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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Structure of Wet Specimens in Electron Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, D. F.

1974-01-01

Discussed are past work and recent advances in the use of electron microscopes for viewing structures immersed in gas and liquid. Improved environmental chambers make it possible to examine wet specimens easily. (Author/RH)

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

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

Electronic and structural aspects of spin transitions observed by optical microscopy. The case of [Fe(ptz)6](BF4)2.

PubMed

Chong, Christian; Mishra, Haritosh; Boukheddaden, Kamel; Denise, Stéphane; Bouchez, Guillaume; Collet, Eric; Ameline, Jean-Claude; Naik, Anil D; Garcia, Yann; Varret, François

2010-02-11

The colorimetric analysis of images recorded with an optical microscope during the onset of the spin crossover transformation allows monitoring separately the involved electronic and structural aspects, through the separation of resonant absorption and scattering effects. Complementary information can also be obtained by using the polarized modes of the microscope. These potentialities are illustrated by the observation of [Fe(ptz)(6)](BF(4))(2) single crystals during the onset of the thermal transitions in the 110-140 K range. We characterized the interplay between the electronic (HS <--> LS) and structural (order <--> disorder) transformations. Elastic stresses and mechanical effects (hopping, self-cleavage) generated by the volume change upon electronic transition are also illustrated, with their impact on the photoswitching properties of the crystals.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tube-like Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image shows an unusual tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001, a meteorite believed to be of Martian origin. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00288

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

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. A two-year investigation by a NASA research team 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. The fossil-like structures were found in carbonate minerals formed along pre-existing fractures in the meteorite in a fashion similar to the way fossils occur in limestone on Earth, although on a microscopic scale.

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

Atomic Structure of Interface States in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, B. M.; Behrends, J.; Schnegg, A.; Schulze, T. F.; Fehr, M.; Korte, L.; Rech, B.; Lips, K.; Rohrmüller, M.; Rauls, E.; Schmidt, W. G.; Gerstmann, U.

2013-03-01

Combining orientation dependent electrically detected magnetic resonance and g tensor calculations based on density functional theory we assign microscopic structures to paramagnetic states involved in spin-dependent recombination at the interface of hydrogenated amorphous silicon crystalline silicon (a-Si:H/c-Si) heterojunction solar cells. We find that (i) the interface exhibits microscopic roughness, (ii) the electronic structure of the interface defects is mainly determined by c-Si, (iii) we identify the microscopic origin of the conduction band tail state in the a-Si:H layer, and (iv) present a detailed recombination mechanism.

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.

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.

Architecture of dermatophyte cell Walls: Electron microscopic and biochemical analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nozawa, Y.; Kitajima, Y.

1984-01-01

A review with 83 references on the cell wall structure of dermatophytes is presented. Topics discussed include separation and preparation of cell walls; microstructure of cell walls by electron microscopy; chemical composition of cell walls; structural model of cell walls; and morphological structure of cell walls.

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%.

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.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

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. A two-year investigation by a NASA research team 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.

On the Progress of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Imaging in a Scanning Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Sun, Cheng; Müller, Erich; Meffert, Matthias; Gerthsen, Dagmar

2018-04-01

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with low-energy electrons has been recognized as an important addition to the family of electron microscopies as it may avoid knock-on damage and increase the contrast of weakly scattering objects. Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are well suited for low-energy electron microscopy with maximum electron energies of 30 keV, but they are mainly used for topography imaging of bulk samples. Implementation of a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detector and a charge-coupled-device camera for the acquisition of on-axis transmission electron diffraction (TED) patterns, in combination with recent resolution improvements, make SEMs highly interesting for structure analysis of some electron-transparent specimens which are traditionally investigated by TEM. A new aspect is correlative SEM, STEM, and TED imaging from the same specimen region in a SEM which leads to a wealth of information. Simultaneous image acquisition gives information on surface topography, inner structure including crystal defects and qualitative material contrast. Lattice-fringe resolution is obtained in bright-field STEM imaging. The benefits of correlative SEM/STEM/TED imaging in a SEM are exemplified by structure analyses from representative sample classes such as nanoparticulates and bulk materials.

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.

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.

Transmission electron microscopy: direct observation of crystal structure in refractory ceramics.

PubMed

Shaw, T M; Thomas, G

1978-11-10

Using high-resolution multibeam interference techniques in the transmission electron microscope, images have been obtained that make possible a real-space structure analysis of a beryllium-silicon-nitrogen compound. The results illustrate the usefulness of lattice imaging in the analysis of local crystal structure in these technologically promising ceramic materials.

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.

Electron tomography of HEK293T cells using scanning electron microscope-based scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

You, Yun-Wen; Chang, Hsun-Yun; Liao, Hua-Yang; Kao, Wei-Lun; Yen, Guo-Ji; Chang, Chi-Jen; Tsai, Meng-Hung; Shyue, Jing-Jong

2012-10-01

Based on a scanning electron microscope operated at 30 kV with a homemade specimen holder and a multiangle solid-state detector behind the sample, low-kV scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is presented with subsequent electron tomography for three-dimensional (3D) volume structure. Because of the low acceleration voltage, the stronger electron-atom scattering leads to a stronger contrast in the resulting image than standard TEM, especially for light elements. Furthermore, the low-kV STEM yields less radiation damage to the specimen, hence the structure can be preserved. In this work, two-dimensional STEM images of a 1-μm-thick cell section with projection angles between ±50° were collected, and the 3D volume structure was reconstructed using the simultaneous iterative reconstructive technique algorithm with the TomoJ plugin for ImageJ, which are both public domain software. Furthermore, the cross-sectional structure was obtained with the Volume Viewer plugin in ImageJ. Although the tilting angle is constrained and limits the resulting structural resolution, slicing the reconstructed volume generated the depth profile of the thick specimen with sufficient resolution to examine cellular uptake of Au nanoparticles, and the final position of these nanoparticles inside the cell was imaged.

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.

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).

Twisted ribbon structure of paired helical filaments revealed by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed Central

Pollanen, M. S.; Markiewicz, P.; Bergeron, C.; Goh, M. C.

1994-01-01

Progressive deposition of phosphorylated tau into the paired helical filaments (PHF) that compose neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites, and neuropil threads is an obligate feature of Alzheimer's disease. The standard model of PHF structure, derived from electron microscopic studies, suggests that two 8- to 10-nm filaments each composed of three to four protofilaments are wound into a helix with a maximal diameter of -20 nm and a half period of 65 to 80 nm. However, recent vertical platinum-carbon replicas of PHF more closely resemble a thin helical ribbon without constitutive protofilaments. Here we report that native PHF imaged with an atomic force microscope appear as twisted ribbons rather than the generally accepted structure derived from electron microscopic studies. These data imply that the assembly of PHF is not due to the twisting of pair-wise filaments but rather the helical winding of self-associated tau molecules arranged into a flattened structure. Future structural models of PHF should be based on quantitative data obtained from imaging techniques, such as scanning probe microscopy, which do not require harsh specimen preparation procedures. Images Figure 1 PMID:8178938

Twisted ribbon structure of paired helical filaments revealed by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Pollanen, M S; Markiewicz, P; Bergeron, C; Goh, M C

1994-05-01

Progressive deposition of phosphorylated tau into the paired helical filaments (PHF) that compose neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites, and neuropil threads is an obligate feature of Alzheimer's disease. The standard model of PHF structure, derived from electron microscopic studies, suggests that two 8- to 10-nm filaments each composed of three to four protofilaments are wound into a helix with a maximal diameter of -20 nm and a half period of 65 to 80 nm. However, recent vertical platinum-carbon replicas of PHF more closely resemble a thin helical ribbon without constitutive protofilaments. Here we report that native PHF imaged with an atomic force microscope appear as twisted ribbons rather than the generally accepted structure derived from electron microscopic studies. These data imply that the assembly of PHF is not due to the twisting of pair-wise filaments but rather the helical winding of self-associated tau molecules arranged into a flattened structure. Future structural models of PHF should be based on quantitative data obtained from imaging techniques, such as scanning probe microscopy, which do not require harsh specimen preparation procedures.

Electronic structure, dielectric response, and surface charge distribution of RGD (1FUV) peptide.

PubMed

Adhikari, Puja; Wen, Amy M; French, Roger H; Parsegian, V Adrian; Steinmetz, Nicole F; Podgornik, Rudolf; Ching, Wai-Yim

2014-07-08

Long and short range molecular interactions govern molecular recognition and self-assembly of biological macromolecules. Microscopic parameters in the theories of these molecular interactions are either phenomenological or need to be calculated within a microscopic theory. We report a unified methodology for the ab initio quantum mechanical (QM) calculation that yields all the microscopic parameters, namely the partial charges as well as the frequency-dependent dielectric response function, that can then be taken as input for macroscopic theories of electrostatic, polar, and van der Waals-London dispersion intermolecular forces. We apply this methodology to obtain the electronic structure of the cyclic tripeptide RGD-4C (1FUV). This ab initio unified methodology yields the relevant parameters entering the long range interactions of biological macromolecules, providing accurate data for the partial charge distribution and the frequency-dependent dielectric response function of this peptide. These microscopic parameters determine the range and strength of the intricate intermolecular interactions between potential docking sites of the RGD-4C ligand and its integrin receptor.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

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. This photograph is part of a report by a NASA research team published in the Aug. 16, 1996, issue of the journal Science. A two-year investigation by the team 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.

The influence of structure depth on image blurring of micrometres-thick specimens in MeV transmission electron imaging.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Sun, Ying; Cao, Meng; Nishi, Ryuji

2016-04-01

This study investigates the influence of structure depth on image blurring of micrometres-thick films by experiment and simulation with a conventional transmission electron microscope (TEM). First, ultra-high-voltage electron microscope (ultra-HVEM) images of nanometer gold particles embedded in thick epoxy-resin films were acquired in the experiment and compared with simulated images. Then, variations of image blurring of gold particles at different depths were evaluated by calculating the particle diameter. The results showed that with a decrease in depth, image blurring increased. This depth-related property was more apparent for thicker specimens. Fortunately, larger particle depth involves less image blurring, even for a 10-μm-thick epoxy-resin film. The quality dependence on depth of a 3D reconstruction of particle structures in thick specimens was revealed by electron tomography. The evolution of image blurring with structure depth is determined mainly by multiple elastic scattering effects. Thick specimens of heavier materials produced more blurring due to a larger lateral spread of electrons after scattering from the structure. Nevertheless, increasing electron energy to 2MeV can reduce blurring and produce an acceptable image quality for thick specimens in the TEM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

National Plant Diagnostic Network, Taxonomic training videos: Aphids under the microscope - Cerataphis brasiliensis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Training is a critical part of aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) identification. This video provides provides training to identify the palm aphid, Cerataphis brasiliensis, using a compound microscope and an electronic identification key called “LUCID.” The video demonstrates key morphological structures...

WC/Co composite surface structure and nano graphite precipitate induced by high current pulsed electron beam irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, S. Z.; Zhang, Y.; Xu, Y.; Gey, N.; Grosdidier, T.; Dong, C.

2013-11-01

High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation was conducted on a WC-6% Co hard alloy with accelerating voltage of 27 kV and pulse duration of 2.5 μs. The surface phase structure was examined by using glancing-angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) methods. The surface tribological properties were measured. It was found that after 20 pulses of HCPEB irradiation, the surface structure of WC/Co hard alloy was modified dramatically and composed of a mixture of nano-grained WC1-x, Co3W9C4, Co3W3C phases and graphite precipitate domains ˜50 nm. The friction coefficient of modified surface decreased to ˜0.38 from 0.6 of the initial state, and the wear rate reduced from 8.4 × 10-5 mm3/min to 6.3 × 10-6 mm3/min, showing a significant self-lubricating effect.

Structural Fingerprinting of Nanocrystals in the Transmission Electron Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rouvimov, Sergei; Plachinda, Pavel; Moeck, Peter

2010-03-01

Three novel strategies for the structurally identification of nanocrystals in a transmission electron microscope are presented. Either a single high-resolution transmission electron microscopy image [1] or a single precession electron diffractogram (PED) [2] may be employed. PEDs from fine-grained crystal powders may also be utilized. Automation of the former two strategies is in progress and shall lead to statistically significant results on ensembles of nanocrystals. Open-access databases such as the Crystallography Open Database which provides more than 81,500 crystal structure data sets [3] or its mainly inorganic and educational subsets [4] may be utilized. [1] http://www.scientificjournals.org/journals 2007/j/of/dissertation.htm [2] P. Moeck and S. Rouvimov, in: {Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences}, Vol. 191, 2009, 270-313 [3] http://cod.ibt.lt, http://www.crystallography.net, http://cod.ensicaen.fr, http://nanocrystallography.org, http://nanocrystallography.net, http://journals.iucr.org/j/issues/2009/04/00/kk5039/kk5039.pdf [4] http://nanocrystallography.research.pdx.edu/CIF-searchable

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.

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.

Zernike Phase Contrast Electron Cryo-Tomography Applied to Marine Cyanobacteria Infected with Cyanophages

PubMed Central

Dai, Wei; Fu, Caroline; Khant, Htet A.; Ludtke, Steven J.; Schmid, Michael F.; Chiu, Wah

2015-01-01

Advances in electron cryo-tomography have provided a new opportunity to visualize the internal 3D structures of a bacterium. An electron microscope equipped with Zernike phase contrast optics produces images with dramatically increased contrast compared to 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 to obtain 3D structures of cyanophage assembly intermediates in the host, by subtomogram alignment, classification and averaging. Acquiring three to four tomographic tilt series takes approximately 12 h on a JEM2200FS electron microscope. We expect this time requirement to decrease substantially as the technique matures. Time required for annotation and subtomogram averaging varies widely depending on the project goals and data volume. PMID:25321408

Effects of Temperature and Pressure of Hot Isostatic Pressing on the Grain Structure of Powder Metallurgy Superalloy

PubMed Central

Tan, Liming; He, Guoai; Liu, Feng; Li, Yunping; Jiang, Liang

2018-01-01

The microstructure with homogeneously distributed grains and less prior particle boundary (PPB) precipitates is always desired for powder metallurgy superalloys after hot isostatic pressing (HIPping). In this work, we studied the effects of HIPping parameters, temperature and pressure on the grain structure in PM superalloy FGH96, by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Time-of-flight secondary ion spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). It was found that temperature and pressure played different roles in controlling PPB precipitation and grain structure during HIPping, the tendency of grain coarsening under high temperature could be inhibited by increasing HIPping pressure which facilitates the recrystallization. In general, relatively high temperature and pressure of HIPping were preferred to obtain an as-HIPped superalloy FGH96 with diminished PPB precipitation and homogeneously refined grains. PMID:29495312

Effects of Temperature and Pressure of Hot Isostatic Pressing on the Grain Structure of Powder Metallurgy Superalloy.

PubMed

Tan, Liming; He, Guoai; Liu, Feng; Li, Yunping; Jiang, Liang

2018-02-24

The microstructure with homogeneously distributed grains and less prior particle boundary (PPB) precipitates is always desired for powder metallurgy superalloys after hot isostatic pressing (HIPping). In this work, we studied the effects of HIPping parameters, temperature and pressure on the grain structure in PM superalloy FGH96, by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Time-of-flight secondary ion spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). It was found that temperature and pressure played different roles in controlling PPB precipitation and grain structure during HIPping, the tendency of grain coarsening under high temperature could be inhibited by increasing HIPping pressure which facilitates the recrystallization. In general, relatively high temperature and pressure of HIPping were preferred to obtain an as-HIPped superalloy FGH96 with diminished PPB precipitation and homogeneously refined grains.

Imaging and elemental mapping of biological specimens with a dual-EDS dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope

PubMed Central

Wu, J.S.; Kim, A. M.; Bleher, R.; Myers, B.D.; Marvin, R. G.; Inada, H.; Nakamura, K.; Zhang, X.F.; Roth, E.; Li, S.Y.; Woodruff, T. K.; O'Halloran, T. V.; Dravid, Vinayak P.

2013-01-01

A dedicated analytical scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) with dual energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detectors has been designed for complementary high performance imaging as well as high sensitivity elemental analysis and mapping of biological structures. The performance of this new design, based on a Hitachi HD-2300A model, was evaluated using a variety of biological specimens. With three imaging detectors, both the surface and internal structure of cells can be examined simultaneously. The whole-cell elemental mapping, especially of heavier metal species that have low cross-section for electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), can be faithfully obtained. Optimization of STEM imaging conditions is applied to thick sections as well as thin sections of biological cells under low-dose conditions at room- and cryogenic temperatures. Such multimodal capabilities applied to soft/biological structures usher a new era for analytical studies in biological systems. PMID:23500508

Three-dimensional fine structure of the organization of microtubules in neurite varicosities by ultra-high voltage electron microscope tomography.

PubMed

Nishida, Tomoki; Yoshimura, Ryoichi; Endo, Yasuhisa

2017-09-01

Neurite varicosities are highly specialized compartments that are involved in neurotransmitter/ neuromodulator release and provide a physiological platform for neural functions. However, it remains unclear how microtubule organization contributes to the form of varicosity. Here, we examine the three-dimensional structure of microtubules in varicosities of a differentiated PC12 neural cell line using ultra-high voltage electron microscope tomography. Three-dimensional imaging showed that a part of the varicosities contained an accumulation of organelles that were separated from parallel microtubule arrays. Further detailed analysis using serial sections and whole-mount tomography revealed microtubules running in a spindle shape of swelling in some other types of varicosities. These electron tomographic results showed that the structural diversity and heterogeneity of microtubule organization supported the form of varicosities, suggesting that a different distribution pattern of microtubules in varicosities is crucial to the regulation of varicosities development.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tube-like Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

This electron microscope image is a close-up of the center part of photo number S96-12301. While the exact nature of these tube-like structures is not known, one interpretation is that they may be microscopic fossils of primitive, bacteria-like organisms that may have lived on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago. A two-year investigation by a NASA research team 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.

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

Gantayat, S., E-mail: subhra-gantayat@rediffmail.com; Rout, D.; Swain, S. K.

The effect of the functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotube on the structure and electrical properties of composites was investigated. Samples based on epoxy resin with different weight percentage of MWCNTs were prepared and characterized. The interaction between MWCNT & epoxy resin was noticed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) reinforced epoxy composite was studied by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The dispersion of f-MWCNT in epoxy resin was evidenced by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Electrical properties of epoxy/f-MWCNT nanocomposites were measured & the result indicated that the conductivity increasedmore » with increasing concentration of f-MWCNTs.« less

DIAZOPHTHALOCYANINS AS REAGENTS FOR FINE STRUCTURAL CYTOCHEMISTRY

PubMed Central

Tice, Lois Withrow; Barrnett, Russell J.

1965-01-01

This paper reports the synthesis of 14 diazophthalocyanins containing Mg, Cu, or Pb as the chelated metal. To assess the usefulness of these compounds for fine structural cytochemistry, the relative coupling rates with naphthols were tested as well as the solubility of the resulting azo dyes. Three of the diazotates were reacted with tissue proteins in aldehyde-fixed material, and the density increases thus produced were compared in the electron microscope with those produced by staining similarly fixed material with the phthalocyanin dye, Alcian Blue. Finally, one of the diazotates was used as a capture reagent for the demonstration of the sites of acid phosphatase activity with the electron microscope. PMID:14283629

Subsurface Growth Of Silicide Structures In Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fathauer, Robert W.; George, Thomas; Pike, William T.; Schowalter, Leo

1993-01-01

Technique shows promise for fabrication of novel electronic, optoelectronic, and electro-optical devices. Experiments demonstrated feasibility of growing microscopic single-crystal CoSi2 structures beneath surfaces of Si substrates.

The Application of High-Resolution Electron Microscopy to Problems in Solid State Chemistry: The Exploits of a Peeping TEM.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eyring, LeRoy

1980-01-01

Describes methods for using the high-resolution electron microscope in conjunction with other tools to reveal the identity and environment of atoms. Problems discussed include the ultimate structure of real crystalline solids including defect structure and the mechanisms of chemical reactions. (CS)

In situ electron microscope study of the phase transformation, structure and growth of thin Te1-xSex films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vermaak, J. S.; Raubenheimer, D.

1988-01-01

An in-situ electron microscope technique was utilized to observe directly the amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation, the isothermal growth rates, as well as the orientation and structure of the recrystallized films for the Te1-xSex alloy system for x=0.2, 0.3 and 0.4. Activation energies of E=0.91, 0.93 and 0.96 eV and crystallization temperatures of Tc=-14, 81.5 and 85°C for the three alloys, respectively, were found. In all three cases the crystallization process originated from single crystalline nuclei with a hexagonal structure and with the c-axis in general parallel to the substrate surface.

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.

National Plant Diagnostic Network, Taxonomic training videos: Aphids under the microscope - Myzus persicae

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Training is a critical part of aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) identification. This video provides provides training to identify the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, using a compound microscope and an electronic identification key called “LUCID.” The video demonstrates key morphological structures t...

National Plant Diagnostic Network, Taxonomic training videos: Aphids under the microscope - Aphis gossypii

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Training is a critical part of aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) identification. This video provides provides training to identify the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, using a compound microscope and an electronic identification key called “LUCID.” The video demonstrates key morphological structures that ca...

Integration of Histology Lectures and Practical Teaching in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lu, Xiaoye; Cheng, Xin; Li, Ke; Lee, Kenneth Ka Ho; Yang, Xuesong

2016-01-01

Objectives: Human histology is a discipline concerning the study of microscopic structures of human tissues and organs--with the aid of light or electron microscopes. Traditional teaching of histology is composed of two separated components, theory and practice. The main disadvantage with traditional histology teaching is the detachment of theory…

Electron Diffraction Using Transmission Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Bendersky, Leonid A.; Gayle, Frank W.

2001-01-01

Electron diffraction via the transmission electron microscope is a powerful method for characterizing the structure of materials, including perfect crystals and defect structures. The advantages of electron diffraction over other methods, e.g., x-ray or neutron, arise from the extremely short wavelength (≈2 pm), the strong atomic scattering, and the ability to examine tiny volumes of matter (≈10 nm3). The NIST Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory has a history of discovery and characterization of new structures through electron diffraction, alone or in combination with other diffraction methods. This paper provides a survey of some of this work enabled through electron microscopy. PMID:27500060

Cytohistological study of the leaf structures of Panax ginseng Meyer and Panax quinquefolius L.

PubMed

Lee, Ok Ran; Nguyen, Ngoc Quy; Lee, Kwang Ho; Kim, Young Chang; Seo, Jiho

2017-10-01

Both Panax ginseng Meyer and Panax quinquefolius are obligate shade-loving plants whose natural habitats are broadleaved forests of Eastern Asia and North America. Panax species are easily damaged by photoinhibition when they are exposed to high temperatures or insufficient shade. In this study, a cytohistological study of the leaf structures of two of the most well-known Panax species was performed to better understand the physiological processes that limit photosynthesis. Leaves of ginseng plants grown in soil and hydroponic culture were sectioned for analysis. Leaf structures of both Panax species were observed using a light microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The mesostructure of both P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius frequently had one layer of noncylindrical palisade cells and three or four layers of spongy parenchymal cells. P. quinquefolius contained a similar number of stomata in the abaxial leaf surface but more tightly appressed enlarged grana stacks than P. ginseng contained. The adaxial surface of the epidermis in P. quinquefolius showed cuticle ridges with a pattern similar to that of P. ginseng . The anatomical leaf structure of both P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius shows that they are typical shade-loving sciophytes. Slight differences in chloroplast structure suggests that the two different species can be authenticated using transmission electron microscopy images, and light-resistant cultivar breeding can be performed via controlling photosynthesis efficiency.

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.

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.

Cooperative inter- and intra-layer lattice dynamics of photoexcited multi-walled carbon nanotubes studied by ultrafast electron diffraction.

PubMed

Sun, Shuaishuai; Li, Zhongwen; Li, Zi-An; Xiao, Ruijuan; Zhang, Ming; Tian, Huanfang; Yang, Huaixin; Li, Jianqi

2018-04-26

Optical tuning and probing ultrafast structural response of nanomaterials driven by electronic excitation constitute a challenging but promising approach for understanding microscopic mechanisms and applications in microelectromechanical systems and optoelectrical devices. Here we use pulsed electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope to investigate laser-induced tubular lattice dynamics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with varying laser fluence and initial specimen temperature. Our photoexcitation experiments demonstrate cooperative and inverse collective atomic motions in intralayer and interlayer directions, whose strengths and rates depend on pump fluence. The electron-driven and thermally driven structural responses with opposite amplitudes cause a crossover between intralayer and interlayer directions. Our ab initio calculations support these findings and reveal that electrons excited from π to π* orbitals in a carbon tube weaken the intralayer bonds while strengthening the interlayer bonds along the radial direction. Moreover, by probing the structural dynamics of MWCNTs at initial temperatures of 300 and 100 K, we uncover the concomitance of thermal and nonthermal dynamical processes and their mutual influence in MWCNTs. Our results illustrate the nature of electron-driven nonthermal process and electron-phonon thermalization in the MWCNTs, and bear implications for the intricate energy conversion and transfer in materials at the nanoscale.

Restoring defect structures in 3C-SiC/Si (001) from spherical aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscope images by means of deconvolution processing.

PubMed

Wen, C; Wan, W; Li, F H; Tang, D

2015-04-01

The [110] cross-sectional samples of 3C-SiC/Si (001) were observed with a spherical aberration-corrected 300 kV high-resolution transmission electron microscope. Two images taken not close to the Scherzer focus condition and not representing the projected structures intuitively were utilized for performing the deconvolution. The principle and procedure of image deconvolution and atomic sort recognition are summarized. The defect structure restoration together with the recognition of Si and C atoms from the experimental images has been illustrated. The structure maps of an intrinsic stacking fault in the area of SiC, and of Lomer and 60° shuffle dislocations at the interface have been obtained at atomic level. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new route for the synthesis of submicron-sized LaB{sub 6}

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

Lihong, Bao; Wurentuya,; Wei, Wei

Submicron crystalline LaB{sub 6} has been successfully synthesized by a solid-state reaction of La{sub 2}O{sub 3} with NaBH{sub 4} at 1200 °C. The effects of reaction temperature on the crystal structure, grain size and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. It is found that when the reaction temperature is in the range of 1000–1100 °C, there are ultrafine nanoparticles and nanocrystals that coexist. When the reaction temperature elevated to 1200 °C, the grain morphology transformed from ultrafine nanoparticle to submicron crystals completely. High resolution transmission electron microscope images fully confirm the formation ofmore » LaB{sub 6} cubic structure. - Highlights: • Single-phased LaB{sub 6} have been synthesized by a solid-state reaction in a continuous evacuating process. • The reaction temperature has a important effect on the phase composition. • The grain size increase from nano-size to submicron with increasing reaction temperature.« less

Integrated light and scanning electron microscopy of GFP-expressing cells.

PubMed

Peddie, Christopher J; Liv, Nalan; Hoogenboom, Jacob P; Collinson, Lucy M

2014-01-01

Integration of light and electron microscopes provides imaging tools in which fluorescent proteins can be localized to cellular structures with a high level of precision. However, until recently, there were few methods that could deliver specimens with sufficient fluorescent signal and electron contrast for dual imaging without intermediate staining steps. Here, we report protocols that preserve green fluorescent protein (GFP) in whole cells and in ultrathin sections of resin-embedded cells, with membrane contrast for integrated imaging. Critically, GFP is maintained in a stable and active state within the vacuum of an integrated light and scanning electron microscope. For light microscopists, additional structural information gives context to fluorescent protein expression in whole cells, illustrated here by analysis of filopodia and focal adhesions in Madin Darby canine kidney cells expressing GFP-Paxillin. For electron microscopists, GFP highlights the proteins of interest within the architectural space of the cell, illustrated here by localization of the conical lipid diacylglycerol to cellular membranes. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

Electronic Structure, Dielectric Response, and Surface Charge Distribution of RGD (1FUV) Peptide

PubMed Central

Adhikari, Puja; Wen, Amy M.; French, Roger H.; Parsegian, V. Adrian; Steinmetz, Nicole F.; Podgornik, Rudolf; Ching, Wai-Yim

2014-01-01

Long and short range molecular interactions govern molecular recognition and self-assembly of biological macromolecules. Microscopic parameters in the theories of these molecular interactions are either phenomenological or need to be calculated within a microscopic theory. We report a unified methodology for the ab initio quantum mechanical (QM) calculation that yields all the microscopic parameters, namely the partial charges as well as the frequency-dependent dielectric response function, that can then be taken as input for macroscopic theories of electrostatic, polar, and van der Waals-London dispersion intermolecular forces. We apply this methodology to obtain the electronic structure of the cyclic tripeptide RGD-4C (1FUV). This ab initio unified methodology yields the relevant parameters entering the long range interactions of biological macromolecules, providing accurate data for the partial charge distribution and the frequency-dependent dielectric response function of this peptide. These microscopic parameters determine the range and strength of the intricate intermolecular interactions between potential docking sites of the RGD-4C ligand and its integrin receptor. PMID:25001596

Bi-directional transmission of molecular information by photon or electron beams passing in the close vicinity of specific molecules, and its clinical and basic research applications: 1) Diagnosis of humans or animal patients without any direct contact; 2) Light microscopic and electron microscopic localization of neuro-transmitters, heavy metals, Oncogen C-fos (AB2), etc. of intracellular fine structures of normal and abnormal single cells using light or electro-microscopic indirect Bi-Digital O-Ring Test.

PubMed

Omura, Y; Losco, M; Omura, A K; Takeshige, C; Hisamitsu, T; Nakajima, H; Soejima, K; Yamamoto, S; Ishikawa, H; Kagoshima, T

1992-01-01

In 1985, Omura, Y. discovered that, when specific molecules were placed anywhere in the close vicinity of the path of a light beam (laser), their molecular information, as well as information on electrical & magnetic fields, is transmitted bi-directionally along the path of this light beam. Namely, this information is transmitted in the direction the light beam is projected and towards the direction from which the light beam is coming. This finding was applied to the following clinical and basic research: 1) In the past, using indirect Bi-Digital O-Ring Test, human or animal patients were diagnosed through an intermediate third person holding a good electrical conducting probe, the tip of which was touching the part of the patient to be examined. However, in order to diagnose the patient in isolation from a distance, or a dangerous or unmanagable unanesthesized animal, such as a lion or tiger, the author succeeded in making a diagnosis by replacing the metal conducting probe with a soft laser beam which is held by the one hand of the third person whose index finger is placed in close vicinity of the laser beam generated by a battery-powered penlight-type solid state laser generator. Thus, diagnosis within visible distance, without direct patient contact, became a reality. 2) Using a projection light microscope, by giving indirect Bi-Digital O-Ring Test while contacting with a fine electro-conductive probe on the magnified fine structure of normal and abnormal cells, various normal and abnormal intracellular substances were localized through a third person holding a pure reference control substance with the same hand that is holding the probe as an intermediary for the indirect Bi-Digital O-Ring Test. Instead of the photon beam in a light microscope, the author found that, using an electron beam passing through the close vicinity of specific molecules of specimens in an electron microscope, the molecular information is transmitted to the magnified fluorescent screen, and an indirect Bi-Digital O-Ring Test could be performed through a projected penlight-type solid state soft laser beam on the magnified intracellular structure through an observation glass window. Using the magnified fine structure of the cells, by either a light projection microscopic field or electron microscope, in various cancer cells of both humans and animals, Oncogen C-fos (AB2) and mercury were found inside of the nucleus. Integrin alpha 5 beta 1 was found on cell membranes and nuclear cell membranes of cancer cells. Acetylcholine was not found anywhere within cancer cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

In Situ Mechanical Property Measurements of Amorphous Carbon-Boron Nitride Nanotube Nanostructures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jae-Woo; Lin, Yi; Nunez, Jennifer Carpena; Siochi, Emilie J.; Wise, Kristopher E.; Connell, John W.; Smith, Michael W.

2011-01-01

To understand the mechanical properties of amorphous carbon (a-C)/boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) nanostructures, in situ mechanical tests are conducted inside a transmission electron microscope equipped with an integrated atomic force microscope system. The nanotube structure is modified with amorphous carbon deposited by controlled electron beam irradiation. We demonstrate multiple in situ tensile, compressive, and lap shear tests with a-C/BNNT hybrid nanostructures. The tensile strength of the a-C/BNNT hybrid nanostructure is 5.29 GPa with about 90 vol% of a-C. The tensile strength and strain of the end-to-end joint structure with a-C welding is 0.8 GPa and 5.2% whereas the lap shear strength of the side-by-side joint structure with a-C is 0.25 GPa.

Probing plasmodesmata function with biochemical inhibitors.

PubMed

White, Rosemary G

2015-01-01

To investigate plasmodesmata (PD) function, a useful technique is to monitor the effect on cell-to-cell transport of applying an inhibitor of a physiological process, protein, or other cell component of interest. Changes in PD transport can then be monitored in one of several ways, most commonly by measuring the cell-to-cell movement of fluorescent tracer dyes or of free fluorescent proteins. Effects on PD structure can be detected in thin sections of embedded tissue observed using an electron microscope, most commonly a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). This chapter outlines commonly used inhibitors, methods for treating different tissues, how to detect altered cell-to-cell transport and PD structure, and important caveats.

Low temperature synthesis of coiled carbon nanotubes and their magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishna, Vemula Mohana; Somanathan, T.; Manikandan, E.

2018-04-01

In this paper, coiled like structure of carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) have been effectively grown on bi-metal substituted α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. Highly graphitized and dense bundles of carbon product were attained at a low temperature of 550 °C. The coiled carbon nanostructures in very longer lengths were noticed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) observation. Furthermore, high purity material was achieved, which correlates the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) revealed the diameter and graphitization of coiled structures. The superparamagnetic like behavior was observed at room temperature for the as-synthesized product, which was found by VSM investigation.

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

Correlative SEM SERS for quantitative analysis of dimer nanoparticles.

PubMed

Timmermans, F J; Lenferink, A T M; van Wolferen, H A G M; Otto, C

2016-11-14

A Raman microscope integrated with a scanning electron microscope was used to investigate plasmonic structures by correlative SEM-SERS analysis. The integrated Raman-SEM microscope combines high-resolution electron microscopy information with SERS signal enhancement from selected nanostructures with adsorbed Raman reporter molecules. Correlative analysis is performed for dimers of two gold nanospheres. Dimers were selected on the basis of SEM images from multi aggregate samples. The effect of the orientation of the dimer with respect to the polarization state of the laser light and the effect of the particle gap size on the Raman signal intensity is observed. Additionally, calculations are performed to simulate the electric near field enhancement. These simulations are based on the morphologies observed by electron microscopy. In this way the experiments are compared with the enhancement factor calculated with near field simulations and are subsequently used to quantify the SERS enhancement factor. Large differences between experimentally observed and calculated enhancement factors are regularly detected, a phenomenon caused by nanoscale differences between the real and 'simplified' simulated structures. Quantitative SERS experiments reveal the structure induced enhancement factor, ranging from ∼200 to ∼20 000, averaged over the full nanostructure surface. The results demonstrate correlative Raman-SEM microscopy for the quantitative analysis of plasmonic particles and structures, thus enabling a new analytical method in the field of SERS and plasmonics.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tube-like Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image shows an unusual tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001, a meteorite believed to be of Martian origin. Although this structure is not part of the research published in the Aug. 16 issue of the journal Science, it is located in a similar carbonate glob in the meteorite. This structure will be the subject of future investigations that could confirm whether or not it is fossil evidence of primitive life on Mars 3.6 billion years ago.

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.

Ultrafast structural and electronic dynamics of the metallic phase in a layered manganite

PubMed Central

Piazza, L.; Ma, C.; Yang, H. X.; Mann, A.; Zhu, Y.; Li, J. Q.; Carbone, F.

2013-01-01

The transition between different states in manganites can be driven by various external stimuli. Controlling these transitions with light opens the possibility to investigate the microscopic path through which they evolve. We performed femtosecond (fs) transmission electron microscopy on a bi-layered manganite to study its response to ultrafast photoexcitation. We show that a photoinduced temperature jump launches a pressure wave that provokes coherent oscillations of the lattice parameters, detected via ultrafast electron diffraction. Their impact on the electronic structure are monitored via ultrafast electron energy loss spectroscopy, revealing the dynamics of the different orbitals in response to specific structural distortions. PMID:26913564

An automatic chip structure optical inspection system for electronic components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Zhichao; Xue, Bindang; Liang, Jiyuan; Wang, Ke; Chen, Junzhang; Liu, Yunhe

2018-01-01

An automatic chip structure inspection system based on machine vision is presented to ensure the reliability of electronic components. It consists of four major modules, including a metallographic microscope, a Gigabit Ethernet high-resolution camera, a control system and a high performance computer. An auto-focusing technique is presented to solve the problem that the chip surface is not on the same focusing surface under the high magnification of the microscope. A panoramic high-resolution image stitching algorithm is adopted to deal with the contradiction between resolution and field of view, caused by different sizes of electronic components. In addition, we establish a database to storage and callback appropriate parameters to ensure the consistency of chip images of electronic components with the same model. We use image change detection technology to realize the detection of chip images of electronic components. The system can achieve high-resolution imaging for chips of electronic components with various sizes, and clearly imaging for the surface of chip with different horizontal and standardized imaging for ones with the same model, and can recognize chip defects.

Structural and magnetic properties of chromium doped zinc ferrite

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

Sebastian, Rintu Mary; Thankachan, Smitha; Xavier, Sheena

2014-01-28

Zinc chromium ferrites with chemical formula ZnCr{sub x}Fe{sub 2−x}O{sub 4} (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) were prepared by Sol - Gel technique. The structural as well as magnetic properties of the synthesized samples have been studied and reported here. The structural characterizations of the samples were analyzed by using X – Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The single phase spinel cubic structure of all the prepared samples was tested by XRD and FTIR. The particle size was observed to decrease from 18.636 nm to 6.125more » nm by chromium doping and induced a tensile strain in all the zinc chromium mixed ferrites. The magnetic properties of few samples (x = 0.0, 0.4, 1.0) were investigated using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM)« less

Fabrication of core-shell micro/nanoparticles for programmable dual drug release by emulsion electrospraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yazhou; Zhang, Yiqiong; Wang, Bochu; Cao, Yang; Yu, Qingsong; Yin, Tieying

2013-06-01

The study aimed at constructing a novel drug delivery system for programmable multiple drug release controlled with core-shell structure. The core-shell structure consisted of chitosan nanoparticles as core and polyvinylpyrrolidone micro/nanocoating as shell to form core-shell micro/nanoparticles, which was fabricated by ionic gelation and emulsion electrospray methods. As model drug agents, Naproxen and rhodamine B were encapsulated in the core and shell regions, respectively. The core-shell micro/nanoparticles thus fabricated were characterized and confirmed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and fluorescence optical microscope. The core-shell micro/nanoparticles showed good release controllability through drug release experiment in vitro. It was noted that a programmable release pattern for dual drug agents was also achieved by adjusting their loading regions in the core-shell structures. The results indicate that emulsion electrospraying technology is a promising approach in fabrication of core-shell micro/nanoparticles for programmable dual drug release. Such a novel multi-drug delivery system has a potential application for the clinical treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, and tissue engineering.

