution removed the smear layer more effectively than the regular cleansing agent.

The Viking viewer for connectomics: scalable multi-user annotation and summarization of large volume data sets.

PubMed

Anderson, J R; Mohammed, S; Grimm, B; Jones, B W; Koshevoy, P; Tasdizen, T; Whitaker, R; Marc, R E

2011-01-01

Modern microscope automation permits the collection of vast amounts of continuous anatomical imagery in both two and three dimensions. These large data sets present significant challenges for data storage, access, viewing, annotation and analysis. The cost and overhead of collecting and storing the data can be extremely high. Large data sets quickly exceed an individual's capability for timely analysis and present challenges in efficiently applying transforms, if needed. Finally annotated anatomical data sets can represent a significant investment of resources and should be easily accessible to the scientific community. The Viking application was our solution created to view and annotate a 16.5 TB ultrastructural retinal connectome volume and we demonstrate its utility in reconstructing neural networks for a distinctive retinal amacrine cell class. Viking has several key features. (1) It works over the internet using HTTP and supports many concurrent users limited only by hardware. (2) It supports a multi-user, collaborative annotation strategy. (3) It cleanly demarcates viewing and analysis from data collection and hosting. (4) It is capable of applying transformations in real-time. (5) It has an easily extensible user interface, allowing addition of specialized modules without rewriting the viewer. © 2010 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2010 The Royal Microscopical Society.

Silver nanoparticle production by Rhizopus stolonifer and its antibacterial activity against extended spectrum {beta}-lactamase producing (ESBL) strains of Enterobacteriaceae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Banu, Afreen; Rathod, Vandana, E-mail: drvandanarathod@rediffmail.com; Ranganath, E.

Highlights: {yields} Silver nanoparticle production by using Rhizopus stolonifer. {yields} Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against extended spectrum {beta}-lactamase producing (ESBL) strains of Enterobacteriaceae. {yields} Synergistic effect of antibiotics with silver nanoparticles towards ESBL-strains. {yields} Characterization of silver nanoparticles made by UV-vis spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM). -- Abstract: This report focuses on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the fungus, Rhizopus stolonifer and its antimicrobial activity. Research in nanotechnology highlights the possibility of green chemistry pathways to produce technologically important nanomaterials. Characterization of newly synthesized silvermore » nanoparticles was made by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). TEM micrograph revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with size ranging between 3 and 20 nm. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) showed excellent antibacterial activity against ESBL-strains which includes E. coli, Proteus. sp. and Klebsiella sp.« less

In situ hybridization at the electron microscope level: localization of transcripts on ultrathin sections of Lowicryl K4M-embedded tissue using biotinylated probes and protein A-gold complexes

PubMed Central

1986-01-01

A technique has been developed for localizing hybrids formed in situ on semi-thin and ultrathin sections of Lowicryl K4M-embedded tissue. Biotinylated dUTP (Bio-11-dUTP and/or Bio-16-dUTP) was incorporated into mitochondrial rDNA and small nuclear U1 probes by nick- translation. The probes were hybridized to sections of Drosophila ovaries and subsequently detected with an anti-biotin antibody and protein A-gold complex. On semi-thin sections, probe detection was achieved by amplification steps with anti-protein A antibody and protein A-gold with subsequent silver enhancement. At the electron microscope level, specific labeling was obtained over structures known to be the site of expression of the appropriate genes (i.e., either over mitochondria or over nuclei). The labeling pattern at the light microscope level (semi-thin sections) was consistent with that obtained at the electron microscope level. The described nonradioactive procedures for hybrid detection on Lowicryl K4M-embedded tissue sections offer several advantages: rapid signal detection: superior morphological preservation and spatial resolution; and signal-to-noise ratios equivalent to radiolabeling. PMID:3084498

Effects of Al3(Sc,Zr) and Shear Band Formation on the Tensile Properties and Fracture Behavior of Al-Mg-Sc-Zr Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hongfeng; Jiang, Feng; Zhou, Jiang; Wei, Lili; Qu, Jiping; Liu, Lele

2015-11-01

The mechanical properties and microstructures of Al-6Mg-0.25Sc-0.1Zr alloy (wt.%) during annealing were investigated by means of uniaxial tensile testing, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The results show that a large number of micro and grain-scale shear bands form in this alloy after cold rolling. As the tensile-loading force rises, strain softening would generate in shear bands, resulting in the occurrence of shear banding fracture in cold-rolled Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloys. Recrystallization takes place preferentially in shear bands during annealing. Due to the formation of coarse-grain bands constructed by new subgrains, recrystallization softening tends to occur in these regions. During low-temperature annealing, recrystallization is inhibited by nano-scale Al3(Sc,Zr) precipitates which exert significant coherency strengthening and modulus hardening. However, the strengthening effect of Al3(Sc,Zr) decreases with the increasing of particle diameter at elevated annealing temperature. The mechanical properties of the recrystallized Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy decrease to a minimum level, and the fracture plane exhibits pure ductile fracture characteristics.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of highly complex microscopic samples using scanning electron microscopy and optical flow estimation.

PubMed

Baghaie, Ahmadreza; Pahlavan Tafti, Ahmad; Owen, Heather A; D'Souza, Roshan M; Yu, Zeyun

2017-01-01

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) as one of the major research and industrial equipment for imaging of micro-scale samples and surfaces has gained extensive attention from its emerge. However, the acquired micrographs still remain two-dimensional (2D). In the current work a novel and highly accurate approach is proposed to recover the hidden third-dimension by use of multi-view image acquisition of the microscopic samples combined with pre/post-processing steps including sparse feature-based stereo rectification, nonlocal-based optical flow estimation for dense matching and finally depth estimation. Employing the proposed approach, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of highly complex microscopic samples were achieved to facilitate the interpretation of topology and geometry of surface/shape attributes of the samples. As a byproduct of the proposed approach, high-definition 3D printed models of the samples can be generated as a tangible means of physical understanding. Extensive comparisons with the state-of-the-art reveal the strength and superiority of the proposed method in uncovering the details of the highly complex microscopic samples.

Soft control of scanning probe microscope with high flexibility.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenghui; Guo, Yuzheng; Zhang, Zhaohui; Zhu, Xing

2007-01-01

Most commercial scanning probe microscopes have multiple embedded digital microprocessors and utilize complex software for system control, which is not easily obtained or modified by researchers wishing to perform novel and special applications. In this paper, we present a simple and flexible control solution that just depends on software running on a single-processor personal computer with real-time Linux operating system to carry out all the control tasks including negative feedback, tip moving, data processing and user interface. In this way, we fully exploit the potential of a personal computer in calculating and programming, enabling us to manipulate the scanning probe as required without any special digital control circuits and related technical know-how. This solution has been successfully applied to a homemade ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope and a multiprobe scanning tunneling microscope.

Flexible and fragmentable tandem photosensitive nanocrystal skins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akhavan, S.; Uran, C.; Bozok, B.; Gungor, K.; Kelestemur, Y.; Lesnyak, V.; Gaponik, N.; Eychmüller, A.; Demir, H. V.

2016-02-01

We proposed and demonstrated the first account of large-area, semi-transparent, tandem photosensitive nanocrystal skins (PNSs) constructed on flexible substrates operating on the principle of photogenerated potential buildup, which avoid the need for applying an external bias and circumvent the current-matching limitation between junctions. We successfully fabricated and operated the tandem PNSs composed of single monolayers of colloidal water-soluble CdTe and CdHgTe nanocrystals (NCs) in adjacent junctions on a Kapton polymer tape. Owing to the usage of a single NC layer in each junction, noise generation was significantly reduced while keeping the resulting PNS films considerably transparent. In each junction, photogenerated excitons are dissociated at the interface of the semi-transparent Al electrode and the NC layer, with holes migrating to the contact electrode and electrons trapped in the NCs. As a result, the tandem PNSs lead to an open-circuit photovoltage buildup equal to the sum of those of the two single junctions, exhibiting a total voltage buildup of 128.4 mV at an excitation intensity of 75.8 μW cm-2 at 350 nm. Furthermore, we showed that these flexible PNSs could be bent over 3.5 mm radius of curvature and cut out in arbitrary shapes without damaging the operation of individual parts and without introducing any significant loss in the total sensitivity. These findings indicate that the NC skins are promising as building blocks to make low-cost, flexible, large-area UV/visible sensing platforms with highly efficient full-spectrum conversion.We proposed and demonstrated the first account of large-area, semi-transparent, tandem photosensitive nanocrystal skins (PNSs) constructed on flexible substrates operating on the principle of photogenerated potential buildup, which avoid the need for applying an external bias and circumvent the current-matching limitation between junctions. We successfully fabricated and operated the tandem PNSs composed of single monolayers of colloidal water-soluble CdTe and CdHgTe nanocrystals (NCs) in adjacent junctions on a Kapton polymer tape. Owing to the usage of a single NC layer in each junction, noise generation was significantly reduced while keeping the resulting PNS films considerably transparent. In each junction, photogenerated excitons are dissociated at the interface of the semi-transparent Al electrode and the NC layer, with holes migrating to the contact electrode and electrons trapped in the NCs. As a result, the tandem PNSs lead to an open-circuit photovoltage buildup equal to the sum of those of the two single junctions, exhibiting a total voltage buildup of 128.4 mV at an excitation intensity of 75.8 μW cm-2 at 350 nm. Furthermore, we showed that these flexible PNSs could be bent over 3.5 mm radius of curvature and cut out in arbitrary shapes without damaging the operation of individual parts and without introducing any significant loss in the total sensitivity. These findings indicate that the NC skins are promising as building blocks to make low-cost, flexible, large-area UV/visible sensing platforms with highly efficient full-spectrum conversion. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05063d

Design of two-photon molecular tandem architectures for solar cells by ab initio theory† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Visualizations of molecular orbitals, one-particle mechanisms and a table with Kohn–Sham eigenvalues. See DOI: 10.1039/c4sc03835e

PubMed Central

Garcia-Lastra, Juan M.; De La Torre, Gema; Himpsel, F. J.; Rubio, Angel

2015-01-01

An extensive database of spectroscopic properties of molecules from ab initio calculations is used to design molecular complexes for use in tandem solar cells that convert two photons into a single electron–hole pair, thereby increasing the output voltage while covering a wider spectral range. Three different architectures are considered: the first two involve a complex consisting of two dye molecules with appropriately matched frontier orbitals, connected by a molecular diode. Optimized combinations of dye molecules are determined by taking advantage of our computational database of the structural and energetic properties of several thousand porphyrin dyes. The third design is a molecular analogy of the intermediate band solar cell, and involves a single dye molecule with strong intersystem crossing to ensure a long lifetime of the intermediate state. Based on the calculated energy levels and molecular orbitals, energy diagrams are presented for the individual steps in the operation of such tandem solar cells. We find that theoretical open circuit voltages of up to 1.8 V can be achieved using these tandem designs. Questions about the practical implementation of prototypical devices, such as the synthesis of the tandem molecules and potential loss mechanisms, are addressed. PMID:29142685

Electronic structure of polycrystalline CVD-graphene revealed by Nano-ARPES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chaoyu; Avila, José; Asensio, Maria C.

2017-06-01

The ability to explore electronic structure and their role in determining material’s macroscopic behaviour is essential to explain and engineer functions of material and device. Since its debut in 2004, graphene has attracted global research interest due to its unique properties. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has emerged as an important method for the massive preparation and production of graphene for various applications. Here by employing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with nanoscale spatial resolution ˜ 100 nm (Nano-ARPES), we describe the approach to measure the electronic structure of polycrystalline graphene on copper foils, demonstrating the power of Nano-ARPES to detect the electronic structure of microscopic single crystalline domains, being fully compatible with conventional ARPES. Similar analysis could be employed to other microscopic materials

Electron microscopy of whole cells in liquid with nanometer resolution

PubMed Central

de Jonge, N.; Peckys, D. B.; Kremers, G. J.; Piston, D. W.