Decomposition of L a2 -xS rxCu O4 into several L a2O3 phases at elevated temperatures in ultrahigh vacuum inside a transmission electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Jong Seok; Wu, Wangzhou; Topsakal, Mehmet; Yu, Guichuan; Sasagawa, Takao; Greven, Martin; Mkhoyan, K. Andre

2018-05-01

We report the decomposition of L a2 -xS rxCu O4 into L a2O3 and Cu nanoparticles in ultrahigh vacuum, observed by in situ heating experiments in a transmission electron microscope. The analysis of electron diffraction data reveals that the phase decomposition process starts at about 150 °C and is considerably expedited in the temperature range of 350 °C-450 °C. Two major resultant solid phases are identified as metallic Cu and L a2O3 by electron diffraction, simulation, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses. With the aid of calculations, L a2O3 phases are further identified to be derivatives of a fluorite structure—fluorite, pyrochlore, and (distorted) bixbyite—characterized by different oxygen-vacancy order. Additionally, the bulk plasmon energy and the fine structures of the O K and La M4 ,5 EELS edges are reported for these structures, along with simulated O K x-ray absorption near-edge structure. The resultant Cu nanoparticles and L a2O3 phases remain unchanged after cooling to room temperature.

What transmission electron microscopes can visualize now and in the future.

PubMed

Müller, Shirley A; Aebi, Ueli; Engel, Andreas

2008-09-01

Our review concentrates on the progress made in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the past decade. This includes significant improvements in sample preparation by quick-freezing aimed at preserving the specimen in a close-to-native state in the high vacuum of the microscope. Following advances in cold stage and TEM vacuum technology systems, the observation of native, frozen hydrated specimens has become a widely used approach. It fostered the development of computer guided, fully automated low-dose data acquisition systems allowing matched pairs of images and diffraction patterns to be recorded for electron crystallography, and the collection of entire tilt-series for electron tomography. To achieve optimal information transfer to atomic resolution, field emission electron guns combined with acceleration voltages of 200-300 kV are now routinely used. The outcome of these advances is illustrated by the atomic structure of mammalian aquaporin-O and by the pore-forming bacterial cytotoxin ClyA resolved to 12 A. Further, the Yersinia injectisome needle, a bacterial pseudopilus and the binding of phalloidin to muscle actin filaments were chosen to document the advantage of the high contrast offered by dedicated scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and/or the STEM's ability to measure the mass of protein complexes and directly link this to their shape. Continued progress emerging from leading research laboratories and microscope manufacturers will eventually enable us to determine the proteome of a single cell by electron tomography, and to more routinely solve the atomic structure of membrane proteins by electron crystallography.

Microscopic Electronic and Mechanical Properties of Ultra-Thin Layered Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-25

Graphene single layers grown by chemical vapor deposition on single crystal Cu substrates are subject to nonuniform physisorption strains that...the observed highly nonuniform strains. 4. Connecting dopant bond type with electronic structure in N-doped graphene (reference [4]) Robust methods

Microstructural evolution and micromechanical properties of gamma-irradiated Au ball bonds

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

Yusoff, Wan Yusmawati Wan, E-mail: yusmawati@upnm.edu.my; Ismail, Roslina, E-mail: roslina.ismail@ukm.my; Jalar, Azman, E-mail: azmn@ukm.my

2014-07-01

The effect of gamma radiation on the mechanical and structural properties of gold ball bonds was investigated. Gold wires from thermosonic wire bonding were exposed to gamma rays from a Cobalt-60 source at a low dose (5 Gy). The load–depth curve of nanoindentation for the irradiated gold wire bond has an apparent staircase shape during loading compared to the as-received sample. The hardness of the specimens calculated from the nanoindentation shows an increase in value from 0.91 to 1.09 GPa for specimens after exposure. The reduced elastic modulus for irradiated specimens significantly increased as well, with values from 75.18 tomore » 98.55 GPa. The change in intrinsic properties due to gamma radiation was investigated using dual-focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscope analysis. The dual-focused ion beam and high-resolution transmission electron microscope images confirmed the changes in grain structure and the presence of dislocations. The scanning electron microscope micrographs of focused ion beam cross sections showed that the grain structure of the gold became elongated and smaller after exposure to gamma rays. Meanwhile, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy provided evidence that gamma radiation induced dislocation of the atomic arrangement. - Highlights: • Nanoindentation technique provides a detailed characterisation of Au ball bond. • P–h curve of irradiated Au ball bond shows an apparent pop-in event. • Hardness and reduced modulus increased after exposure. • Elongated and smaller grain structure in irradiated specimens • Prevalent presence of dislocations in the atomic arrangement.« less

Imaging and elemental mapping of biological specimens with a dual-EDS dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Wu, J S; Kim, A M; Bleher, R; Myers, B D; Marvin, R G; Inada, H; Nakamura, K; Zhang, X F; Roth, E; Li, S Y; Woodruff, T K; O'Halloran, T V; Dravid, Vinayak P

2013-05-01

A dedicated analytical scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) with dual energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detectors has been designed for complementary high performance imaging as well as high sensitivity elemental analysis and mapping of biological structures. The performance of this new design, based on a Hitachi HD-2300A model, was evaluated using a variety of biological specimens. With three imaging detectors, both the surface and internal structure of cells can be examined simultaneously. The whole-cell elemental mapping, especially of heavier metal species that have low cross-section for electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), can be faithfully obtained. Optimization of STEM imaging conditions is applied to thick sections as well as thin sections of biological cells under low-dose conditions at room and cryogenic temperatures. Such multimodal capabilities applied to soft/biological structures usher a new era for analytical studies in biological systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

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

Electron microscopic and optical studies of prism faces of synthetic quartz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buzek, B. C.; Vagh, A. S.

1977-01-01

Application of electron and optical microscopic techniques to the study of growth spirals on quartz crystal faces is described. Attention is centered on the centers of the spirals and on screw ledges; overhanging kinks are revealed on one side of the spiral centers. The possibility that these special features may have developed after growth of the crystals went to completion is explored. The conjecture is raised that such structures might result from adsorption of growth-inhibiting impurities at the center of the growth spiral on the quartz habit faces.

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.

Three-dimensional study of the vector potential of magnetic structures.

PubMed

Phatak, Charudatta; Petford-Long, Amanda K; De Graef, Marc

2010-06-25

The vector potential is central to a number of areas of condensed matter physics, such as superconductivity and magnetism. We have used a combination of electron wave phase reconstruction and electron tomographic reconstruction to experimentally measure and visualize the three-dimensional vector potential in and around a magnetic Permalloy structure. The method can probe the vector potential of the patterned structures with a resolution of about 13 nm. A transmission electron microscope operated in the Lorentz mode is used to record four tomographic tilt series. Measurements for a square Permalloy structure with an internal closure domain configuration are presented.

Possible etiology of calculi formation in salivary glands: biophysical analysis of calculus.

PubMed

Mimura, Masafumi; Tanaka, Nobuyuki; Ichinose, Shizuko; Kimijima, Yutaka; Amagasa, Teruo

2005-09-01

Sialolithiasis is one of the common diseases of the salivary glands. It was speculated that, in the process of calculi formation, degenerative substances are emitted by saliva and calcification then occurs around these substances, and finally calculi are formed. However, the exact mechanism of the formation of calculi is still unclear. In this study, we identify some possible etiologies of calculi formation in salivary glands through biophysical analysis. Calculi from 13 patients with submandibular sialolithiasis were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalyzer, and electron diffraction. Transmission electron microscopic observation of calculi was performed in the submandibular gland (n = 13). In 3 of the 13 cases, a number of mitochondria-like structures and lysosomes were found near calcified materials. Scanning electron microscopic examination of these materials revealed that there were lamellar and concentric structures and that the degree of calcification was different among the calculi. X-ray microanalysis disclosed the component elements in the calculi to be Ca, P, S, Na, etc., and the main constituents were Ca and P. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio was 1.60-1.89. Analysis of the area including mitochondria-like structures, lysosomes, and the fibrous structures by electron diffraction revealed the presence of hydroxyapatite and calcified materials. It is speculated that mitochondria and lysosomal bodies from the ductal system of the submandibular gland are an etiological source for calcification in the salivary gland.

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.

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.

Effects of micro-structure on aerodynamics of Coccinella septempunctata elytra (ladybird) in forward flight as assessed via electron microscopy.

PubMed

Xiang, Jinwu; Liu, Kai; Li, Daochun; Du, Jianxun

2017-11-01

The effects of micro-structure on aerodynamics of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) elytra in forward flight were investigated. The micro-structure was examined by a scanning electron microscope and a digital microscope. Based on the experimental results, five elytron models were constructed to separately investigate the effects of the camber and the local corrugation in both leading edge and trailing edge on aerodynamics. Computational fluid dynamic simulations of five elytron models were conducted by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the Reynolds number of 245. The results show that camber and the local corrugation in the leading edge play significant roles in improving the aerodynamic performance, while the local corrugation in the trailing edge has little effect on aerodynamics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

Structure and Dynamics with Ultrafast Electron Microscopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siwick, Bradley

In this talk I will describe how combining ultrafast lasers and electron microscopes in novel ways makes it possible to directly `watch' the time-evolving structure of condensed matter, both at the level of atomic-scale structural rearrangements in the unit cell and at the level of a material's nano- microstructure. First, I will briefly describe my group's efforts to develop ultrafast electron diffraction using radio- frequency compressed electron pulses in the 100keV range, a system that rivals the capabilities of xray free electron lasers for diffraction experiments. I will give several examples of the new kinds of information that can be gleaned from such experiments. In vanadium dioxide we have mapped the detailed reorganization of the unit cell during the much debated insulator-metal transition. In particular, we have been able to identify and separate lattice structural changes from valence charge density redistribution in the material on the ultrafast timescale. In doing so we uncovered a previously unreported optically accessible phase/state of vanadium dioxide that has monoclinic crystallography like the insulator, but electronic structure and properties that are more like the rutile metal. We have also combined these dynamic structural measurements with broadband ultrafast spectroscopy to make detailed connections between structure and properties for the photoinduced insulator to metal transition. Second, I will show how dynamic transmission electron microscopy (DTEM) can be used to make direct, real space images of nano-microstructural evolution during laser-induced crystallization of amorphous semiconductors at unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. This is a remarkably complex process that involves several distinct modes of crystal growth and the development of intricate microstructural patterns on the nanosecond to ten microsecond timescales all of which can be imaged directly with DTEM.

A microscopic study investigating the structure of SnSe surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang-ui; Duong, Anh-Tuan; Cho, Sunglae; Rhim, S. H.; Kim, Jungdae

2016-09-01

SnSe has been widely studied due to its many potential applications that take advantage of its excellent thermoelectric, photovoltaic, and optoelectronic properties. However, experimental investigations into the microscopic structure of SnSe remain largely unexplored. Herein, for the first time, the atomic and electronic structures of SnSe surfaces are studied by a home-built low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The cleaved surface of SnSe is comprised of covalently bonded Se and Sn atoms in zigzag patterns. However, rectangular periodicity was observed in the atomic images of SnSe surfaces for filled and empty state probing. Detailed atomic structures are analyzed by DFT calculations, indicating that the bright extrusions of both filled and empty state images are mostly located at the positions of Sn atoms.

Specimen preparation for high-resolution cryo-EM

PubMed Central

Passmore, Lori A.; Russo, Christopher J.

2016-01-01

Imaging a material with electrons at near-atomic resolution requires a thin specimen that is stable in the vacuum of the transmission electron microscope. For biological samples, this comprises a thin layer of frozen aqueous solution containing the biomolecular complex of interest. The process of preparing a high-quality specimen is often the limiting step in the determination of structures by single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM). Here we describe a systematic approach for going from a purified biomolecular complex in aqueous solution to high-resolution electron micrographs that are suitable for 3D structure determination. This includes a series of protocols for the preparation of vitrified specimens on various specimen supports, including all-gold and graphene. We also describe techniques for troubleshooting when a preparation fails to yield suitable specimens, and common mistakes to avoid during each part of the process. Finally, we include recommendations for obtaining the highest quality micrographs from prepared specimens with current microscope, detector and support technology. PMID:27572723

Synthesis and characterization of intercalated polyaniline-clay nanocomposite using supercritical CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelraheem, A.; El-Shazly, A. H.; Elkady, M. F.

2018-05-01

Lately, supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) have been getting great interest. It can be used in numerous applications because it is environmentally friendly, safe, comparatively low cost, and nonflammable. One of its applications is being a solvent in the synthesis of polymeric-clay nanocomposite. In this paper, intercalated polyaniline-clay nanocomposite (PANC) was prepared using SCCO2. The intercalation structure of polyaniline chains between clay layers was verified by various characterization techniques. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (SEM-TEM) were used to show the morphology of the synthesized nanocomposite. The molecular structure of PANC nanocomposite was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The BET surface area and the conductivity of the nanocomposite were determined.

Highly charged ion based time of flight emission microscope

DOEpatents

Barnes, Alan V.; Schenkel, Thomas; Hamza, Alex V.; Schneider, Dieter H.; Doyle, Barney

2001-01-01

A highly charged ion based time-of-flight emission microscope has been designed, which improves the surface sensitivity of static SIMS measurements because of the higher ionization probability of highly charged ions. Slow, highly charged ions are produced in an electron beam ion trap and are directed to the sample surface. The sputtered secondary ions and electrons pass through a specially designed objective lens to a microchannel plate detector. This new instrument permits high surface sensitivity (10.sup.10 atoms/cm.sup.2), high spatial resolution (100 nm), and chemical structural information due to the high molecular ion yields. The high secondary ion yield permits coincidence counting, which can be used to enhance determination of chemical and topological structure and to correlate specific molecular species.

Highlighting material structure with transmission electron diffraction correlation coefficient maps.

PubMed

Kiss, Ákos K; Rauch, Edgar F; Lábár, János L

2016-04-01

Correlation coefficient maps are constructed by computing the differences between neighboring diffraction patterns collected in a transmission electron microscope in scanning mode. The maps are shown to highlight material structural features like grain boundaries, second phase particles or dislocations. The inclination of the inner crystal interfaces are directly deduced from the resulting contrast. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

Localization of nucleolar chromatin by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization at the electron microscopic level.

PubMed

Thiry, M; Scheer, U; Goessens, G

1991-01-01

Nucleoli are the morphological expression of the activity of a defined set of chromosomal segments bearing rRNA genes. The topological distribution and composition of the intranucleolar chromatin as well as the definition of nucleolar structures in which enzymes of the rDNA transcription machinery reside have been investigated in mammalian cells by various immunogold labelling approaches at the ultrastructural level. The precise intranucleolar location of rRNA genes has been further specified by electron microscopic in situ hybridization with a non-autoradiographic procedure. Our results indicate that the fibrillar centers are the sole nucleolar structures where rDNA, core histones, RNA polymerase I and DNA topoisomerase I are located together. Taking into account the potential value and limitations of immunoelectron microscopic techniques, we propose that transcription of the rRNA genes takes place within the confines of the fibrillar centers, probably close to the boundary regions to the surrounding dense fibrillar component.

Subsurface examination of a foliar biofilm using scanning electron- and focused-ion-beam microscopy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The dual beam scanning electron microscope, equipped with both a focused ion- and scanning electron- beam (FIB SEM) is a novel tool for the exploration of the subsurface structure of biological tissues. The FIB is capable of removing small cross sections to view the subsurface features and may be s...

Evaluation of the effect of cigarette smoking on the olfactory neuroepithelium of New Zealand white rabbit, using scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Iskander, Nagi M; El-Hennawi, Diaa M; Yousef, Tarek F; El-Tabbakh, Mohammed T; Elnahriry, Tarek A

2017-06-01

To detect ultra-structural changes of Rabbit's olfactory neuro-epithelium using scanning electron microscope after exposure to cigarette smoking. Sixty six rabbits (Pathogen free New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1-1.5 kg included in the study were randomly assigned into one of three groups: control group did not expose to cigarette smoking, study group 1 was exposed to cigarette smoking for 3 months and study group 2 was exposed to cigarette smoking 3 months and then stopped for 2 months. Olfactory neuro-epithelium from all rabbits were dissected and examined under Philips XL-30 scanning electron microscope. Changes that were found in the rabbits of study group 1 in comparison to control group were loss of microvilli of sustentacular cells (p = 0.016) and decreases in distribution of specialized cilia of olfactory receptor cells (p = 0.046). Also respiratory metaplasia was detected. These changes were reversible in study group 2. Cigarette smoking causes ultra-structural changes in olfactory neuro-epithelium which may explain why smell was affected in cigarette smokers. Most of these changes were reversible after 45 days of cessation of cigarette smoking to the rabbits.

Imaging nanoscale spatial modulation of a relativistic electron beam with a MeV ultrafast electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Chao; Jiang, Tao; Liu, Shengguang; Wang, Rui; Zhao, Lingrong; Zhu, Pengfei; Liu, Yaqi; Xu, Jun; Yu, Dapeng; Wan, Weishi; Zhu, Yimei; Xiang, Dao; Zhang, Jie

2018-03-01

An accelerator-based MeV ultrafast electron microscope (MUEM) has been proposed as a promising tool to the study structural dynamics at the nanometer spatial scale and the picosecond temporal scale. Here, we report experimental tests of a prototype MUEM where high quality images with nanoscale fine structures were recorded with a pulsed ˜3 MeV picosecond electron beam. The temporal and spatial resolutions of the MUEM operating in the single-shot mode are about 4 ps (FWHM) and 100 nm (FWHM), corresponding to a temporal-spatial resolution of 4 × 10-19 s m, about 2 orders of magnitude higher than that achieved with state-of-the-art single-shot keV UEM. Using this instrument, we offer the demonstration of visualizing the nanoscale periodic spatial modulation of an electron beam, which may be converted into longitudinal density modulation through emittance exchange to enable production of high-power coherent radiation at short wavelengths. Our results mark a great step towards single-shot nanometer-resolution MUEMs and compact intense x-ray sources that may have widespread applications in many areas of science.

[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).

THE CELL CENTERED DATABASE PROJECT: AN UPDATE ON BUILDING COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR MANAGING AND SHARING 3D IMAGING DATA

PubMed Central

Martone, Maryann E.; Tran, Joshua; Wong, Willy W.; Sargis, Joy; Fong, Lisa; Larson, Stephen; Lamont, Stephan P.; Gupta, Amarnath; Ellisman, Mark H.

2008-01-01

Databases have become integral parts of data management, dissemination and mining in biology. At the Second Annual Conference on Electron Tomography, held in Amsterdam in 2001, we proposed that electron tomography data should be shared in a manner analogous to structural data at the protein and sequence scales. At that time, we outlined our progress in creating a database to bring together cell level imaging data across scales, The Cell Centered Database (CCDB). The CCDB was formally launched in 2002 as an on-line repository of high-resolution 3D light and electron microscopic reconstructions of cells and subcellular structures. It contains 2D, 3D and 4D structural and protein distribution information from confocal, multiphoton and electron microscopy, including correlated light and electron microscopy. Many of the data sets are derived from electron tomography of cells and tissues. In the five years since its debut, we have moved the CCDB from a prototype to a stable resource and expanded the scope of the project to include data management and knowledge engineering. Here we provide an update on the CCDB and how it is used by the scientific community. We also describe our work in developing additional knowledge tools, e.g., ontologies, for annotation and query of electron microscopic data. PMID:18054501

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.

Measurement of flow speed in the channels of novel threadlike structures on the surfaces of mammalian organs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sung, Baeckkyoung; Kim, Min Su; Lee, Byung-Cheon; Yoo, Jung Sun; Lee, Sang-Hee; Kim, Youn-Joong; Kim, Ki-Woo; Soh, Kwang-Sup

2008-02-01

There have been several reports on novel threadlike structures (NTSs) on the surfaces of the internal organs of rats and rabbits since their first observation by Bonghan Kim in 1963. To confirm this novel circulatory function, it is necessary to observe the flow of liquid through the NTS as well as the structurally corroborating channels in the NTS. In this article, we report on the measurement of the flow speed of Alcian blue solution in the NTSs on the organ surfaces of rabbits, and we present electron microscopic images depicting the cribrous cross-section with channels. The speed was measured as 0.3 ± 0.1 mm/s, and the flow distance was up to 12 cm. The flow was unidirectional, and the phase contrast microscopic images showed that the NTSs were strongly stained with Alcian blue. The ultrastructure of the NTSs revealed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy and high-voltage electron microscopy showed that (1) there were cell-like bodies and globular clumps of matter inside the sinus of the channel with thin strands of segregated zones which is a microscopic evidence of the liquid flow, (2) the sinuses have wall structures surrounded with extracellular matrices of collagenous fibers, and (3) there exists a cribriform structure of sinuses. To understand the mechanism for the circulation, a quantitative analysis of the flow speed has been undertaken applying a simplified windkessel model. In this analysis, it was shown that the liquid flow through the NTSs could be due to peristaltic motion of the NTS itself.

Exfoliation of graphene sheets via high energy wet milling of graphite in 2-ethylhexanol and kerosene.

PubMed

Al-Sherbini, Al-Sayed; Bakr, Mona; Ghoneim, Iman; Saad, Mohamed

2017-05-01

Graphene sheets have been exfoliated from bulk graphite using high energy wet milling in two different solvents that were 2-ethylhexanol and kerosene. The milling process was performed for 60 h using a planetary ball mill. Morphological characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). On the other hand, the structural characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and Raman spectrometry. The exfoliated graphene sheets have represented good morphological and structural characteristics with a valuable amount of defects and a good graphitic structure. The graphene sheets exfoliated in the presence of 2-ethylhexanol have represented many layers, large crystal size and low level of defects, while the graphene sheets exfoliated in the presence of kerosene have represented fewer number of layers, smaller crystal size and higher level of defects.

Scanning electron microscopic observations of fibrous structure of cemento-dentinal junction in healthy teeth.

PubMed

Pratebha, B; Jaikumar, N D; Sudhakar, R

2014-01-01

The cemento-dentinal junction (CDJ) is a structural and biologic link between cementum and dentin present in the roots of teeth. Conflicting reports about the origin, structure and composition of this layer are present in literature. The width of this junctional tissue is reported to be about 2-4 μm with adhesion of cementum and dentin by proteoglycans and by collagen fiber intermingling. The objective of this study is to observe and report the fibrous architecture of the CDJ of healthy tooth roots. A total of 15 healthy teeth samples were collected, sectioned into halves, demineralized in 5% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, processed using NaOH maceration technique and observed under a scanning electron microscope. The CDJ appeared to be a fibril poor groove with a width of 2-4 µm. Few areas of collagen fiber intermingling could be appreciated. A detailed observation of these tissues has been presented.

Realization of a four-step molecular switch in scanning tunneling microscope manipulation of single chlorophyll-a molecules

PubMed Central

Iancu, Violeta; Hla, Saw-Wai

2006-01-01

Single chlorophyll-a molecules, a vital resource for the sustenance of life on Earth, have been investigated by using scanning tunneling microscope manipulation and spectroscopy on a gold substrate at 4.6 K. Chlorophyll-a binds on Au(111) via its porphyrin unit while the phytyl-chain is elevated from the surface by the support of four CH3 groups. By injecting tunneling electrons from the scanning tunneling microscope tip, we are able to bend the phytyl-chain, which enables the switching of four molecular conformations in a controlled manner. Statistical analyses and structural calculations reveal that all reversible switching mechanisms are initiated by a single tunneling-electron energy-transfer process, which induces bond rotation within the phytyl-chain. PMID:16954201

Preservation of protein fluorescence in embedded human dendritic cells for targeted 3D light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Höhn, K; Fuchs, J; Fröber, A; Kirmse, R; Glass, B; Anders-Össwein, M; Walther, P; Kräusslich, H-G; Dietrich, C

2015-08-01

In this study, we present a correlative microscopy workflow to combine detailed 3D fluorescence light microscopy data with ultrastructural information gained by 3D focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy. The workflow is based on an optimized high pressure freezing/freeze substitution protocol that preserves good ultrastructural detail along with retaining the fluorescence signal in the resin embedded specimens. Consequently, cellular structures of interest can readily be identified and imaged by state of the art 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy and are precisely referenced with respect to an imprinted coordinate system on the surface of the resin block. This allows precise guidance of the focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy and limits the volume to be imaged to the structure of interest. This, in turn, minimizes the total acquisition time necessary to conduct the time consuming ultrastructural scanning electron microscope imaging while eliminating the risk to miss parts of the target structure. We illustrate the value of this workflow for targeting virus compartments, which are formed in HIV-pulsed mature human dendritic cells. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

The correlation between acoustic and magnetic properties in the long working metal boiler drum with the parameters of the electron microscope

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

Ababkov, Nikolai, E-mail: n.ababkov@rambler.ru; Smirnov, Alexander, E-mail: galvas.kem@gmail.com

The present paper presents comparative analysis of measurement results of acoustic and magnetic properties in long working metal of boiler drums and the results obtained by methods of electronic microscopy. The structure of the metal sample from the fracture zone to the base metal (metal working sample long) and the center of the base metal before welding (weld metal sample) was investigated by electron microscopy. Studies performed by spectral acoustic, magnetic noise and electron microscopic methods were conducted on the same plots and the same samples of long working and weld metal of high-pressure boiler drums. The analysis of researchmore » results showed high sensitivity of spectral-acoustic and magnetic-noise methods to definition changes of microstructure parameters. Practical application of spectral-acoustic and magnetic noise NDT method is possible for the detection of irregularities and changes in structural and phase state of the long working and weld metal of boiler drums, made of a special molybdenum steel (such as 20M). The above technique can be used to evaluate the structure and physical-mechanical properties of the long working metal of boiler drums in the energy sector.« less

Helium Ion Secondary Electron Mode Microscopy For Interconnect Material Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Shinichi; Thompson, William; Stern, Lewis; Scipioni, Larry; Notte, John; Farkas, Lou; Barriss, Louise

2010-04-01

The recently developed helium ion microscope (HIM) is now capable of 0.35 nm secondary electron (SE) mode image resolution. When low-k dielectrics or copper interconnects in ultra large scale integrated circuits (ULSI) interconnect structures were imaged in this mode, it was found that unique pattern dimension and fidelity information at sub-nanometer resolution was available for the first time. This paper will discuss the helium ion microscope architecture and the SE imaging techniques that make the HIM observation method of particular value to the low-k dielectric and dual damascene copper interconnect technologies.

A comparative study of a (0-3) connectivity type composite and core-shell structure of CoFe2O4 - BaTiO3 based on microstructure and magnetic property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Avisek; Gorige, Venkataiah

2018-04-01

In this work CoFe2O4 (CFO)-BaTiO3 (BTO) composite and core-shell CFO-BTO have been prepared to investigate the effect of microstructure on the magnetic properties. Detailed microstructure analysis has been carried out using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Although uniform distribution of CFO is found in BTO matrix for the composite sample, magnetization and coercivity values are more enhanced in core-shell CFO-BTO.

Scanning Electron Microscope Studies of Interactions between Agaricus bisporus (Lang) Sing Hyphae and Bacteria in Casing Soil

PubMed Central

Masaphy, Segula; Levanon, D.; Tchelet, R.; Henis, Y.

1987-01-01

Relationships between the hyphae of Agaricus bisporus (Lang) Sing and bacteria from the mushroom bed casing layer were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Hyphae growing in the casing layer differed morphologically from compost-grown hyphae. Whereas the compost contained thin single hyphae surrounded by calcium oxalate crystals, the casing layer contained mainly wide hyphae or mycelial strands without crystals. The bacterial population in the hyphal environment consisted of several types, some attached to the hyphae with filamentlike structures. This attachment may be important in stimulation of pinhead initiation. Images PMID:16347340

Densely packed beta-structure at the protein-lipid interface of porin is revealed by high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy.

PubMed

Sass, H J; Büldt, G; Beckmann, E; Zemlin, F; van Heel, M; Zeitler, E; Rosenbusch, J P; Dorset, D L; Massalski, A

1989-09-05

Porin is an integral membrane protein that forms channels across the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. Electron microscopic studies of negatively stained two-dimensional porin crystals have shown three stain accumulations per porin trimer, revealing the locations of pores spanning the membrane. In this study, reconstituted porin lattices embedded in glucose were investigated using the low-dose technique on a cryo-electron microscope equipped with a helium-cooled superconducting objective lens. The specimen temperature was maintained at 5 K to yield an improved microscopic and specimen stability. Under these conditions, we obtained for the first time electron diffraction patterns from porin lattices to a resolution of 3.2 A and images showing optical diffraction up to a resolution of 4.9 A. Applying correlation averaging techniques to the digitized micrographs, we were able to reconstruct projected images of the porin trimer to a resolution of up to 3.5 A. In the final projection maps, amplitudes from electron diffraction and phases from these images were combined. The predominant feature is a high-density narrow band (about 6 A in thickness) that delineates the outer perimeter of the trimer. Since the molecule consists of almost exclusively beta-sheet structure, as revealed by spectroscopic data, we conclude that this band is a cylindrical beta-pleated sheet crossing the membrane nearly perpendicularly to its plane. Another intriguing finding is a low-density area (about 70 A2) situated in the centre of the trimer.

Monte Carlo simulation of electron thermalization in scintillator materials: Implications for scintillator nonproportionality

DOE PAGES

Prange, Micah P.; Xie, YuLong; Campbell, Luke W.; ...

2017-12-20

The lack of reliable quantitative estimates of the length and time scales associated with hot electron thermalization after a gamma-ray induced energy cascade obscures the interplay of various microscopic processes controlling scintillator performance and hampers the search for improved detector materials. We apply a detailed microscopic kinetic Monte Carlo model of the creation and subsequent thermalization of hot electrons produced by gamma irradiation of six important scintillating crystals to determine the spatial extent of the cloud of excitations produced by gamma rays and the time required for the cloud to thermalize with the host lattice. The main ingredients of themore » model are ensembles of microscopic track structures produced upon gamma excitation (including the energy distribution of the excited carriers), numerical estimates of electron-phonon scattering rates, and a calculated particle dispersion to relate the speed and energy of excited carriers. All these ingredients are based on first-principles density functional theory calculations of the electronic and phonon band structures of the materials. The details of the Monte Carlo model are presented along with the results for thermalization time and distance distributions. Here, these results are discussed in light of previous work. It is found that among the studied materials, calculated thermalization distances are positively correlated with measured nonproportionality. In the important class of halide scintillators, the particle dispersion is found to be more influential than the largest phonon energy in determining the thermalization distance.« less

Monte Carlo simulation of electron thermalization in scintillator materials: Implications for scintillator nonproportionality

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

Prange, Micah P.; Xie, YuLong; Campbell, Luke W.

2017-12-21

The lack of reliable quantitative estimates of the length and time scales associated with hot electron thermalization after a gamma-ray induced energy cascade obscures the interplay of various microscopic processes controlling scintillator performance and hampers the search for improved detector materials. We apply a detailed microscopic kinetic Monte Carlo model of the creation and subsequent thermalization of hot electrons produced by gamma irradiation of six important scintillating crystals to determine the spatial extent of the cloud of excitations produced by gamma rays and the time required for the cloud to thermalize with the host lattice. The main ingredients of themore » model are ensembles of microscopic track structures produced upon gamma excitation (including the energy distribution of the excited carriers), numerical estimates of electron-phonon scattering rates, and a calculated particle dispersion to relate the speed and energy of excited carriers. All these ingredients are based on first-principles density functional theory calculations of the electronic and phonon band structures of the materials. Details of the Monte Carlo model are presented along with results for thermalization time and distance distributions. These results are discussed in light of previous work. It is found that among the studied materials, calculated thermalization distances are positively correlated with measured nonproportionality. In the important class of halide scintillators, the particle dispersion is found to be more influential than the largest phonon energy in determining the thermalization distance.« less

Decomposition of L a 2 – x S r x Cu O 4 into several L a 2 O 3 phases at elevated temperatures in ultrahigh vacuum inside a transmission electron microscope

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

Jeong, Jong Seok; Wu, Wangzhou; Topsakal, Mehmet

Here, we report the decomposition of La 2–xSr xCuO 4 into La 2O 3 and Cu nanoparticles in ultrahigh vacuum, observed by in situ heating experiments in a transmission electron microscope. The analysis of electron diffraction data reveals that the phase decomposition process starts at about 150°C and is considerably expedited in the temperature range of 350°C–450°C. Two major resultant solid phases are identified as metallic Cu and La 2O 3 by electron diffraction, simulation, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses. With the aid of calculations, La 2O 3 phases are further identified to be derivatives of a fluorite structure—fluorite,more » pyrochlore, and (distorted) bixbyite—characterized by different oxygen-vacancy order. Additionally, the bulk plasmon energy and the fine structures of the O K and LaM 4,5 EELS edges are reported for these structures, along with simulated O K x-ray absorption near-edge structure. The resultant Cu nanoparticles and La 2O 3 phases remain unchanged after cooling to room temperature.« less

Decomposition of L a 2 – x S r x Cu O 4 into several L a 2 O 3 phases at elevated temperatures in ultrahigh vacuum inside a transmission electron microscope

DOE PAGES

Jeong, Jong Seok; Wu, Wangzhou; Topsakal, Mehmet; ...

2018-05-15

Here, we report the decomposition of La 2–xSr xCuO 4 into La 2O 3 and Cu nanoparticles in ultrahigh vacuum, observed by in situ heating experiments in a transmission electron microscope. The analysis of electron diffraction data reveals that the phase decomposition process starts at about 150°C and is considerably expedited in the temperature range of 350°C–450°C. Two major resultant solid phases are identified as metallic Cu and La 2O 3 by electron diffraction, simulation, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses. With the aid of calculations, La 2O 3 phases are further identified to be derivatives of a fluorite structure—fluorite,more » pyrochlore, and (distorted) bixbyite—characterized by different oxygen-vacancy order. Additionally, the bulk plasmon energy and the fine structures of the O K and LaM 4,5 EELS edges are reported for these structures, along with simulated O K x-ray absorption near-edge structure. The resultant Cu nanoparticles and La 2O 3 phases remain unchanged after cooling to room temperature.« less

Simulation of transmission electron microscope images of biological specimens.

PubMed

Rullgård, H; Ofverstedt, L-G; Masich, S; Daneholt, B; Oktem, O

2011-09-01

We present a new approach to simulate electron cryo-microscope images of biological specimens. The framework for simulation consists of two parts; the first is a phantom generator that generates a model of a specimen suitable for simulation, the second is a transmission electron microscope simulator. The phantom generator calculates the scattering potential of an atomic structure in aqueous buffer and allows the user to define the distribution of molecules in the simulated image. The simulator includes a well defined electron-specimen interaction model based on the scalar Schrödinger equation, the contrast transfer function for optics, and a noise model that includes shot noise as well as detector noise including detector blurring. To enable optimal performance, the simulation framework also includes a calibration protocol for setting simulation parameters. To test the accuracy of the new framework for simulation, we compare simulated images to experimental images recorded of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) in vitreous ice. The simulated and experimental images show good agreement with respect to contrast variations depending on dose and defocus. Furthermore, random fluctuations present in experimental and simulated images exhibit similar statistical properties. The simulator has been designed to provide a platform for development of new instrumentation and image processing procedures in single particle electron microscopy, two-dimensional crystallography and electron tomography with well documented protocols and an open source code into which new improvements and extensions are easily incorporated. © 2011 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2011 Royal Microscopical Society.

Scanning tunnelling microscope for boron surface studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trenary, Michael

1990-10-01

The equipment purchased is to be used in an experimental study of the relationship between atomic structure and chemical reactivity for boron and carbon surfaces. This research is currently being supported by grant AFOSR-88-0111. A renewal proposal is currently pending with AFOSR to continue these studies. Carbon and boron are exceptionally stable, covalently bonded solids with highly unique crystal structures. The specific reactions to be studied are loosely related to the problems of oxidation and oxidation inhibition of carbon/carbon composites. The main experimental instrument to be used is a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) purchased under grant number AFSOR-89-0146. Other techniques to be used include Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).

[Ultrastructural organization of cytoplasmatic membrane of Anaerobacter polyendosporus studied by electron microscopic cryofractography].

PubMed

Duda, V I; Suzina, N E; Dmitriev, V V

2001-01-01

Anaerobacter polyendosporus cells do not have typical mesosomes. However, the analysis of this anaerobic multispore bacterium by electron microscopic cryofractography showed that its cytoplasmic membrane contains specific intramembrane structures in the form of flat lamellar inverted lipid membranes tenths of nanometers to several microns in size. It was found that these structures are located in the hydrophobic interior between the outer and inner leaflets of the cytoplasmic membrane and do not contain intramembrane particles that are commonly present on freeze-fracture replicas. The flat inverted lipid membranes were revealed in bacterial cells cultivated under normal growth conditions, indicating the existence of a complex-type compartmentalization in biological membranes, which manifests itself in the formation of intramembrane compartments having the appearance of vesicles and inverted lipid membranes.

Absence of bundle structure in the neocortex of the reeler mouse at the embryonic stage. Studies by scanning electron microscopic fractography.

PubMed

Mikoshiba, K; Nishimura, Y; Tsukada, Y

The reeler mutant mouse is characterized by a derangement of the cerebral cortical structure due to abnormalities during the migration step at the embryonic stage. We have analyzed both the control and reeler cerebral cortex by means of scanning electron microscopic fractography. In the control cerebral cortex, the bundle formation was composed of fine fibers on which the migrating neuroblasts were attached perpendicular to the pial surface, whereas no bundle formation was observed in the reeler; instead, there was a fine meshwork of fibers surrounding the neuroblasts. The possible role of bundle formation in the normal cerebral cortex and the correlation between the inability of cells to migrate and the absence of bundle formation in the reeler is discussed.

Comparative study of electronic structure and microscopic model of SrMn3P4O14 and Sr3Cu3(PO4)4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khanam, Dilruba; Rahaman, Badiur

2018-05-01

We present the first principle density functional calculations to figure out the comparative study of the underlying spin model SrMn3P4O14 and Sr3Cu3(PO4)4. We explicitly discuss the nature of the exchange paths and provide quantitative estimates of magnetic exchange couplings for both compounds. A microscopic modeling based on analysis of the electronic structure of both systems puts them in the interesting class of weakly coupled trimer units, which makes chains S=5/2 for SrMn3P4O14 and S=1/2 for Sr3Cu3(PO4)4 that are in turn weakly coupled to each other.