2009-01-01

Single gold-tagged epidermal growth factor (EGF) molecules bound to cellular EGF receptors of fixed fibroblast cells were imaged in liquid with a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The cells were placed in buffer solution in a microfluidic device with electron transparent windows inside the vacuum of the electron microscope. A spatial resolution of 4 nm and a pixel dwell time of 20 μs were obtained. The liquid layer was sufficiently thick to contain the cells with a thickness of 7 ± 1 μm. The experimental findings are consistent with a theoretical calculation. Liquid STEM is a unique approach for imaging single molecules in whole cells with significantly improved resolution and imaging speed over existing methods. PMID:19164524

Electron-beam-induced potentials in semiconductors: calculation and measurement with an SEM/SPM hybrid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Ch; Joachimsthaler, I.; Heiderhoff, R.; Balk, L. J.

2004-10-01

In this work electron-beam-induced potentials are analysed theoretically and experimentally for semiconductors. A theoretical model is developed to describe the surface potential distribution produced by an electron beam. The distribution of generated carriers is calculated using semiconductor equations. This distribution causes a local change in surface potential, which is derived with the help of quasi-Fermi energies. The potential distribution is simulated using the model developed and measured with a scanning probe microscope (SPM) built inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM), for different samples, for different beam excitations and for different cantilever voltages of SPM. In the end, some fields of application are shown where material properties can be determined using an SEM/SPM hybrid system.

The Light Microscopy Module: An On-Orbit Multi-User Microscope Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motil, Susan M.; Snead, John H.

2002-01-01

The Light Microscopy Module (LMM) is planned as a remotely controllable on-orbit microscope subrack facility, allowing flexible scheduling and operation of fluids and biology experiments within the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) on the International Space Station (ISS). The LMM will be the first integrated payload with the FIR to conduct four fluid physics experiments. A description of the LMM diagnostic capabilities, including video microscopy, interferometry, laser tweezers, confocal, and spectrophotometry, will be provided.

Two Further Experiments on Electron Interference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matteucci, G.; Pozzi, G.

1978-01-01

Presents the results of two experiments concerning the phenomena of the interference of probabilities and of the so called Aharonov-Bohm effect. An electron biprism and a standard electron microscope have been used for the experiments. (Author/GA)

Zernike phase-contrast electron cryotomography applied to marine cyanobacteria infected with cyanophages.

PubMed

Dai, Wei; Fu, Caroline; Khant, Htet A; Ludtke, Steven J; Schmid, Michael F; Chiu, Wah

2014-11-01

Advances in electron cryotomography have provided new opportunities to visualize the internal 3D structures of a bacterium. An electron microscope equipped with Zernike phase-contrast optics produces images with markedly increased contrast compared with images obtained by conventional electron microscopy. Here we describe a protocol to apply Zernike phase plate technology for acquiring electron tomographic tilt series of cyanophage-infected cyanobacterial cells embedded in ice, without staining or chemical fixation. We detail the procedures for aligning and assessing phase plates for data collection, and methods for obtaining 3D structures of cyanophage assembly intermediates in the host by subtomogram alignment, classification and averaging. Acquiring three or four tomographic tilt series takes ∼12 h on a JEM2200FS electron microscope. We expect this time requirement to decrease substantially as the technique matures. The time required for annotation and subtomogram averaging varies widely depending on the project goals and data volume.

Design and commissioning of an aberration-corrected ultrafast spin-polarized low energy electron microscope with multiple electron sources.

PubMed

Wan, Weishi; Yu, Lei; Zhu, Lin; Yang, Xiaodong; Wei, Zheng; Liu, Jefferson Zhe; Feng, Jun; Kunze, Kai; Schaff, Oliver; Tromp, Ruud; Tang, Wen-Xin

2017-03-01

We describe the design and commissioning of a novel aberration-corrected low energy electron microscope (AC-LEEM). A third magnetic prism array (MPA) is added to the standard AC-LEEM with two prism arrays, allowing the incorporation of an ultrafast spin-polarized electron source alongside the standard cold field emission electron source, without degrading spatial resolution. The high degree of symmetries of the AC-LEEM are utilized while we design the electron optics of the ultrafast spin-polarized electron source, so as to minimize the deleterious effect of time broadening, while maintaining full control of electron spin. A spatial resolution of 2nm and temporal resolution of 10ps (ps) are expected in the future time resolved aberration-corrected spin-polarized LEEM (TR-AC-SPLEEM). The commissioning of the three-prism AC-LEEM has been successfully finished with the cold field emission source, with a spatial resolution below 2nm. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Colonization of cashew plants by Lasiodiplodia theobromae: Microscopical features

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a phytopathogenic fungus causing gummosis, a threatening disease for cashew plants in Brazil. In an attempt to investigate the ultrastructural features of the pathogen colonization and its response to immunofluorescence labeling, light, confocal and electron microscope st...

A sensitive EUV Schwarzschild microscope for plasma studies with sub-micrometer resolution

DOE PAGES

Zastrau, U.; Rodel, C.; Nakatsutsumi, M.; ...

2018-02-05

We present an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) microscope using a Schwarzschild objective which is optimized for single-shot sub-micrometer imaging of laser-plasma targets. The microscope has been designed and constructed for imaging the scattering from an EUV-heated solid-density hydrogen jet. Here, imaging of a cryogenic hydrogen target was demonstrated using single pulses of the free-electron laser in Hamburg (FLASH) free-electron laser at a wavelength of 13.5 nm. In a single exposure, we observe a hydrogen jet with ice fragments with a spatial resolution in the sub-micrometer range. In situ EUV imaging is expected to enable novel experimental capabilities for warm dense mattermore » studies of micrometer-sized samples in laser-plasma experiments.« less

A sensitive EUV Schwarzschild microscope for plasma studies with sub-micrometer resolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zastrau, U.; Rodel, C.; Nakatsutsumi, M.

We present an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) microscope using a Schwarzschild objective which is optimized for single-shot sub-micrometer imaging of laser-plasma targets. The microscope has been designed and constructed for imaging the scattering from an EUV-heated solid-density hydrogen jet. Here, imaging of a cryogenic hydrogen target was demonstrated using single pulses of the free-electron laser in Hamburg (FLASH) free-electron laser at a wavelength of 13.5 nm. In a single exposure, we observe a hydrogen jet with ice fragments with a spatial resolution in the sub-micrometer range. In situ EUV imaging is expected to enable novel experimental capabilities for warm dense mattermore » studies of micrometer-sized samples in laser-plasma experiments.« less

Morphology-controllable of Sn doped ZnO nanorods prepared by spray pyrolysis for transparent electrode application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hameed, M. Shahul; Princice, J. Joseph; Babu, N. Ramesh; Zahirullah, S. Syed; Deshmukh, Sampat G.; Arunachalam, A.

2018-05-01

Transparent conductive Sn doped ZnO nanorods have been deposited at various doping level by spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrate. The structural, surface morphological and optical properties of these films have been investigated with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer respectively. XRD patterns revealed a successful high quality growth of single crystal ZnO nanorods with hexagonal wurtzite structure having (002) preferred orientation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the prepared films exposed the uniform distribution of Sn doped ZnO nanorod shaped grains. All these films were highly transparent in the visible region with average transmittance of 90%.

Development of micro-four-point probe in a scanning tunneling microscope for in situ electrical transport measurement.

PubMed

Ge, Jian-Feng; Liu, Zhi-Long; Gao, Chun-Lei; Qian, Dong; Liu, Canhua; Jia, Jin-Feng

2015-05-01

Electrons at surface may behave differently from those in bulk of a material. Multi-functional tools are essential in comprehensive studies on a crystal surface. Here, we developed an in situ microscopic four-point probe (4PP) transport measurement system on the basis of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). In particular, convenient replacement between STM tips and micro-4PPs enables systematic investigations of surface morphology, electronic structure, and electrical transport property of a same sample surface. Performances of the instrument are demonstrated with high-quality STM images, tunneling spectra, and low-noise electrical I-V characteristic curves of a single-layer FeSe film grown on a conductive SrTiO3 surface.

Micromorphology of trichomes of Thymus malyi (Lamiaceae).

PubMed

Marin, M; Koko, V; Duletić-Lausević, S; Marin, P D

2008-12-01

Micromorphological, ultrastructural and morphometric investigations of the trichomes of Thymus malyi were carried out using a light microscope, a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Unbranched non-glandular trichomes, peltate and capitate glandular trichomes were described. The leaves of Thymus malyi bear non-glandular and glandular trichomes on both sides. Estimates of the volume density (i.e. their volume fraction per unit volume) of non-glandular trichomes were higher as compared to volume density of peltate and capitate glandular trichomes. Estimates of the number of these trichomes per area on sections showed that the capitate trichomes were the most abundant. Ultrastructural analyses of cell inner structure have shown numerous mitochondria, big nuclei and plastids with lipid globules and starch grains.

Fixation methods for electron microscopy of human and other liver

PubMed Central

Wisse, Eddie; Braet, Filip; Duimel, Hans; Vreuls, Celien; Koek, Ger; Olde Damink, Steven WM; van den Broek, Maartje AJ; De Geest, Bart; Dejong, Cees HC; Tateno, Chise; Frederik, Peter

2010-01-01

For an electron microscopic study of the liver, expertise and complicated, time-consuming processing of hepatic tissues and cells is needed. The interpretation of electron microscopy (EM) images requires knowledge of the liver fine structure and experience with the numerous artifacts in fixation, embedding, sectioning, contrast staining and microscopic imaging. Hence, the aim of this paper is to present a detailed summary of different methods for the preparation of hepatic cells and tissue, for the purpose of preserving long-standing expertise and to encourage new investigators and clinicians to include EM studies of liver cells and tissue in their projects. PMID:20556830

ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF AMOEBA PROTEUS IN GROWTH AND INANITION

PubMed Central

Cohen, Adolph I.

1957-01-01

Electron microscopic observations have been made on growing and dividing specimens of Amoeba proteus and also on starving animals. Structures presumably corresponding to the mitochondria, alpha particles, vacuoles, and Golgi material are described. A new entity, designated as a foamy particle, is noted. Descriptions are given of the cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes. During division the inner, thick nuclear membrane component is seen to vanish and the outer membrane persist. Measurements suggest a gradual reappearance of the inner component with growth. Starving animals show a loss of cytoplasmic granularity and an increase in the electron density of mitochondria, presumably due to lipide accumulation. PMID:13481020

Electron microscopic observations of amoeba proteus in growth and inanition.

PubMed

COHEN, A I

1957-11-25

Electron microscopic observations have been made on growing and dividing specimens of Amoeba proteus and also on starving animals. Structures presumably corresponding to the mitochondria, alpha particles, vacuoles, and Golgi material are described. A new entity, designated as a foamy particle, is noted. Descriptions are given of the cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes. During division the inner, thick nuclear membrane component is seen to vanish and the outer membrane persist. Measurements suggest a gradual reappearance of the inner component with growth. Starving animals show a loss of cytoplasmic granularity and an increase in the electron density of mitochondria, presumably due to lipide accumulation.

Investigations in space-related molecular biology. [cryo-electron microscopic and diffraction studies on terrestrial and extraterrestrial specimens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fernandez-Moran, H.; Pritzker, A. N.