Electron tomography of whole cultured cells using novel transmission electron imaging technique.

PubMed

Okumura, Taiga; Shoji, Minami; Hisada, Akiko; Ominami, Yusuke; Ito, Sukehiro; Ushiki, Tatsuo; Nakajima, Masato; Ohshima, Takashi

2018-01-01

Since a three-dimensional (3D) cellular ultrastructure is significant for biological functions, it has been investigated using various electron microscopic techniques. Although transmission electron microscopy (TEM)-based techniques are traditionally used, cells must be embedded in resin and sliced into ultrathin sections in sample preparation processes. Block-face observation using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has also been recently applied to 3D observation of cellular components, but this is a destructive inspection and does not allow re-examination. Therefore, we developed electron tomography using a transmission electron imaging technique called Plate-TEM. With Plate-TEM, the cells cultured directly on a scintillator plate are inserted into a conventional SEM equipped with a Plate-TEM observation system, and their internal structures are observed by detecting scintillation light produced by electrons passing through the cells. This technology has the following four advantages. First, the cells cultured on the plate can be observed at electron-microscopic resolution since they remain on the plate. Second, both surface and internal information can be obtained simultaneously by using electron- and photo-detectors, respectively, because a Plate-TEM detector is installed in an SEM. Third, the cells on the scintillator plate can also be inspected using light microscopy because the plate has transparent features. Finally, correlative observation with other techniques, such as conventional TEM, is possible after Plate-TEM observation because Plate-TEM is a non-destructive analysis technique. We also designed a sample stage to tilt the samples for tomography with Plate-TEM, by which 3D organization of cellular structures can be visualized as a whole cell. In the present study, Mm2T cells were investigated using our tomography system, resulting in 3D visualization of cell organelles such as mitochondria, lipid droplets, and microvilli. Correlative observations with various imaging techniques were also conducted by successive observations with light microscopy, SEM, Plate-TEM, and conventional TEM. Consequently, the Plate-TEM tomography technique encourages understanding of cellular structures at high resolution, which can contribute to cellular biological research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in tissue structural research.

PubMed

Leser, Vladka; Milani, Marziale; Tatti, Francesco; Tkalec, Ziva Pipan; Strus, Jasna; Drobne, Damjana

2010-10-01

The focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are commonly used in material sciences for imaging and analysis of materials. Over the last decade, the combined FIB/SEM system has proven to be also applicable in the life sciences. We have examined the potential of the focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope system for the investigation of biological tissues of the model organism Porcellio scaber (Crustacea: Isopoda). Tissue from digestive glands was prepared as for conventional SEM or as for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The samples were transferred into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. FIB-milled regions were secondary electron imaged, back-scattered electron imaged, or energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzed. Our results demonstrated that FIB/SEM enables simultaneous investigation of sample gross morphology, cell surface characteristics, and subsurface structures. The same FIB-exposed regions were analyzed by EDX to provide basic compositional data. When samples were prepared as for TEM, the information obtained with FIB/SEM is comparable, though at limited magnification, to that obtained from TEM. A combination of imaging, micro-manipulation, and compositional analysis appears of particular interest in the investigation of epithelial tissues, which are subjected to various endogenous and exogenous conditions affecting their structure and function. The FIB/SEM is a promising tool for an overall examination of epithelial tissue under normal, stressed, or pathological conditions.

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.

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.

In-line three-dimensional holography of nanocrystalline objects at atomic resolution

PubMed Central

Chen, F.-R.; Van Dyck, D.; Kisielowski, C.

2016-01-01

Resolution and sensitivity of the latest generation aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopes allow the vast majority of single atoms to be imaged with sub-Ångstrom resolution and their locations determined in an image plane with a precision that exceeds the 1.9-pm wavelength of 300 kV electrons. Such unprecedented performance allows expansion of electron microscopic investigations with atomic resolution into the third dimension. Here we report a general tomographic method to recover the three-dimensional shape of a crystalline particle from high-resolution images of a single projection without the need for sample rotation. The method is compatible with low dose rate electron microscopy, which improves on signal quality, while minimizing electron beam-induced structure modifications even for small particles or surfaces. We apply it to germanium, gold and magnesium oxide particles, and achieve a depth resolution of 1–2 Å, which is smaller than inter-atomic distances. PMID:26887849

Direct observation of electronic-liquid-crystal phase transitions and their microscopic origin in La 1/3Ca 2/3MnO 3

DOE PAGES

Tao, J.; Sun, K.; Yin, W. -G.; ...

2016-11-22

The ground-state electronic order in doped manganites is frequently associated with a lattice modulation, contributing to their many interesting properties. However, measuring the thermal evolution of the lattice superstructure with reciprocal-space probes alone can lead to ambiguous results with competing interpretations. Here, we provide direct observations of the evolution of the superstructure in La 1/3Ca 2/3MnO 3 in real space, as well as reciprocal space, using transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques. We show that the transitions are the consequence of a proliferation of dislocations plus electronic phase separation. The resulting states are well described by the symmetries associated with electronic-liquid-crystalmore » (ELC) phases. Furthermore, our results resolve the long-standing controversy over the origin of the incommensurate superstructure and suggest a new structural model that is consistent with recent theoretical calculations.« less

An historical account of the development and applications of the negative staining technique to the electron microscopy of viruses.

PubMed

Horne, R W; Wildy, P

1979-09-01

A brief historical account of the development and applications of the negative staining techniques to the study of the structure of viruses and their components as observed in the electron microscope is presented. Although the basic method of surrounding or embedding specimens in opaque dyes was used in light microscopy dating from about 1884, the equivalent preparative techniques applied to electron microscopy were comparatively recent. The combination of experiments on a sophisticated bacterial virus and the installation of a high resolution electron microscope in the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, during 1954, subsequently led to the analysis of several important morphological features of animal, plant and bacterial viruses. The implications of the results from these early experiments on viruses and recent developments in negative staining methods for high resolution image analysis of electron micrographs are also discussed.

A facile thermal decomposition route to synthesise CoFe2O4 nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalpanadevi, K.; Sinduja, C. R.; Manimekalai, R.

2014-01-01

The synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles has been achieved by a simple thermal decomposition method from an inorganic precursor, cobalt ferrous cinnamate hydrazinate (CoFe2(cin)3(N2H4)3) which was obtained by a novel precipitation method from the corresponding metal salts, cinnamic acid and hydrazine hydrate. The precursor was characterized by hydrazine and metal analyses, infrared spectral analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis. Under appropriate annealing, CoFe2(cin)3(N2H4)3 yielded CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, which were characterized for their size and structure using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques.

Polarized light and scanning electron microscopic investigation of enamel hypoplasia in primary teeth.

PubMed

Sabel, Nina; Klingberg, Gunilla; Dietz, Wolfram; Nietzsche, Sandor; Norén, Jörgen G

2010-01-01

Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental disturbance during enamel formation, defined as a macroscopic defect in the enamel, with a reduction of the enamel thickness with rounded, smooth borders. Information on the microstructural level is still limited, therefore further studies are of importance to better understand the mechanisms behind enamel hypoplasia. To study enamel hypoplasia in primary teeth by means of polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Nineteen primary teeth with enamel hypoplasia were examined in a polarized light microscope and in a scanning electron microscope. The cervical and incisal borders of the enamel hypoplasia had a rounded appearance, as the prisms in the rounded cervical area of the hypoplasia were bent. The rounded borders had a normal surface structure whereas the base of the defects appeared rough and porous. Morphological findings in this study indicate that the aetiological factor has a short duration and affects only certain ameloblasts. The bottom of the enamel hypoplasia is porous and constitutes possible pathways for bacteria into the dentin.

Isolation and Structural Studies of Mitochondria from Pea Roots.

PubMed

Vishwakarma, Abhaypratap; Gupta, Kapuganti Jagadis

2017-01-01

For structural and respiratory studies, isolation of intact and active mitochondria is essential. Here, we describe an isolation method which gave good yield and intact mitochondria from 2-week-old pea (Pisum sativum) roots grown hydroponically under standard growth conditions. We used Percoll gradient centrifugation for this isolation procedure. The yield of purified mitochondria was 50 μg/g FW. Isolated mitochondria maintained their structure which was observed by using MitoTracker green in confocal microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Intact mitochondria are clearly visible in SCM images. Taken together this isolation method can be used for physiological and microscopic studies on mitochondria.

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

A new electron microscope technique for the study of living materials.

PubMed

Kálmán, E

1979-07-01

In order to gain informations on the real structure of biological specimens the "wet technique" for electron microscopy has been developed. The construction and the working principle of a special microchamber are described. Applications of this technique for the investigation of blood cells, gametes and various bacteries are demonstrated by micrographs.

Electron crystallography with the EIGER detector

PubMed Central

Tinti, Gemma; Fröjdh, Erik; van Genderen, Eric; Gruene, Tim; Schmitt, Bernd; de Winter, D. A. Matthijs; Weckhuysen, Bert M.; Abrahams, Jan Pieter

2018-01-01

Electron crystallography is a discipline that currently attracts much attention as method for inorganic, organic and macromolecular structure solution. EIGER, a direct-detection hybrid pixel detector developed at the Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland, has been tested for electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope. EIGER features a pixel pitch of 75 × 75 µm2, frame rates up to 23 kHz and a dead time between frames as low as 3 µs. Cluster size and modulation transfer functions of the detector at 100, 200 and 300 keV electron energies are reported and the data quality is demonstrated by structure determination of a SAPO-34 zeotype from electron diffraction data. PMID:29765609

Electron energy loss spectroscopy on semiconductor heterostructures for optoelectronics and photonics applications.

PubMed

Eljarrat, A; López-Conesa, L; Estradé, S; Peiró, F

2016-05-01

In this work, we present characterization methods for the analysis of nanometer-sized devices, based on silicon and III-V nitride semiconductor materials. These methods are devised in order to take advantage of the aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscope, equipped with a monochromator. This set-up ensures the necessary high spatial and energy resolution for the characterization of the smallest structures. As with these experiments, we aim to obtain chemical and structural information, we use electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The low-loss region of EELS is exploited, which features fundamental electronic properties of semiconductor materials and facilitates a high data throughput. We show how the detailed analysis of these spectra, using theoretical models and computational tools, can enhance the analytical power of EELS. In this sense, initially, results from the model-based fit of the plasmon peak are presented. Moreover, the application of multivariate analysis algorithms to low-loss EELS is explored. Finally, some physical limitations of the technique, such as spatial delocalization, are mentioned. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Confocal laser scanning microscopic photoconversion: a new method to stabilize fluorescently labeled cellular elements for electron microscopic analysis.

PubMed

Colello, Raymond J; Tozer, Jordan; Henderson, Scott C

2012-01-01

Photoconversion, the method by which a fluorescent dye is transformed into a stable, osmiophilic product that can be visualized by electron microscopy, is the most widely used method to enable the ultrastructural analysis of fluorescently labeled cellular structures. Nevertheless, the conventional method of photoconversion using widefield fluorescence microscopy requires long reaction times and results in low-resolution cell targeting. Accordingly, we have developed a photoconversion method that ameliorates these limitations by adapting confocal laser scanning microscopy to the procedure. We have found that this method greatly reduces photoconversion times, as compared to conventional wide field microscopy. Moreover, region-of-interest scanning capabilities of a confocal microscope facilitate the targeting of the photoconversion process to individual cellular or subcellular elements within a fluorescent field. This reduces the area of the cell exposed to light energy, thereby reducing the ultrastructural damage common to this process when widefield microscopes are employed. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Construction and characterization of the fringe field monochromator for a field emission gun

PubMed

Mook; Kruit

2000-04-01

Although some microscopes have shown stabilities sufficient to attain below 0.1 eV spectral resolution in high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, the intrinsic energy width of the high brightness source (0.3-0.6 eV) has been limiting the resolution. To lower the energy width of the source to 50 meV without unnecessary loss of brightness, a monochromator has been designed consisting of a short (4 mm) fringe field Wien filter and a 150 nm energy selection slit (nanoslit) both to be incorporated in the gun area of the microscope. A prototype has been built and tested in an ultra-high-vacuum setup (10(-9) mbar). The monochromator, operating on a Schottky field emission gun, showed stable and reproducible operation. The nanoslits did not contaminate and the structure remained stable. By measuring the current through the slit structure a direct image of the beam in the monochromator could be attained and the monochromator could be aligned without the use of a microscope. Good dispersed imaging conditions were found indicating an ultimate resolution of 55 meV. A Mark II fringe field monochromator (FFM) was designed and constructed compatible with the cold tungsten field emitter of the VG scanning transmission microscope. The monochromator was incorporated in the gun area of the microscope at IBM T.J. Watson research center, New York. The monochromator was aligned on 100 kV and the energy distribution measured using the monochromator displayed a below 50 meV filtering capability. The retarding Wien filter spectrometer was used to show a 61 meV EELS system resolution. The FFM is shown to be a monochromator which can be aligned without the use of the electron microscope. This makes it directly applicable for scanning transmission microscopy and low-voltage scanning electron microscopy, where it can lower the resolution loss which is caused by chromatic blur of the spot.

Computer synthesis of high resolution electron micrographs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nathan, R.

1976-01-01

Specimen damage, spherical aberration, low contrast and noisy sensors combine to prevent direct atomic viewing in a conventional electron microscope. The paper describes two methods for obtaining ultra-high resolution in biological specimens under the electron microscope. The first method assumes the physical limits of the electron objective lens and uses a series of dark field images of biological crystals to obtain direct information on the phases of the Fourier diffraction maxima; this information is used in an appropriate computer to synthesize a large aperture lens for a 1-A resolution. The second method assumes there is sufficient amplitude scatter from images recorded in focus which can be utilized with a sensitive densitometer and computer contrast stretching to yield fine structure image details. Cancer virus characterization is discussed as an illustrative example. Numerous photographs supplement the text.

75 FR 37384 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-29

..., semiconducting and magnetic nanosized materials and their assembled structures. Justification for Duty-Free Entry... California, Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616. Instrument: Electron Microscope. Manufacturer: Elionix...

Charge frustration in complex fluids and in electronic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carraro, Carlo

1997-02-01

The idea of charge frustration is applied to describe the properties of such diverse physical systems as oil-water-surfactant mixtures and metal-ammonia solutions. The minimalist charge-frustrated model possesses one energy scale and two length scales. For oil-water-surfactant mixtures, these parameters have been determined starting from the microscopic properties of the physical systems under study. Thus, microscopic properties are successfully related to the observed mesoscopic structure.

The grape cluster, metal particle 63344,1. [in lunar coarse fines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldstein, J. I.; Axon, H. J.; Agrell, S. O.

1975-01-01

The grape cluster metal particle 63344,1 found in lunar coarse fines is examined using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron microprobe, and an optical microscope. This metal particle is approximately 0.5 cm in its largest dimension and consists of hundreds of metallic globules welded together to form a structure somewhat like a bunch of grapes. Electron microprobe analysis for Fe, Ni, Co, P, and S in the metal was carried out using wavelength dispersive detectors. No primary solidification structure is observed in the globules, and the particle is slow cooled from the solidification temperature (nearly 1300 C) taking days to probably months to reach 600 C. Two mechanisms for the formation of globules are proposed. One mechanism involves the primary impact of an iron meteorite which produces a metallic liquid and vapor phase. The second mechanism involves the formation of a liquid pool of metal after impact of an iron meteorite projectile followed by a secondary impact in the liquid metal pool.

Novel scanning electron microscope bulge test technique integrated with loading function

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

Li, Chuanwei; Xie, Huimin, E-mail: liuzw@bit.edu.cn, E-mail: xiehm@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn; Liu, Zhanwei, E-mail: liuzw@bit.edu.cn, E-mail: xiehm@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

2014-10-15

Membranes and film-on-substrate structures are critical elements for some devices in electronics industry and for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems devices. These structures are normally at the scale of micrometer or even nanometer. Thus, the measurement for the mechanical property of these membranes poses a challenge over the conventional measurements at macro-scales. In this study, a novel bulge test method is presented for the evaluation of mechanical property of micro thin membranes. Three aspects are discussed in the study: (a) A novel bulge test with a Scanning Electron Microscope system realizing the function of loading and measuring simultaneously; (b) a simplifiedmore » Digital Image Correlation method for a height measurement; and (c) an imaging distortion correction by the introduction of a scanning Moiré method. Combined with the above techniques, biaxial modulus as well as Young's modulus of the polyimide film can be determined. Besides, a standard tensile test is conducted as an auxiliary experiment to validate the feasibility of the proposed method.« less

Edge mixing dynamics in graphene p–n junctions in the quantum Hall regime

PubMed Central

Matsuo, Sadashige; Takeshita, Shunpei; Tanaka, Takahiro; Nakaharai, Shu; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhito; Moriyama, Takahiro; Ono, Teruo; Kobayashi, Kensuke

2015-01-01

Massless Dirac electron systems such as graphene exhibit a distinct half-integer quantum Hall effect, and in the bipolar transport regime co-propagating edge states along the p–n junction are realized. Additionally, these edge states are uniformly mixed at the junction, which makes it a unique structure to partition electrons in these edge states. Although many experimental works have addressed this issue, the microscopic dynamics of electron partition in this peculiar structure remains unclear. Here we performed shot-noise measurements on the junction in the quantum Hall regime as well as at zero magnetic field. We found that, in sharp contrast with the zero-field case, the shot noise in the quantum Hall regime is finite in the bipolar regime, but is strongly suppressed in the unipolar regime. Our observation is consistent with the theoretical prediction and gives microscopic evidence that the edge states are uniquely mixed along the p–n junction. PMID:26337445

Imaging nanoscale spatial modulation of a relativistic electron beam with a MeV ultrafast electron microscope

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

Lu, Chao; Jiang, Tao; Liu, Shengguang

Here, an accelerator-based MeV ultrafast electron microscope (MUEM) has been proposed as a promising tool to the study structural dynamics at the nanometer spatial scale and the picosecond temporal scale. Here, we report experimental tests of a prototype MUEM where high quality images with nanoscale fine structures were recorded with a pulsed ~3 MeV picosecond electron beam. The temporal and spatial resolutions of the MUEM operating in the single-shot mode are about 4 ps (FWHM) and 100 nm (FWHM), corresponding to a temporal-spatial resolution of 4 × 10 –19 sm, about 2 orders of magnitude higher than that achieved withmore » state-of-the-art single-shot keV UEM. Using this instrument, we offer the demonstration of visualizing the nanoscale periodic spatial modulation of an electron beam, which may be converted into longitudinal density modulation through emittance exchange to enable production of high-power coherent radiation at short wavelengths. Our results mark a great step towards single-shot nanometer-resolution MUEMs and compact intense x-ray sources that may have widespread applications in many areas of science.« less

Imaging nanoscale spatial modulation of a relativistic electron beam with a MeV ultrafast electron microscope

DOE PAGES

Lu, Chao; Jiang, Tao; Liu, Shengguang; ...

2018-03-12

Here, an accelerator-based MeV ultrafast electron microscope (MUEM) has been proposed as a promising tool to the study structural dynamics at the nanometer spatial scale and the picosecond temporal scale. Here, we report experimental tests of a prototype MUEM where high quality images with nanoscale fine structures were recorded with a pulsed ~3 MeV picosecond electron beam. The temporal and spatial resolutions of the MUEM operating in the single-shot mode are about 4 ps (FWHM) and 100 nm (FWHM), corresponding to a temporal-spatial resolution of 4 × 10 –19 sm, about 2 orders of magnitude higher than that achieved withmore » state-of-the-art single-shot keV UEM. Using this instrument, we offer the demonstration of visualizing the nanoscale periodic spatial modulation of an electron beam, which may be converted into longitudinal density modulation through emittance exchange to enable production of high-power coherent radiation at short wavelengths. Our results mark a great step towards single-shot nanometer-resolution MUEMs and compact intense x-ray sources that may have widespread applications in many areas of science.« less

Quasiparticle scattering in type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chun-Liang; Arafune, Ryuichi; Minamitani, Emi; Kawai, Maki; Takagi, Noriaki

2018-03-01

The electronic structure of type-II Weyl semimetal molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) is studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Through measuring energy-dependent quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns with a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope, several characteristic features are found in the QPI patterns. Two of them arise from the Weyl semimetal nature; one is the topological Fermi arc surface state and the other can be assigned to be a Weyl point. The remaining structures are derived from the scatterings relevant to the bulk electronic states. The findings lead to further understanding of the topological electronic structure of type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe2.

Quasiparticle scattering in type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe2.

PubMed

Lin, Chun-Liang; Arafune, Ryuichi; Minamitani, Emi; Kawai, Maki; Takagi, Noriaki

2018-02-15

The electronic structure of type-II Weyl semimetal molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe 2 ) is studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Through measuring energy-dependent quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns with a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope, several characteristic features are found in the QPI patterns. Two of them arise from the Weyl semimetal nature; one is the topological Fermi arc surface state and the other can be assigned to be a Weyl point. The remaining structures are derived from the scatterings relevant to the bulk electronic states. The findings lead to further understanding of the topological electronic structure of type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe 2 .

Electromigration and morphological changes in Ag nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, A.; Bai, T.; Edler, F.; Tegenkamp, C.; Weide-Zaage, K.; Pfnür, H.

2018-02-01

Electromigration (EM) as a structuring tool was investigated in Ag nanowires (width 300 nm, thickness 25 nm) and partly in notched and bow-tie Ag structures on a Si(1 0 0) substrate in ultra-high vacuum using a four-tip scanning tunneling microscope in combination with a scanning electron microscope. From simulations of Ag nanowires we got estimates of temperature profiles, current density profiles, EM and thermal migration (TM) mass flux distributions within the nanowire induced by critical current densities of 108 A cm-2. At room temperature, the electron wind force at these current densities by far dominates over thermal diffusion, and is responsible for formation of voids at the cathode and hillocks at the anode side. For current densities that exceed the critical current densities necessary for EM, a new type of wire-like structure formation was found both at room temperature and at 100 K for notched and bow-tie structures. This suggests that the simultaneous action of EM and TM is structure forming, but with a very small influence of TM at low temperature.

New approaches in renal microscopy: volumetric imaging and superresolution microscopy.

PubMed

Kim, Alfred H J; Suleiman, Hani; Shaw, Andrey S

2016-05-01

Histologic and electron microscopic analysis of the kidney has provided tremendous insight into structures such as the glomerulus and nephron. Recent advances in imaging, such as deep volumetric approaches and superresolution microscopy, have the capacity to dramatically enhance our current understanding of the structure and function of the kidney. Volumetric imaging can generate images millimeters below the surface of the intact kidney. Superresolution microscopy breaks the diffraction barrier inherent in traditional light microscopy, enabling the visualization of fine structures. Here, we describe new approaches to deep volumetric and superresolution microscopy of the kidney. Rapid advances in lasers, microscopic objectives, and tissue preparation have transformed our ability to deep volumetric image the kidney. Innovations in sample preparation have allowed for superresolution imaging with electron microscopy correlation, providing unprecedented insight into the structures within the glomerulus. Technological advances in imaging have revolutionized our capacity to image both large volumes of tissue and the finest structural details of a cell. These new advances have the potential to provide additional profound observations into the normal and pathologic functions of the kidney.

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.

Three-dimensional Architecture of Hair-bundle Linkages Revealed by Electron-microscopic Tomography

PubMed Central

Auer, Manfred; Koster, Abrahram J.; Ziese, Ulrike; Bajaj, Chandrajit; Volkmann, Niels; Wang, Da Neng

2008-01-01

The senses of hearing and balance rest upon mechanoelectrical transduction by the hair bundles of hair cells in the inner ear. Located at the apical cellular surface, each hair bundle comprises several tens of stereocilia and a single kinocilium that are interconnected by extracellular proteinaceous links. Using electron-microscopic tomography of bullfrog saccular sensory epithelia, we examined the three-dimensional structures of basal links, kinociliary links, and tip links. We observed significant differences in the appearances and dimensions of these three structures and found two distinct populations of tip links suggestive of the involvement of different proteins, splice variants, or protein–protein interactions. We noted auxiliary links connecting the upper portions of tip links to the taller stereocilia. Tip links and auxiliary links show a tendency to adopt a globular conformation when disconnected from the membrane surface. PMID:18421501

A New Technique to Produce Clean and Thin Silicon Films In Situ in a UHV Electron Microscope for TEM-TED Studies of Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, Soh-ichiro; Yamanaka, Akira; Kobayashi, Kunio; Tanishiro, Yasumasa; Yagi, Katsumichi

1990-04-01

A new technique of in situ oxygen gas reaction thinning of Si films at around 750-800°C in an ultrahigh-vacuum electron microscope was developed. The technique produced films as thin as 10 to 20 nm. Such a thin film allows us to observe surface atomic steps, out-of-phase boundaries and {1/7 0}, {1/7 1/7} and {2/7 0} spots from the Si(111)7× 7 surface. These spots were not observed in previous studies, having been masked by strong inelastic scattering. The technique is useful not only for detecting clear diffraction spots of kinematical intensity for surface structure analysis but also for observation of high-resolution plan-view structure images of clean and adsorbed surfaces.

Nano-scale luminescence characterization of individual InGaN/GaN quantum wells stacked in a microcavity using scanning transmission electron microscope cathodoluminescence

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

Schmidt, Gordon, E-mail: Gordon.Schmidt@ovgu.de; Müller, Marcus; Veit, Peter

2014-07-21

Using cathodoluminescence spectroscopy directly performed in a scanning transmission electron microscope at liquid helium temperatures, the optical and structural properties of a 62 InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well embedded in an AlInN/GaN based microcavity are investigated at the nanometer scale. We are able to spatially resolve a spectral redshift between the individual quantum wells towards the surface. Cathodoluminescence spectral linescans allow directly visualizing the critical layer thickness in the quantum well stack resulting in the onset of plastic relaxation of the strained InGaN/GaN system.

Technologies and Designs for Electronic Nanocomputers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montemerlo, Michael S.; Love, J. Christopher; Opiteck, Gregory J.; Goldhaber, David J.; Ellenbogen, James C.

1995-01-01

Diverse space-related applications have been proposed for microscopic and sub-microscopic structures, mechanisms, and 'organisms'. To govern their functions, many of these tiny systems will require even smaller, nanometer-scale programmable computers, i.e. 'nanocomputers' on-board. This paper provides an overview of the results of a nearly two-year study of the technologies and designs that presently are in development for electronic nanocomputers. Strengths and weaknesses of the various technologies and designs are discussed, as well as promising directions for remedying some of the present research issues in this area. The presentation is a synopsis of a longer MITRE review article on the same subject.

Photoluminescence studies on Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S:Mn2+ nanocrystals.

PubMed

Sethi, Ruchi; Kumar, Lokendra; Pandey, A C

2009-09-01

Highly monodispersed, undoped and doped with Mn2+, binary and ternary (CdS, ZnS, Cd(1-x)Zn(x)S) compound semiconductor nanocrystals have been synthesized by co-precipitation method using citric acid as a stabilizer. As prepared sample are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Small angle X-ray scattering, Transmission electron microscope, Optical absorption and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, for their optical and structural properties. X-ray diffraction, Small angle X-ray scattering and Transmission electron microscope results confirm the preparation of monodispersed nanocrystals. Photoluminescence studies show a significant blue shift in the wavelength with an increasing concentration of Zn in alloy nanocrystals.

Enhanced thermal stability of a polymer solar cell blend induced by electron beam irradiation in the transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Bäcke, Olof; Lindqvist, Camilla; de Zerio Mendaza, Amaia Diaz; Gustafsson, Stefan; Wang, Ergang; Andersson, Mats R; Müller, Christian; Kristiansen, Per Magnus; Olsson, Eva

2017-05-01

We show by in situ microscopy that the effects of electron beam irradiation during transmission electron microscopy can be used to lock microstructural features and enhance the structural thermal stability of a nanostructured polymer:fullerene blend. Polymer:fullerene bulk-heterojunction thin films show great promise for use as active layers in organic solar cells but their low thermal stability is a hindrance. Lack of thermal stability complicates manufacturing and influences the lifetime of devices. To investigate how electron irradiation affects the thermal stability of polymer:fullerene films, a model bulk-heterojunction film based on a thiophene-quinoxaline copolymer and a fullerene derivative was heat-treated in-situ in a transmission electron microscope. In areas of the film that exposed to the electron beam the nanostructure of the film remained stable, while the nanostructure in areas not exposed to the electron beam underwent large phase separation and nucleation of fullerene crystals. UV-vis spectroscopy shows that the polymer:fullerene films are stable for electron doses up to 2000kGy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced thermal stability of a polymer solar cell blend induced by electron beam irradiation in the transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Bäcke, Olof; Lindqvist, Camilla; de Zerio Mendaza, Amaia Diaz; Gustafsson, Stefan; Wang, Ergang; Andersson, Mats R; Müller, Christian; Kristiansen, Per Magnus; Olsson, Eva

2017-02-01

We show by in situ microscopy that the effects of electron beam irradiation during transmission electron microscopy can be used to lock microstructural features and enhance the structural thermal stability of a nanostructured polymer:fullerene blend. Polymer:fullerene bulk-heterojunction thin films show great promise for use as active layers in organic solar cells but their low thermal stability is a hindrance. Lack of thermal stability complicates manufacturing and influences the lifetime of devices. To investigate how electron irradiation affects the thermal stability of polymer:fullerene films, a model bulk-heterojunction film based on a thiophene-quinoxaline copolymer and a fullerene derivative was heat-treated in-situ in a transmission electron microscope. In areas of the film that exposed to the electron beam the nanostructure of the film remained stable, while the nanostructure in areas not exposed to the electron beam underwent large phase separation and nucleation of fullerene crystals. UV-vis spectroscopy shows that the polymer:fullerene films are stable for electron doses up to 2000kGy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Changing gears from chemical adhesion of cells to flat substrata toward engulfment of micro-protrusions by active mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hai, Aviad; Kamber, Dotan; Malkinson, Guy; Erez, Hadas; Mazurski, Noa; Shappir, Joseph; Spira, Micha E.

2009-12-01

Microelectrode arrays increasingly serve to extracellularly record in parallel electrical activity from many excitable cells without inflicting damage to the cells by insertion of microelectrodes. Nevertheless, apart from rare cases they suffer from a low signal to noise ratio. The limiting factor for effective electrical coupling is the low seal resistance formed between the plasma membrane and the electronic device. Using transmission electron microscope analysis we recently reported that cultured Aplysia neurons engulf protruding micron size gold spines forming tight apposition which significantly improves the electrical coupling in comparison with flat electrodes (Hai et al 2009 Spine-shaped gold protrusions improve the adherence and electrical coupling of neurons with the surface of micro-electronic devices J. R. Soc. Interface 6 1153-65). However, the use of a transmission electron microscope to measure the extracellular cleft formed between the plasma membrane and the gold-spine surface may be inaccurate as chemical fixation may generate structural artifacts. Using live confocal microscope imaging we report here that cultured Aplysia neurons engulf protruding spine-shaped gold structures functionalized by an RGD-based peptide and to a significantly lesser extent by poly-l-lysine. The cytoskeletal elements actin and associated protein cortactin are shown to organize around the stalks of the engulfed gold spines in the form of rings. Neurons grown on the gold-spine matrix display varying growth patterns but maintain normal electrophysiological properties and form functioning synapses. It is concluded that the matrices of functionalized gold spines provide an improved substrate for the assembly of neuro-electronic hybrids.

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...

Linking Regions between Helices in Bacteriorhodopsin Revealed

PubMed Central

Agard, David A.; Stroud, Robert M.

1982-01-01

Three-dimensional electron-microscopic structural analysis requires the combination of many different tilted views of the same specimen. The relative difficulty of tilting the sample to high angles >60° without introducing severe distortion due to different focal distances across the specimen entails that the observable range of electron diffraction data is often limited to this range of angles. Thus, it is generally not possible to observe the diffraction maxima that lie within the conical region of reciprocal space around the direction perpendicular to the electron microscope grid. The absence of data in this region leads to a predictable distortion in the object, and for ±60° tilting makes the resolution essentially twice as bad in the direction perpendicular to the grid as it is for the in-plane image. Constrained density map modification and refinement methods can significantly reduce these effects. A method has been developed, tested on model cases, and applied to the electron-microscopic structure determination of bacteriorhodopsin in order to visualize the location of linking regions between helices. Electron-microscopic structural analysis of bacteriorhodopsin (Henderson and Unwin. 1975 Nature [Lond.] 257:28-32.) showed that the molecule consists of seven rods of density each nearly spanning the lipid bilayer. Owing to the distortion introduced by the missing conical region of reciprocal space data, no density was visible for the polypeptide segments linking the α-helices. Density in the refined maps indicates the location of at least five of the extrahelical segments of the polypeptide. The total number of possible ways of interconnecting the helices is reduced from 7! (5,040) to the five most consistent possibilities without recourse to other considerations. In addition, the density for the helical regions is more uniform and cylindrical throughout their length, and the length of the helices increases from 35 to 45 Å, close to the membrane thickness of 49 Å obtained for membranes dried in vacuo. Only three of the five structures consistent with the location of observed linkers place the seventh helix, onto which the chromophore can be attached by reduction in the light, at a position consistent with the main peak for deuterated retinal in the structure, as derived from neutron diffraction analysis. Two of these models are also consistent with the possible location of some of the reduced chromophore on helix B, at lys 40/41 after reduction in the dark, as well as lys 216 on helix G. ImagesFIGURE 8 PMID:7074187

Controlled electron doping into metallic atomic wires: Si(111)4×1-In

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morikawa, Harumo; Hwang, C. C.; Yeom, Han Woong

2010-02-01

We demonstrate the controllable electron doping into metallic atomic wires, indium wires self-assembled on the Si(111) surface, which feature one-dimensional (1D) band structure and temperature-driven metal-insulator transition. The electron filling of 1D metallic bands is systematically increased by alkali-metal adsorption, which, in turn, tunes the macroscopic property, that is, suppresses the metal-insulator transition. On the other hand, the dopant atoms induce a local lattice distortion without a band-gap opening, leading to a microscopic phase separation on the surface. The distinct bifunctional, electronic and structural, roles of dopants in different length scales are thus disclosed.

Multi-MHz time-of-flight electronic bandstructure imaging of graphene on Ir(111)

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

Tusche, C., E-mail: c.tusche@fz-juelich.de; Peter Grünberg Institut; Goslawski, P.

2016-06-27

In the quest for detailed spectroscopic insight into the electronic structure at solid surfaces in a large momentum range, we have developed an advanced experimental approach. It combines the 3D detection scheme of a time-of-flight momentum microscope with an optimized filling pattern of the BESSY II storage ring. Here, comprehensive data sets covering the full surface Brillouin zone have been used to study faint substrate-film hybridization effects in the electronic structure of graphene on Ir(111), revealed by a pronounced linear dichroism in angular distribution. The method paves the way to 3D electronic bandmapping with unprecedented data recording efficiency.

Electron tomography and computer visualisation of a three-dimensional 'photonic' crystal in a butterfly wing-scale.

PubMed

Argyros, A; Manos, S; Large, M C J; McKenzie, D R; Cox, G C; Dwarte, D M

2002-01-01

A combination of transmission electron tomography and computer modelling has been used to determine the three-dimensional structure of the photonic crystals found in the wing-scales of the Kaiser-I-Hind butterfly (Teinopalpus imperialis). These scales presented challenges for electron microscopy because the periodicity of the structure was comparable to the thickness of a section and because of the complex connectivity of the object. The structure obtained has been confirmed by taking slices of the three-dimensional computer model constructed from the tomography and comparing these with transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of microtomed sections of the actual scale. The crystal was found to have chiral tetrahedral repeating units packed in a triclinic lattice.

High spatial resolution detection of low-energy electrons using an event-counting method, application to point projection microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salançon, Evelyne; Degiovanni, Alain; Lapena, Laurent; Morin, Roger

2018-04-01

An event-counting method using a two-microchannel plate stack in a low-energy electron point projection microscope is implemented. 15 μm detector spatial resolution, i.e., the distance between first-neighbor microchannels, is demonstrated. This leads to a 7 times better microscope resolution. Compared to previous work with neutrons [Tremsin et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 592, 374 (2008)], the large number of detection events achieved with electrons shows that the local response of the detector is mainly governed by the angle between the hexagonal structures of the two microchannel plates. Using this method in point projection microscopy offers the prospect of working with a greater source-object distance (350 nm instead of 50 nm), advancing toward atomic resolution.

Report on the Installation and Preparedness of a Protochips Fusion in-situ Heating Holder for TEM

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

Edmondson, Philip D.

2017-03-01

This brief report documents the procurement and installation of a Protochips Fusion (formerly Aduro) high-temperature, high stability transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen holder that allows for the high spatial resolution characterization of material specimens at high temperature in situ of an electron microscope. This specimen holder was specifically procured for use with The FEI Talos F200X Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory. The Protochips Fusion holder will enable high-resolution structural and chemical analysis of irradiated materials at high temperature, becoming a unique capability worldwide, and would encourage high-qualitymore » in situ experiments to be conducted on irradiated materials.« less

Electron microscopic changes of detrusor in benign enlargement of prostate and its clinical correlation.

PubMed

Yadav, Sher Singh; Bhattar, Rohit; Sharma, Lokesh; Banga, Gautam; Sadasukhi, Trilok Chandra

2017-01-01

To study the ultra structural changes in bladder musculature in cases of BPE and their clinical relevance. In this descriptive longitudinal, controlled, observational study patients were enrolled into three groups, group 1, group 2A and group 2B. Control group (group-1) consisted of age matched normal male patients, who underwent surveillance or diagnostic cystoscopy for microscopic hematuria or irritative symptoms. Case group (group-2) comprised of patients with BPE, undergoing TURP. Case group (group-2) was further classified into: Category 2A (patients not on catheter) and cat-egory 2B (patients on catheter). All relevant clinical parameters like IPSS, prostate size, Qmax, PVR were recorded. Cystoscopy and bladder biopsy were performed in all patients. Various ultrastructural parameters like myocytes, fascicular pattern, interstitial tissue, nerve hypertrophy and cell junction pattern were analyzed under electron microscope and they were clinically correlated using appropriate statistical tests. Control group had significant difference as compared to case group in terms of baseline parameters like IPSS, flow rate and prostate size, both preoperatively and postoperatively, except for PVR, which was seen only preoperatively. There was statistically significant difference in ultrastructural patterns between case and control group in all five electron microscopic patterns. However, no significant difference was found between the subcategories of case groups. BPE is responsible for ultra structural changes in detrusor muscle and these changes remain persistent even after TURP. Nerve hypertrophy, which was not thoroughly discussed in previous studies, is also one of the salient feature of this study. Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.

Structural morphology of zinc oxide structures with antibacterial application of calamine lotion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ann, Ling Chuo; Mahmud, Shahrom; Bakhori, Siti Khadijah Mohd; Sirelkhatim, Amna; Mohamad, Dasmawati; Hasan, Habsah; Seeni, Azman; Rahman, Rosliza Abdul

2015-04-01

In this study, we report the structural morphology of a zinc oxide (ZnO) sample and antibacterial application of the ZnO structures in calamine lotion. Antibacterial activities of the calamine lotion towards Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. The structural morphology of ZnO sample was studied using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The morphologies of the ZnO structure consisted of many rod and spherical structures. The particle sizes of the sample ranged from 40 nm to 150 nm. A calamine lotion was prepared through mixing the ZnO structures with other constituents in suitable proportion. The energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of large amount of ZnO structures whiles the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed a good crystalline property of ZnO in the calamine lotion mixture. The morphological structures of ZnO were found to remain unchanged in the calamine lotion mixture through FESEM imaging. In the antibacterial test, prepared calamine lotion exhibited a remarkable bacterial inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 24 h of treatment. The bactericidal capability of calamine lotion was largely due to the presence of ZnO structures which induce high toxicity and killing effect on the bacteria.

Laser ablation of Au-CuO core-shell nanocomposite in water for optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, Raid A.; Abdul-Hamed, Ryam S.

2017-12-01

Core-shell gold-copper oxide Au-CuO nanocomposites were synthesized using laser ablation of CuO target in colloidal solution of Au nanoparticles (NPs). The effect of laser fluence on the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of Au-CuO nanocomposites was investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Hall measurement, and UV-vis spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction results confirm the formation of polycrystalline Au-CuO NPs with monoclinic structure. The optical energy gap for CuO was 4 eV and for the Au-CuO core-shell nanocomposites was found to be in the range of 3.4-3.7 eV. SEM and TEM investigations revealed that the structure and morphology of Au-CuO core-shell nanocomposites were strongly depending on the laser fluence. A formation of Au-CuO nanospheres and platelets structures was observed. The photoluminescence data showed an emission of broad visible peaks between 407 and 420 nm. The effect of laser fluence on the dark and illuminated I-V characteristics of Au-CuO/n-Si heterojunction photodetectors was investigated and analyzed. The experimental data demonstrated that the photodetector prepared at optimum laser fluence exhibited photosensitivity of 0.6 AW-1 at 800 nm.

Effect of Continuous and Pulsed Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding on Dissimilar Weldments Between Hastelloy C-276/AISI 321 Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Sumitra; Taiwade, Ravindra V.; Vashishtha, Himanshu

2017-03-01

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to join Hastelloy C-276 nickel-based superalloy and AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel using ERNiCrMo-4 filler. The joints were fabricated by continuous and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding processes. Experimental studies to ascertain the structure-property co-relationship with or without pulsed current mode were carried out using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Further, the energy-dispersive spectroscope was used to evaluate the extent of microsegregation. The microstructure of fusion zone was obtained as finer cellular dendritic structure for pulsed current mode, whereas columnar structure was formed with small amount of cellular structure for continuous current mode. The scanning electron microscope examination witnessed the existence of migrated grain boundaries at the weld interfaces. Moreover, the presence of secondary phases such as P and μ was observed in continuous current weld joints, whereas they were absent in pulsed current weld joints, which needs to be further characterized. Moreover, pulsed current joints resulted in narrower weld bead, refined morphology, reduced elemental segregation and improved strength of the welded joints. The outcomes of the present investigation would help in obtaining good quality dissimilar joints for industrial applications and AISI 321 ASS being cheaper consequently led to cost-effective design also.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY LEATHER TANNING USING ENZYMES

EPA Science Inventory

The effectiveness of the leather tanning will be evaluated by measuring shrinkage temperature, and analyzing leather structure using Scan Electron Microscope (SEM). The team will also measure leather physical/mechanical properties, including softness, tensile strength, elon...

[An electron microscopic study on the RNA component of synaptonemal complexes in spermatocytes of Mus musculus].

PubMed

Xing, M; Jing, D Z; Hao, S

1991-01-01

The ultrastructural and cytochemical features of synaptonemal complexes (SC) in sections of spermatocytes of Mus musculus were studied under electron microscope. In specimens stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate the SC was found consisting of three main elements. the lateral element (LE), the central element (CE) and the transverse filament (L-C filament). When stained with the Bernhard's technique, the SC was recognized as a contrasted, tripartite structure which was usually located in the bleached area occupied by the condensed chromatin and composed of highly electron-dense LEs and medium electron-dense CE and L-C filaments. The SC and the LE, stained either by uranyl acetate-lead citrate or by the Bernhard's technique, always showed diameters of about 210 nm and 60 nm, respectively. The results suggest that RNA may be an important component of the SC.

Experimental metrology to obtain thermal phonon transmission coefficients at solid interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Chengyun; Chen, Xiangwen; Ravichandran, Navaneetha K.; Minnich, Austin J.

2017-05-01

Interfaces play an essential role in phonon-mediated heat conduction in solids, impacting applications ranging from thermoelectric waste heat recovery to heat dissipation in electronics. From the microscopic perspective, interfacial phonon transport is described by transmission coefficients that link vibrational modes in the materials composing the interface. However, direct experimental determination of these coefficients is challenging because most experiments provide a mode-averaged interface conductance that obscures the microscopic detail. Here, we report a metrology to extract thermal phonon transmission coefficients at solid interfaces using ab initio phonon transport modeling and a thermal characterization technique, time-domain thermoreflectance. In combination with transmission electron microscopy characterization of the interface, our approach allows us to link the atomic structure of an interface to the spectral content of the heat crossing it. Our work provides a useful perspective on the microscopic processes governing interfacial heat conduction.

Contributed review: Review of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Timmermans, F J; Otto, C

2015-01-01

New developments in the field of microscopy enable to acquire increasing amounts of information from large sample areas and at an increased resolution. Depending on the nature of the technique, the information may reveal morphological, structural, chemical, and still other sample characteristics. In research fields, such as cell biology and materials science, there is an increasing demand to correlate these individual levels of information and in this way to obtain a better understanding of sample preparation and specific sample properties. To address this need, integrated systems were developed that combine nanometer resolution electron microscopes with optical microscopes, which produce chemically or label specific information through spectroscopy. The complementary information from electron microscopy and light microscopy presents an opportunity to investigate a broad range of sample properties in a correlated fashion. An important part of correlating the differences in information lies in bridging the different resolution and image contrast features. The trend to analyse samples using multiple correlated microscopes has resulted in a new research field. Current research is focused, for instance, on (a) the investigation of samples with nanometer scale distribution of inorganic and organic materials, (b) live cell analysis combined with electron microscopy, and (c) in situ spectroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of catalytic materials, but more areas will benefit from integrated correlative microscopy.

Rethinking cell structure.

PubMed Central

Penman, S

1995-01-01

Cell structure, emerging from behind the veil of conventional electron microscopy, appears far more complex than formerly realized. The standard plastic-embedded, ultrathin section can image only what is on the section surface and masks the elaborate networks of the cytoplasm and nucleus. Embedment-free electron microscopy gives clear, high-contrast micrographs of cell structure when combined with removal of obscuring material such as soluble proteins. The resinless ultrathin section is the technique of choice; it is simple and inexpensive, and it uses ordinary electron microscopes. The resulting pictures reveal a world of complex cell structure and function. These images necessarily change our conception of the cytoskeleton, nuclear matrix, mitosis, and the relation of membranes to cytostructure. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 PMID:7777493

[The electron microscopic observation of the effect of monoclonal antibody on the form and structure of mutans streptococci OMZ176].

PubMed

Wen, L; Yue, S

1996-01-01

The effect of monoclonal antibody on the form and structure of Mutans Streptococci OMZ176 was studied. The result showed that a great number of Mutans Streptococci OMZ176 was agglutianated after treating with monoclonal antibody prepared by a cell wall protein antigen (molecular weight 220 kd) of Mutans Streptococci OMZ176. Bacterial cells were swollen obviously. The gap between cell wall and cytoplasmic was widened. The electronic density of cell plasm was greatly decreased.

Direct measurement of chiral structure and transport in single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Taoran; Lin, Letian; Qin, Lu-Chang; Washburn, Sean

2016-11-01

Electrical devices based on suspended multi-wall carbon nanotubes were constructed and studied. The chiral structure of each shell in a particular nanotube was determined using nanobeam electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope. The transport properties of the carbon nanotube were also measured. The nanotube device length was short enough that the transport was nearly ballistic, and multiple subbands contributed to the conductance. Thermal excitation of carriers significantly affected nanotube resistance at room temperature.

Growth and Electronic Structure of Heusler Compounds for Use in Electron Spin Based Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

either Co– or MnSi– initiated films on c(4x4) GaAs. Studies using x - ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), STM/STS, and transmission electron microscopy...Co– or MnSi– initiated films on c(4x4) GaAs. Studies using x - ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), STM/STS, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM...diagram of the Palmstrøm lab in-situ growth and char- acterization setup, with 6 MBE growth chambers, 3 scanning probe microscopes, an x - ray

Large-scale synthesis of coiled-like shaped carbon nanotubes using bi-metal catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishna, Vemula Mohana; Somanathan, T.; Manikandan, E.; Umar, Ahmad; Maaza, M.

2018-02-01

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with coiled structure exhibit scientifically fascinating. They may be projected as an innovative preference to future technological materials. Coiled carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) on a large-scale were successfully synthesized with the help of bi-metal substituted α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. Highly spring-like carbon nanostructures were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) examination. Furthermore, the obtained material has high purity, which correlates the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the carbon multi layers are well graphitized and crystalline, even if they have defects in its structure due to coiled morphology. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) describes internal structure and dia of the product. Ultimately, results support the activity of bi-metal impregnated α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst to determine the high yield, graphitization and internal structure of the material. We have also studied the purified c-CNTs magnetic properties at room temperature and will be an added advantage in several applications.

Effect of Yeast Cell Morphology, Cell Wall Physical Structure and Chemical Composition on Patulin Adsorption

PubMed Central

Luo, Ying; Wang, Jianguo; Liu, Bin; Wang, Zhouli; Yuan, Yahong; Yue, Tianli

2015-01-01

The capability of yeast to adsorb patulin in fruit juice can aid in substantially reducing the patulin toxic effect on human health. This study aimed to investigate the capability of yeast cell morphology and cell wall internal structure and composition to adsorb patulin. To compare different yeast cell morphologies, cell wall internal structure and composition, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and ion chromatography were used. The results indicated that patulin adsorption capability of yeast was influenced by cell surface areas, volume, and cell wall thickness, as well as 1,3-β-glucan content. Among these factors, cell wall thickness and 1,3-β-glucan content serve significant functions. The investigation revealed that patulin adsorption capability was mainly affected by the three-dimensional network structure of the cell wall composed of 1,3-β-glucan. Finally, patulin adsorption in commercial kiwi fruit juice was investigated, and the results indicated that yeast cells could adsorb patulin from commercial kiwi fruit juice efficiently. This study can potentially simulate in vitro cell walls to enhance patulin adsorption capability and successfully apply to fruit juice industry. PMID:26295574

Effect of Yeast Cell Morphology, Cell Wall Physical Structure and Chemical Composition on Patulin Adsorption.

PubMed

Luo, Ying; Wang, Jianguo; Liu, Bin; Wang, Zhouli; Yuan, Yahong; Yue, Tianli

2015-01-01

The capability of yeast to adsorb patulin in fruit juice can aid in substantially reducing the patulin toxic effect on human health. This study aimed to investigate the capability of yeast cell morphology and cell wall internal structure and composition to adsorb patulin. To compare different yeast cell morphologies, cell wall internal structure and composition, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and ion chromatography were used. The results indicated that patulin adsorption capability of yeast was influenced by cell surface areas, volume, and cell wall thickness, as well as 1,3-β-glucan content. Among these factors, cell wall thickness and 1,3-β-glucan content serve significant functions. The investigation revealed that patulin adsorption capability was mainly affected by the three-dimensional network structure of the cell wall composed of 1,3-β-glucan. Finally, patulin adsorption in commercial kiwi fruit juice was investigated, and the results indicated that yeast cells could adsorb patulin from commercial kiwi fruit juice efficiently. This study can potentially simulate in vitro cell walls to enhance patulin adsorption capability and successfully apply to fruit juice industry.

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

Sharma, Rabindar K., E-mail: rkrksharma6@gmail.com; Reddy, G. B., E-mail: rkrksharma6@gmail.com

In this report, we synthesize vertically aligned molybdenum trioxide (α−MoO{sub 3}) nanoflakes (NFs) with high aspect ratio (height/thickness >15) on the cobalt coated glass substrates by the plasma assisted sublimation process, employing Mo metal strip as a sublimation source. The effect of substrate temperature, nature of substrate as well as the geometry of the sublimation source (Mo-strip) have been investigated on the morphological, structural and optical properties of the grown NFs, keeping plasma parameters as fixed. The surface morphology, crystalline structure and optical properties of MoO{sub 3} NFs have been studied systematically by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electronmore » microscope (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffractometer, and IR- spectroscopy. The experimental observations endorse that the characteristics of MoO{sub 3} NFs are strongly depend on substrate temperature, substrate nature as well as geometry of Mo-strip. All the observed results are well in consonance with each other.« less

Synthesis and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite in maltodextrin matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phan, Bich T. N.; Nguyen, Hanh T.; Đao, Huong Q.; Pham, Lam V.; Quan, Trang T. T.; Nguyen, Duong B.; Nguyen, Huong T. L.; Vu, Thuan T.

2017-02-01

In this study, we report the direct precipitation of nano-HA in the present of maltodextrins with the different dextrose equivalent (DE) values in the range of 10-30. Characterization of the obtained samples, using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, indicated that the presence of maltodextrins, with the different DE values, does not affect the phase composition and structure of the obtained composites. Morphology studies of the samples, using field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, revealed that maltodextrin has obvious effect on the size, shape, and morphology of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. In particular, in studied DE range, maltodextrin DE 28-30 with dominant structure of debranched chain is the most preferable choice to obtain the composite with highly dispersed nanoparticles. In vitro assay on pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells demonstrated the ability of the composites to stimulate alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization during differentiation of the cells.

Bio-templated synthesis of highly ordered macro-mesoporous silica material for sustained drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Fengyu; Lin, Huiming; Wu, Xiang; Li, Xiaofeng; Qiu, Shilun; Zhu, Guangshan

2010-05-01

The bimodal porous structured silica materials consisting of macropores with the diameter of 5-20 μm and framework-like mesopores with the diameter of 4.7-6.0 nm were prepared using natural Manchurian ash and mango linin as macropored hard templates and P123 as mesopore soft templates, respectively. The macroporous structures of Manchurian ash and mango linin were replicated with the walls containing highly ordered mesoporous silica as well. As-synthesized dual porous silica was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption, fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA). Ibuprofen (Ibu) was employed as a model drug and the release profiles showed that the dual porous material had a sustained drug delivery capability. And such highly ordered dual pore silica materials may have potential applications for bimolecular adsorption/separation and tissue repairing.

a New Method to Prepare the Novel Anatase TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Guanjun; Xu, Zhanxia; Wang, Yan; Zhang, Min; Yang, Jianjun

In this paper, a kind of novel anatase TiO2 nanoparticle with single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancies was prepared by hydrothermal treated nanotube titanic acid. The morphology, structure, and properties of the products were characterized by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance, and photoluminescence. Photocatalytic decolorization of the Methylene Blue solution was carried out in the visible light region and showed a high photocatalytic activity.

Transmission electron microscopic study of pyrochlore to defect-fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates

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

Karthik, Chinnathambi, E-mail: Karthikchinnathambi@boisestate.edu; Center for Advanced Energy Studies, 995 University Blvd, Idaho Falls, ID 83415; Anderson, Thomas J.

2012-10-15

A structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates, Ln{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ln=Y, La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Yb and Lu), has been identified. Neutron diffraction showed that the structure transforms from well-ordered pyrochloric to fully fluoritic through the lanthanide series from La to Lu with a corresponding increase in the position parameter x of the 48f (Fd3{sup Macron }m) oxygen site from 0.330 to 0.375. As evidenced by the selected area electron diffraction, La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} exhibited a well-ordered pyrocholoric structure with the presence of intense superlattice spots, which becamemore » weak and diffuse (in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}) before disappearing completely as the series progressed towards the Lu end. High resolution electron microscopic studies showed the breakdown of the pyrochlore ordering in the form of antiphase domains resulting in diffused smoke-like superlattice spots in the case of Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. - Graphical abstract: Transmission electron microscopic studies showed the ordered pyrochlore to defect fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates to occur via the formation of anti-phase domains to start with. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pyrochlore to fluorite structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} showed well ordered pyrochlore structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Short range ordering in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Break down of pyrochlore ordering due to antiphase boundaries. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rest of the series showed fluoritic structure.« less

Extracellular vesicles of calcifying turkey leg tendon characterized by immunocytochemistry and high voltage electron microscopic tomography and 3-D graphic image reconstruction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, W. J.; Hodgens, K. J.; McKee, M. D.; Nanci, A.; Song, M. J.; Kiyonaga, S.; Arena, J.; McEwen, B.

1992-01-01

To gain insight into the structure and possible function of extracellular vesicles in certain calcifying vertebrate tissues, normally mineralizing leg tendons from the domestic turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, have been studied in two separate investigations, one concerning the electron microscopic immunolocalization of the 66 kDa phosphoprotein, osteopontin, and the other detailing the organization and distribution of mineral crystals associated with the vesicles as determined by high voltage microscopic tomography and 3-D graphic image reconstruction. Immunolabeling shows that osteopontin is related to extracellular vesicles of the tendon in the sense that its initial presence appears coincident with the development of mineral associated with the vesicle loci. By high voltage electron microscopy and 3-D imaging techniques, mineral crystals are found to consist of small irregularly shaped particles somewhat randomly oriented throughout individual vesicles sites. Their appearance is different from that found for the mineral observed within calcifying tendon collagen, and their 3-D disposition is not regularly ordered. Possible spatial and temporal relationships of vesicles, osteopontin, mineral, and collagen are being examined further by these approaches.

In-line three-dimensional holography of nanocrystalline objects at atomic resolution

DOE PAGES

Chen, F. -R.; Van Dyck, D.; Kisielowski, C.

2016-02-18

We report that resolution and sensitivity of the latest generation aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopes allow the vast majority of single atoms to be imaged with sub-Ångstrom resolution and their locations determined in an image plane with a precision that exceeds the 1.9-pm wavelength of 300 kV electrons. Such unprecedented performance allows expansion of electron microscopic investigations with atomic resolution into the third dimension. Here we show a general tomographic method to recover the three-dimensional shape of a crystalline particle from high-resolution images of a single projection without the need for sample rotation. The method is compatible with low dose ratemore » electron microscopy, which improves on signal quality, while minimizing electron beam-induced structure modifications even for small particles or surfaces. Lastly, we apply it to germanium, gold and magnesium oxide particles, and achieve a depth resolution of 1–2 Å, which is smaller than inter-atomic distances.« less

Simultaneous Correlative Scanning Electron and High-NA Fluorescence Microscopy

PubMed Central

Liv, Nalan; Zonnevylle, A. Christiaan; Narvaez, Angela C.; Effting, Andries P. J.; Voorneveld, Philip W.; Lucas, Miriam S.; Hardwick, James C.; Wepf, Roger A.; Kruit, Pieter; Hoogenboom, Jacob P.

2013-01-01

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a unique method for investigating biological structure-function relations. With CLEM protein distributions visualized in fluorescence can be mapped onto the cellular ultrastructure measured with electron microscopy. Widespread application of correlative microscopy is hampered by elaborate experimental procedures related foremost to retrieving regions of interest in both modalities and/or compromises in integrated approaches. We present a novel approach to correlative microscopy, in which a high numerical aperture epi-fluorescence microscope and a scanning electron microscope illuminate the same area of a sample at the same time. This removes the need for retrieval of regions of interest leading to a drastic reduction of inspection times and the possibility for quantitative investigations of large areas and datasets with correlative microscopy. We demonstrate Simultaneous CLEM (SCLEM) analyzing cell-cell connections and membrane protrusions in whole uncoated colon adenocarcinoma cell line cells stained for actin and cortactin with AlexaFluor488. SCLEM imaging of coverglass-mounted tissue sections with both electron-dense and fluorescence staining is also shown. PMID:23409024

Laboratory-size three-dimensional x-ray microscope with Wolter type I mirror optics and an electron-impact water window x-ray source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohsuka, Shinji; Ohba, Akira; Onoda, Shinobu; Nakamoto, Katsuhiro; Nakano, Tomoyasu; Miyoshi, Motosuke; Soda, Keita; Hamakubo, Takao

2014-09-01

We constructed a laboratory-size three-dimensional water window x-ray microscope that combines wide-field transmission x-ray microscopy with tomographic reconstruction techniques, and observed bio-medical samples to evaluate its applicability to life science research fields. It consists of a condenser and an objective grazing incidence Wolter type I mirror, an electron-impact type oxygen Kα x-ray source, and a back-illuminated CCD for x-ray imaging. A spatial resolution limit of around 1.0 line pairs per micrometer was obtained for two-dimensional transmission images, and 1-μm scale three-dimensional fine structures were resolved.

Laboratory-size three-dimensional x-ray microscope with Wolter type I mirror optics and an electron-impact water window x-ray source.

PubMed

Ohsuka, Shinji; Ohba, Akira; Onoda, Shinobu; Nakamoto, Katsuhiro; Nakano, Tomoyasu; Miyoshi, Motosuke; Soda, Keita; Hamakubo, Takao

2014-09-01

We constructed a laboratory-size three-dimensional water window x-ray microscope that combines wide-field transmission x-ray microscopy with tomographic reconstruction techniques, and observed bio-medical samples to evaluate its applicability to life science research fields. It consists of a condenser and an objective grazing incidence Wolter type I mirror, an electron-impact type oxygen Kα x-ray source, and a back-illuminated CCD for x-ray imaging. A spatial resolution limit of around 1.0 line pairs per micrometer was obtained for two-dimensional transmission images, and 1-μm scale three-dimensional fine structures were resolved.

Nanoscale amorphization of GeTe nanowire with conductive atomic force microscope.

PubMed

Kim, JunHo

2014-10-01

We fabricated GeTe nanowires by using Au catalysis mediated vapor-liquid-solid method. The fabricated nanowires were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. For a nanowire with - 150 nm diameter, we performed amorphization experiment with conductive atomic force microscope. We examined the structural change of the nanowire with several bias voltages from 0 V to 10 V. Above bias voltage of 6-7 V, some points of the nanowire showed transition to amorphous phase. The consumed energy for the amorphization was estimated to be 4-5 nJ, which was close to the other result of nanowire tested with a four probe device.

Microscopic Mechanism of Doping-Induced Kinetically Constrained Crystallization in Phase-Change Materials.

PubMed

Lee, Tae Hoon; Loke, Desmond; Elliott, Stephen R

2015-10-07

A comprehensive microscopic mechanism of doping-induced kinetically constrained crystallization in phase-change materials is provided by investigating structural and dynamical dopant characteristics via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The information gained from this study may provide a basis for a fast screening of dopant species for electronic memory devices, or for understanding the general physics involved in the crystallization of doped glasses. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electron Microscopy to Correlate Cell Structure and Biochemical Activity

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-10

prevent and/or cure cerebral malaria. d) Morphological effects of artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum In collaboration with Dr. Milhous of WRAR...uitrastructural changes induced in jPlasmodium falciparum, by artemisinin were studied in vitro. Two hours after administration, changes were...Electron microscope autoradiography was performed after [5H]-dihydroartemisinin and [uC]- artemisinin were administered to infected erythrocytes in

Cometary particles - Thin sectioning and electron beam analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, J. P.; Brownlee, D. E.

1986-01-01

Thin sections (500 to 1000 angstroms thick) of individual micrometeorites (5 to 15 micrometers) have been prepared with an ultramicrotome equipped with a diamond knife. Electron microscope examination of these sections has revealed the internal structures of chondritic micrometeorites, and a subset of highly porous, fragile particles has been identified. Delicate meteoritic materials such as these are characteristic of debris from cometary meteors.

Alignment error envelopes for single particle analysis.

PubMed

Jensen, G J

2001-01-01

To determine the structure of a biological particle to high resolution by electron microscopy, image averaging is required to combine information from different views and to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Starting from the number of noiseless views necessary to resolve features of a given size, four general factors are considered that increase the number of images actually needed: (1) the physics of electron scattering introduces shot noise, (2) thermal motion and particle inhomogeneity cause the scattered electrons to describe a mixture of structures, (3) the microscope system fails to usefully record all the information carried by the scattered electrons, and (4) image misalignment leads to information loss through incoherent averaging. The compound effect of factors 2-4 is approximated by the product of envelope functions. The problem of incoherent image averaging is developed in detail through derivation of five envelope functions that account for small errors in 11 "alignment" parameters describing particle location, orientation, defocus, magnification, and beam tilt. The analysis provides target error tolerances for single particle analysis to near-atomic (3.5 A) resolution, and this prospect is shown to depend critically on image quality, defocus determination, and microscope alignment. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Scanning ultrafast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Ding-Shyue; Mohammed, Omar F; Zewail, Ahmed H

2010-08-24

Progress has been made in the development of four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy, which enables space-time imaging of structural dynamics in the condensed phase. In ultrafast electron microscopy, the electrons are accelerated, typically to 200 keV, and the microscope operates in the transmission mode. Here, we report the development of scanning ultrafast electron microscopy using a field-emission-source configuration. Scanning of pulses is made in the single-electron mode, for which the pulse contains at most one or a few electrons, thus achieving imaging without the space-charge effect between electrons, and still in ten(s) of seconds. For imaging, the secondary electrons from surface structures are detected, as demonstrated here for material surfaces and biological specimens. By recording backscattered electrons, diffraction patterns from single crystals were also obtained. Scanning pulsed-electron microscopy with the acquired spatiotemporal resolutions, and its efficient heat-dissipation feature, is now poised to provide in situ 4D imaging and with environmental capability.

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.

Postnatal development of microcyst in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the Mongolian gerbil: a light- and electron microscopic study.

PubMed

Yu, Shang-Ming; Ko, Tsui-Ling; Lin, Kwan-Hwa

2011-09-01

We investigated the postnatal formation and origin of the microcyst, which are not fully elucidated at present, in the cochlear nucleus of gerbils. Sixty-six Mongolian gerbils were investigated at the light microscope level, and 35 of them were observed at the electron microscopic level. Foamy structures were evidently found at 2 days of age and remained unchanged through 4-8 days. The first small vacuole, presumably the former microcyst, appeared at 8 days. Myelin sheath bundles first appeared at 13 days. Electron-dense bodies were frequently found in the junction of the superficial layer and the deep layer at 2 days. The medium-sized vacuole was found in close association with the spherical bushy cells in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) as early as 5 weeks. Various large and small vacuoles were presumably coalesced to form a large vacuole at 3 and 6 months. Membranous structures and red blood cells were in the budding-like vacuoles at 6 months. In addition to membranous structures, the microcyst contained distorted mitochondria and parts of myelin sheaths. The vacuole was interposed between spherical bushy cells at age of 10 months. Small vacuoles were mainly located in the flame-shaped neurons at 14 months. An internal detachment and an external protrusion of the myelin sheath into the adjacent microcyst were found. Thus, this study suggests the first appearance of microcysts at 8 days. Also, the microcyst and the blood vessel may exchange their contents through a leakage in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus.

AB INITIO Molecular Dynamics Simulations on Local Structure and Electronic Properties in Liquid MgxBi1-x Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Qing-Hai; You, Yu-Wei; Kong, Xiang-Shan; Liu, C. S.

2013-03-01

The microscopic structure and dynamics of liquid MgxBi1-x(x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7) alloys together with pure liquid Mg and Bi metals were investigated by means of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. We present results of structure properties including pair correlation function, structural factor, bond-angle distribution function and bond order parameter, and their composition dependence. The dynamical and electronic properties have also been studied. The structure factor and pair correlation function are in agreement with the available experimental data. The calculated bond-angle distribution function and bond order parameter suggest that the stoichiometric composition Mg3Bi2 exhibits a different local structure order compared with other concentrations, which help us understand the appearance of the minimum electronic conductivity at this composition observed in previous experiments.

Comparative study viruses with computer-aided phase microscope AIRYSCAN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tychinsky, Vladimir P.; Koufal, Georgy E.; Perevedentseva, Elena V.; Vyshenskaia, Tatiana V.

1996-12-01

Traditionally viruses are studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after complicated procedure of sample preparation without the possibility to study it under natural conditions. We obtained images of viruses (Vaccinia virus, Rotavirus) and rickettsias (Rickettsia provazekii, Coxiella burnetti) in native state with computer-aided phase microscope airyscan -- the interference microscope of Linnik layout with phase modulation of the reference wave with dissector image tube as coordinate-sensitive photodetector and computer processing of phase image. A light source was the He-Ne laser. The main result is coincidence of dimensions and shape of phase images with available information concerning their morphology obtained with SEM and other methods. The fine structure of surface and nuclei is observed. This method may be applied for virus recognition and express identification, investigation of virus structure and the analysis of cell-virus interaction.

Comprehensive Characterization of Extended Defects in Semiconductor Materials by a Scanning Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Hieckmann, Ellen; Nacke, Markus; Allardt, Matthias; Bodrov, Yury; Chekhonin, Paul; Skrotzki, Werner; Weber, Jörg

2016-05-28

Extended defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries have a strong influence on the performance of microelectronic devices and on other applications of semiconductor materials. However, it is still under debate how the defect structure determines the band structure, and therefore, the recombination behavior of electron-hole pairs responsible for the optical and electrical properties of the extended defects. The present paper is a survey of procedures for the spatially resolved investigation of structural and of physical properties of extended defects in semiconductor materials with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Representative examples are given for crystalline silicon. The luminescence behavior of extended defects can be investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements. They are particularly valuable because spectrally and spatially resolved information can be obtained simultaneously. For silicon, with an indirect electronic band structure, CL measurements should be carried out at low temperatures down to 5 K due to the low fraction of radiative recombination processes in comparison to non-radiative transitions at room temperature. For the study of the electrical properties of extended defects, the electron beam induced current (EBIC) technique can be applied. The EBIC image reflects the local distribution of defects due to the increased charge-carrier recombination in their vicinity. The procedure for EBIC investigations is described for measurements at room temperature and at low temperatures. Internal strain fields arising from extended defects can be determined quantitatively by cross-correlation electron backscatter diffraction (ccEBSD). This method is challenging because of the necessary preparation of the sample surface and because of the quality of the diffraction patterns which are recorded during the mapping of the sample. The spatial resolution of the three experimental techniques is compared.

Comprehensive Characterization of Extended Defects in Semiconductor Materials by a Scanning Electron Microscope

PubMed Central

Hieckmann, Ellen; Nacke, Markus; Allardt, Matthias; Bodrov, Yury; Chekhonin, Paul; Skrotzki, Werner; Weber, Jörg

2016-01-01

Extended defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries have a strong influence on the performance of microelectronic devices and on other applications of semiconductor materials. However, it is still under debate how the defect structure determines the band structure, and therefore, the recombination behavior of electron-hole pairs responsible for the optical and electrical properties of the extended defects. The present paper is a survey of procedures for the spatially resolved investigation of structural and of physical properties of extended defects in semiconductor materials with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Representative examples are given for crystalline silicon. The luminescence behavior of extended defects can be investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements. They are particularly valuable because spectrally and spatially resolved information can be obtained simultaneously. For silicon, with an indirect electronic band structure, CL measurements should be carried out at low temperatures down to 5 K due to the low fraction of radiative recombination processes in comparison to non-radiative transitions at room temperature. For the study of the electrical properties of extended defects, the electron beam induced current (EBIC) technique can be applied. The EBIC image reflects the local distribution of defects due to the increased charge-carrier recombination in their vicinity. The procedure for EBIC investigations is described for measurements at room temperature and at low temperatures. Internal strain fields arising from extended defects can be determined quantitatively by cross-correlation electron backscatter diffraction (ccEBSD). This method is challenging because of the necessary preparation of the sample surface and because of the quality of the diffraction patterns which are recorded during the mapping of the sample. The spatial resolution of the three experimental techniques is compared. PMID:27285177

Resizing metal-coated nanopores using a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Chansin, Guillaume A T; Hong, Jongin; Dusting, Jonathan; deMello, Andrew J; Albrecht, Tim; Edel, Joshua B

2011-10-04

Electron beam-induced shrinkage provides a convenient way of resizing solid-state nanopores in Si(3) N(4) membranes. Here, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used to resize a range of different focussed ion beam-milled nanopores in Al-coated Si(3) N(4) membranes. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra and SEM images acquired during resizing highlight that a time-variant carbon deposition process is the dominant mechanism of pore shrinkage, although granular structures on the membrane surface in the vicinity of the pores suggest that competing processes may occur. Shrinkage is observed on the Al side of the pore as well as on the Si(3) N(4) side, while the shrinkage rate is observed to be dependent on a variety of factors. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of Local Structure, Chemistry and Bonding by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Joachim

In the present chapter, the reader will first be introduced briefly to the basic principles of analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) with special emphasis on electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-filtering TEM. The quantification of spectra to obtain chemical information and the origin and interpretation of near-edge fine structures in EELS (ELNES) are discussed. Special attention will be given to the characterization of internal interfaces and the literature in this area will be reviewed. Selected examples of the application of ATEM in the investigation of internal interfaces will be given. These examples include both EELS in the energy-filtering TEM and in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM).

Microscopic theory for coupled atomistic magnetization and lattice dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fransson, J.; Thonig, D.; Bessarab, P. F.; Bhattacharjee, S.; Hellsvik, J.; Nordström, L.

2017-12-01

A coupled atomistic spin and lattice dynamics approach is developed which merges the dynamics of these two degrees of freedom into a single set of coupled equations of motion. The underlying microscopic model comprises local exchange interactions between the electron spin and magnetic moment and the local couplings between the electronic charge and lattice displacements. An effective action for the spin and lattice variables is constructed in which the interactions among the spin and lattice components are determined by the underlying electronic structure. In this way, expressions are obtained for the electronically mediated couplings between the spin and lattice degrees of freedom, besides the well known interatomic force constants and spin-spin interactions. These former susceptibilities provide an atomistic ab initio description for the coupled spin and lattice dynamics. It is important to notice that this theory is strictly bilinear in the spin and lattice variables and provides a minimal model for the coupled dynamics of these subsystems and that the two subsystems are treated on the same footing. Questions concerning time-reversal and inversion symmetry are rigorously addressed and it is shown how these aspects are absorbed in the tensor structure of the interaction fields. By means of these results regarding the spin-lattice coupling, simple explanations of ionic dimerization in double-antiferromagnetic materials, as well as charge density waves induced by a nonuniform spin structure, are given. In the final parts, coupled equations of motion for the combined spin and lattice dynamics are constructed, which subsequently can be reduced to a form which is analogous to the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equations for spin dynamics and a damped driven mechanical oscillator for the ionic motion. It is important to notice, however, that these equations comprise contributions that couple these descriptions into one unified formulation. Finally, Kubo-like expressions for the discussed exchanges in terms of integrals over the electronic structure and, moreover, analogous expressions for the damping within and between the subsystems are provided. The proposed formalism and types of couplings enable a step forward in the microscopic first principles modeling of coupled spin and lattice quantities in a consistent format.

STEM-HAADF electron microscopy analysis of the central dark line defect of human tooth enamel crystallites.

PubMed

Gasga, Jose Reyes; Carbajal-de-la-Torre, Georgina; Bres, Etienne; Gil-Chavarria, Ivet M; Rodríguez-Hernández, Ana G; Garcia-Garcia, Ramiro

2008-02-01

When human tooth enamel is observed with the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), a structural defect is registered in the central region of their nanometric grains or crystallites. This defect has been named as Central Dark Line (CDL) and its structure and function in the enamel structure have been unknown yet. In this work we present the TEM analysis to these crystallites using the High Angle Annular Dark Field (HAADF) technique. Our results suggest that the CDL region is the calcium richest part of the human tooth enamel crystallites.

In situ transmission electron microscopy of individual carbon nanotetrahedron/ribbon structures in bending

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

Kohno, Hideo, E-mail: kohno.hideo@kochi-tech.ac.jp; Masuda, Yusuke

2015-05-11

When the direction of flattening of a carbon nanotube changes during growth mediated by a metal nanoparticle, a carbon nanotetrahedron is formed in the middle of the carbon nanoribbon. We report the bending properties of the carbon nanotetrahedron/nanoribbon structure using a micro-manipulator system in a transmission electron microscope. In many cases, bending occurs at an edge of the carbon nanotetrahedron. No significant change is observed in the tetrahedron's shape during bending, and the bending is reversible and repeatable. Our results show that the carbon nanotetrahedron/nanoribbon structure has good durability against mechanical bending.

Electron spin relaxation in two polymorphic structures of GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Nam Lyong

2015-03-01

The relaxation process of electron spin in systems of electrons interacting with piezoelectric deformation phonons that are mediated through spin-orbit interactions was interpreted from a microscopic point of view using the formula for the electron spin relaxation times derived by a projection-reduction method. The electron spin relaxation times in two polymorphic structures of GaN were calculated. The piezoelectric material constant for the wurtzite structure obtained by a comparison with a previously reported experimental result was {{P}pe}=1.5 × {{10}29} eV {{m}-1}. The temperature and magnetic field dependence of the relaxation times for both wurtzite and zinc-blende structures were similar, but the relaxation times in zinc-blende GaN were smaller and decreased more rapidly with increasing temperature and magnetic field than that in wurtzite GaN. This study also showed that the electron spin relaxation for wurtzite GaN at low density could be explained by the Elliot-Yafet process but not for zinc-blende GaN in the metallic regime.

Spectral analysis of scattered light from flowers' petals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, Atsumi; Uehara, Tomomi; Sekiguchi, Fumihiko; Imai, Hajime

2009-07-01

A new method was developed for studying absorption characteristics of opaque samples based on the light scattering spectroscopy. Measurements were made in white, red and violet petals of Petunia hybrida, and gave the absorption spectra in a non-destructive manner without damaging the cell structures of the petal. The red petal has absorption peak at 550 nm and the violet has three absorption peaks: at 450, 670, and 550 nm. The results were discussed in correlation with the microscopic cell structures of the petal observed with optical microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Only the cells placed in the surface have the pigments giving the color of the petal.