1974-01-01

Improved instrumentation and preparation techniques for high resolution, high voltage cryo-electron microscopic and diffraction studies on terrestrial and extraterrestrial specimens are reported. Computer correlated ultrastructural and biochemical work on hydrated and dried cell membranes and related biological systems provided information on membrane organization, ice crystal formation and ordered water, RNA virus linked to cancer, lunar rock samples, and organometallic superconducting compounds. Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15 specimens were analyzed

Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D). Delivery Order 0051: Atomic Scale Transmission Electron Microscope Image Modeling and Application to Semiconductor Heterointerface Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD...microscopy ( AEM ), to characterize a variety of III-V semiconductor thin films. The materials investigated include superlattices based on the InAs- GaSb...technique. TEM observations were performed using a Philips-CM 200 FEG transmission electron microscope equipped with a field emission gun, operated at an

Diffusion length measurements using the scanning electron microscope. [in semiconductor devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weizer, V. G.

1975-01-01

A measurement technique employing the scanning electron microscope is described in which values of the true bulk diffusion length are obtained. It is shown that surface recombination effects can be eliminated through the application of highly doped surface field layers. The influence of high injection level effects and low-high junction current generation on the resulting measurement was investigated. Close agreement is found between the diffusion lengths measured by this method and those obtained using a penetrating radiation technique.

Local dynamic range compensation for scanning electron microscope imaging system.

PubMed

Sim, K S; Huang, Y H

2015-01-01

This is the extended project by introducing the modified dynamic range histogram modification (MDRHM) and is presented in this paper. This technique is used to enhance the scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging system. By comparing with the conventional histogram modification compensators, this technique utilizes histogram profiling by extending the dynamic range of each tile of an image to the limit of 0-255 range while retains its histogram shape. The proposed technique yields better image compensation compared to conventional methods. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DNA Binding Peptide Directed Synthesis of Continuous DNA Nanowires for Analysis of Large DNA Molecules by Scanning Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Kim, Kyung-Il; Lee, Seonghyun; Jin, Xuelin; Kim, Su Ji; Jo, Kyubong; Lee, Jung Heon

2017-01-01

Synthesis of smooth and continuous DNA nanowires, preserving the original structure of native DNA, and allowing its analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM), is demonstrated. Gold nanoparticles densely assembled on the DNA backbone via thiol-tagged DNA binding peptides work as seeds for metallization of DNA. This method allows whole analysis of DNA molecules with entangled 3D features. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fabrication and electric measurements of nanostructures inside transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Chen, Qing; Peng, Lian-Mao

2011-06-01

Using manipulation holders specially designed for transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanostructures can be characterized, measured, modified and even fabricated in-situ. In-situ TEM techniques not only enable real-time study of structure-property relationships of materials at atomic scale, but also provide the ability to control and manipulate materials and structures at nanoscale. This review highlights in-situ electric measurements and in-situ fabrication and structure modification using manipulation holder inside TEM. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computer measurement of particle sizes in electron microscope images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, E. L.; Thompson, W. B.; Varsi, G.; Gauldin, R.

1976-01-01

Computer image processing techniques have been applied to particle counting and sizing in electron microscope images. Distributions of particle sizes were computed for several images and compared to manually computed distributions. The results of these experiments indicate that automatic particle counting within a reasonable error and computer processing time is feasible. The significance of the results is that the tedious task of manually counting a large number of particles can be eliminated while still providing the scientist with accurate results.

Plasmon-mediated circularly polarized luminescence of GaAs in a scanning tunneling microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mühlenberend, Svenja; Gruyters, Markus; Berndt, Richard, E-mail: berndt@physik.uni-kiel.de

2015-12-14

The electroluminescence from p-type GaAs(110) in a scanning tunneling microscope has been investigated at 6 K. Unexpectedly, high degrees of circular polarization have often been observed with ferromagnetic Ni tips and also with paramagnetic W and Ag tips. The data are interpreted in terms of two distinct excitation mechanisms. Electron injection generates intense luminescence with low polarization. Plasmon-mediated generation of electron-hole pairs leads to less intense emission, which, however, is highly polarized for many tips.

Hair follicle nevus occurring in frontonasal dysplasia: an electron microscopic observation.

PubMed

Kuwahara, H; Lao, L M; Kiyohara, T; Kumakiri, M; Igawa, H

2001-06-01

We report a rare hair follicle nevus that occurred in a three-month-old Japanese boy with mild frontonasal dysplasia. It had been present since birth. Histologically, numerous tiny vellus hair follicles were found within the dermis. The constituent cells of these follicles showed the features of follicular germ cells under the electron microscope. The fibroblasts around the follicles were active and merged with the colloid substance. Many myofibroblasts were found in a collagenous stroma in the atrophic lesion of the frontonasal dysplasia.

Tannic acid for smear layer removal: pilot study with scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Bitter, N C

1989-04-01

The effects of a 25% tannic acid solution applied to the surface of prepared dentin was compared with untreated prepared dentin surfaces. The following results were demonstrated by electron microscope observation: (1) cavity preparations created an amorphous dentinal smear layer, (2) placement of a 25% tannic acid solution for 15 seconds removed the smear layer, (3) the contents of the dentinal tubules were not removed and no enlargement of dentinal tubules was found, and (3) a clean dentinal surface was observed.

Analytical electron microscopic studies and positron lifetime measurements in Al-doped MgO crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedrosa, M. A.; Pareja, R.; González, R.; Abraham, M. M.

1987-07-01

MgO crystals intentionally doped with Al were characterized by analytical electron microscopic examinations and positron lifetime measurements. Large spinel (MgO Al2O3) precipitates were observed in samples with high contents of Al. A well-defined crystallographic relationship between the precipitates and the matrix was found. The characteristics of positron lifetime spectra appear to depend on the valence state of the different impurities in the MgO lattice suggesting that positrons are trapped by vacancy impurity complexes.