Development of a scanning time of flight microscope and its application to the study of charge transport in phase separated structured organic semiconductors

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

Paul, Sanjoy; Ellman, Brett, E-mail: bellman@kent.edu; Singh, Gautam

We describe a tool for studying the two-dimensional spatial variation in electronic properties of organic semiconductors: the scanning time-of-flight microscope (STOFm). The STOFm simultaneously measures the transmittance of polarized light and time-of-flight current transients with a pixel size <30 μm, making it especially valuable for studies of the correlations of structure with charge generation and transport in liquid crystalline organic semiconductors (LC OSCs). Adapting a previously developed photopolymerization technique, we characterize the instrument using patterned samples of a LC OSC bounded by a non-semiconducting polymer matrix.

Secondary signal imaging (SSI) electron tomography (SSI-ET): A new three-dimensional metrology for mesoscale specimens in transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Han, Chang Wan; Ortalan, Volkan

2015-09-01

We have demonstrated a new electron tomography technique utilizing the secondary signals (secondary electrons and backscattered electrons) for ultra thick (a few μm) specimens. The Monte Carlo electron scattering simulations reveal that the amount of backscattered electrons generated by 200 and 300keV incident electrons is a monotonic function of the sample thickness and this causes the thickness contrast satisfying the projection requirement for the tomographic reconstruction. Additional contribution of the secondary electrons emitted from the edges of the specimens enhances the visibility of the surface features. The acquired SSI tilt series of the specimen having mesoscopic dimensions are successfully reconstructed verifying that this new technique, so called the secondary signal imaging electron tomography (SSI-ET), can directly be utilized for 3D structural analysis of mesoscale structures. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Rapid Sintering of Li₂O-Nb₂O₅-TiO₂ Solid Solution by Air Pressure Control and Clarification of Its Mechanism.

PubMed

Nakano, Hiromi; Kamimoto, Konatsu; Yamamoto, Takahisa; Furuta, Yoshio

2018-06-11

We first successfully synthesized Li 1+ x − y Nb 1− x −3 y Ti x +4 y O₃ (LNT) solid solutions (0.13 ≤ x ≤ 0.18, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.06) rapidly at 1373 K for one hour under 0.35 MPa by the controlling of air pressure using an air-pressure control atmosphere furnace. The composition is a formation area of a superstructure for LNT, in which the periodical intergrowth layer was formed in the matrix, and where it can be controlled by Ti content. Therefore, the sintering time depended on Ti content, and annealing was repeated for over 24 h until a homogeneous structure was formed using a conventional electric furnace. We clarified the mechanism of the rapid sintering using various microscale to nanoscale characterization techniques: X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope (TEM), a Cs-corrected scanning TEM equipped with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy.

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.

Whole-cell imaging of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by high-voltage scanning transmission electron tomography.

PubMed

Murata, Kazuyoshi; Esaki, Masatoshi; Ogura, Teru; Arai, Shigeo; Yamamoto, Yuta; Tanaka, Nobuo

2014-11-01

Electron tomography using a high-voltage electron microscope (HVEM) provides three-dimensional information about cellular components in sections thicker than 1 μm, although in bright-field mode image degradation caused by multiple inelastic scattering of transmitted electrons limit the attainable resolution. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is believed to give enhanced contrast and resolution compared to conventional transmission electron microscopy (CTEM). Samples up to 1 μm in thickness have been analyzed with an intermediate-voltage electron microscope because inelastic scattering is not a critical limitation, and probe broadening can be minimized. Here, we employed STEM at 1 MeV high-voltage to extend the useful specimen thickness for electron tomography, which we demonstrate by a seamless tomographic reconstruction of a whole, budding Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell, which is ~3 μm in thickness. High-voltage STEM tomography, especially in the bright-field mode, demonstrated sufficiently enhanced contrast and intensity, compared to CTEM tomography, to permit segmentation of major organelles in the whole cell. STEM imaging also reduced specimen shrinkage during tilt-series acquisition. The fidelity of structural preservation was limited by cytoplasmic extraction, and the spatial resolution was limited by the relatively large convergence angle of the scanning probe. However, the new technique has potential to solve longstanding problems of image blurring in biological specimens beyond 1 μm in thickness, and may facilitate new research in cellular structural biology. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of nano-architecture of the wings of Paris Peacock butterfly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghate, Ekata; Bhoraskar, S. V.; Kulkarni, G. R.

Butterflies are one of the most colorful creatures in animal Kingdom. Wings of the male butterfly are brilliantly colored to attract females. Color of the wings plays an important role in camouflage. Study of structural colors in case of insects and butterflies are important for their biomimic and biophotonic applications. Structural color is the color which is produced by physical structures and their interaction with light. Paris Peacock or Papilio paris butterfly belongs to the family Papilionidae. The basis of structural color of this butterfly is investigated in the present study. The upper surface of the wings in this butterfly is covered with blue, green and brown colored scales. Nano-architecture of these scales was investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Photomicrographs were analyzed using image analysis software. Goniometric color or iridescence in blue and green colored scales of this butterfly was observed and studied with the help of gonio spectrophotometer in the visible range. No iridescence was observed in brown colored scales of the butterfly. Hues of the blue and green color were measured with spectrophotometer and were correlated with nano-architecture of the wing. Results of electron microscopy and reflection spectroscopy are used to explain the iridescent nature of blue and green scales. Sinusoidal grating like structures of these scales were prominently seen in the blue scales. It is possible that the structure of these wings can act as a template for the fabrication of sinusoidal gratings using nano-imprint technology.

Structural morphology of zinc oxide structures with antibacterial application of calamine lotion

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

Ann, Ling Chuo; Mahmud, Shahrom; Bakhori, Siti Khadijah Mohd

In this study, we report the structural morphology of a zinc oxide (ZnO) sample and antibacterial application of the ZnO structures in calamine lotion. Antibacterial activities of the calamine lotion towards Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. The structural morphology of ZnO sample was studied using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The morphologies of the ZnO structure consisted of many rod and spherical structures. The particle sizes of the sample ranged from 40 nm to 150 nm. A calamine lotion was prepared through mixing the ZnO structures with other constituents in suitable proportion. Themore » energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of large amount of ZnO structures whiles the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed a good crystalline property of ZnO in the calamine lotion mixture. The morphological structures of ZnO were found to remain unchanged in the calamine lotion mixture through FESEM imaging. In the antibacterial test, prepared calamine lotion exhibited a remarkable bacterial inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 24 h of treatment. The bactericidal capability of calamine lotion was largely due to the presence of ZnO structures which induce high toxicity and killing effect on the bacteria.« less

Atomic scale structure and chemistry of interfaces by Z-contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy in the STEM

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

McGibbon, M.M.; Browning, N.D.; Chisholm, M.F.

The macroscopic properties of many materials are controlled by the structure and chemistry at the grain boundaries. A basic understanding of the structure-property relationship requires a technique which probes both composition and chemical bonding on an atomic scale. The high-resolution Z-contrast imaging technique in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) forms an incoherent image in which changes in atomic structure and composition can be interpreted intuitively. This direct image allows the electron probe to be positioned over individual atomic columns for parallel detection electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS) at a spatial resolution approaching 0.22nm. The bonding information which can bemore » obtained from the fine structure within the PEELS edges can then be used in conjunction with the Z-contrast images to determine the structure at the grain boundary. In this paper we present 3 examples of correlations between the structural, chemical and electronic properties at materials interfaces in metal-semiconductor systems, superconducting and ferroelectric materials.« less

Helium ion microscopy and energy selective scanning electron microscopy - two advanced microscopy techniques with complementary applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodenburg, C.; Jepson, M. A. E.; Boden, Stuart A.; Bagnall, Darren M.

2014-06-01

Both scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and helium ion microscopes (HeIM) are based on the same principle of a charged particle beam scanning across the surface and generating secondary electrons (SEs) to form images. However, there is a pronounced difference in the energy spectra of the emitted secondary electrons emitted as result of electron or helium ion impact. We have previously presented evidence that this also translates to differences in the information depth through the analysis of dopant contrast in doped silicon structures in both SEM and HeIM. Here, it is now shown how secondary electron emission spectra (SES) and their relation to depth of origin of SE can be experimentally exploited through the use of energy filtering (EF) in low voltage SEM (LV-SEM) to access bulk information from surfaces covered by damage or contamination layers. From the current understanding of the SES in HeIM it is not expected that EF will be as effective in HeIM but an alternative that can be used for some materials to access bulk information is presented.

Selective scanning tunnelling microscope electron-induced reactions of single biphenyl molecules on a Si(100) surface.

PubMed

Riedel, Damien; Bocquet, Marie-Laure; Lesnard, Hervé; Lastapis, Mathieu; Lorente, Nicolas; Sonnet, Philippe; Dujardin, Gérald

2009-06-03

Selective electron-induced reactions of individual biphenyl molecules adsorbed in their weakly chemisorbed configuration on a Si(100) surface are investigated by using the tip of a low-temperature (5 K) scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) as an atomic size source of electrons. Selected types of molecular reactions are produced, depending on the polarity of the surface voltage during STM excitation. At negative surface voltages, the biphenyl molecule diffuses across the surface in its weakly chemisorbed configuration. At positive surface voltages, different types of molecular reactions are activated, which involve the change of adsorption configuration from the weakly chemisorbed to the strongly chemisorbed bistable and quadristable configurations. Calculated reaction pathways of the molecular reactions on the silicon surface, using the nudge elastic band method, provide evidence that the observed selectivity as a function of the surface voltage polarity cannot be ascribed to different activation energies. These results, together with the measured threshold surface voltages and the calculated molecular electronic structures via density functional theory, suggest that the electron-induced molecular reactions are driven by selective electron detachment (oxidation) or attachment (reduction) processes.

High Resolution Higher Energy X-ray Microscope for Mesoscopic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snigireva, I.; Snigirev, A.

2013-10-01

We developed a novel X-ray microscopy technique to study mesoscopically structured materials, employing compound refractive lenses. The easily seen advantage of lens-based methodology is the possibility to retrieve high resolution diffraction pattern and real-space images in the same experimental setup. Methodologically the proposed approach is similar to the studies of crystals by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The proposed microscope was applied for studying of mesoscopic materials such as natural and synthetic opals, inverted photonic crystals.

Scanning Tunneling Microscope For Use In Vacuum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abel, Phillip B.

1993-01-01

Scanning tunneling microscope with subangstrom resolution developed to study surface structures. Although instrument used in air, designed especially for use in vacuum. Scanning head is assembly of small, mostly rigid components made of low-outgassing materials. Includes coarse-positioning mechanical-translation stage, on which specimen mounted by use of standard mounting stub. Tunneling tip mounted on piezoelectric fine-positioning tube. Application of suitable voltages to electrodes on piezoelectric tube controls scan of tunneling tip across surface of specimen. Electronic subsystem generates scanning voltages and collects data.

Effect of heat treatment procedure on magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ni43Mn46In11 melt spun ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaya, M.; Elerman, Y.; Dincer, I.

2018-07-01

The effect of heat treatment on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ni43Mn46In11 melt-spun ribbons was systematically investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), magnetic force microscope (MFM) and magnetic measurements. From the XRD studies, tetragonal and cubic phases were detected at room temperature for as-spun, quenched and slow-cooled ribbons. Furthermore, it was observed, upon annealing martensite transition temperatures increased when compared to the as-spun ribbon. To avoid magnetic hysteresis losses in the vicinity of the structural transition region, the magnetic entropy changes-ΔS m of the investigated ribbons were evaluated from temperature-dependent magnetisation-M(T) curves on cooling for different applied magnetic fields. The maximum ΔS m value was found to be 6.79 J kg-1 K-1 for the quenched ribbon in the vicinity of structural transition region for a magnetic field change of 50 kOe.

The Beauty and Biology of Pollen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clay-Poole, Scott T.; Slesnick, Irwin L.

1983-01-01

Describes: basic features of pollen grains (shapes, apertures, layering of wall, exine sculpturing); strategies for pollination (anemophily--wind transported, zoophily--animal transported); and the structures specialized for each process. Gives instructions for using scanning electron microscope photographs and for collecting, identifying, and…

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

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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...

Examination of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli H10407 (colonization factor antigen I+) by scanning electron microscopy with conductive staining.

PubMed Central

Sherburne, R; Armstrong, G D

1989-01-01

We have used the scanning electron microscope to examine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli H10407, which expresses colonization factor antigen I pili. The use of low accelerating voltages and conductive staining procedures allowed us to obtain images of colonization factor antigen I pili and other structural details which were obscured by conventional gold-coating techniques. Images PMID:2570062

Method for observation of deembedded sections of fish gonad by scanning electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Lian-Ju

2000-09-01

This article reports a method for examining the intracellular structure of fish gonads using a scanning electron microscope(SEM). The specimen preparation procedure is similar to that for transmission electron microscopy wherein samples cut into semi-thin sections are fixed and embedded in plastic. The embedment matrix was removed by solvents. Risen-free specimens could be observed by SEM. The morphology of matured sperms in the gonad was very clear, and the oocyte internal structures appeared in three-dimensional images. Spheroidal nucleoli and yolk vesicles and several bundles of filaments adhered on the nucleoli could be viewed by SEM for the first time.

Microscopic neural image registration based on the structure of mitochondria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Huiwen; Han, Hua; Rao, Qiang; Xiao, Chi; Chen, Xi

2017-02-01

Microscopic image registration is a key component of the neural structure reconstruction with serial sections of neural tissue. The goal of microscopic neural image registration is to recover the 3D continuity and geometrical properties of specimen. During image registration, various distortions need to be corrected, including image rotation, translation, tissue deformation et.al, which come from the procedure of sample cutting, staining and imaging. Furthermore, there is only certain similarity between adjacent sections, and the degree of similarity depends on local structure of the tissue and the thickness of the sections. These factors make the microscopic neural image registration a challenging problem. To tackle the difficulty of corresponding landmarks extraction, we introduce a novel image registration method for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of serial neural tissue sections based on the structure of mitochondria. The ellipsoidal shape of mitochondria ensures that the same mitochondria has similar shape between adjacent sections, and its characteristic of broad distribution in the neural tissue guarantees that landmarks based on the mitochondria distributed widely in the image. The proposed image registration method contains three parts: landmarks extraction between adjacent sections, corresponding landmarks matching and image deformation based on the correspondences. We demonstrate the performance of our method with SEM images of drosophila brain.

Method to deterministically study photonic nanostructures in different experimental instruments.

PubMed

Husken, B H; Woldering, L A; Blum, C; Vos, W L

2009-01-01

We describe an experimental method to recover a single, deterministically fabricated nanostructure in various experimental instruments without the use of artificially fabricated markers, with the aim to study photonic structures. Therefore, a detailed map of the spatial surroundings of the nanostructure is made during the fabrication of the structure. These maps are made using a series of micrographs with successively decreasing magnifications. The graphs reveal intrinsic and characteristic geometric features that can subsequently be used in different setups to act as markers. As an illustration, we probe surface cavities with radii of 65 nm on a silica opal photonic crystal with various setups: a focused ion beam workstation; a scanning electron microscope (SEM); a wide field optical microscope and a confocal microscope. We use cross-correlation techniques to recover a small area imaged with the SEM in a large area photographed with the optical microscope, which provides a possible avenue to automatic searching. We show how both structural and optical reflectivity data can be obtained from one and the same nanostructure. Since our approach does not use artificial grids or markers, it is of particular interest for samples whose structure is not known a priori, like samples created solely by self-assembly. In addition, our method is not restricted to conducting samples.

Atomic modeling of cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions--joint refinement of model and imaging parameters.

PubMed

Chapman, Michael S; Trzynka, Andrew; Chapman, Brynmor K

2013-04-01

When refining the fit of component atomic structures into electron microscopic reconstructions, use of a resolution-dependent atomic density function makes it possible to jointly optimize the atomic model and imaging parameters of the microscope. Atomic density is calculated by one-dimensional Fourier transform of atomic form factors convoluted with a microscope envelope correction and a low-pass filter, allowing refinement of imaging parameters such as resolution, by optimizing the agreement of calculated and experimental maps. A similar approach allows refinement of atomic displacement parameters, providing indications of molecular flexibility even at low resolution. A modest improvement in atomic coordinates is possible following optimization of these additional parameters. Methods have been implemented in a Python program that can be used in stand-alone mode for rigid-group refinement, or embedded in other optimizers for flexible refinement with stereochemical restraints. The approach is demonstrated with refinements of virus and chaperonin structures at resolutions of 9 through 4.5 Å, representing regimes where rigid-group and fully flexible parameterizations are appropriate. Through comparisons to known crystal structures, flexible fitting by RSRef is shown to be an improvement relative to other methods and to generate models with all-atom rms accuracies of 1.5-2.5 Å at resolutions of 4.5-6 Å. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thickness-dependent multiferroic behavior of BiFe0.75Cr0.25O3 films over Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

William, R. V.; Sivaprakash, P.; Marikani, A.; Reddy, V. Raghavendra; Arumugam, S.

2018-02-01

We present here the experimental results of BiFe0.75Cr0.25O3 (BFCO) thin film deposited by sol-gel spin coating technique directly on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate at different thicknesses. The crystal structure of BFCO has been investigated using X-ray diffraction which acts as a double perovskite structure with high crystallinity obtained at 400 °C. Further microscopic studies such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDAX, transmission electron microscope (TEM) were also used in identifying the grain size and particle distribution over Pt (111) substrate. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) on the films at a different thickness (- 80 to - 250 nm) reveals that the surface roughness and other amplitude parameters increases with the increase in thickness signifying an increase of grain size with thickness. Increase in grain size and substrate clamping effect between the BFCO film and the substrate induces change in ferroelectric polarization and dielectric properties in relation to thickness effect. Similarly, decrease in magnetization from 9.241 emu/cm3 (- 80 nm) to 5.7791 emu/cm3 (- 250 nm) is attributed to the formation of anti-sites and anti-phase boundaries in the films. In addition, temperature dependence of magnetization reveals ferromagnetic super-exchange interaction of BFCO which is unlike the spin structure of antiferromagnetic BiFeO3.

Relative merits and limiting factors for x-ray and electron microscopy of thick, hydrated organic materials

DOE PAGES

Du, Ming; Jacobsen, Chris

2017-10-07

Electron and x-ray microscopes allow one to image the entire, unlabeled structure of hydrated materials at a resolution well beyond what visible light microscopes can achieve. However, both approaches involve ionizing radiation, so that radiation damage must be considered as one of the limits to imaging. Drawing upon earlier work, we describe here a unified approach to estimating the image contrast (and thus the required exposure and corresponding radiation dose) in both x-ray and electron microscopy. This approach accounts for factors such as plural and inelastic scattering, and (in electron microscopy) the use of energy filters to obtain so-called "zeromore » loss" images. As expected, it shows that electron microscopy offers lower dose for specimens thinner than about 1 mu m (such as for studies of macromolecules, viruses, bacteria and archaebacteria, and thin sectioned material), while x-ray microscopy offers superior characteristics for imaging thicker specimen such as whole eukaryotic cells, thick-sectioned tissues, and organs. The required radiation dose scales strongly as a function of the desired spatial resolution, allowing one to understand the limits of live and frozen hydrated specimen imaging. Lastly, we consider the factors limiting x-ray microscopy of thicker materials, suggesting that specimens as thick as a whole mouse brain can be imaged with x-ray microscopes without significant image degradation should appropriate image reconstruction methods be identified.« less

Relative merits and limiting factors for x-ray and electron microscopy of thick, hydrated organic materials

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

Du, Ming; Jacobsen, Chris

Electron and x-ray microscopes allow one to image the entire, unlabeled structure of hydrated materials at a resolution well beyond what visible light microscopes can achieve. However, both approaches involve ionizing radiation, so that radiation damage must be considered as one of the limits to imaging. Drawing upon earlier work, we describe here a unified approach to estimating the image contrast (and thus the required exposure and corresponding radiation dose) in both x-ray and electron microscopy. This approach accounts for factors such as plural and inelastic scattering, and (in electron microscopy) the use of energy filters to obtain so-called "zeromore » loss" images. As expected, it shows that electron microscopy offers lower dose for specimens thinner than about 1 mu m (such as for studies of macromolecules, viruses, bacteria and archaebacteria, and thin sectioned material), while x-ray microscopy offers superior characteristics for imaging thicker specimen such as whole eukaryotic cells, thick-sectioned tissues, and organs. The required radiation dose scales strongly as a function of the desired spatial resolution, allowing one to understand the limits of live and frozen hydrated specimen imaging. Lastly, we consider the factors limiting x-ray microscopy of thicker materials, suggesting that specimens as thick as a whole mouse brain can be imaged with x-ray microscopes without significant image degradation should appropriate image reconstruction methods be identified.« less

Studies by immune electron microscopy of hepatitis B surface antigen in PLC/PRF/5 cells.

PubMed

Shibayama, T; Watanabe, T; Kojima, H; Yoshikawa, A; Watanabe, S; Kamimura, T; Suzuki, S; Ichida, F

1984-01-01

Electron microscopic studies of the morphology of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) produced by PLC/PRF/5 cells in vitro were carried out. Aggregates of 20-nm spherical particles in 3-day culture supernatants were observed by immune electron microscopy (IEM). Aggregates of tubular structures were found with IEM in the extracts of the cells. Tubular structures 18 to 22 nm in diameter were seen by electron microscopy (EM) in the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum in 2-3% of the cells. The tubular structures in the cytoplasm and extracts of PLC/PRF/5 cells resembled those observed in the hepatocytes of human carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Intracellular localization of HBsAg in PLC/PRF/5 cells by direct peroxidase-conjugated antibody staining was observed on the tubular structures and the cisternal wall, which contained these structures. Rotation technique analysis indicated that the tubular structures were composed of 11 or 12 subunits.

Smart align -- A new tool for robust non-rigid registration of scanning microscope data

DOE PAGES

Jones, Lewys; Yang, Hao; Pennycook, Timothy J.; ...

2015-07-10

Many microscopic investigations of materials may benefit from the recording of multiple successive images. This can include techniques common to several types of microscopy such as frame averaging to improve signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) or time series to study dynamic processes or more specific applications. In the scanning transmission electron microscope, this might include focal series for optical sectioning or aberration measurement, beam damage studies or camera-length series to study the effects of strain; whilst in the scanning tunnelling microscope, this might include bias voltage series to probe local electronic structure. Whatever the application, such investigations must begin with the carefulmore » alignment of these data stacks, an operation that is not always trivial. In addition, the presence of low-frequency scanning distortions can introduce intra-image shifts to the data. Here, we describe an improved automated method of performing non-rigid registration customised for the challenges unique to scanned microscope data specifically addressing the issues of low-SNR data, images containing a large proportion of crystalline material and/or local features of interest such as dislocations or edges. Careful attention has been paid to artefact testing of the non-rigid registration method used, and the importance of this registration for the quantitative interpretation of feature intensities and positions is evaluated.« less

Smart align -- A new tool for robust non-rigid registration of scanning microscope data

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

Jones, Lewys; Yang, Hao; Pennycook, Timothy J.

Many microscopic investigations of materials may benefit from the recording of multiple successive images. This can include techniques common to several types of microscopy such as frame averaging to improve signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) or time series to study dynamic processes or more specific applications. In the scanning transmission electron microscope, this might include focal series for optical sectioning or aberration measurement, beam damage studies or camera-length series to study the effects of strain; whilst in the scanning tunnelling microscope, this might include bias voltage series to probe local electronic structure. Whatever the application, such investigations must begin with the carefulmore » alignment of these data stacks, an operation that is not always trivial. In addition, the presence of low-frequency scanning distortions can introduce intra-image shifts to the data. Here, we describe an improved automated method of performing non-rigid registration customised for the challenges unique to scanned microscope data specifically addressing the issues of low-SNR data, images containing a large proportion of crystalline material and/or local features of interest such as dislocations or edges. Careful attention has been paid to artefact testing of the non-rigid registration method used, and the importance of this registration for the quantitative interpretation of feature intensities and positions is evaluated.« less

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

Timmermans, F. J.; Otto, C.

New developments in the field of microscopy enable to acquire increasing amounts of information from large sample areas and at an increased resolution. Depending on the nature of the technique, the information may reveal morphological, structural, chemical, and still other sample characteristics. In research fields, such as cell biology and materials science, there is an increasing demand to correlate these individual levels of information and in this way to obtain a better understanding of sample preparation and specific sample properties. To address this need, integrated systems were developed that combine nanometer resolution electron microscopes with optical microscopes, which produce chemicallymore » or label specific information through spectroscopy. The complementary information from electron microscopy and light microscopy presents an opportunity to investigate a broad range of sample properties in a correlated fashion. An important part of correlating the differences in information lies in bridging the different resolution and image contrast features. The trend to analyse samples using multiple correlated microscopes has resulted in a new research field. Current research is focused, for instance, on (a) the investigation of samples with nanometer scale distribution of inorganic and organic materials, (b) live cell analysis combined with electron microscopy, and (c) in situ spectroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of catalytic materials, but more areas will benefit from integrated correlative microscopy.« less

77 FR 20009 - Howard Hughes Medical Institute, et al.; Notice of Consolidated Decision on Applications for Duty...

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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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Electron-ion relaxation in a dense plasma. [supernovae core physics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Littleton, J. E.; Buchler, J.-R.

1974-01-01

The microscopic physics of the thermonuclear runaway in highly degenerate carbon-oxygen cores is investigated to determine if and how a detonation wave is generated. An expression for the electron-ion relaxation time is derived under the assumption of large degeneracy and extreme relativity of the electrons in a two-temperature plasma. Since the nuclear burning time proves to be several orders of magnitude shorter than the relaxation time, it is concluded that in studying the structure of the detonation wave the electrons and ions must be treated as separate fluids.

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.

Visualization of Electronic Multiple Ordering and Its Dynamics in High Magnetic Field: Evidence of Electronic Multiple Ordering Crystals.

PubMed

Sheng, Zhigao; Feng, Qiyuan; Zhou, Haibiao; Dong, Shuai; Xu, Xueli; Cheng, Long; Liu, Caixing; Hou, Yubin; Meng, Wenjie; Sun, Yuping; Nakamura, Masao; Tokura, Yoshinori; Kawasaki, Masashi; Lu, Qingyou

2018-06-13

Constituent atoms and electrons determine matter properties together, and they can form long-range ordering respectively. Distinguishing and isolating the electronic ordering out from the lattice crystal is a crucial issue in contemporary materials science. However, the intrinsic structure of a long-range electronic ordering is difficult to observe because it can be easily affected by many external factors. Here, we present the observation of electronic multiple ordering (EMO) and its dynamics at the micrometer scale in a manganite thin film. The strong internal couplings among multiple electronic degrees of freedom in the EMO make its morphology robust against external factors and visible via well-defined boundaries along specific axes and cleavage planes, which behave like a multiple-ordered electronic crystal. A strong magnetic field up to 17.6 T is needed to completely melt such EMO at 7 K, and the corresponding formation, motion, and annihilation dynamics are imaged utilizing a home-built high-field magnetic force microscope. The EMO is parasitic within the lattice crystal house, but its dynamics follows its own rules of electronic correlation, therefore becoming distinguishable and isolatable as the electronic ordering. Our work provides a microscopic foundation for the understanding and control of the electronic ordering and the designs of the corresponding devices.

Tailoring Dirac Fermions in Molecular Graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, Kenjiro K.; Mar, Warren; Ko, Wonhee; Camp, Charlie D.; Rastawicki, Dominik K.; Guinea, Francisco; Manoharan, Hari C.

2012-02-01

The dynamics of electrons in solids is tied to the band structure created by a periodic atomic potential. The design of artificial lattices, assembled through atomic manipulation, opens the door to engineer electronic band structure and to create novel quantum states. We present scanning tunneling spectroscopic measurements of a nanoassembled honeycomb lattice displaying a Dirac fermion band structure. The artificial lattice is created by atomic manipulation of single CO molecules with the scanning tunneling microscope on the surface of Cu(111). The periodic potential generated by the assembled CO molecules reshapes the band structure of the two-dimensional electron gas, present as a surface state of Cu(111), into a ``molecular graphene'' system. We create local defects in the lattice to observe the quasiparticle interference patterns that unveil the underlying band structure. We present direct comparison between the tunneling data, first-principles calculations of the band structure, and tight-binding models.

On-line transmission electron microscopic image analysis of chromatin texture for differentiation of thyroid gland tumors.

PubMed

Kriete, A; Schäffer, R; Harms, H; Aus, H M

1987-06-01

Nuclei of the cells from the thyroid gland were analyzed in a transmission electron microscope by direct TV scanning and on-line image processing. The method uses the advantages of a visual-perception model to detect structures in noisy and low-contrast images. The features analyzed include area, a form factor and texture parameters from the second derivative stage. Three tumor-free thyroid tissues, three follicular adenomas, three follicular carcinomas and three papillary carcinomas were studied. The computer-aided cytophotometric method showed that the most significant differences were the statistics of the chromatin texture features of homogeneity and regularity. These findings document the possibility of an automated differentiation of tumors at the ultrastructural level.

[Morphofunctional properties of the peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of rats following a flight on board the Kosmos-936 biosatellite].

PubMed

Kozinets, G I; Korol'kov, V I; Britvan, I I; Bykova, I A; Spitsyna, N E

1983-01-01

Morphofunctional properties of peripheral blood cells of Cosmos-936 rats were examined, using morphological, interferometric and electron microscopic techniques. As follows from the morphological data, immediately after recovery the weightless rats showed symptoms of a stress reaction which disappeared by R+3. The centrifuged rats exhibited less expressed symptoms of this sort. The percentage of bone marrow cell distribution was shifted towards enhanced myelopoiesis and diminished erythropoiesis. By the end of the readaptation period the ratio of bone marrow cell composition returned to normal. Interferometric and electron microscopic examinations did not reveal any irreversible changes in the structure and function of cells that may be caused by zero-g.

In situ observation of electron beam-induced phase transformation of CaCO3 to CaO via ELNES at low electron beam energies.

PubMed

Golla-Schindler, Ute; Benner, Gerd; Orchowski, Alexander; Kaiser, Ute

2014-06-01

It is demonstrated that energy-filtered transmission electron microscope enables following of in situ changes of the Ca-L2,3 edge which can originate from variations in both local symmetry and bond lengths. Low accelerating voltages of 20 and 40 kV slow down radiation damage effects and enable study of the start and finish of phase transformations. We observed electron beam-induced phase transformation of single crystalline calcite (CaCO3) to polycrystalline calcium oxide (CaO) which occurs in different stages. The coordination of Ca in calcite is close to an octahedral one streched along the <111> direction. Changes during phase transformation to an octahedral coordination of Ca in CaO go along with a bond length increase by 5 pm, where oxygen is preserved as a binding partner. Electron loss near-edge structure of the Ca-L2,3 edge show four separated peaks, which all shift toward lower energies during phase transformation at the same time the energy level splitting increases. We suggest that these changes can be mainly addressed to the change of the bond length on the order of picometers. An important pre-condition for such studies is stability of the energy drift in the range of meV over at least 1 h, which is achieved with the sub-Ångström low-voltage transmission electron microscope I prototype microscope.

Seeing with the nano-eye: accessing structure, function, and dynamics of matter on its natural length and time scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raschke, Markus

2015-03-01

To understand and ultimately control the properties of most functional materials, from molecular soft-matter to quantum materials, requires access to the structure, coupling, and dynamics on the elementary time and length scales that define the microscopic interactions in these materials. To gain the desired nanometer spatial resolution with simultaneous spectroscopic specificity we combine scanning probe microscopy with different optical, including coherent, nonlinear, and ultrafast spectroscopies. The underlying near-field interaction mediated by the atomic-force or scanning tunneling microscope tip provides the desired deep-sub wavelength nano-focusing enabling few-nm spatial resolution. I will introduce our generalization of the approach in terms of the near-field impedance matching to a quantum system based on special optical antenna-tip designs. The resulting enhanced and qualitatively new forms of light-matter interaction enable measurements of quantum dynamics in an interacting environment or to image the electromagnetic local density of states of thermal radiation. Other applications include the inter-molecular coupling and dynamics in soft-matter hetero-structures, surface plasmon interferometry as a probe of electronic structure and dynamics in graphene, and quantum phase transitions in correlated electron materials. These examples highlight the general applicability of the new near-field microscopy approach, complementing emergent X-ray and electron imaging tools, aiming towards the ultimate goal of probing matter on its most elementary spatio-temporal level.

Optimized unconventional superconductivity in a molecular Jahn-Teller metal

PubMed Central

Zadik, Ruth H.; Takabayashi, Yasuhiro; Klupp, Gyöngyi; Colman, Ross H.; Ganin, Alexey Y.; Potočnik, Anton; Jeglič, Peter; Arčon, Denis; Matus, Péter; Kamarás, Katalin; Kasahara, Yuichi; Iwasa, Yoshihiro; Fitch, Andrew N.; Ohishi, Yasuo; Garbarino, Gaston; Kato, Kenichi; Rosseinsky, Matthew J.; Prassides, Kosmas

2015-01-01

Understanding the relationship between the superconducting, the neighboring insulating, and the normal metallic state above Tc is a major challenge for all unconventional superconductors. The molecular A3C60 fulleride superconductors have a parent antiferromagnetic insulator in common with the atom-based cuprates, but here, the C603– electronic structure controls the geometry and spin state of the structural building unit via the on-molecule Jahn-Teller effect. We identify the Jahn-Teller metal as a fluctuating microscopically heterogeneous coexistence of both localized Jahn-Teller–active and itinerant electrons that connects the insulating and superconducting states of fullerides. The balance between these molecular and extended lattice features of the electrons at the Fermi level gives a dome-shaped variation of Tc with interfulleride separation, demonstrating molecular electronic structure control of superconductivity. PMID:26601168

Electronic Subband Reconfiguration in a d0-Perovskite Induced by Strain-Driven Structural Transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laukhin, V.; Copie, O.; Rozenberg, M. J.; Weht, R.; Bouzehouane, K.; Reyren, N.; Jacquet, E.; Bibes, M.; Barthélémy, A.; Herranz, G.

2012-11-01

It is well known that transport in lightly n-doped SrTiO3 involves light and heavy electron bands. We have found that upon application of moderate quasi-isotropic pressures, the relative positions of these subbands are changed by a few meV and, eventually, a band inversion occurs at ˜1kbar. Such effects are, however, suppressed in the closely related KTaO3 perovskite. We show that the extremely subtle electronic reconfiguration in SrTiO3 is triggered by strain-induced structural transformations that are accompanied by remarkable mobility enhancements up to about Δμ/μ≈300%. Our results provide a microscopic rationale for the recently discovered transport enhancement under strain and underscore the role of the internal structural degrees of freedom in the modulation of the perovskite electronic properties.

Determination of atomic-scale chemical composition at semiconductor heteroepitaxial interfaces by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Wen, C; Ma, Y J

2018-03-01

The determination of atomic structures and further quantitative information such as chemical compositions at atomic scale for semiconductor defects or heteroepitaxial interfaces can provide direct evidence to understand their formation, modification, and/or effects on the properties of semiconductor films. The commonly used method, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), suffers from difficulty in acquiring images that correctly show the crystal structure at atomic resolution, because of the limitation in microscope resolution or deviation from the Scherzer-defocus conditions. In this study, an image processing method, image deconvolution, was used to achieve atomic-resolution (∼1.0 Å) structure images of small lattice-mismatch (∼1.0%) AlN/6H-SiC (0001) and large lattice-mismatch (∼8.5%) AlSb/GaAs (001) heteroepitaxial interfaces using simulated HRTEM images of a conventional 300-kV field-emission-gun transmission electron microscope under non-Scherzer-defocus conditions. Then, atomic-scale chemical compositions at the interface were determined for the atomic intermixing and Lomer dislocation with an atomic step by analyzing the deconvoluted image contrast. Furthermore, the effect of dynamical scattering on contrast analysis was also evaluated for differently weighted atomic columns in the compositions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical, morphological and structural properties of cellulose nanofibers reinforced epoxy composites.

PubMed

Saba, N; Mohammad, F; Pervaiz, M; Jawaid, M; Alothman, O Y; Sain, M

2017-04-01

Present study, deals about isolation and characterization of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from the Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp, fabrication by hand lay-up technique and characterization of fabricated epoxy nanocomposites at different filler loadings (0.5%, 0.75%, 1% by wt.). The effect of CNFs loading on mechanical (tensile, impact and flexural), morphological (scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope) and structural (XRD and FTIR) properties of epoxy composites were investigated. FTIR analysis confirms the introduction of CNFs into the epoxy matrix while no considerable change in the crystallinity and diffraction peaks of epoxy composites were observed by the XRD patterns. Additions of CNFs considerably enhance the mechanical properties of epoxy composites but a remarkable improvement is observed for 0.75% CNFs as compared to the rest epoxy nanocomposites. In addition, the electron micrographs revealed the perfect distribution and dispersion of CNFs in the epoxy matrix for the 0.75% CNFs/epoxy nanocomposites, while the existence of voids and agglomerations were observed beyond 0.75% CNFs filler loadings. Overall results analysis clearly revealed that the 0.75% CNFs filler loading is best and effective with respect to rest to enhance the mechanical and structural properties of the epoxy composites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of nitrogen adsorption and transmission electron microscopy analyses for structural characterization of carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbaslou, Reza Malek; Vosoughi, Vahid; Dalai, Ajay K.

2017-10-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are different from other porous substrates such as activated carbon due to their high external surfaces. This structural feature can lead in some uncertainties in the results of nitrogen adsorption analysis for characterization of CNTs. In this paper, the results of microscopic analyses and nitrogen adsorption method for characterization of carbon nanotubes were compared. Five different types of CNTs with different structures were either synthesized or purchased. The CNT samples were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption analysis. The comparisons between the results from the microscopic analyses and N2 adsorption showed that the total pore volume and BET surface measurements include the internal and external porosity of CNTs. Therefore, the interpretation of N2 adsorption data required accurate TEM analysis. In addition, the evaluation of pore size distribution curves from all CNT samples in this study and several instances in the literature revealed the presence of a common peak in the range of 2-5 nm. This peak does not explain the inner pore size distribution. The presence of this common peak can be attributed to the strong adsorption of N2 on the junction of touched and crossed nanotubes.

Nondestructive determination of the depth of planar p-n junctions by scanning electron microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chi, J.-Y.; Gatos, H. C.

1977-01-01

A method was developed for measuring nondestructively the depth of planar p-n junctions in simple devices as well as in integrated-circuit structures with the electron-beam induced current (EBIC) by scanning parallel to the junction in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were found to be in good agreement with those obtained by the commonly used destructive method of lapping at an angle to the junction and staining to reveal the junction.