Electronic structure and microscopic model of CoNb2O6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molla, Kaimujjaman; Rahaman, Badiur

2018-05-01

We present the first principle density functional calculations to figure out the underlying spin model of CoNb2O6. The first principles calculations define the main paths of superexchange interaction between Co spins in this compound. We discuss the nature of the exchange paths and provide quantitative estimates of magnetic exchange couplings. A microscopic modeling based on analysis of the electronic structure of this system puts it in the interesting class of weakly couple geometrically frustrated isosceles triangular Ising antiferromagnet.

A Hybrid Tandem Solar Cell Combining a Dye-Sensitized and a Polymer Solar Cell.

PubMed

Shao, Zhipeng; Chen, Shuanghong; Zhang, Xuhui; Zhu, Liangzheng; Ye, Jiajiu; Dai, Songyuan

2016-06-01

A hybrid tandem solar cell was assambled by connecting a dye sensitized solar cell and a polymer solar cell in series. A N719 sensitized TiO2 was used as photocathode in dye-sensitized subcell, and a MEH-PPV/PCBM composite was used as active layer in the polymer subcell. The polymer subcell fabricated on the counter electrode of the dye sensitized solar cell. A solution processed TiO(x) layer was used as electron collection layer of the polymer sub cell and the charge recombination layer. The effects of the TiO(x) interlayer and the spectral overlap between the two sub cells have been studied and optimized. The results shows that a proper thickness of the TiO(x) layer is needed for tandem solar cells. Thick TiO(x) will enhance the series resistance, but too thin TiO(x), layer will damage the hole blocking effect and its hydrophilic. The resulting optimized tandem solar cells exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 1.28% with a V(oc) of 0.95 V under simulated 100 mW cm(-2) AM 1.5 illumination.

A simple way to obtain backscattered electron images in a scanning transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Tsuruta, Hiroki; Tanaka, Shigeyasu; Tanji, Takayoshi; Morita, Chiaki

2014-08-01

We have fabricated a simple detector for backscattered electrons (BSEs) and incorporated the detector into a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) sample holder. Our detector was made from a 4-mm(2) Si chip. The fabrication procedure was easy, and similar to a standard transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample thinning process based on ion milling. A TEM grid containing particle objects was fixed to the detector with a silver paste. Observations were carried out using samples of Au and latex particles at 75 and 200 kV. Such a detector provides an easy way to obtain BSE images in an STEM. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Microscopic description of orbital-selective spin ordering in BaMn2As2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craco, L.; Carara, S. S.

2018-05-01

Using generalized gradient approximation+dynamical mean-field theory, we provide a microscopic description of orbital-selective spin ordering in the tetragonal manganese pnictide BaMn2As2 . We demonstrate the coexistence of local moments and small band-gap electronic states in the parent compound. We also explore the role played by electron/hole doping, showing that the Mott insulating state is rather robust to small removal of electron charge carriers similar to cuprate oxide superconductors. Good qualitative accord between theory and angle-resolved photoemission as well as electrical transport provides support to our view of orbital-selective spin ordering in BaMn2As2 . Our proposal is expected to be an important step to understanding the emergent correlated electronic structure of materials with persisting ordered localized moments coexisting with Coulomb reconstructed nonmagnetic electronic states.

Sub-barrier fusion and transfers in the 40Ca + 58,64Ni systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourgin, D.; Courtin, S.; Haas, F.; Goasduff, A.; Stefanini, A. M.; Montagnoli, G.; Montanari, D.; Corradi, L.; Huiming, J.; Scarlassara, F.; Fioretto, E.; Simenel, C.; Rowley, N.; Szilner, S.; Mijatović, T.

2016-05-01

Fusion cross sections have been measured in the 40Ca + 58Ni and 40Ca + 64Ni systems at energies around and below the Coulomb barrier. The 40Ca beam was delivered by the XTU Tandem accelerator of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro and evaporation residues were measured at very forward angles with the LNL electrostatic beam deflector. Coupled-channels calculations were performed which highlight possible strong effects of neutron transfers on the fusion below the barrier in the 40Ca + 64Ni system. Microscopic time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations have also been performed for both systems. Preliminary results are shown.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Egg-shaped Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

This electron microscope image shows egg-shaped structures, some of which may be possible microscopic fossils of Martian origin as discussed by NASA research published in the Aug. 16, 1996, issue of the journal Science. A two-year investigation found organic molecules, mineral features characteristic of biological activity and possible microscopic fossils such as these inside of an ancient Martian rock that fell to Earth as a meteorite. The largest possible fossils are less than 1/100th the diameter of a human hair in size while most are ten times smaller.

New crystal structures in hexagonal CuInS2 nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Xiao; Hernández-Pagan, Emil A.; Zhou, Wu; Puzyrev, Yevgeniy S.; Idrobo, Juan C.; MacDonald, Janet E.; Pennycook, Stephen J.; Pantelides, Sokrates T.

2013-03-01

CuInS2 is one of the best candidate materials for solar energy harvesting. Its nanocrystals with a hexagonal lattice structure that is different from the bulk chalcopyrite phase have been synthesized by many groups. The structure of these CuInS2 nanocrystals has been previously identified as the wurtzite structure in which the copper and indium atoms randomly occupy the cation sites. Using first-principles total energy and electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic resolution Z-contrast images obtained in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope, we show that CuInS2 nanocrystals do not form random wurtzite structure. Instead, the CuInS2 nanocrystals consist of several wurtzite- related crystal structures with ordered cation sublattices, some of which are reported for the first time here. This work is supported by the NSF TN-SCORE (JEM), by NSF (WZ), by ORNL's Shared Research Equipment User Program (JCI) sponsored by DOE BES, by DOE BES Materials Sciences and Engineering Division (SJP, STP), and used resources of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, supported by the DOE Office of Science under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.

HRTEMFringeAnalyzer a free python module for an automated analysis of fringe pattern in transmission electron micrographs.

PubMed

Alxneit, Ivo

2018-03-30

A python module (HRTEMFringeAnalyzer) is reported to evaluate the local crystallinity of samples from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images in a mostly automated fashion. The user only selects the size of a square analyser window and a step size which translates the window in the micrograph. Together they define the resolution of the results obtained. Regions where fringe patterns are visible are identified and their lattice spacing d and direction ϕ as well as the corresponding mean errors σ determined. 1/σd is proportional to the coherence length of the structure, whereas σφ is a measure of how well the direction of the fringes is defined. Maps of these four indicators are computed. The performance of the program is demonstrated on two very different samples: ill-crystalline carbon deposits on a coked Ni/LFNO (reduced LaFe 0.8 Ni 0.2 O3±δ) catalyst and well-crystallized nanoparticles of zinc doped ceria. In the latter case, the automatic segmentation of large aggregates into individual crystalline domains is achieved by ϕ maps. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.

RepeatsDB-lite: a web server for unit annotation of tandem repeat proteins.

PubMed

Hirsh, Layla; Paladin, Lisanna; Piovesan, Damiano; Tosatto, Silvio C E

2018-05-09

RepeatsDB-lite (http://protein.bio.unipd.it/repeatsdb-lite) is a web server for the prediction of repetitive structural elements and units in tandem repeat (TR) proteins. TRs are a widespread but poorly annotated class of non-globular proteins carrying heterogeneous functions. RepeatsDB-lite extends the prediction to all TR types and strongly improves the performance both in terms of computational time and accuracy over previous methods, with precision above 95% for solenoid structures. The algorithm exploits an improved TR unit library derived from the RepeatsDB database to perform an iterative structural search and assignment. The web interface provides tools for analyzing the evolutionary relationships between units and manually refine the prediction by changing unit positions and protein classification. An all-against-all structure-based sequence similarity matrix is calculated and visualized in real-time for every user edit. Reviewed predictions can be submitted to RepeatsDB for review and inclusion.

Traditional and modern medicine working in tandem.

PubMed

Pretorius, E

1991-12-01

Because of the many problems relating to health care delivery in Africa, it is becoming apparent that neither the exclusive/monopolistic nor the tolerant legislative systems should be tolerated any longer. Especially since the Alma Ata Conference held by the WHO/UNICEF there has been growing impetus towards either inclusive/parallel (the beneficial co-existence of traditional and modern medical systems), or integrated systems. Although the idea of making traditional and modern medicine work in tandem in a united treatment context has its merits, it is also plagued by issues such as the nature of the products of an integrated training, resistance by stubborn protagonists of either of the two systems, or that only lip-service is paid to the idea of co-operation. Nevertheless, it is believed that all interest groups--the authorities responsible for health care delivery, the Western-trained health care workers, the traditional healers and the users of these services--stand to gain from such liaison.

Micropaleontological studies of lunar and terrestrial precambrian materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schope, J. W.

1974-01-01

Optical microscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies of rock chips and dust returned by Apollo 14, 15, 16, and 17 are analyzed along with optical microscopic studies of petrographic thin sections of breccias and basalts returned by Apollo 14, 15, and 16. Results show no evidence of modern or fossil lunar organisms. The lunar surface is now, and apparently has been throughout the geologic past, inimical to known biologic systems.

The Art of Photoelectron Spectroscopy, from Micro to Nano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rotenberg, Eli

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) was developed for the determination of the electronic bandstructure of solids. In the last 20 years, ARPES has become nearly unlimited with respect to instrumental resolution, and therefore able to illuminate more subtle electronic aspects, such as ground-state symmetry breaking and the many-body interactions (MBIs) that characterize ground states such as superconductivity. These MBIs involve exchange of momentum among electrons or with excitations such as phonons, and can therefore couple to nanoscale structures. By controlling the structure at the nanoscale, we can therefore hope to control or enhance the ground state properties of materials through nanoscale engineering. This dream has motivated the development of nanoscale ARPES (nanoARPES) machines that are now coming online worldwide. After a brief overview, I will show the latest results from the new nanoARPES endstation at the MAESTRO facility (Microscopic and Electronic Structure Observatory), a new user beamline commissioned this year at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). We achieved routine operation at spatial resolution around 120 nm, and expect improvement down to 50 nm or better. Examples will include graphene and 2D-metal-chalcogenide heterostructures. I will also discuss the prospects for dramatic improvements expected as new diffraction-limited light sources such as the ALS-U project are realized. Work performed at the Advanced Light Source is supported by the Director, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231.

MicroScope in 2017: an expanding and evolving integrated resource for community expertise of microbial genomes.

PubMed

Vallenet, David; Calteau, Alexandra; Cruveiller, Stéphane; Gachet, Mathieu; Lajus, Aurélie; Josso, Adrien; Mercier, Jonathan; Renaux, Alexandre; Rollin, Johan; Rouy, Zoe; Roche, David; Scarpelli, Claude; Médigue, Claudine

2017-01-04

The annotation of genomes from NGS platforms needs to be automated and fully integrated. However, maintaining consistency and accuracy in genome annotation is a challenging problem because millions of protein database entries are not assigned reliable functions. This shortcoming limits the knowledge that can be extracted from genomes and metabolic models. Launched in 2005, the MicroScope platform (http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/agc/microscope) is an integrative resource that supports systematic and efficient revision of microbial genome annotation, data management and comparative analysis. Effective comparative analysis requires a consistent and complete view of biological data, and therefore, support for reviewing the quality of functional annotation is critical. MicroScope allows users to analyze microbial (meta)genomes together with post-genomic experiment results if any (i.e. transcriptomics, re-sequencing of evolved strains, mutant collections, phenotype data). It combines tools and graphical interfaces to analyze genomes and to perform the expert curation of gene functions in a comparative context. Starting with a short overview of the MicroScope system, this paper focuses on some major improvements of the Web interface, mainly for the submission of genomic data and on original tools and pipelines that have been developed and integrated in the platform: computation of pan-genomes and prediction of biosynthetic gene clusters. Today the resource contains data for more than 6000 microbial genomes, and among the 2700 personal accounts (65% of which are now from foreign countries), 14% of the users are performing expert annotations, on at least a weekly basis, contributing to improve the quality of microbial genome annotations. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