Low-Density, Refractory Multi-Principal Element Alloys of the Cr-Nb-Ti-V-Zr System: Microstructure and Phase Analysis (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-19

remelted five times, being flipped for each melt, and was in a liquid state for about 5 min during each melting event. The pre- pared cigar -shaped...section surfaces using a 136 Vickers diamond pyramid under a 500 g load applied for 20 s. The micro- structure was analyzed by scanning electron ...microscopy (SEM) using a Quanta 600F scanning electron microscope (FEI, North America NanoPort, Hillsboro, OR) equipped with backscatter electron (BSE

The microscopic structure of charge density waves in underdoped YBa 2Cu 3O 6.54 revealed by x-ray diffraction

DOE PAGES

E. M. Forgan; Huecker, M.; Blackburn, E.; ...

2015-12-09

Charge density wave (CDW) order appears throughout the underdoped high-temperature cuprate superconductors, but the underlying symmetry breaking and the origin of the CDW remain unclear. We use X-ray diffraction to determine the microscopic structure of the CDWs in an archetypical cuprate YBa 2Cu 3O 6.54 at its superconducting transition temperature ~60 K. We find that the CDWs in this material break the mirror symmetry of the CuO 2 bilayers. The ionic displacements in the CDWs have two components, which are perpendicular and parallel to the CuO 2 planes, and are out of phase with each other. The planar oxygen atomsmore » have the largest displacements, perpendicular to the CuO 2 planes. Our results allow many electronic properties of the underdoped cuprates to be understood. For example, the CDWs will lead to local variations in the electronic structure, giving an explicit explanation of density-wave states with broken symmetry observed in scanning tunnelling microscopy and soft X-ray measurements.« less

Photo-induced self-cleaning and sterilizing activity of Sm3+ doped ZnO nanomaterials.

PubMed

Saif, M; Hafez, H; Nabeel, A I

2013-01-01

Highly active samarium doped zinc oxide self-cleaning and biocidal surfaces (x mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO where x=0, 1, 2 and 4 mol%) with crystalline porous structures were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Sm(3+)/ZnO thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS), UV-visible diffuse reflectance and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. The combination between doping and hydrothermal treatments significantly altered the morphology of ZnO into rod and plate-like nanoshapes structure and enhanced its absorption and emission of ultraviolet radiation. The photo-activity in term of quantitative determination of the active oxidative species (()OH) produced on the thin film surfaces was evaluated using fluorescent probe method. The results showed that, the hydrothermally treated 2.0 mol% Sm(3+)/ZnO film (S2) is the highly active one. The optical, structural, morphology and photo-activity properties of the highly active thin film (S2) make it promising surface for self-cleaning and sterilizing applications. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The microscopic structure of charge density waves in underdoped YBa2Cu3O6.54 revealed by X-ray diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forgan, E. M.; Blackburn, E.; Holmes, A. T.; Briffa, A. K. R.; Chang, J.; Bouchenoire, L.; Brown, S. D.; Liang, Ruixing; Bonn, D.; Hardy, W. N.; Christensen, N. B.; Zimmermann, M. V.; Hücker, M.; Hayden, S. M.

2015-12-01

Charge density wave (CDW) order appears throughout the underdoped high-temperature cuprate superconductors, but the underlying symmetry breaking and the origin of the CDW remain unclear. We use X-ray diffraction to determine the microscopic structure of the CDWs in an archetypical cuprate YBa2Cu3O6.54 at its superconducting transition temperature ~60 K. We find that the CDWs in this material break the mirror symmetry of the CuO2 bilayers. The ionic displacements in the CDWs have two components, which are perpendicular and parallel to the CuO2 planes, and are out of phase with each other. The planar oxygen atoms have the largest displacements, perpendicular to the CuO2 planes. Our results allow many electronic properties of the underdoped cuprates to be understood. For instance, the CDWs will lead to local variations in the electronic structure, giving an explicit explanation of density-wave states with broken symmetry observed in scanning tunnelling microscopy and soft X-ray measurements.

Depopulation of Single-Phthalocyanine Molecular Orbitals upon Pyrrolic-Hydrogen Abstraction on Graphene.

PubMed

Néel, Nicolas; Lattelais, Marie; Bocquet, Marie-Laure; Kröger, Jörg

2016-02-23

Single-molecule chemistry with a scanning tunneling microscope has preponderantly been performed on metal surfaces. The molecule-metal hybridization, however, is often detrimental to genuine molecular properties and obscures their changes upon chemical reactions. We used graphene on Ir(111) to reduce the coupling between Ir(111) and adsorbed phthalocyanine molecules. By local electron injection from the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope the two pyrrolic H atoms were removed from single phthalocyanines. The detachment of the H atom pair induced a strong modification of the molecular electronic structure, albeit with no change in the adsorption geometry. Spectra and maps of the differential conductance combined with density functional calculations unveiled the entire depopulation of the highest occupied molecular orbital upon H abstraction. Occupied π states of intact molecules are proposed to be emptied via intramolecular electron transfer to dangling σ states of H-free N atoms.

Morphological changes of the hair roots in alopecia areata: a scanning electron microscopic study.

PubMed

Karashima, Tadashi; Tsuruta, Daisuke; Hamada, Takahiro; Ishii, Norito; Ono, Fumitake; Ueda, Akihiro; Abe, Toshifumi; Nakama, Takekuni; Dainichi, Teruki; Hashimoto, Takashi

2013-12-01

Alopecia areata is a chronic inflammatory condition causing non-scarring patchy hair loss. Diagnosis of alopecia areata is made by clinical observations, hair pluck test and dermoscopic signs. However, because differentiation from other alopecia diseases is occasionally difficult, an invasive diagnostic method using a punch biopsy is performed. In this study, to develop a reliable, less invasive diagnostic method for alopecia areata, we performed scanning electron microscopy of the hair roots of alopecia areata patients. This study identified four patterns of hair morphology specific to alopecia areata: (I) long tapering structure with no accumulation of scales; (II) club-shaped hair root with fine scales; (III) proximal accumulation of scales; and (IV) sharp tapering of the proximal end of hair. On the basis of these results, we can distinguish alopecia areata by scanning electron microscopic observation of the proximal end of the hair shafts. © 2013 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Effect of Pt and Fe catalysts in the transformation of carbon black into carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asokan, Vijayshankar; Myrseth, Velaug; Kosinski, Pawel

2015-06-01

In this research carbon nanotubes and carbon nano onion-like structures were synthesized from carbon black using metal catalysts at 400 °C and 700 °C. Platinum and iron-group metals were used as catalysts for the transformation of CB into graphitized nanocarbon and the effect of both metals was compared. The synthesized products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The characterization shows that this process is very efficient in the synthesis of high quality graphitized products from amorphous carbon black, even though the process temperature was relatively low in comparison with previous studies. Distinguished graphitic walls of the newly formed carbon nanostructures were clearly visible in the HRTEM images. Possible growth difference related to the type of catalyst used is briefly explained with the basis of electron vacancies in d-orbitals of metals.

Microanalytical Efforts in Support of NASA's Materials Science Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillies, Donald C.

2004-01-01

Following a brief overview of NASA s Microgravity Materials Science programs, specific examples will be given showing electron beam and optical microscopic applications to two-phase glass structures, dendrite tip radii, solid solution semiconductors, undercooled two-phase stainless steels and meteorites.

[Effect of nutritional stress on autophagy in free-living amoeba].

PubMed

Wang, Nan-Ning; Tan, Yu-Zhen; Wang, Hai-Jie

2010-12-30

To investigate the change of autophagy and morphological characteristics of the autophagic structures in free-living amoeba under nutritional stress. Free-living amoebae were incubated on the agaric solid medium which had been covered with Escherichia cdi in control group. In the experiment group, amoebae incubated on the agaric solid medium with E. coli were collected and moved to another solid medium without E. coli and incubated for 12 h. The morphological changes of free-living amoeba in the medium without E. coli were viewed with scanning electron microscope. The changes of autophagy and the structural features of the autophagosome precursors, autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes in amoeba were examined with transmission electron microscope, and the cross-section areas of the autophagic structures and cytoplasm were measured with an image analyzer. The autophagosomes in the organism were labeled with monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and quantitated using laser scanning confocal microscope. In the control group, free-living amoebae were all in the form of trophozoite. In the experiment group, trophozoites were induced to transform to cysts gradually. In control group, amoeba was full of fragment of E. coli. There was merely little autophagy with fewer autophagic structures in amoeba. When compared with the control group, the autophagic abilities of amoeba were enhanced significantly, number of autophagic structures increased in the experiment group. In addition, the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the autophagic structures to that of the cytoplasm of amoeba was greater (P < 0.05 or 0.01). There was fragment of E. coli that was not digested in some of the amoebae. In the circumstance of nutritional stress, amoebic trophozoites were induced to transform to cysts gradually. The autophagic ability of free-living amoeba significantly enhanced.

Electron coherent diffraction tomography of a nanocrystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dronyak, Roman; Liang, Keng S.; Tsai, Jin-Sheng; Stetsko, Yuri P.; Lee, Ting-Kuo; Chen, Fu-Rong

2010-05-01

Coherent diffractive imaging (CDI) with electron or x-ray sources is a promising technique for investigating the structure of nanoparticles down to the atomic scale. In electron CDI, a two-dimensional reconstruction is demonstrated using highly coherent illumination from a field-emission gun as a source of electrons. In a three-dimensional (3D) electron CDI, we experimentally determine the morphology of a single MgO nanocrystal using the Bragg diffraction geometry. An iterative algorithm is applied to invert the 3D diffraction pattern about a (200) reflection of the nanoparticle measured at an angular range of 1.8°. The results reveal a 3D image of the sample at ˜8 nm resolution, and agree with a simulation. Our work demonstrates an alternative approach to obtain the 3D structure of nanocrystals with an electron microscope.

Dynamic nano-imaging of label-free living cells using electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscope

PubMed Central

Fukuta, Masahiro; Kanamori, Satoshi; Furukawa, Taichi; Nawa, Yasunori; Inami, Wataru; Lin, Sheng; Kawata, Yoshimasa; Terakawa, Susumu

2015-01-01

Optical microscopes are effective tools for cellular function analysis because biological cells can be observed non-destructively and non-invasively in the living state in either water or atmosphere condition. Label-free optical imaging technique such as phase-contrast microscopy has been analysed many cellular functions, and it is essential technology for bioscience field. However, the diffraction limit of light makes it is difficult to image nano-structures in a label-free living cell, for example the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi body and the localization of proteins. Here we demonstrate the dynamic imaging of a label-free cell with high spatial resolution by using an electron beam excitation-assisted optical (EXA) microscope. We observed the dynamic movement of the nucleus and nano-scale granules in living cells with better than 100 nm spatial resolution and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) around 10. Our results contribute to the development of cellular function analysis and open up new bioscience applications. PMID:26525841

Dynamic nano-imaging of label-free living cells using electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscope.

PubMed

Fukuta, Masahiro; Kanamori, Satoshi; Furukawa, Taichi; Nawa, Yasunori; Inami, Wataru; Lin, Sheng; Kawata, Yoshimasa; Terakawa, Susumu

2015-11-03

Optical microscopes are effective tools for cellular function analysis because biological cells can be observed non-destructively and non-invasively in the living state in either water or atmosphere condition. Label-free optical imaging technique such as phase-contrast microscopy has been analysed many cellular functions, and it is essential technology for bioscience field. However, the diffraction limit of light makes it is difficult to image nano-structures in a label-free living cell, for example the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi body and the localization of proteins. Here we demonstrate the dynamic imaging of a label-free cell with high spatial resolution by using an electron beam excitation-assisted optical (EXA) microscope. We observed the dynamic movement of the nucleus and nano-scale granules in living cells with better than 100 nm spatial resolution and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) around 10. Our results contribute to the development of cellular function analysis and open up new bioscience applications.

Dynamic nano-imaging of label-free living cells using electron beam excitation-assisted optical microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuta, Masahiro; Kanamori, Satoshi; Furukawa, Taichi; Nawa, Yasunori; Inami, Wataru; Lin, Sheng; Kawata, Yoshimasa; Terakawa, Susumu

2015-11-01

Optical microscopes are effective tools for cellular function analysis because biological cells can be observed non-destructively and non-invasively in the living state in either water or atmosphere condition. Label-free optical imaging technique such as phase-contrast microscopy has been analysed many cellular functions, and it is essential technology for bioscience field. However, the diffraction limit of light makes it is difficult to image nano-structures in a label-free living cell, for example the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi body and the localization of proteins. Here we demonstrate the dynamic imaging of a label-free cell with high spatial resolution by using an electron beam excitation-assisted optical (EXA) microscope. We observed the dynamic movement of the nucleus and nano-scale granules in living cells with better than 100 nm spatial resolution and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) around 10. Our results contribute to the development of cellular function analysis and open up new bioscience applications.

Data reduction of digitized images processed from calibrated photographic and spectroscopic films obtained from terrestial, rocket and space shuttle telescopic instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammond, Ernest C., Jr.

1990-01-01

The Microvax 2 computer, the basic software in VMS, and the Mitsubishi High Speed Disk were received and installed. The digital scanning tunneling microscope is fully installed and operational. A new technique was developed for pseudocolor analysis of the line plot images of a scanning tunneling microscope. Computer studies and mathematical modeling of the empirical data associated with many of the film calibration studies were presented. A gas can follow-up experiment which will be launched in September, on the Space Shuttle STS-50, was prepared and loaded. Papers were presented on the structure of the human hair strand using scanning electron microscopy and x ray analysis and updated research on the annual rings produced by the surf clam of the ocean estuaries of Maryland. Scanning electron microscopic work was conducted by the research team for the study of the Mossbauer and Magnetic Susceptibility Studies on NmNi(4.25)Fe(.85) and its Hydride.

Backscattered electron SEM imaging of resin sections from plant specimens: observation of histological to subcellular structure and CLEM.

PubMed

Rizzo, N W; Duncan, K E; Bourett, T M; Howard, R J

2016-08-01

We have refined methods for biological specimen preparation and low-voltage backscattered electron imaging in the scanning electron microscope that allow for observation at continuous magnifications of ca. 130-70 000 X, and documentation of tissue and subcellular ultrastructure detail. The technique, based upon early work by Ogura & Hasegawa (1980), affords use of significantly larger sections from fixed and resin-embedded specimens than is possible with transmission electron microscopy while providing similar data. After microtomy, the sections, typically ca. 750 nm thick, were dried onto the surface of glass or silicon wafer and stained with heavy metals-the use of grids avoided. The glass/wafer support was then mounted onto standard scanning electron microscopy sample stubs, carbon-coated and imaged directly at an accelerating voltage of 5 kV, using either a yttrium aluminum garnet or ExB backscattered electron detector. Alternatively, the sections could be viewed first by light microscopy, for example to document signal from a fluorescent protein, and then by scanning electron microscopy to provide correlative light/electron microscope (CLEM) data. These methods provide unobstructed access to ultrastructure in the spatial context of a section ca. 7 × 10 mm in size, significantly larger than the typical 0.2 × 0.3 mm section used for conventional transmission electron microscopy imaging. Application of this approach was especially useful when the biology of interest was rare or difficult to find, e.g. a particular cell type, developmental stage, large organ, the interface between cells of interacting organisms, when contextual information within a large tissue was obligatory, or combinations of these factors. In addition, the methods were easily adapted for immunolocalizations. © 2015 The Author. Journal of Microscopy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd on behalf of the Royal Microscopical Society.

[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...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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...

Structural and optical properties of ZnO nanorods synthesized via template free approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajal, Priyanka; D, Pooja; Jaggi, Neena

2016-06-01

In this paper, we report a novel method for synthesis of semiconducting ZnO nanorods using Zinc acetate dehydrate precursor in a methanol—de-ionized (1:5) mixture via template free approach. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of as synthesized nanorods revealed hexagonal symmetry of rods, whereas x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for structure and phase has shown high crystallinity with wurtzite crystal structure. The structural characterization by FT-IR analysis revealed presence of various groups on as synthesized ZnO nanorods, whereas the UV-Vis analysis has shown a blue shift in the absorption spectra as compared to bulk ZnO due to quantum confinement of charge carriers. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy study has also been performed revealing a good degree of phosphorescence in the ZnO nanorods. Further, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that as synthesized nanorods by present method are highly stable at high temperature (1000 °C). This study provides an alternative, less expensive and a very simple method for the fabrication of ZnO nanorods in abundance, which can be further used for various sensing applications, in particular, gas sensing.

Structural and optical characterization of Er-alkali-metals codoped MgO nanoparticles synthesized by solution combustion route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivasankari, J.; Selvakumar Sellaiyan, S.; Sankar, S.; Devi, L. Vimala; Sivaji, K.

2017-01-01

Pure MgO, rare-earth (Er) doped MgO (MgO:Er), and alkali metal ions (Li, Na and K) co-doped MgO:Er [i.e. MgO: Er+X (X=Li, Na, and K)] nanopowders were synthesized by solution combustion method and characterized. The XRD analysis reveals the cubic structure and the substitution of dopants and co-dopants in MgO. Annealing at 800 °C, increases the sizes of nano-crystallites of all samples appreciably, indicating the grain growth and the improvement in crystallinity of all the samples. Increase in lattice parameter, d spacing and band gap were observed after annealing. Structural and morphological analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies has shown that the samples contain structures like agglomerated clusters. FT-IR spectra confirm the stretching mode of hydroxyl groups, carbonate and presence of MgO bonding. The characteristic wavelength ranging from 2600 cm-1 to 3000 cm-1 were assigned to transition of 4S3/2→4I13/2 and 4I11/2→4I15/2 of Er3+.

High fluence swift heavy ion structure modification of the SiO2/Si interface and gate insulator in 65 nm MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yao; Gao, Bo; Gong, Min; Willis, Maureen; Yang, Zhimei; Guan, Mingyue; Li, Yun

2017-04-01

In this work, a study of the structure modification, induced by high fluence swift heavy ion radiation, of the SiO2/Si structures and gate oxide interface in commercial 65 nm MOSFETs is performed. A key and novel point in this study is the specific use of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique instead of the conventional atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques which are typically performed following the chemical etching of the sample to observe the changes in the structure. Using this method we show that after radiation, the appearance of a clearly visible thin layer between the SiO2 and Si is observed presenting as a variation in the TEM intensity at the interface of the two materials. Through measuring the EDX line scans we reveal that the Si:O ratio changed and that this change can be attributed to the migration of the Si towards interface after the Si-O bond is destroyed by the swift heavy ions. For the 65 nm MOSFET sample, the silicon substrate, the SiON insulator and the poly-silicon gate interfaces become blurred under the same irradiation conditions.

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.

Micromorphology of sialoliths in submandibular salivary gland: a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis.

PubMed

Kasaboğlu, Oğuzcan; Er, Nuray; Tümer, Celal; Akkocaoğlu, Murat

2004-10-01

Sialoliths are common in the submandibular gland and its duct system. The exact cause of formation of a sialolith is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to analyze 6 sialoliths ultrastructurally to determine their development mechanism in the submandibular salivary glands. Six sialoliths retrieved from the hilus and duct of the submandibular salivary glands of 6 patients with sialadenitis were analyzed ultrastructurally by scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffractometer. Scanning electron microscope revealed mainly irregular, partly rudely hexagonal, needle-like and plate-shaped crystals. The cross-section from the surface to the inner part of the sialoliths showed no organic material. X-ray diffraction showed that the sialoliths were composed of hydroxyapatite crystals. Energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis showed that all of the samples contained high levels of Ca and P, and small amounts of Mg, Na, Cl, Si, Fe, and K. The main structures of the submandibular sialoliths were found to be hydroxyapatite crystals. No organic cores were observed in the central parts of the sialoliths. In accordance with these preliminary results, sialoliths in the submandibular salivary glands may arise secondary to sialadenitis, but not via a luminal organic nidus.

Quantitative and structural analyses of the in vitro and ex vivo biofilm-forming ability of dermatophytes.

PubMed

Brilhante, Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira; Correia, Edmilson Emanuel Monteiro; Guedes, Glaucia Morgana de Melo; Pereira, Vandbergue Santos; Oliveira, Jonathas Sales de; Bandeira, Silviane Praciano; Alencar, Lucas Pereira de; Andrade, Ana Raquel Colares de; Castelo-Branco, Débora de Souza Collares Maia; Cordeiro, Rossana de Aguiar; Pinheiro, Adriana de Queiroz; Chaves, Lúcio Jackson Queiroz; Pereira Neto, Waldemiro de Aquino; Sidrim, José Júlio Costa; Rocha, Marcos Fábio Gadelha

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo biofilm-forming ability of dermatophytes on a nail fragment. Initially, four isolates of Trichophyton rubrum, six of Trichophyton tonsurans, three of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, ten of Microsporum canis and three of Microsporum gypseum were tested for production biomass by crystal violet assay. Then, one strain per species presenting the best biofilm production was chosen for further studies by optical microscopy (Congo red staining), confocal laser scanning (LIVE/DEAD staining) and scanning electron (secondary electron) microscopy. Biomass quantification by crystal violet assay, optical microscope images of Congo red staining, confocal microscope and scanning electron microscope images revealed that all species studied are able to form biofilms both in vitro and ex vivo, with variable density and architecture. M. gypseum, T. rubrum and T. tonsurans produced robust biofilms, with abundant matrix and biomass, while M. canis produced the weakest biofilms compared to other species. This study sheds light on biofilms of different dermatophyte species, which will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of dermatophytosis. Further studies of this type are necessary to investigate the processes involved in the formation and composition of dermatophyte biofilms.

TEM and STEM Studies on the Cross-sectional Morphologies of Dual-/Tri-layer Broadband SiO2 Antireflective Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuangyue; Yan, Hongwei; Li, Dengji; Qiao, Liang; Han, Shaobo; Yuan, Xiaodong; Liu, Wei; Xiang, Xia; Zu, Xiaotao

2018-02-01

Dual-layer and tri-layer broadband antireflective (AR) films with excellent transmittance were successfully fabricated using base-/acid-catalyzed mixed sols and propylene oxide (PO) modified silica sols. The sols and films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). FTIR and TEM results suggest that the PO molecules were covalently bonded to the silica particles and the bridge structure existing in PO modified silica sol is responsible for the low density of the top layer. The density ratio between different layers was measured by cross-sectional STEM, and the results are 1.69:1 and 2.1:1.7:1 from bottom-layer to top-layer for dual-layer and tri-layer films, respectively. The dual-layer film demonstrates good stability with 99.8% at the central wavelength of 351 nm and nearly 99.5% at the central wavelength of 1053 nm in laser system, and for the tri-layer AR film, the maximum transmittance reached nearly 100% at both the central wavelengths of 527 and 1053 nm.

Structure and optical properties of TiO2 thin films deposited by ALD method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szindler, Marek; Szindler, Magdalena M.; Boryło, Paulina; Jung, Tymoteusz

2017-12-01

This paper presents the results of study on titanium dioxide thin films prepared by atomic layer deposition method on a silicon substrate. The changes of surface morphology have been observed in topographic images performed with the atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Obtained roughness parameters have been calculated with XEI Park Systems software. Qualitative studies of chemical composition were also performed using the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The structure of titanium dioxide was investigated by X-ray crystallography. A variety of crystalline TiO2 was also confirmed by using the Raman spectrometer. The optical reflection spectra have been measured with UV-Vis spectrophotometry.

Formation of 4H-closely packed structure in thin films of metastable nanocrystalline Co 13Cu 87 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalyapin, D. L.; Kim, J.; Stolyar, S. V.; Turpanov, I. A.; Kim, P. D.; Kim, I.

2003-11-01

The crystal structure of the thin films of metastable Co 13Cu 87 alloy prepared by magnetron sputtering was investigated by transmission electron microscope. As-deposited films have a nanocrystal structure with an fcc lattice. As a result of the prolonged ion polishing with a beam of Ar ions with the energy of 4.7 keV, the four-layer 4H dhcp structure was formed.

Electron microscopic visualization of autophagosomes induced by infection of human papillomavirus pseudovirions

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

Ishii, Yoshiyuki, E-mail: yishii@nih.go.jp

2013-04-19

Highlights: •HPV16 pseudovirions (16PsVs) infection induces an autophagy response. •The autophagy was analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). •TEM showed the double-membrane vesicles in HeLa cells inoculated with 16PsVs. •These vesicles incorporated 16PsVs particles in the lumen. •These results imply that autophagosomes are generated from the plasma membrane. -- Abstract: Autophagy is a bulk degradation process for subcellular proteins and organelles to manage cell starvation. Autophagy is associated with the formation of autophagosomes and further functions as a defense mechanism against infection by various pathogens. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection induces an autophagy response, such as up-regulation of marker proteins formore » autophagy, in host keratinocytes. However, direct microscopic evidence for autophagy induction by HPV infection is still lacking. Here, I report an electron microscopic analysis of autophagosomes elicited by the entry of HPV pseudovirions (PsVs). HeLa cells showed enhanced infectivity for PsVs of HPV type 16 (16PsVs) when treated with an autophagy inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of autophagy in HPV infection. In HeLa cells inoculated with 16PsVs, transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of cup-shaped, double-membrane vesicles (phagophores) and double-membrane-bound vesicles, which are typical structures of autophagosomes. These double-membrane vesicles displayed a large lumen volume and incorporated 10–50 16PsVs particles in the lumen. These results demonstrate that autophagy is indeed induced during the HPV16 entry process and imply that autophagosomes are generated from the plasma membrane by HPV infection.« less

Future directions of electron crystallography.

PubMed

Fujiyoshi, Yoshinori

2013-01-01

In biological science, there are still many interesting and fundamental yet difficult questions, such as those in neuroscience, remaining to be answered. Structural and functional studies of membrane proteins, which are key molecules of signal transduction in neural and other cells, are essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms of many fundamental biological processes. Technological and instrumental advancements of electron microscopy have facilitated comprehension of structural studies of biological components, such as membrane proteins. While X-ray crystallography has been the main method of structure analysis of proteins including membrane proteins, electron crystallography is now an established technique to analyze structures of membrane proteins in the lipid bilayer, which is close to their natural biological environment. By utilizing cryo-electron microscopes with helium-cooled specimen stages, structures of membrane proteins were analyzed at a resolution better than 3 Å. Such high-resolution structural analysis of membrane proteins by electron crystallography opens up the new research field of structural physiology. Considering the fact that the structures of integral membrane proteins in their native membrane environment without artifacts from crystal contacts are critical in understanding their physiological functions, electron crystallography will continue to be an important technology for structural analysis. In this chapter, I will present several examples to highlight important advantages and to suggest future directions of this technique.

Contrast and decay of cathodoluminescence from phosphor particles in a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

den Engelsen, Daniel; Harris, Paul G; Ireland, Terry G; Fern, George R; Silver, Jack

2015-10-01

Cathodoluminescence (CL) studies are reported on phosphors in a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). ZnO: Zn and other luminescent powders manifest a bright ring around the periphery of the particles: this ring enhances the contrast. Additionally, particles resting on top of others are substantially brighter than underlying ones. These phenomena are explained in terms of the combined effects of electrons backscattered out of the particles, together with light absorption by the substrate. The contrast is found to be a function of the particle size and the energy of the primary electrons. Some phosphor materials exhibit a pronounced comet-like structure at high scan rates in a CL-image, because the particle continues to emit light after the electron beam has moved to a position without phosphor material. Image analysis has been used to study the loss of brightness along the tail and hence to determine the decay time of the materials. The effect of phosphor saturation on the determination of decay times by CL-microscopy was also investigated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPE AND X-RAY DIFFRACTION STUDIES ON A HOMOLOGOUS SERIES OF SATURATED PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINES.

PubMed

ELBERS, P F; VERVERGAERT, P H

1965-05-01

Three homologous saturated phosphatidylcholines were studied by electron microscopy after tricomplex fixation. The results are compared with those obtained by x-ray diffraction analysis of the same and some other homologous compounds, in the dry crystalline state and after tricomplex fixation. By electron microscopy alternating dark and light bands are observed which are likely to correspond to phosphatide double layers. X-Ray diffraction reveals the presence of lamellar structures of regular spacing. The layer spacings obtained by both methods are in good agreement. From the electron micrographs the width of the polar parts of the double layers can be derived directly. The width of the carboxylglycerylphosphorylcholine moiety of the layers is found by extrapolating the x-ray diffraction data to zero chain length of the fatty acids. When from this width the contribution of the carboxylglyceryl part of the molecules is subtracted, again we find good agreement with the electron microscope measurements. An attempt has been made to account for the different layer spacings measured in terms of orientation of the molecules within the double layers.

Evaluation of correlation between dissolution rates of loxoprofen tablets and their surface morphology observed by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope.

PubMed

Yoshikawa, Shinichi; Murata, Ryo; Shida, Shigenari; Uwai, Koji; Suzuki, Tsuneyoshi; Katsumata, Shunji; Takeshita, Mitsuhiro

2010-01-01

We observed the surface morphological structures of 60 mg tablets of Loxonin, Loxot, and Lobu using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) to evaluate the dissolution rates. We found a significant difference among the initial dissolution rates of the three kinds of loxoprofen sodium tablets. Petal forms of different sizes were commonly observed on the surface of the Loxonin and Loxot tablets in which loxoprofen sodium was confirmed by measuring the energy-dispersible X-ray (EDX) spectrum of NaKalpha using SEM. However, a petal form was not observed on the surface of the Lobu tablet, indicating differences among the drug production processes. Surface area and particle size of the principal ingredient in tablets are important factors for dissolution rate. The mean size of the smallest fine particles constituting each tablet was also determined with AFM. There was a correlation between the initial dissolution rate and the mean size of the smallest particles in each tablet. Visualizing tablet surface morphology using SEM and AFM provides information on the drug production processes and initial dissolution rate, and is associated with the time course of pharmacological activities after tablet administration.

Atomic scale structure and chemistry of interfaces by Z-contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy in the stem

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

McGibbon, M.M.; Browning, N.D.; Chisholm, M.F.

The macroscopic properties of many materials are controlled by the structure and chemistry at grain boundaries. A basic understanding of the structure-property relationship requires a technique which probes both composition and chemical bonding on an atomic scale. High-resolution Z-contrast imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) forms an incoherent image in which changes in atomic structure and composition across an interface can be interpreted directly without the need for preconceived atomic structure models. Since the Z-contrast image is formed by electrons scattered through high angles, parallel detection electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS) can be used simultaneously to provide complementarymore » chemical information on an atomic scale. The fine structure in the PEEL spectra can be used to investigate the local electronic structure and the nature of the bonding across the interface. In this paper we use the complimentary techniques of high resolution Z-contrast imaging and PEELS to investigate the atomic structure and chemistry of a 25{degree} symmetric tilt boundary in a bicrystal of the electroceramic SrTiO{sub 3}.« less

Microscopic model for intersubband gain from electrically pumped quantum-dot structures

DOE PAGES

Michael, Stephan; Chow, Weng Wah; Schneider, Han Christian

2014-10-03

We study theoretically the performance of electrically pumped self-organized quantum dots as a gain material in the mid-infrared range at room temperature. We analyze an AlGaAs/InGaAs based structure composed of dots-in-a-well sandwiched between two quantum wells. We numerically analyze a comprehensive model by combining a many-particle approach for electronic dynamics with a realistic modeling of the electronic states in the whole structure. We investigate the gain both for quasi-equilibrium conditions and current injection. We find, comparing different structures, that steady-state gain can only be realized by an efficient extraction process, which prevents an accumulation of electrons in continuum states, thatmore » make the available scattering pathways through the quantum-dot active region too fast to sustain inversion.« less

Nanoscale characterization of local structures and defects in photonic crystals using synchrotron-based transmission soft X-ray microscopy

PubMed Central

Nho, Hyun Woo; Kalegowda, Yogesh; Shin, Hyun-Joon; Yoon, Tae Hyun

2016-01-01

For the structural characterization of the polystyrene (PS)-based photonic crystals (PCs), fast and direct imaging capabilities of full field transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) were demonstrated at soft X-ray energy. PS-based PCs were prepared on an O2-plasma treated Si3N4 window and their local structures and defects were investigated using this label-free TXM technique with an image acquisition speed of ~10 sec/frame and marginal radiation damage. Micro-domains of face-centered cubic (FCC (111)) and hexagonal close-packed (HCP (0001)) structures were dominantly found in PS-based PCs, while point and line defects, FCC (100), and 12-fold symmetry structures were also identified as minor components. Additionally, in situ observation capability for hydrated samples and 3D tomographic reconstruction of TXM images were also demonstrated. This soft X-ray full field TXM technique with faster image acquisition speed, in situ observation, and 3D tomography capability can be complementally used with the other X-ray microscopic techniques (i.e., scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, STXM) as well as conventional characterization methods (e.g., electron microscopic and optical/fluorescence microscopic techniques) for clearer structure identification of self-assembled PCs and better understanding of the relationship between their structures and resultant optical properties. PMID:27087141

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.

RAPID COMMUNICATION: Study of superstructure II in multiferroic BiMnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Bing-Hui; Li, Fang-Hua; Li, Xue-Ming; Wang, Yu-Mei; Chi, Zhen-Hua; Jin, Chang-Qing

2008-09-01

The crystal structure of the minor phase, named superstructure II, existing in multiferroic compound BiMnO3 has been studied by electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Domains of major and minor phases coexisting in BiMnO3 were observed in high-resolution electron microscope images. The unit cell of minor phase was determined to be triclinic with the size 4×4×4 times as large as the distorted perovskite subcell. The [111] and [10bar 1] projected structure maps of the minor phase have been derived from the corresponding images by means of the image processing. A possible rough three-dimensional (3D) structure model was proposed based on the 3D structural information extracted from the two projected structure maps. Since there is no inversion centre in the proposed model, the minor phase may contribute to the ferroelectric property of BiMnO3.

Overview of nanoscale NEXAFS performed with soft X-ray microscopes.

PubMed

Guttmann, Peter; Bittencourt, Carla

2015-01-01

Today, in material science nanoscale structures are becoming more and more important. Not only for the further miniaturization of semiconductor devices like carbon nanotube based transistors, but also for newly developed efficient energy storage devices, gas sensors or catalytic systems nanoscale and functionalized materials have to be analysed. Therefore, analytical tools like near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy has to be applied on single nanostructures. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopes (STXM) as well as full-field transmission X-ray microscopes (TXM) allow the required spatial resolution to study individual nanostructures. In the soft X-ray energy range only STXM was used so far for NEXAFS studies. Due to its unique setup, the TXM operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) at the electron storage ring BESSY II is the first one in the soft X-ray range which can be used for NEXAFS spectroscopy studies which will be shown in this review. Here we will give an overview of the different microscopes used for NEXAFS studies and describe their advantages and disadvantages for different samples.

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.

Scanning ultrafast electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Yang, Ding-Shyue; Mohammed, Omar F.; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2010-01-01

Progress has been made in the development of four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy, which enables space-time imaging of structural dynamics in the condensed phase. In ultrafast electron microscopy, the electrons are accelerated, typically to 200 keV, and the microscope operates in the transmission mode. Here, we report the development of scanning ultrafast electron microscopy using a field-emission-source configuration. Scanning of pulses is made in the single-electron mode, for which the pulse contains at most one or a few electrons, thus achieving imaging without the space-charge effect between electrons, and still in ten(s) of seconds. For imaging, the secondary electrons from surface structures are detected, as demonstrated here for material surfaces and biological specimens. By recording backscattered electrons, diffraction patterns from single crystals were also obtained. Scanning pulsed-electron microscopy with the acquired spatiotemporal resolutions, and its efficient heat-dissipation feature, is now poised to provide in situ 4D imaging and with environmental capability. PMID:20696933

Enhanced mechanical properties of hydrothermal carbamated cellulose nanocomposite film reinforced with graphene oxide.

PubMed

Gan, Sinyee; Zakaria, Sarani; Syed Jaafar, Sharifah Nabihah

2017-09-15

Cellulose carbamate (CC) was synthesized via hydrothermal process and mixed with graphene oxide (GO) to form a homogeneous cellulose matrix nanocomposite films. The properties of CC/GO nanocomposite films fabricated using simple solution-mixing method with different GO loadings were studied. Transmission electron microscope analysis showed the exfoliation of self-synthesized GO nanosheets within the CC matrix. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the crystalline structure of CC/GO films as the CC/GO mass ratio increased from 100/0 to 100/4. The mechanical properties of CC/GO film were significantly improved as compared to neat CC film. From thermogravimetric analysis result, the introduction of GO enhanced the thermal stability and carbon yields. The 3D homogeneous porous structures of the CC/GO films were observed under Field emission scanning electron microscope. These improvements in nanocomposite film properties could be confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy due to the strong and good interactions between CC and GO. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural transformation study of TiO2 nanoparticles annealing at different temperatures and the photodegradation process of eosin-Y

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandi, P.; Gopinathan, C.

2018-04-01

Hydrothermal method was used to prepare TiO2 nanoparticles with annealing temperature at 500 °C-700 °C. The mixture of anatase-rutile phase was investigated by powerful tool of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The structural parameters of anatase and rutile mixture phaseTiO2 nanoparticles were calculated from the Rietveld refinement. The transformation rate of rutile was increased linearly with an annealing temperature of 500 °C-700 °C. The spherical morphology of the anatase and rutile mixed phase were obtained by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The spherical particle of the anatase and rutile TiO2 shows with great aggregation with different size and within the range of few tens nm. The EDAX study revealed the presence of titanium and oxygen. The best photocatalytic activity was identified as the 87.04% of anatase and 12.96% of rutile mixer phase of TiO2. Various factors could be involved for a better photocatalytic activity.

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

Gao, Shan, E-mail: coralgao@hotmail.com; Engineering Ceramics Key Laboratory of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan 250061; Sun, Kangning, E-mail: sunkangning@sdu.edu.cn

Highlights: ► We succeeded in synthesizing hydroxyapatite nano fibers by a chemical method. ► The reaction temperature is only 90 °C. ► The synthetic hydroxyapatite nano fiber is single crystal. - Abstract: We report a novel chemical precipitation route for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (Ca{sub 10}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6}(OH){sub 2}, HA) fibers using surfactants as templates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) reveal the characteristic peaks of HA. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high-resolution TEM revealed the nano structure, crystallinity and morphology of the HA fibers. The morphology of the HA fibers after calcinations were characterized bymore » scanning electron microscope (SEM). Br{sup −} ions were quickly replaced by the excess PO{sub 4}{sup 3−} ions in the solution after the addition of cetyltrime-thylammonium bromide (CTAB). Meanwhile, CTAB formed a rod-like micelles. Precursors reacted with PO{sub 4}{sup 3−} at the surface of CTAB micelles and finally formed the nanofiber structure.« less

Light and electron microscope observations on Nephroselmis gaoae sp. nov. (Prasinophyceae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, C. K.; Jiao-Fen, Chen; Zhe-Fu, Zhang; Hui-Qi, Zhang

1994-09-01

Nephroselmis gaoae sp. nov. is described on the basis of light and electron microscope observations of cultured material originally collected and isolated from seawater of Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, China. The periplasts on the cell body and flagella are covered by five types of scales, two types on the flagella and three on the body. Among these, the morphology and the number of spines of large stellate body scales differ remarkably from those of previously described species of Nephroselmis. Apart from these, the unusual fine structure of the eyespot (stigma) is very characteristic. As in the other species of Nephroselmis, the eyespot lies immediately under the two-membraned chloroplast envelope; unlike the others, however, it is not composed of a number of osmiophilic globules, but consists of about 14 curved rod-shaped osmiophilic bodies arranged loosely and randomly. This feature distinguishes the present new species not only from the other species of Nephroselmis but also from the other motile algal species, the eyespots structure of which had been previously described.