The Potential Protective Effects of 2-aminoethyl Diphenylborinate against Inner Ear Acoustic Trauma: Experimental Study Using Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Kaymakçı, Mustafa; Acar, Mustafa; Burukoglu, Dilek; Kutlu, Hatice Mehtap; Shojaolsadati, Paria; Cingi, Cemal; Bayar Muluk, Nuray

2015-04-01

In this prospective experimental study, we investigated the preventive effects of 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB) in rats exposed to acoustic trauma (AT). Light microscopic, transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examinations were performed. Eighteen healthy Wistar albino rats were divided into the following three groups: groups 1 (control), 2 (AT), and 3 (AT+APB). The rats in groups 2 and 3 were exposed to AT; in group 3 rats, 2-APB at 2 mg/kg was also administered, initially transperitoneally, after 10 min. During the light microscopic, TEM, and SEM examinations, the structures of the cochlear hair cells, stereocilia, and Deiter's cells were normal in the control group. In the AT group, the organ of Corti and proximate structures were damaged according to the light microscopic examination. During the TEM examination, intense cellular damage and stereocilia loss were detected, while during the SEM examination, extensive damage and stereocilia loss were observed. Decreased damage with preserved cochlear structure was detected during the light microscopic examination in the AT+APB group than in the AT group. During the TEM and SEM examinations, although stereocilia loss occurred in the AT+APB group, near-normal cell, cilia, and tectorial membrane structures were also observed in the AT+APB group compared with the AT group. 2-APB may have protective effects against AT damage of the cochlea. The main mechanism underlying this effect is the inhibition of the vasoconstriction of the cochlear spiral modiolar artery, thereby improving cochlear blood flow. We conclude that 2-APB may also be effective if used immediately following AT.

Optimising electron microscopy experiment through electron optics simulation.

PubMed

Kubo, Y; Gatel, C; Snoeck, E; Houdellier, F

2017-04-01

We developed a new type of electron trajectories simulation inside a complete model of a modern transmission electron microscope (TEM). Our model incorporates the precise and real design of each element constituting a TEM, i.e. the field emission (FE) cathode, the extraction optic and acceleration stages of a 300kV cold field emission gun, the illumination lenses, the objective lens, the intermediate and projection lenses. Full trajectories can be computed using magnetically saturated or non-saturated round lenses, magnetic deflectors and even non-cylindrical symmetry elements like electrostatic biprism. This multi-scale model gathers nanometer size components (FE tip) with parts of meter length (illumination and projection systems). We demonstrate that non-trivial TEM experiments requiring specific and complex optical configurations can be simulated and optimized prior to any experiment using such model. We show that all the currents set in all optical elements of the simulated column can be implemented in the real column (I2TEM in CEMES) and used as starting alignment for the requested experiment. We argue that the combination of such complete electron trajectory simulations in the whole TEM column with automatic optimization of the microscope parameters for optimal experimental data (images, diffraction, spectra) allows drastically simplifying the implementation of complex experiments in TEM and will facilitate the development of advanced use of the electron microscope in the near future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combined use of optical and electron microscopic techniques for the measurement of hygroscopic property, chemical composition, and morphology of individual aerosol particles.

PubMed

Ahn, Kang-Ho; Kim, Sun-Man; Jung, Hae-Jin; Lee, Mi-Jung; Eom, Hyo-Jin; Maskey, Shila; Ro, Chul-Un

2010-10-01

In this work, an analytical method for the characterization of the hygroscopic property, chemical composition, and morphology of individual aerosol particles is introduced. The method, which is based on the combined use of optical and electron microscopic techniques, is simple and easy to apply. An optical microscopic technique was used to perform the visual observation of the phase transformation and hygroscopic growth of aerosol particles on a single particle level. A quantitative energy-dispersive electron probe X-ray microanalysis, named low-Z particle EPMA, was used to perform a quantitative chemical speciation of the same individual particles after the measurement of the hygroscopic property. To validate the analytical methodology, the hygroscopic properties of artificially generated NaCl, KCl, (NH(4))(2)SO(4), and Na(2)SO(4) aerosol particles of micrometer size were investigated. The practical applicability of the analytical method for studying the hygroscopic property, chemical composition, and morphology of ambient aerosol particles is demonstrated.

[Observation by transmission electron microscope and identification of endophytic bacteria isolated from Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus].

PubMed

Yuan, Weimin; Wu, Xiaoqin; Ye, Jianren; Tian, Xiaojing

2011-08-01

The pine wood nematode, Bursaphlenchus xylophilus, morphologically similar to B. mucronatus, is the pathogen of pine wilt disease. This study was focused on the endophytic bacteria present in these nematodes. Detailed observations were made on sections of all parts of the two types of nematodes by transmission electron microscope. The nematodes were surface-sterilized by soaking in 1% mercuric chloride and antibiotic mixture, and then ground and cultured on nutrient agar plate. The physiological and biochemical characteristics combined with molecular characterization of bacteria were analyzed and identified. Endophytic bacteria were found in intestines of the two nematodes by transmission electron microscope observations. On the basis of surface sterilization, total three bacteria strains were obtained from B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus. These bacteria belong to Stenotrophomonas and Ewingella. It confirms the presence of endophytic bacteria in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus and these bacteria may play a physical and ecological roles in nematodes.