Helium Ion Beam Microscopy for Copper Grain Identification in BEOL Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Boom, Ruud J. J.; Parvaneh, Hamed; Voci, Dave; Huynh, Chuong; Stern, Lewis; Dunn, Kathleen A.; Lifshin, Eric

2009-09-01

Grain size determination in advanced metallization structures requires a technique with resolution ˜2 nm, with a high signal-to-noise ratio and high orientation-dependant contrast for unambiguous identification of grain boundaries. Ideally, such a technique would also be capable of high-throughput and rapid time-to-knowledge. The Helium Ion Microscope (HIM) offers one possibility for achieving these aims in a single platform. This article compares the performance of the HIM with Focused Ion Beam, Scanning Electron and Transmission Electron Microscopes, in terms of achievable image resolution and contrast, using plan-view and cross-sectional imaging of electroplated samples. Although the HIM is capable of sub-nanometer beam diameter, the low signal-to-noise ratio in the images necessitates signal averaging, which degrades the measured image resolution to 6-8 nm. Strategies for improving S/N are discussed in light of the trade-off between beam current and probe size, accelerating voltage, and dwell time.

Dopant concentration dependent growth of Fe:ZnO nanostructures

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

Sahai, Anshuman; Goswami, Navendu, E-mail: navendugoswami@gmail.com

2016-05-23

Systematic investigations of structural properties of 1-10% Fe doped ZnO nanostructure (Fe:ZnO NS) prepared via chemical precipitation method have been reported. Structural properties were probed thoroughly employing scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Morphological transformation of nanostructures (NS) with Fe incorporation is evident in SEM/TEM images. Nanoparticles (NP) obtained with 1% Fe, evolve to nanorods (NR) for 3% Fe; NR transform to nanocones (NC) (for 5% and 7% Fe) and finally NC transform to nanoflakes (NF) at 10% Fe. Morover, primary phase of Zn{sub 1-x}Fe{sub x}O along withmore » secondary phases of ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} were also revealed through XRD measurements. Based on collective XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDAX interpretations, a model for morphological evolution of NS was proposed and the pivotal role of Fe dopant was deciphered.« less

EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL PROCESSING AND OXIDE ETHYLENE STERILIZATION ON CORTICAL AND CANCELLOUS RAT BONE: A LIGHT AND ELECTRON SCANNING MICROSCOPY STUDY

PubMed Central

Castiglia, Marcello Teixeira; da Silva, Juliano Voltarelli F.; Frezarim Thomazini, José Armendir; Volpon, José Batista

2015-01-01

To evaluate, under microscopic examination, the structural changes displayed by the trabecular and cortical bones after being processed chemically and sterilized by ethylene oxide. Methods: Samples of cancellous and cortical bones obtained from young female albinus rats (Wistar) were assigned to four groups according to the type of treatment: Group I- drying; Group II- drying and ethylene oxide sterilization; III- chemical treatment; IV- chemical treatment and ethylene oxide sterilization. Half of this material was analyzed under ordinary light microscope and the other half using scanning electron microscopy. Results: In all the samples, regardless the group, there was good preservation of the general morphology. For samples submitted to the chemical processing there was better preservation of the cellular content, whereas there was amalgamation of the fibres when ethylene oxide was used. Conclusion: Treatment with ethylene oxide caused amalgamation of the fibers, possibly because of heating and the chemical treatment contributed to a better cellular preservation of the osseous structure. PMID:26998450

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.

Characterization of LiBC by phase-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Krumeich, Frank; Wörle, Michael; Reibisch, Philipp; Nesper, Reinhard

2014-08-01

LiBC was used as a model compound for probing the applicability of phase-contrast (PC) imaging in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to visualize lithium distributions. In the LiBC structure, boron and carbon are arranged to hetero graphite layers between which lithium is incorporated. The crystal structure is reflected in the PC-STEM images recorded perpendicular to the layers. The experimental images and their defocus dependence match with multi-slice simulations calculated utilizing the reciprocity principle. The observation that a part of the Li positions is not occupied is likely an effect of the intense electron beam triggering Li displacement. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Peptide Conformation and Supramolecular Organization in Amylin Fibrils: Constraints from Solid State NMR

PubMed Central

Luca, Sorin; Yau, Wai-Ming; Leapman, Richard; Tycko, Robert

2008-01-01

The 37-residue amylin peptide, also known as islet amyloid polypeptide, forms fibrils that are the main peptide or protein component of amyloid that develops in the pancreas of type 2 diabetes patients. Amylin also readily forms amyloid fibrils in vitro that are highly polymorphic under typical experimental conditions. We describe a protocol for the preparation of synthetic amylin fibrils that exhibit a single predominant morphology, which we call a striated ribbon, in electron microscope and atomic force microscope images. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on a series of isotopically labeled samples indicate a single molecular structure within the striated ribbons. We use scanning transmission electron microscopy and several types of one-dimensional and two-dimensional solid state NMR techniques to obtain constraints on the peptide conformation and supramolecular structure in these amylin fibrils, and derive molecular structural models that are consistent with the experimental data. The basic structural unit in amylin striated ribbons, which we call the protofilament, contains four-layers of parallel β-sheets, formed by two symmetric layers of amylin molecules. The molecular structure of amylin protofilaments in striated ribbons closely resembles the protofilament in amyloid fibrils with similar morphology formed by the 40-residue β-amyloid peptide that is associated with Alzheimer's disease. PMID:17979302

Meretrix lusoria--a natural biocomposite material: in situ analysis of hierarchical fabrication and micro-hardness.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhihong; Tong, Hua; Ren, Yaoyao; Hu, Jiming

2006-01-01

The ultrastructure of clam (Meretrix lusoria) was investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analyzer (XRD) combining with in situ texture decalcified technique and the micro-hardness of clam was determined, in order to understand the spatial relationship between the mineral phase and organic matrix and further explain the correlation between the property and structure. The results showed that hierarchical fabrication is the major structure character of this mollusc shell. There is specific braided structure forming from domains composed of needle-like structure made up of the single crystal of aragonite. High magnification TEM image of clam indicates the intracrystal region of the aragonite single crystal is made up of subgrain phase and some amorphous substance. There are various crystal grain growth preferential orientations in the different growth direction of the shell. An amount of organic microtubule distribute evenly in the base of calcium carbonate as reinforcement phase. The mechanical property of this natural biological composite is better than other aragonite layer of mollusc shells and pearls according to the data of micro-hardness testing. The braided structure and organic microtubule reinforcement phase are responsible for its high mechanical performance. The stereo hierarchical fabrication of clam was elucidated for the first time.

Quasiparticle Scattering in Type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe₂.

PubMed

Lin, Chun-Liang; Arafune, Ryuichi; Minamitani, Emi; Kawai, Maki; Takagi, Noriaki

2018-01-30

The electronic structure of type-II Weyl semimetal molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe₂) is studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Through measuring energy-dependent quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns with a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope, several characteristic features are found in the QPI patterns. Two of them arise from the Weyl semimetal nature; one is the topological Fermi arc surface state and the other can be assigned to be a Weyl point. The remaining structures are derived from the scatterings relevant to the bulk electronic states. The findings lead to thorough understanding of the topological electronic structure of type-II Weyl semimetal MoTe₂. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Structure resolution by electron diffraction tomography of the complex layered iron-rich Fe-2234-type Sr{sub 5}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 15.4}

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

Lepoittevin, Christophe, E-mail: christophe.lepoittevin@neel.cnrs.fr

2016-10-15

The crystal structure of the strontium ferrite Sr{sub 5}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 15.4}, was solved by direct methods on electron diffraction tomography data acquired on a transmission electron microscope. The refined cell parameters are a=27.4047(3) Å, b=5.48590(7) Å and c=42.7442(4) Å in Fm2m symmetry. Its structure is built up from the intergrowth sequence between a quadruple perovskite-type layer with a complex rock-salt (RS)-type block. In the latter iron atoms are found in two different environments : tetragonal pyramid and tetrahedron. The structural model was refined by Rietveld method based on the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. - Highlights: • Complex structure of Sr{submore » 5}Fe{sub 6}O{sub 15.4} solved by electron diffraction tomography. • Observed Fourier maps allow determining missing oxygen atoms in the structure. • Structural model refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. • Intergrowth between quadruple perovskite layer with double rock-salt-type layer.« less

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.

Hierarchical hybrid film of MnO2 nanoparticles/multi-walled fullerene nanotubes-graphene for highly selective sensing of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Pan, Yang; Hou, Zhaohui; Yi, Wei; Zhu, Wei; Zeng, Fanyan; Liu, You-Nian

2015-08-15

Hierarchical hybrid films of MnO2 nanoparticles/multi-walled fullerene nanotubes-graphene (MNPs/MWFNTs-GS) have been prepared via a simple wet-chemical method. For this purpose, MWFNTs (~300nm in length) are fabricated from tailoring multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and then inserted into GS to pile up into a hierarchical hybrid film with the in situ formative MNPs. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction are used to confirm the morphology and structure of the as-obtained film. The electrochemical studies reveal that MNPs/MWFNTs-GS exhibit significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity compared with MNPs/GS, and show a rapid response to H2O2 over a wide linear range of 2.0μM-8.44mM with a high sensitivity of 206.3μA mM(-1)cm(-2) and an excellent selectivity. These favorable electrochemical detection properties may be mainly attributed to the introduction of MWFNTs, which helps to promote the electron/ion transport between MNPs and GS and form the hierarchical film structure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cu2S-Cu-TiO2 mesoporous carbon composites for the degradation of high concentration of methyl orange under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Zhao, Yuan; Zhong, Lvling; Wang, Yang; Chai, Shouning; Yang, Tao; Han, Xuanli

2017-11-01

A Schiff base compound was used to prepare a Cu2S-Cu-TiO2 mesoporous carbon composite photocatalyst (Cu2S-Cu-TiO2/MC) by a simple precipitation-carbonization method with a carbonization temperature of 750 °C. X-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that Cu2S, Cu, and TiO2 exist in Cu2S-Cu-TiO2/MC in the form of nanometer-sized particles. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope images show that the composites form a spherical carbon structure inlaid with Cu2S and Cu and coated TiO2. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller test shows that the material has a large specific surface area (76.14 m2/g) and mesoporous structure. UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy indicate that the recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes in the samples were inhibited. The composites show good degradation performance in a high concentration (300 mg/L) of methyl orange (MO) solution under visible light. The composites exhibit great potential in the treatment of dyes for wastewater treatment.

Laboratory-size three-dimensional water-window x-ray microscope with Wolter type I mirror optics

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

Ohsuka, Shinji; The Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries, 1955-1 Kurematsu-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu-City, 431-1202; Ohba, Akira

2016-01-28

We constructed a laboratory-size three-dimensional water-window x-ray microscope that combines wide-field transmission x-ray microscopy with tomographic reconstruction techniques. It consists of an electron-impact x-ray source emitting oxygen Kα x-rays, Wolter type I grazing incidence mirror optics, and a back-illuminated CCD for x-ray imaging. A spatial resolution limit better than 1.0 line pairs per micrometer was obtained for two-dimensional transmission images, and 1-μm-scale three-dimensional fine structures were resolved.

Microscopic theory of cation exchange in CdSe nanocrystals.

PubMed

Ott, Florian D; Spiegel, Leo L; Norris, David J; Erwin, Steven C

2014-10-10

Although poorly understood, cation-exchange reactions are increasingly used to dope or transform colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots). We use density-functional theory and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to develop a microscopic theory that explains structural, optical, and electronic changes observed experimentally in Ag-cation-exchanged CdSe nanocrystals. We find that Coulomb interactions, both between ionized impurities and with the polarized nanocrystal surface, play a key role in cation exchange. Our theory also resolves several experimental puzzles related to photoluminescence and electrical behavior in CdSe nanocrystals doped with Ag.

Importance of conduction electron correlation in a Kondo lattice, Ce₂CoSi₃.

PubMed

Patil, Swapnil; Pandey, Sudhir K; Medicherla, V R R; Singh, R S; Bindu, R; Sampathkumaran, E V; Maiti, Kalobaran

2010-06-30

Kondo systems are usually described by the interaction of the correlation induced local moments with the highly itinerant conduction electrons. Here, we study the role of electron correlations among conduction electrons in the electronic structure of a Kondo lattice compound, Ce₂CoSi₃, using high resolution photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio band structure calculations, where Co 3d electrons contribute in the conduction band. High energy resolution employed in the measurements helped to reveal the signatures of Ce 4f states derived Kondo resonance features at the Fermi level and the dominance of Co 3d contributions at higher binding energies in the conduction band. The lineshape of the experimental Co 3d band is found to be significantly different from that obtained from the band structure calculations within the local density approximations, LDA. Consideration of electron-electron Coulomb repulsion, U, among Co 3d electrons within the LDA + U method leads to a better representation of experimental results. The signature of an electron correlation induced satellite feature is also observed in the Co 2p core level spectrum. These results clearly demonstrate the importance of the electron correlation among conduction electrons in deriving the microscopic description of such Kondo systems.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on cellular structure of hippocampus in splenic asthenia pedo-rats].

PubMed

Yang, Zhuo-xin; Zhuo, Yuan-yuan; Yu, Hai-bo; Wang, Ning

2010-02-01

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on hippocampal structure in splenic asthenia pedo-rats. A total of 15 SD male rats were randomly assigned to normal control group (n=5), model group (n=5) and EA group (n=5). Splenic asthenic syndrome model was established by intragastric administration of rhubarb and intraperitoneal injection of Reserpine for 14 d. EA (1 mA, 3 Hz/iS Hz) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 20 mm, once a day for 14 days. The cellular structure of hippocampus was observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Optical microscopic observation showed that in normal control group, the cellular nucleus was distinct, and the granular cell layer well-arranged and tight. In model group, the intracellular space was widened, and the granular cell layer was out of order in the arrangement. In EA group, the celluldr nucleus and the granular cell layer were nearly normal. Results of the electronic microscope showed that cells in model group had a karyopyknosis with irregular appearance and clear incisure, and some of them presented dissolving and necrotic phenomena; and those in EA group were milder in injury, had nearly-normal nucleus with visible nucleoli and relatively-intact nuclear membrane. Regarding the cellular plasma, in comparison with rich normal organelles of control group, the mitochondria in model group were swelling, with vague, dissolved and broken cristae, while in EA group, majority of the organelles were well-kept, and slightly dissolved mitochondrial cristae found. In regard to the synaptic structure, in comparison with control group, synaptic apomorphosis and swelling mitochondria were found in model group While in EA group, milder swelling and hydropic degeneration were seen. Different from the distinct pre- and post-synaptic membrane and synaptic vesicles of control group, while those in EA group were nearly-normal. electroacupunture can effectively relieve splenasthenic syndrome induced pathohistological changes of neurons of the hippocampus in the rat.

Insight in the 3D morphology of silica-based nanotubes using electron microscopy.

PubMed

Dennenwaldt, Teresa; Wisnet, Andreas; Sedlmaier, Stefan J; Döblinger, Markus; Schnick, Wolfgang; Scheu, Christina

2016-11-01

Amorphous silica-based nanotubes (SBNTs) were synthesized from phosphoryl triamide, OP(NH 2 ) 3 , thiophosphoryl triamide, SP(NH 2 ) 3 , and silicon tetrachloride, SiCl 4 , at different temperatures and with varying amount of the starting material SiCl 4 using a recently developed template-free synthesis approach. Diameter and length of the SBNTs are tunable by varying the synthesis parameters. The 3D mesocrystals of the SBNTs were analyzed with focused ion beam sectioning and electron tomography in the transmission electron microscope showing the hollow tubular structure of the SBNTs. The reconstruction of a small SBNT assembly was achieved from a high-angle annular-dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy tilt series containing only thirteen images allowing analyzing beam sensitive material without altering the structure. The reconstruction revealed that the individual nanotubes are forming an interconnected array with an open channel structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atomic electron tomography: 3D structures without crystals

DOE PAGES

Miao, Jianwei; Ercius, Peter; Billinge, S. J. L.

2016-09-23

Crystallography has been fundamental to the development of many fields of science over the last century. However, much of our modern science and technology relies on materials with defects and disorders, and their three-dimensional (3D) atomic structures are not accessible to crystallography. One method capable of addressing this major challenge is atomic electron tomography. By combining advanced electron microscopes and detectors with powerful data analysis and tomographic reconstruction algorithms, it is now possible to determine the 3D atomic structure of crystal defects such as grain boundaries, stacking faults, dislocations, and point defects, as well as to precisely localize the 3Dmore » coordinates of individual atoms in materials without assuming crystallinity. In this work, we review the recent advances and the interdisciplinary science enabled by this methodology. We also outline further research needed for atomic electron tomography to address long-standing unresolved problems in the physical sciences.« less

In Situ Formation of Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulated within Boron Nitride Nanotubes via Electron Irradiation

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

Arenal, Raul; Lopez-Bezanilla, Alejandro

2014-07-25

We report experimental evidence of the formation by in situ electron-irradiation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (C NT) confined within boron nitride nanotubes (BN-NT). The electron radiation stemming from the microscope supplies the energy required by the amorphous carbonaceous structures to crystallize in a tubular form in a catalyst free procedure, at room temperature and high vacuum. The structural defects resulting from the interaction of the shapeless carbon with the BN nanotube are corrected in a self-healing process throughout the crystallinization. Structural changes developed during the irradiation process such as defects formation and evolution, shrinkage, and shortness of the BN-NT weremore » in situ monitored. The outer BN wall provides a protective and insulating shell against environmental Perturbations to the inner C-NT without affecting their electronic properties, as demonstrated by first principles calculations.« less

Structure and growth of the mesoscopic surfactant/silica thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Linbo

1999-10-01

We report the study of the structure and the growth of the mesoscopic surfactant/silica thin films. We use X-ray diffraction coupled with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and light scattering techniques to study the structure, lattice strain and the drying effect of the thin films as well as the growth kinetics and mechanism. The surfactant/silica materials are synthesized using the supramolecular assemblies of the surfactant molecules to template the condensation of the inorganic species. The subsequent calcination yields the mesoporous silica materials, which have many application properties such as unusual electronic, optical, magnetic and elastic characteristics. The films are grown on mica, graphite and silicon substrates in an acidic CTAC (Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride)/TEOS (Tetraethyl Orthosilicate) solution and are found to consist of the hexagonally packed tubules. The substrate plays an important role in the epitaxial arrangement of the film. We use the light scattering and cryo TEM to study the micelle morphology and aggregation in the solution and use synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction to study the growth of the film at the solid/liquid interfaces in-situ. An induction time is found followed by the growth of the film at a nonlinear growth rate. The induction time depends on the ratio of the concentrations of CTAC to TEOS in the high CTAC concentration regime. The growth kinetics and mechanism are elucidated in a context of a growth model. For the technological application, Micromolding in Capillaries (MIMIC) technique and the field guided growth are used to process the patterned mesoscopic surfactant/silica thin films and align the nanotubules into the desired orientation. X-ray diffraction characterization has been performed to study the structure and orientation of the thin films. The combined influence of the electric field and the confinement of the mold allows the synthesis of the surfactant/silica thin films with the controlled orientation.

Evolution of the magnesium incorporated amorphous calcium phosphate to nano-crystallized hydroxyapatite in alkaline solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao-Juan; Lin, Dong-Yang; Yan, Xiao-Hui; Wang, Xiao-Xiang

2011-12-01

A homogeneous amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) coating containing magnesium was achieved on titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition (ECD). Its amorphous structure is confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) together with grazing reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (IR) spectrometer. In the images of high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), the ACP spheres are assembled by nano-particles with the diameter of 5-10 nm. In the alkaline environment, nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) occurs on the surfaces of ACP spheres. By consuming the Ca and PO 4 ions inside the ACP spheres, the HAP nuclei grow outward. Confirmed by TEM, the ACP spheres converse to hollow HAP spheres composed of HAP nano-needles. The coating is finally constructed by the HAP nano-needles, which are themselves aggregated by numerous nano-particles.

Current at Metal-Organic Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kern, Klaus

2012-02-01

Charge transport through atomic and molecular constrictions greatly affects the operation and performance of organic electronic devices. Much of our understanding of the charge injection and extraction processes in these systems relays on our knowledge of the electronic structure at the metal-organic interface. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in studying charge transport in nanoscale junctions, a microscopic understanding at the single atom/molecule level is missing. In the present talk I will present our recent results to probe directly the nanocontact between single molecules and a metal electrode using scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy. The experiments provide unprecedented microscopic details of single molecule and atom junctions and open new avenues to study quantum critical and many body phenomena at the atomic scale. Implications for energy conversion devices and carbon based nanoelectronics will also be discussed.

High angular and spectral selectivity of purple emperor (Lepidoptera: Apatura iris and A. ilia) butterfly wings.

PubMed

Pantelić, Dejan; Curčić, Srećko; Savić-Šević, Svetlana; Korać, Aleksandra; Kovačević, Aleksander; Curčić, Božidar; Bokić, Bojana

2011-03-28

The iridescent features of the butterfly species Apatura iris (Linnaeus, 1758) and A. ilia (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) were studied. We recognized the structural color of scales only on the dorsal side of both the fore and hind wings of males of both of the aforementioned butterfly species. The scale dimensions and microstructure were analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The optical properties were measured and it was found that the peak reflectivity is around 380 nm, with a spectral width (full width at half maximum) of approximately 50 nm in both species. The angular selectivity is high and a purple iridescent color is observed within the angular range of only 18 degrees in both species.

A landmark-based 3D calibration strategy for SPM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritter, Martin; Dziomba, Thorsten; Kranzmann, Axel; Koenders, Ludger

2007-02-01

We present a new method for the complete three-dimensional (3D) calibration of scanning probe microscopes (SPM) and other high-resolution microscopes, e.g., scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopes (CLSM), by applying a 3D micrometre-sized reference structure with the shape of a cascade slope-step pyramid. The 3D reference structure was produced by focused ion beam induced metal deposition. In contrast to pitch featured calibration procedures that require separate lateral and vertical reference standards such as gratings and step height structures, the new method includes the use of landmarks, which are well established in calibration and measurement tasks on a larger scale. However, the landmarks applied to the new 3D reference structures are of sub-micrometre size, the so-called 'nanomarkers'. The nanomarker coordinates are used for a geometrical calibration of the scanning process of SPM as well as of other instrument types such as SEM and CLSM. For that purpose, a parameter estimation routine involving three scale factors and three coupling factors has been developed that allows lateral and vertical calibration in only one sampling step. With this new calibration strategy, we are able to detect deviations of SPM lateral scaling errors as well as coupling effects causing, e.g., a lateral coordinate shift depending on the measured height position of the probe.

Differential polarization nonlinear optical microscopy with adaptive optics controlled multiplexed beams.

PubMed

Samim, Masood; Sandkuijl, Daaf; Tretyakov, Ian; Cisek, Richard; Barzda, Virginijus

2013-09-09

Differential polarization nonlinear optical microscopy has the potential to become an indispensable tool for structural investigations of ordered biological assemblies and microcrystalline aggregates. Their microscopic organization can be probed through fast and sensitive measurements of nonlinear optical signal anisotropy, which can be achieved with microscopic spatial resolution by using time-multiplexed pulsed laser beams with perpendicular polarization orientations and photon-counting detection electronics for signal demultiplexing. In addition, deformable membrane mirrors can be used to correct for optical aberrations in the microscope and simultaneously optimize beam overlap using a genetic algorithm. The beam overlap can be achieved with better accuracy than diffraction limited point-spread function, which allows to perform polarization-resolved measurements on the pixel-by-pixel basis. We describe a newly developed differential polarization microscope and present applications of the differential microscopy technique for structural studies of collagen and cellulose. Both, second harmonic generation, and fluorescence-detected nonlinear absorption anisotropy are used in these investigations. It is shown that the orientation and structural properties of the fibers in biological tissue can be deduced and that the orientation of fluorescent molecules (Congo Red), which label the fibers, can be determined. Differential polarization microscopy sidesteps common issues such as photobleaching and sample movement. Due to tens of megahertz alternating polarization of excitation pulses fast data acquisition can be conveniently applied to measure changes in the nonlinear signal anisotropy in dynamically changing in vivo structures.

Beneficial reuse of fly ashes in geotechnical engineering with physicochemical and electron microscopic methods.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-06-01

The sedimentation behavior of fine grained soil is largely dependent on its pore fluid chemistry. Physicochemical properties of the : pore fluid, such as ionic strength and pH, could greatly influence the micro structure of kaolinite which in turn in...

Ultramicroscopic Structure of Intrasporangium calvum (Actinomycetales)

PubMed Central

Lechevalier, Hubert; Lechevalier, Mary P.

1969-01-01

The electron microscopic observation of vesicles formed by Intrasporangium calvum revealed that they do not contain spores. It thus seems that these vesicles should not be called sporangia. Isolation and study of three other strains of actinomycetes forming similar vesicles indicated that such structures can be formed by actinomycetes with very different properties. The taxonomic value of vesicle formation in actinomycetes is questioned. Images PMID:5344111

Structure-phase state and mechanical properties of surface layers in titanium nikelide single crystals after shock mechanical treatment

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

Surikova, N., E-mail: surikova@ispms.tsc.ru; Panin, V., E-mail: paninve@ispms.tsc.ru; Vlasov, I.

2015-10-27

The influence of ultrasonic shock surface treatment (USST) on refine structure and mechanical characteristics of surface layers and deformation behaviour of volume samples of TiNi(Fe, Mo) shape memory effect alloy single crystals is studied using optical and transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, mechanical attrition testing and experiments on uniaxial tension.

Structure-phase state and mechanical properties of surface layers in titanium nikelide single crystals after shock mechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surikova, N.; Panin, V.; Vlasov, I.; Narkevich, N.; Surikov, N.; Tolmachev, A.

2015-10-01

The influence of ultrasonic shock surface treatment (USST) on refine structure and mechanical characteristics of surface layers and deformation behaviour of volume samples of TiNi(Fe, Mo) shape memory effect alloy single crystals is studied using optical and transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, mechanical attrition testing and experiments on uniaxial tension.

A high-resolution combined scanning laser and widefield polarizing microscope for imaging at temperatures from 4 K to 300 K.

PubMed

Lange, M; Guénon, S; Lever, F; Kleiner, R; Koelle, D

2017-12-01

Polarized light microscopy, as a contrast-enhancing technique for optically anisotropic materials, is a method well suited for the investigation of a wide variety of effects in solid-state physics, as, for example, birefringence in crystals or the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). We present a microscopy setup that combines a widefield microscope and a confocal scanning laser microscope with polarization-sensitive detectors. By using a high numerical aperture objective, a spatial resolution of about 240 nm at a wavelength of 405 nm is achieved. The sample is mounted on a 4 He continuous flow cryostat providing a temperature range between 4 K and 300 K, and electromagnets are used to apply magnetic fields of up to 800 mT with variable in-plane orientation and 20 mT with out-of-plane orientation. Typical applications of the polarizing microscope are the imaging of the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization via the longitudinal and polar MOKE, imaging of magnetic flux structures in superconductors covered with a magneto-optical indicator film via the Faraday effect, or imaging of structural features, such as twin-walls in tetragonal SrTiO 3 . The scanning laser microscope furthermore offers the possibility to gain local information on electric transport properties of a sample by detecting the beam-induced voltage change across a current-biased sample. This combination of magnetic, structural, and electric imaging capabilities makes the microscope a viable tool for research in the fields of oxide electronics, spintronics, magnetism, and superconductivity.

A high-resolution combined scanning laser and widefield polarizing microscope for imaging at temperatures from 4 K to 300 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lange, M.; Guénon, S.; Lever, F.; Kleiner, R.; Koelle, D.

2017-12-01

Polarized light microscopy, as a contrast-enhancing technique for optically anisotropic materials, is a method well suited for the investigation of a wide variety of effects in solid-state physics, as, for example, birefringence in crystals or the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). We present a microscopy setup that combines a widefield microscope and a confocal scanning laser microscope with polarization-sensitive detectors. By using a high numerical aperture objective, a spatial resolution of about 240 nm at a wavelength of 405 nm is achieved. The sample is mounted on a 4He continuous flow cryostat providing a temperature range between 4 K and 300 K, and electromagnets are used to apply magnetic fields of up to 800 mT with variable in-plane orientation and 20 mT with out-of-plane orientation. Typical applications of the polarizing microscope are the imaging of the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization via the longitudinal and polar MOKE, imaging of magnetic flux structures in superconductors covered with a magneto-optical indicator film via the Faraday effect, or imaging of structural features, such as twin-walls in tetragonal SrTiO3. The scanning laser microscope furthermore offers the possibility to gain local information on electric transport properties of a sample by detecting the beam-induced voltage change across a current-biased sample. This combination of magnetic, structural, and electric imaging capabilities makes the microscope a viable tool for research in the fields of oxide electronics, spintronics, magnetism, and superconductivity.

Relative merits and limiting factors for x-ray and electron microscopy of thick, hydrated organic materials.

PubMed

Du, Ming; Jacobsen, Chris

2018-01-01

Electron and x-ray microscopes allow one to image the entire, unlabeled structure of hydrated materials at a resolution well beyond what visible light microscopes can achieve. However, both approaches involve ionizing radiation, so that radiation damage must be considered as one of the limits to imaging. Drawing upon earlier work, we describe here a unified approach to estimating the image contrast (and thus the required exposure and corresponding radiation dose) in both x-ray and electron microscopy. This approach accounts for factors such as plural and inelastic scattering, and (in electron microscopy) the use of energy filters to obtain so-called "zero loss" images. As expected, it shows that electron microscopy offers lower dose for specimens thinner than about 1 µm (such as for studies of macromolecules, viruses, bacteria and archaebacteria, and thin sectioned material), while x-ray microscopy offers superior characteristics for imaging thicker specimen such as whole eukaryotic cells, thick-sectioned tissues, and organs. The required radiation dose scales strongly as a function of the desired spatial resolution, allowing one to understand the limits of live and frozen hydrated specimen imaging. Finally, we consider the factors limiting x-ray microscopy of thicker materials, suggesting that specimens as thick as a whole mouse brain can be imaged with x-ray microscopes without significant image degradation should appropriate image reconstruction methods be identified. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

New hardware and workflows for semi-automated correlative cryo-fluorescence and cryo-electron microscopy/tomography.

PubMed

Schorb, Martin; Gaechter, Leander; Avinoam, Ori; Sieckmann, Frank; Clarke, Mairi; Bebeacua, Cecilia; Bykov, Yury S; Sonnen, Andreas F-P; Lihl, Reinhard; Briggs, John A G

2017-02-01

Correlative light and electron microscopy allows features of interest defined by fluorescence signals to be located in an electron micrograph of the same sample. Rare dynamic events or specific objects can be identified, targeted and imaged by electron microscopy or tomography. To combine it with structural studies using cryo-electron microscopy or tomography, fluorescence microscopy must be performed while maintaining the specimen vitrified at liquid-nitrogen temperatures and in a dry environment during imaging and transfer. Here we present instrumentation, software and an experimental workflow that improves the ease of use, throughput and performance of correlated cryo-fluorescence and cryo-electron microscopy. The new cryo-stage incorporates a specially modified high-numerical aperture objective lens and provides a stable and clean imaging environment. It is combined with a transfer shuttle for contamination-free loading of the specimen. Optimized microscope control software allows automated acquisition of the entire specimen area by cryo-fluorescence microscopy. The software also facilitates direct transfer of the fluorescence image and associated coordinates to the cryo-electron microscope for subsequent fluorescence-guided automated imaging. Here we describe these technological developments and present a detailed workflow, which we applied for automated cryo-electron microscopy and tomography of various specimens. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electric-field-induced domain intersection in BaTiO3 single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ming; Wang, Mengxia; Zhang, Zhihua

2017-03-01

Large-angle convergent beam electron diffraction was used to determine the directions of polarization vectors in a BaTiO3 single crystal. Domain intersections driven by an electric field were investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy. The dark triangles observed in the domain intersection region can be accounted for by dislocations and the strain field. Domains nucleate at the domain tip depending on the dislocations and strain field to relieve the accumulated stress. Schematic representations of the intersecting domains and the microscopic structure are given, clarifying the special electric-field-induced domain structure.

Measurement of Strain and Stress Distributions in Structural Materials by Electron Moiré Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kishimoto, Satoshi; Xing, Yougming; Tanaka, Yoshihisa; Kagawa, Yutaka

A method for measuring the strain and stress distributions in structural materials has been introduced. Fine model grids were fabricated by electron beam lithography, and an electron beam scan by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used as the master grid. Exposure of the electron beam scan onto the model grid in an SEM produced the electron beam moiré fringes of bright and dark parts caused by the different amounts of the secondary electrons per a primary electron. For demonstration, the micro-creep deformation of pure copper was observed. The creep strain distribution and the grain boundary sliding were analyzed. The residual strain and stress at the interface between a fiber and a matrix of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) were measured using the pushing-out test and this electron moiré method. Also, a non-uniform deformation around the boundary of 3-point bended laminated steel was observed and the strain distribution analyzed.

Electron cryo-tomography captures macromolecular complexes in native environments.

PubMed

Baker, Lindsay A; Grange, Michael; Grünewald, Kay

2017-10-01

Transmission electron microscopy has a long history in cellular biology. Fixed and stained samples have been used for cellular imaging for over 50 years, but suffer from sample preparation induced artifacts. Electron cryo-tomography (cryoET) instead uses frozen-hydrated samples, without chemical modification, to determine the structure of macromolecular complexes in their native environment. Recent developments in electron microscopes and associated technologies have greatly expanded our ability to visualize cellular features and determine the structures of macromolecular complexes in situ. This review highlights the technological improvements and the new areas of biology these advances have made accessible. We discuss the potential of cryoET to reveal novel and significant biological information on the nanometer or subnanometer scale, and directions for further work. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Determination of scattering structures from spatial coherence measurements.

PubMed

Zarubin, A M

1996-03-01

A new method of structure determination and microscopic imaging with short-wavelength radiations (charged particles, X-rays, neutrons), based on measurements of the modulus and the phase of the degree of spatial coherence of the scattered radiation, is developed. The underlying principle of the method--transfer of structural information about the scattering potential via spatial coherence of the secondary (scattering) source of radiation formed by this potential--is expressed by the generalization of the van Cittert-Zernike theorem to wave and particle scattering [A.M. Zarubin, Opt. Commun. 100 (1993) 491; Opt. Commun. 102 (1993) 543]. Shearing interferometric techniques are proposed for implementing the above measurements; the limits of spatial resolution attainable by reconstruction of the absolute square of a 3D scattering potential and its 2D projections from the measurements are analyzed. It is shown theoretically that 3D imaging with atomic resolution can be realized in a "synthetic aperture" electron or ion microscope and that a 3D resolution of about 6 nm can be obtained with a "synthetic aperture" X-ray microscope. A proof-of-principle optical experiment is presented.

Nanoscale inhomogeneity and photoacid generation dynamics in extreme ultraviolet resist materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ping-Jui; Wang, Yu-Fu; Chen, Wei-Chi; Wang, Chien-Wei; Cheng, Joy; Chang, Vencent; Chang, Ching-Yu; Lin, John; Cheng, Yuan-Chung

2018-03-01

The development of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography towards the 22 nm node and beyond depends critically on the availability of resist materials that meet stringent control requirements in resolution, line edge roughness, and sensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the structure-function relationships in current EUV resist systems are not well understood. In particular, the nanoscale structures of the polymer base and the distributions of photoacid generators (PAGs) should play a critical roles in the performance of a resist system, yet currently available models for photochemical reactions in EUV resist systems are exclusively based on homogeneous bulk models that ignore molecular-level details of solid resist films. In this work, we investigate how microscopic molecular organizations in EUV resist affect photoacid generations in a bottom-up approach that describes structure-dependent electron-transfer dynamics in a solid film model. To this end, molecular dynamics simulations and stimulated annealing are used to obtain structures of a large simulation box containing poly(4-hydroxystyrene) (PHS) base polymers and triphenylsulfonium based PAGs. Our calculations reveal that ion-pair interactions govern the microscopic distributions of the polymer base and PAG molecules, resulting in a highly inhomogeneous system with nonuniform nanoscale chemical domains. Furthermore, the theoretical structures were used in combination of quantum chemical calculations and the Marcus theory to evaluate electron transfer rates between molecular sites, and then kinetic Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to model electron transfer dynamics with molecular structure details taken into consideration. As a result, the portion of thermalized electrons that are absorbed by the PAGs and the nanoscale spatial distribution of generated acids can be estimated. Our data reveal that the nanoscale inhomogeneous distributions of base polymers and PAGs strongly affect the electron transfer and the performance of the resist system. The implications to the performances of EUV resists and key engineering requirements for improved resist systems will also be discussed in this work. Our results shed light on the fundamental structure dependence of photoacid generation and the control of the nanoscale structures as well as base polymer-PAG interactions in EVU resist systems, and we expect these knowledge will be useful for the future development of improved EUV resist systems.

Bright-field electron tomography of individual inorganic fullerene-like structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bar Sadan, Maya; Wolf, Sharon G.; Houben, Lothar

2010-03-01

Nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles of various inorganic layered compounds have been studied extensively in recent years. Their characterisation on the atomic scale has proven essential for progress in synthesis as well as for the theoretical modelling of their physical properties. We show that with electron tomography it is possible to achieve a reliable reconstruction of the 3D structure of nested WS2 or MoS2 fullerene-like and nanotube structures with sub-nanometre resolution using electron microscopes that are not aberration-corrected. Model-based simulations were used to identify imaging parameters, under which structural features such as the shell structure can be retained in the tomogram reconstructed from bright-field micrographs. The isolation of a particle out of an agglomerate for the analysis of a single structure and its interconnection with other particles is facilitated through the tomograms. The internal structure of the layers within the particle alongside the shape and content of its internal void are reconstructed. The tomographic reconstruction yields insights regarding the growth process as well as structural defects, such as non-continuous layers, which relate to the lubrication properties.Nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles of various inorganic layered compounds have been studied extensively in recent years. Their characterisation on the atomic scale has proven essential for progress in synthesis as well as for the theoretical modelling of their physical properties. We show that with electron tomography it is possible to achieve a reliable reconstruction of the 3D structure of nested WS2 or MoS2 fullerene-like and nanotube structures with sub-nanometre resolution using electron microscopes that are not aberration-corrected. Model-based simulations were used to identify imaging parameters, under which structural features such as the shell structure can be retained in the tomogram reconstructed from bright-field micrographs. The isolation of a particle out of an agglomerate for the analysis of a single structure and its interconnection with other particles is facilitated through the tomograms. The internal structure of the layers within the particle alongside the shape and content of its internal void are reconstructed. The tomographic reconstruction yields insights regarding the growth process as well as structural defects, such as non-continuous layers, which relate to the lubrication properties. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Figs. S1 and S2 and movies S1-S6. See DOI: 10.1039/b9nr00251k

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.

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.

Lattice relations and solidification of the complex regular eutectic (Cr,Fe)-(Cr,Fe)23C6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Hsuan-Han; Hsieh, Chih-Chun; Lin, Chi-Ming; Wu, Weite

2017-05-01

The eutectic (Cr,Fe)-(Cr,Fe)23C6 showed a triaxial fishbone structure and could be categorized as a "complex regular structure". In this study, the lattice relations of the fishbone (Cr,Fe)23C6 were examined and the solidification process was observed using a transmission electron microscope and a confocal laser scanning microscope. For one of the three fish bones in a eutectic cell, parallel (Cr,Fe)23C6 lamellas at one side of the spine had the same lattice direction, as did those in the (Cr,Fe) phase. The lattices of neighboring (Cr,Fe)23C6 and (Cr,Fe) phases were not coherent. Lamellar (Cr,Fe)23C6 on opposite sides of a spine had different lattice directions, and their lattice boundary was in the spine. By using the confocal laser scanning microscope, the solidification of lamellar eutectic structure could be observed. At the low cooling rate of 5 o C·min-1, parallel lamellas would grow thick blocks instead of thin plates. To obtain a thin lamellar eutectic structure, the cooling rate should be higher, like the rate in welding.

Effects of Structural Deformation and Tube Chirality on Electronic Conductance of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Svizhenko, Alexei; Maiti, Amitesh; Anantram, M. P.; Biegel, Bryan A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A combination of large scale classical force-field (UFF), density functional theory (DFT), and tight-binding Green's function transport calculations is used to study the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes under the twist, bending, and atomic force microscope (AFM)-tip deformation. We found that in agreement with experiment a significant change in electronic conductance can be induced by AFM-tip deformation of metallic zigzag tubes and by twist deformation of armchair tubes. The effect is explained in terms of bandstructure change under deformation.

Experimental observation of boron nitride chains.

PubMed

Cretu, Ovidiu; Komsa, Hannu-Pekka; Lehtinen, Ossi; Algara-Siller, Gerardo; Kaiser, Ute; Suenaga, Kazu; Krasheninnikov, Arkady V

2014-12-23

We report the formation and characterization of boron nitride atomic chains. The chains were made from hexagonal boron nitride sheets using the electron beam inside a transmission electron microscope. We find that the stability and lifetime of the chains are significantly improved when they are supported by another boron nitride layer. With the help of first-principles calculations, we prove the heteroatomic structure of the chains and determine their mechanical and electronic properties. Our study completes the analogy between various boron nitride and carbon polymorphs, in accordance with earlier theoretical predictions.

Structural, Optical and Ethanol Sensing Properties of Dy-Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, F. I.; Chikhale, L. P.; Nadargi, D. Y.; Mulla, I. S.; Suryavanshi, S. S.

2018-04-01

We report a facile co-precipitation synthesis of dysprosium (Dy3+) doped tin oxide (SnO2) thick films and their use as gas sensors. The doping percentage (Dy3+) was varied from 1 mol.% to 4 mol.% with the step of 1 mol.%. As-produced material with varying doping levels were sintered in air; and by using a screen printing technique, their thick films were developed. Prior to sensing performance investigations, the films were examined for structural, morphological and compositional properties using x-ray diffraction, a field emission scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope, selected area electron diffraction, energy dispersive analysis by x-rays, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The structural analyses revealed formation of single phase nanocrystalline material with tetragonal rutile structure of SnO2. The morphological analyses confirmed the nanocrystalline porous morphology of as-developed material. Elemental analysis defined the composition of material in accordance with the doping concentration. The produced sensor material exhibited good response towards different reducing gases (acetone, ethanol, LPG, and ammonia) at different operating temperatures. The present study confirms that the Dy3+ doping in SnO2 enhances the response towards ethanol with reduction in operating temperature. Particularly, 3 mol.% Dy3+ doped sensor exhibited the highest response (˜ 92%) at an operating temperature of 300°C with better selectivity, fast response (˜ 13 s) and recovery (˜ 22 s) towards ethanol.

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.

Influence of Al grain boundaries segregations and La-doping on embrittlement of intermetallic NiAl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalev, Anatoly I.; Wainstein, Dmitry L.; Rashkovskiy, Alexander Yu.

2015-11-01

The microscopic nature of intergranular fracture of NiAl was experimentally investigated by the set of electron spectroscopy techniques. The paper demonstrates that embrittlement of NiAl intermetallic compound is caused by ordering of atomic structure that leads to formation of structural aluminum segregations at grain boundaries (GB). Such segregations contain high number of brittle covalent interatomic bonds. The alloying by La increases the ductility of material avoiding Al GB enrichment and disordering GB atomic structure. The influence of La alloying on NiAl mechanical properties was investigated. GB chemical composition, atomic and electronic structure transformations after La doping were investigated by AES, XPS and EELFS techniques. To qualify the interatomic bonds metallicity the Fermi level (EF) position and electrons density (neff) in conduction band were determined in both undoped and doped NiAl. Basing on experimental results the physical model of GB brittleness formation was proposed.

A study of structural and mechanical properties of nano-crystalline tungsten nitride film synthesis by plasma focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussnain, Ali; Singh Rawat, Rajdeep; Ahmad, Riaz; Hussain, Tousif; Umar, Z. A.; Ikhlaq, Uzma; Chen, Zhong; Shen, Lu

2015-02-01

Nano-crystalline tungsten nitride thin films are synthesized on AISI-304 steel at room temperature using Mather-type plasma focus system. The surface properties of the exposed substrate against different deposition shots are examined for crystal structure, surface morphology and mechanical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope and nano-indenter. The XRD results show the growth of WN and WN2 phases and the development of strain/stress in the deposited films by varying the number of deposition shots. Morphology of deposited films shows the significant change in the surface structure with different ion energy doses (number of deposition shots). Due to the effect of different ion energy doses, the strain/stress developed in the deposited film leads to an improvement of hardness of deposited films.

Observing microscopic structures of a relativistic object using a time-stretch strategy.

PubMed

Roussel, E; Evain, C; Le Parquier, M; Szwaj, C; Bielawski, S; Manceron, L; Brubach, J-B; Tordeux, M-A; Ricaud, J-P; Cassinari, L; Labat, M; Couprie, M-E; Roy, P

2015-05-28

Emission of light by a single electron moving on a curved trajectory (synchrotron radiation) is one of the most well-known fundamental radiation phenomena. However experimental situations are more complex as they involve many electrons, each being exposed to the radiation of its neighbors. This interaction has dramatic consequences, one of the most spectacular being the spontaneous formation of spatial structures inside electrons bunches. This fundamental effect is actively studied as it represents one of the most fundamental limitations in electron accelerators, and at the same time a source of intense terahertz radiation (Coherent Synchrotron Radiation, or CSR). Here we demonstrate the possibility to directly observe the electron bunch microstructures with subpicosecond resolution, in a storage ring accelerator. The principle is to monitor the terahertz pulses emitted by the structures, using a strategy from photonics, time-stretch, consisting in slowing-down the phenomena before recording. This opens the way to unpreceeded possibilities for analyzing and mastering new generation high power coherent synchrotron sources.

Observing microscopic structures of a relativistic object using a time-stretch strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roussel, E.; Evain, C.; Le Parquier, M.; Szwaj, C.; Bielawski, S.; Manceron, L.; Brubach, J.-B.; Tordeux, M.-A.; Ricaud, J.-P.; Cassinari, L.; Labat, M.; Couprie, M.-E.; Roy, P.

2015-05-01

Emission of light by a single electron moving on a curved trajectory (synchrotron radiation) is one of the most well-known fundamental radiation phenomena. However experimental situations are more complex as they involve many electrons, each being exposed to the radiation of its neighbors. This interaction has dramatic consequences, one of the most spectacular being the spontaneous formation of spatial structures inside electrons bunches. This fundamental effect is actively studied as it represents one of the most fundamental limitations in electron accelerators, and at the same time a source of intense terahertz radiation (Coherent Synchrotron Radiation, or CSR). Here we demonstrate the possibility to directly observe the electron bunch microstructures with subpicosecond resolution, in a storage ring accelerator. The principle is to monitor the terahertz pulses emitted by the structures, using a strategy from photonics, time-stretch, consisting in slowing-down the phenomena before recording. This opens the way to unpreceeded possibilities for analyzing and mastering new generation high power coherent synchrotron sources.

SPE-LEEM Studies on the Surface and Electronic Structure of 2-D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Po-Chun; Jin, Wencan; Zaki, Nader; Zhang, Datong; Sadowski, Jerzy; Al-Mahboob, Abdullah; van de Zande, Arend; Chenet, Daniel; Dadap, Jerry; Herman, Irving; Sutter, Petter; Hone, James; Osgood, Richard

2014-03-01

In this work, we studied the surface and electronic structure of monolayer and few-layer exfoliated MoS2 and WSe2, as well as chemical-vapor-deposition (CVD) grown MoS2, using Spectroscopic Photoemission and Low Energy Electron Microscope (SPE-LEEM). LEEM measurements reveal that, unlike exfoliated MoS2, CVD-grown MoS2 exhibits grain-boundary alterations due to surface strain. However, LEEM and micro-probe low energy electron diffraction show that the quality of CVD-grown MoS2 is comparable to that of exfoliated MoS2. Micrometer-scale angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurement on exfoliated MoS2 and WSe2 single-crystals provides direct evidence for the shifting of the valence band maximum from Γ to K, when the layer number is thinned down to one, as predicted by density functional theory. Our measurements of the k-space resolved electronic structure allow for further comparison with other theoretical predictions and with transport measurements. Session I and II

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.

Correlation of doping, structure, and carrier dynamics in a single GaN nanorod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiang; Lu, Ming-Yen; Lu, Yu-Jung; Gwo, Shangjr; Gradečak, Silvija

2013-06-01

We report the nanoscale optical investigation of a single GaN p-n junction nanorod by cathodoluminescence (CL) in a scanning transmission electron microscope. CL emission characteristic of dopant-related transitions was correlated to doping and structural defect in the nanorod, and used to determine p-n junction position and minority carrier diffusion lengths of 650 nm and 165 nm for electrons and holes, respectively. Temperature-dependent CL study reveals an activation energy of 19 meV for non-radiative recombination in Mg-doped GaN nanorods. These results directly correlate doping, structure, carrier dynamics, and optical properties of GaN nanostructure, and provide insights for device design and fabrication.

Influence of Cu substitution on the structural ordering, photocatalytic activity and photoluminescence emission of Ag3-2xCuxPO4 powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, Wyllamanney da S.; Sczancoski, Júlio C.; Calderon, Yormary N. C.; Mastelaro, Valmor R.; Botelho, Gleice; Machado, Thales R.; Leite, Edson R.; Longo, Elson

2018-05-01

Materials presenting high photocatalytic performance and interesting photoluminescence emissions are promising candidates for photodegradation of organic pollutants discharged into natural waters as well as for development of new electro-optical devices, respectively. In this study, Ag3-2xCuxPO4 (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08) powders were synthesized by the precipitation method. The long- and short-range structural ordering was affected when the copper (Cu) content was increased in the lattice, as identified by X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed a particle system composed of irregular spherical-like microcrystals. The presence of Cu as well as its real amount in the samples were confirmed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, respectively. On increasing Cu level, a slight variation was noted on the photocatalytic activity of Ag3-2xCuxPO4 powders for degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. A photodegradation mechanism was proposed in details. The photoluminescence emissions were explained by electronic transitions involving intermediary energy levels in the band gap. The origin these energy levels was related to defects caused by the substitution of Ag by Cu in the crystalline structure.

The influence of temperature on a nutty-cake structural material: LiMn1-xFexPO4 composite with LiFePO4 core and carbon outer layer for lithium-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Zhen-Qing; Cui, Yu-Ting; Wang, Dan; Dong, Yue; Chen, Li

2014-01-01

The extremely low electronic conductivity, slow ion diffusion kinetics, and the Jahn-Teller effect of LiMnPO4 limit its electrochemical performance. In this work, a nutty-cake structural C-LiMn1-xFexPO4-LiFePO4 cathode material is synthesized by hydrothermal method and further calcined at different temperatures. The influence of calcination temperature on the electrochemical behavior is investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, field-emission high-resolution transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and charge-discharge tests. And the performance of C-LiMn1-xFexPO4-LiFePO4 materials has a relationship with its crystal structure. The well-crystallized Sample-600 calcined at 600 °C shows the smallest charge transfer resistance, the largest lithium ion diffusion coefficient (DLi) and the best cycling stability. The discharge capacity of Sample-600 holds around 112 mAh g-1 after the 3rd cycle at 0.1 C rate. The performances improvement of C-LiMn1-xFexPO4-LiFePO4 material can be mainly attributed to the iron diffusion from the LiFePO4 core to the outer LiMnPO4 layer under appropriate calcination temperature.

Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopic study of irradiation induced nano-crystallization of nickel in a W/Ni multilayer.

PubMed

Bagchi, Sharmistha; Lalla, N P

2008-06-11

The present study reports the cross-sectional transmission electron microscopic investigations of swift heavy ion-irradiation induced nano-size recrystallization of Ni in a nearly immiscible W/Ni multilayer structure. Multilayer structures (MLS) of [W(25 Å)/Ni(25 Å)](10BL) were grown on Si-(100) substrate by the ion-beam sputtering technique. The as-synthesized MLS were subjected to 120 MeV-Au(9+) ion-irradiation to a fluence of ∼5 × 10(13) ions cm(-2). Wide-angle x-ray diffraction studies of pristine as well as irradiated W/Ni multilayers show deterioration of the superlattice structure, whereas x-ray reflectivity (XRR) measurement reveals a nearly unaffected microstructure after irradiation. Analysis of the XRR data using 'Parratt's formalism' does show a significant increase of W/Ni interface roughness. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies carried out in diffraction and imaging modes (including bright-field and dark-field imaging), show that at high irradiation dose the intralayer microstructure of Ni becomes nano-crystalline (1-2 nm). During these irradiation induced changes of the intralayer microstructure, the interlayer definition of the W and Ni layers still remains intact. The observed nano-recrystallization of Ni has been attributed to competition between low miscibility of the W/Ni interface and the ion-beam induced mixing kinetics.

Electron microscopic study of soot particulate matter emissions from aircraft turbine engines.

PubMed

Liati, Anthi; Brem, Benjamin T; Durdina, Lukas; Vögtli, Melanie; Dasilva, Yadira Arroyo Rojas; Eggenschwiler, Panayotis Dimopoulos; Wang, Jing

2014-09-16

The microscopic characteristics of soot particulate matter (PM) in gas turbine exhaust are critical for an accurate assessment of the potential impacts of the aviation industry on the environment and human health. The morphology and internal structure of soot particles emitted from a CFM 56-7B26/3 turbofan engine were analyzed in an electron microscopic study, down to the nanoscale, for ∼ 100%, ∼ 65%, and ∼ 7% static engine thrust as a proxy for takeoff, cruising, and taxiing, respectively. Sampling was performed directly on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids with a state-of-the-art sampling system designed for nonvolatile particulate matter. The electron microscopy results reveal that ∼ 100% thrust produces the highest amount of soot, the highest soot particle volume, and the largest and most crystalline primary soot particles with the lowest oxidative reactivity. The opposite is the case for soot produced during taxiing, where primary soot particles are smallest and most reactive and the soot amount and volume are lowest. The microscopic characteristics of cruising condition soot resemble the ones of the ∼ 100% thrust conditions, but they are more moderate. Real time online measurements of number and mass concentration show also a clear correlation with engine thrust level, comparable with the TEM study. The results of the present work, in particular the small size of primary soot particles present in the exhaust (modes of 24, 20, and 13 nm in diameter for ∼ 100%, ∼ 65% and ∼ 7% engine thrust, respectively) could be a concern for human health and the environment and merit further study. This work further emphasizes the significance of the detailed morphological characteristics of soot for assessing environmental impacts.

Anisotropic high-harmonic generation in bulk crystals

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

You, Yong Sing; Reis, David A.; Ghimire, Shambhu

2016-11-21

The microscopic valence electron density determines the optical, electronic, structural and thermal properties of materials. However, current techniques for measuring this electron charge density are limited: for example, scanning tunnelling microscopy is confined to investigations at the surface, and electron diffraction requires very thin samples to avoid multiple scattering. Therefore, an optical method is desirable for measuring the valence charge density of bulk materials. Since the discovery of high-harmonic generation (HHG) in solids, there has been growing interest in using HHG to probe the electronic structure of solids. Here, using single-crystal MgO, we demonstrate that high-harmonic generation in solids ismore » sensitive to interatomic bonding. We find that harmonic efficiency is enhanced (diminished) for semi-classical electron trajectories that connect (avoid) neighbouring atomic sites in the crystal. Finally, these results indicate the possibility of using materials’ own electrons for retrieving the interatomic potential and thus the valence electron density, and perhaps even wavefunctions, in an all-optical setting.« less

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.

Bulk sensitive hard x-ray photoemission electron microscopy

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

Patt, M., E-mail: m.patt@fz-juelich.de; Wiemann, C.; Weber, N.

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) has now matured into a well-established technique as a bulk sensitive probe of the electronic structure due to the larger escape depth of the highly energetic electrons. In order to enable HAXPES studies with high lateral resolution, we have set up a dedicated energy-filtered hard x-ray photoemission electron microscope (HAXPEEM) working with electron kinetic energies up to 10 keV. It is based on the NanoESCA design and also preserves the performance of the instrument in the low and medium energy range. In this way, spectromicroscopy can be performed from threshold to hard x-ray photoemission. Themore » high potential of the HAXPEEM approach for the investigation of buried layers and structures has been shown already on a layered and structured SrTiO{sub 3} sample. Here, we present results of experiments with test structures to elaborate the imaging and spectroscopic performance of the instrument and show the capabilities of the method to image bulk properties. Additionally, we introduce a method to determine the effective attenuation length of photoelectrons in a direct photoemission experiment.« less

Structural organization of poliovirus RNA replication is mediated by viral proteins of the P2 genomic region

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

Bienz, K.; Egger, D.; Troxler, M.

1990-03-01

Transcriptionally active replication complexes bound to smooth membrane vesicles were isolated from poliovirus-infected cells. In electron microscopic, negatively stained preparations, the replication complex appeared as an irregularly shaped, oblong structure attached to several virus-induced vesicles of a rosettelike arrangement. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry of such preparations demonstrated that the poliovirus replication complex contains the proteins coded by the P2 genomic region (P2 proteins) in a membrane-associated form. In addition, the P2 proteins are also associated with viral RNA, and they can be cross-linked to viral RNA by UV irradiation. Guanidine hydrochloride prevented the P2 proteins from becoming membrane bound but didmore » not change their association with viral RNA. The findings allow the conclusion that the protein 2C or 2C-containing precursor(s) is responsible for the attachment of the viral RNA to the vesicular membrane and for the spatial organization of the replication complex necessary for its proper functioning in viral transcription. A model for the structure of the viral replication complex and for the function of the 2C-containing P2 protein(s) and the vesicular membranes is proposed.« less

Characterization and manipulation of individual defects in insulating hexagonal boron nitride using scanning tunnelling microscopy.

PubMed

Wong, Dillon; Velasco, Jairo; Ju, Long; Lee, Juwon; Kahn, Salman; Tsai, Hsin-Zon; Germany, Chad; Taniguchi, Takashi; Watanabe, Kenji; Zettl, Alex; Wang, Feng; Crommie, Michael F

2015-11-01

Defects play a key role in determining the properties and technological applications of nanoscale materials and, because they tend to be highly localized, characterizing them at the single-defect level is of particular importance. Scanning tunnelling microscopy has long been used to image the electronic structure of individual point defects in conductors, semiconductors and ultrathin films, but such single-defect electronic characterization remains an elusive goal for intrinsic bulk insulators. Here, we show that individual native defects in an intrinsic bulk hexagonal boron nitride insulator can be characterized and manipulated using a scanning tunnelling microscope. This would typically be impossible due to the lack of a conducting drain path for electrical current. We overcome this problem by using a graphene/boron nitride heterostructure, which exploits the atomically thin nature of graphene to allow the visualization of defect phenomena in the underlying bulk boron nitride. We observe three different defect structures that we attribute to defects within the bulk insulating boron nitride. Using scanning tunnelling spectroscopy we obtain charge and energy-level information for these boron nitride defect structures. We also show that it is possible to manipulate the defects through voltage pulses applied to the scanning tunnelling microscope tip.

Crystal Structure, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Mn-Doped BiFeO₃ by Hydrothermal Synthesis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ning; Wei, Qinhua; Qin, Laishun; Chen, Da; Chen, Zhi; Niu, Feng; Wang, Jiangying; Huanag, Yuexiang

2017-01-01

In this paper, Mn doped BiFeO₃ were firstly synthesized by hydrothermal process. The influence of Mn doping on structural, optical and magnetic properties of BiFeO₃ was studied. The different amounts of Mn doping in BiFeO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of pure phase rhombohedral structure in BiFe(1−x) Mn (x) O₃ (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) samples. The morphologies and chemical compositions of as-prepared samples could be observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscope (EDS). A relative large saturated magnetization (Ms) of 0.53 emu/g for x = 0.07 sample was obtained at room temperature, which is considered to be Mn ions doping. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed strong absorption of light in the range of 200–1000 nm, indicating the optical band gap in the visible region for these samples. This implied that BiFe(1−x) Mn(x)O₃ may be a potential photocatalyst for utilizing solar energy.

A simple method for environmental cell depressurization for use with an electron microscope.

PubMed

Ogawa, Naoki; Mizokawa, Ryo; Saito, Minoru; Ishikawa, Akira

2017-12-01

With the aid of the environmental cell (EC) in electron microscopy, hydrated specimens have been observed at high resolutions that optical microscopy cannot attain. Due to the ultra-high vacuum conditions of the inner column of the electron microscope, the EC requires sealing films that are sufficiently thin to allow electron transmission and that are sufficiently tough to withstand the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the EC. However, most hydrated specimens can be observed at low vacuum because the saturated vapor pressure of water is known to be 0.02 atm at room temperature. These concepts have been used in the differential pumping system, but it is complicated and relatively expensive. In this work, we propose a simple method for depressurization of the EC using a 'balloon structure' and demonstrate the theoretical benefits and practical improvement for specimen observations in low-vacuum conditions. © The Author 2017. 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.

Scanning photoelectron microscope for nanoscale three-dimensional spatial-resolved electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis.

PubMed

Horiba, K; Nakamura, Y; Nagamura, N; Toyoda, S; Kumigashira, H; Oshima, M; Amemiya, K; Senba, Y; Ohashi, H

2011-11-01

In order to achieve nondestructive observation of the three-dimensional spatially resolved electronic structure of solids, we have developed a scanning photoelectron microscope system with the capability of depth profiling in electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). We call this system 3D nano-ESCA. For focusing the x-ray, a Fresnel zone plate with a diameter of 200 μm and an outermost zone width of 35 nm is used. In order to obtain the angular dependence of the photoelectron spectra for the depth-profile analysis without rotating the sample, we adopted a modified VG Scienta R3000 analyzer with an acceptance angle of 60° as a high-resolution angle-resolved electron spectrometer. The system has been installed at the University-of-Tokyo Materials Science Outstation beamline, BL07LSU, at SPring-8. From the results of the line-scan profiles of the poly-Si/high-k gate patterns, we achieved a total spatial resolution better than 70 nm. The capability of our system for pinpoint depth-profile analysis and high-resolution chemical state analysis is demonstrated. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Atomic resolution study of the interfacial bonding at Si3N4/CeO2-δ grain boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walkosz, W.; Klie, R. F.; Öǧüt, S.; Borisevich, A.; Becher, P. F.; Pennycook, S. J.; Idrobo, J. C.

2008-08-01

Using a combination of atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the scanning transmission electron microscope, we examine the atomic and electronic structures at the interface between Si3N4 (101¯0) and CeO2-d intergranular film (IGF). Ce atoms are observed to segregate to the interface in a two-layer periodic arrangement, which is significantly different from the structure observed in a previous study. Our EELS experiments show (i) oxygen in direct contact with the terminating Si3N4 open-ring structures, (ii) a change in the Ce valence from a nominal oxidation state of +3 to almost +4 moving from the interface into the IGF, and (iii) a uniform concentration of Si in the film.

Quantum coherent optical phase modulation in an ultrafast transmission electron microscope.

PubMed

Feist, Armin; Echternkamp, Katharina E; Schauss, Jakob; Yalunin, Sergey V; Schäfer, Sascha; Ropers, Claus

2015-05-14

Coherent manipulation of quantum systems with light is expected to be a cornerstone of future information and communication technology, including quantum computation and cryptography. The transfer of an optical phase onto a quantum wavefunction is a defining aspect of coherent interactions and forms the basis of quantum state preparation, synchronization and metrology. Light-phase-modulated electron states near atoms and molecules are essential for the techniques of attosecond science, including the generation of extreme-ultraviolet pulses and orbital tomography. In contrast, the quantum-coherent phase-modulation of energetic free-electron beams has not been demonstrated, although it promises direct access to ultrafast imaging and spectroscopy with tailored electron pulses on the attosecond scale. Here we demonstrate the coherent quantum state manipulation of free-electron populations in an electron microscope beam. We employ the interaction of ultrashort electron pulses with optical near-fields to induce Rabi oscillations in the populations of electron momentum states, observed as a function of the optical driving field. Excellent agreement with the scaling of an equal-Rabi multilevel quantum ladder is obtained, representing the observation of a light-driven 'quantum walk' coherently reshaping electron density in momentum space. We note that, after the interaction, the optically generated superposition of momentum states evolves into a train of attosecond electron pulses. Our results reveal the potential of quantum control for the precision structuring of electron densities, with possible applications ranging from ultrafast electron spectroscopy and microscopy to accelerator science and free-electron lasers.

Quantum coherent optical phase modulation in an ultrafast transmission electron microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feist, Armin; Echternkamp, Katharina E.; Schauss, Jakob; Yalunin, Sergey V.; Schäfer, Sascha; Ropers, Claus

2015-05-01

Coherent manipulation of quantum systems with light is expected to be a cornerstone of future information and communication technology, including quantum computation and cryptography. The transfer of an optical phase onto a quantum wavefunction is a defining aspect of coherent interactions and forms the basis of quantum state preparation, synchronization and metrology. Light-phase-modulated electron states near atoms and molecules are essential for the techniques of attosecond science, including the generation of extreme-ultraviolet pulses and orbital tomography. In contrast, the quantum-coherent phase-modulation of energetic free-electron beams has not been demonstrated, although it promises direct access to ultrafast imaging and spectroscopy with tailored electron pulses on the attosecond scale. Here we demonstrate the coherent quantum state manipulation of free-electron populations in an electron microscope beam. We employ the interaction of ultrashort electron pulses with optical near-fields to induce Rabi oscillations in the populations of electron momentum states, observed as a function of the optical driving field. Excellent agreement with the scaling of an equal-Rabi multilevel quantum ladder is obtained, representing the observation of a light-driven `quantum walk' coherently reshaping electron density in momentum space. We note that, after the interaction, the optically generated superposition of momentum states evolves into a train of attosecond electron pulses. Our results reveal the potential of quantum control for the precision structuring of electron densities, with possible applications ranging from ultrafast electron spectroscopy and microscopy to accelerator science and free-electron lasers.

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

Chen, Limiao, E-mail: chenlimiao@csu.edu.cn; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083; Wu, Min

The semiconductor nanostructures decorated with noble metals have attracted increasing attention due to their interesting physical and chemical properties. In this work, urchin-like monoclinic (m-) LaVO{sub 4} microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal method and used as a template to fabricate Ag nanoparticle-decorated m-LaVO{sub 4} composites. The morphology and structure were characterized by transmission electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray. It was found that Ag nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were uniformly loaded on urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres, and the resulted composite microspheres showed distinct surface plasmon absorption band compared to pure m-LaVO{sub 4}more » microspheres. Photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples were examined by studying the degradation of methyl orange solutions under visible-light irradiation (> 400 nm). Results clearly showed that urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres possess much higher photocatalytic activity than pure m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres and P25. - Highlights: • m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag composites microspheres were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. • m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres show higher photocatalytic activity than m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres. • m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres exhibit a good stability.« less

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

Effect of Yttrium Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Rich Nano-phase Strengthened Ferritic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongyu; He, Jibai; Luan, Guoqing; Ke, Mingpeng; Fang, Haoyan; Lu, Jianduo

2018-03-01

Due to the brittle problem of Cu-rich nano-phase strengthened ferritic steel (CNSFS) after air aging, the effect of Y addition in CNSFS was systemically investigated in the present work. The microstructure, tensile fracture morphology and oxide layer of the steels were surveyed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Transmission electron microscope with the combination of energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction was used to analyze the morphology, size, number density, chemical compositions and crystal structure for nano-crystalline precipitates. Microstructural examinations of the nano-crystalline precipitates show that Cu-rich precipitates and Y compounds in the range of 2-10 and 50-100 nm, respectively, form in the Y-containing steel; meanwhile, the average size of nano-crystalline precipitates in Y-containing steel is larger, but the number density is lower, and the ferritic grains are refined. Furthermore, the tensile strength and ductility of Y-containing steel after air aging are improved, whereas the tensile strength is enhanced and the ductility decreased after vacuum aging. The drag effect of Y makes the oxide layer thinner and be compacted. Tensile properties of CNSFS after air aging are improved due to the refined grains, antioxidation and purification by the addition of Y.

Development of Functional Surfaces on High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) via Gas-Assisted Etching (GAE) Using Focused Ion Beams.

PubMed

Sezen, Meltem; Bakan, Feray

2015-12-01

Irradiation damage, caused by the use of beams in electron and ion microscopes, leads to undesired physical/chemical material property changes or uncontrollable modification of structures. Particularly, soft matter such as polymers or biological materials is highly susceptible and very much prone to react on electron/ion beam irradiation. Nevertheless, it is possible to turn degradation-dependent physical/chemical changes from negative to positive use when materials are intentionally exposed to beams. Especially, controllable surface modification allows tuning of surface properties for targeted purposes and thus provides the use of ultimate materials and their systems at the micro/nanoscale for creating functional surfaces. In this work, XeF2 and I2 gases were used in the focused ion beam scanning electron microscope instrument in combination with gallium ion etching of high-density polyethylene surfaces with different beam currents and accordingly different gas exposure times resulting at the same ion dose to optimize and develop new polymer surface properties and to create functional polymer surfaces. Alterations in the surface morphologies and surface chemistry due to gas-assisted etching-based nanostructuring with various processing parameters were tracked using high-resolution SEM imaging, complementary energy-dispersive spectroscopic analyses, and atomic force microscopic investigations.

Distinction between amorphous and healed planar deformation features in shocked quartz using composite color scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamers, Maartje F.; Pennock, Gill M.; Herwegh, Marco; Drury, Martyn R.

2016-10-01

Planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz are one of the most reliable and most widely used forms of evidence for hypervelocity impact. PDFs can be identified in scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) images, but not all PDFs show the same CL behavior: there are nonluminescent and red luminescent PDFs. This study aims to explain the origin of the different CL emissions in PDFs. Focused ion beam (FIB) thin foils were prepared of specific sample locations selected in composite color SEM-CL images and were analyzed in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The FIB preparation technique allowed a direct, often one-to-one correlation between the CL images and the defect structure observed in TEM. This correlation shows that composite color SEM-CL imaging allows distinction between amorphous PDFs on one hand and healed PDFs and basal Brazil twins on the other: nonluminescent PDFs are amorphous, while healed PDFs and basal Brazil twins are red luminescent, with a dominant emission peak at 650 nm. We suggest that the red luminescence is the result of preferential beam damage along dislocations, fluid inclusions, and twin boundaries. Furthermore, a high-pressure phase (possibly stishovite) in PDFs can be detected in color SEM-CL images by its blue luminescence.

Microstructural Study of Micron-Sized Craters Simulating Stardust Impacts in Aluminum 1100 Targets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leroux, Hugues; Borg, Janet; Troadec, David; Djouadi, Zahia; Horz, Friedrich

2006-01-01

Various microscopic techniques were used to characterize experimental micro- craters in aluminium foils to prepare for the comprehensive analysis of the cometary and interstellar particle impacts in aluminium foils to be returned by the Stardust mission. First, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) were used to study the morphology of the impact craters and the bulk composition of the residues left by soda-lime glass impactors. A more detailed structural and compositional study of impactor remnants was then performed using TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), EDS, and electron diffraction methods. The TEM samples were prepared by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) methods. This technique proved to be especially valuable in studying impact crater residues and impact crater morphology. Finally, we also showed that InfraRed microscopy (IR) can be a quick and reliable tool for such investigations. The combination of all of these tools enables a complete microscopic characterization of the craters.

Improper magnetic ferroelectricity of nearly pure electronic nature in helicoidal spiral CaMn7O12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jin Soo; Saldana-Greco, Diomedes; Rappe, Andrew M.

2018-01-01

Helicoidal magnetic order breaks inversion symmetry in quadruple perovskite CaMn7O12 , generating one of the largest spin-induced ferroelectric polarizations measured to date. Here, the microscopic origin of the polarization, including exchange interactions, coupling to the spin helicity, and charge density redistribution, is explored via first-principles calculations. The B -site Mn4 + (Mn3) spin adopts a noncentrosymmetric configuration, stabilized not only by spin-orbit coupling (SOC), but also by the fully anisotropic Hubbard J parameter in the absence of SOC, to break inversion symmetry and generate polarization. Berry phase computed polarization (Pelec=2169 μ C /m2 ) exhibits nearly pure electronic behavior, with negligible Mn displacements (≈0.7 m Å ). Orbital-resolved density of states shows that p -d orbital mixing is microscopically driven by nonrelativistic exchange striction within the commensurate ionic structure. Persistent electronic polarization induced by helical spin order in the nearly inversion-symmetric ionic crystal lattice suggests opportunities for ultrafast magnetoelectric response.

Effect of Organic Substrates on the Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) by Porous Hollow Ga2O3 Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Liu, Jin; Gan, Huihui; Wu, Hongzhang; Zhang, Xinlei; Zhang, Jun; Li, Lili; Wang, Zhenling

2018-01-01

Porous hollow Ga2O3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a hydrolysis method followed by calcination. The prepared samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and Raman spectrum. The porous structure of Ga2O3 nanoparticles can enhance the light harvesting efficiency, and provide lots of channels for the diffusion of Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI), with different initial pH and degradation of several organic substrates by porous hollow Ga2O3 nanoparticles in single system and binary system, were investigated in detail. The reduction rate of Cr(VI) in the binary pollutant system is markedly faster than that in the single Cr(VI) system, because Cr(VI) mainly acts as photogenerated electron acceptor. In addition, the type and concentration of organic substrates have an important role in the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). PMID:29690548

Electronic Transport Properties of Carbon-Nanotube Networks: The Effect of Nitrate Doping on Intratube and Intertube Conductances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketolainen, T.; Havu, V.; Jónsson, E. Ö.; Puska, M. J.

2018-03-01

The conductivity of carbon-nanotube (CNT) networks can be improved markedly by doping with nitric acid. In the present work, CNTs and junctions of CNTs functionalized with NO3 molecules are investigated to understand the microscopic mechanism of nitric acid doping. According to our density-functional-theory band-structure calculations, there is charge transfer from the CNT to adsorbed molecules indicating p -type doping. The average doping efficiency of the NO3 molecules is higher if the NO3 molecules form complexes with water molecules. In addition to electron transport along individual CNTs, we also study electron transport between different types (metallic, semiconducting) of CNTs. Reflecting the differences in the electronic structures of semiconducting and metallic CNTs, we find that in addition to turning semiconducting CNTs metallic, doping further increases electron transport most efficiently along semiconducting CNTs as well as through the junctions between them.

Self-amplified photo-induced gap quenching in a correlated electron material

PubMed Central

Mathias, S.; Eich, S.; Urbancic, J.; Michael, S.; Carr, A. V.; Emmerich, S.; Stange, A.; Popmintchev, T.; Rohwer, T.; Wiesenmayer, M.; Ruffing, A.; Jakobs, S.; Hellmann, S.; Matyba, P.; Chen, C.; Kipp, L.; Bauer, M.; Kapteyn, H. C.; Schneider, H. C.; Rossnagel, K.; Murnane, M. M.; Aeschlimann, M.

2016-01-01

Capturing the dynamic electronic band structure of a correlated material presents a powerful capability for uncovering the complex couplings between the electronic and structural degrees of freedom. When combined with ultrafast laser excitation, new phases of matter can result, since far-from-equilibrium excited states are instantaneously populated. Here, we elucidate a general relation between ultrafast non-equilibrium electron dynamics and the size of the characteristic energy gap in a correlated electron material. We show that carrier multiplication via impact ionization can be one of the most important processes in a gapped material, and that the speed of carrier multiplication critically depends on the size of the energy gap. In the case of the charge-density wave material 1T-TiSe2, our data indicate that carrier multiplication and gap dynamics mutually amplify each other, which explains—on a microscopic level—the extremely fast response of this material to ultrafast optical excitation. PMID:27698341

Achieving atomic resolution magnetic dichroism by controlling the phase symmetry of an electron probe

DOE PAGES

Rusz, Jan; Idrobo, Juan -Carlos; Bhowmick, Somnath

2014-09-30

The calculations presented here reveal that an electron probe carrying orbital angular momentum is just a particular case of a wider class of electron beams that can be used to measure electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD) with atomic resolution. It is possible to obtain an EMCD signal with atomic resolution by simply breaking the symmetry of the electron probe phase front using the aberration-corrected optics of a scanning transmission electron microscope. The probe’s required phase distribution depends on the sample’s magnetic symmetry and crystal structure. The calculations indicate that EMCD signals that use the electron probe’s phase are as strongmore » as those obtained by nanodiffraction methods.« less

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.

Scanning electron microscope fractography in failure analysis of steels

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

Wouters, R.; Froyen, L.

1996-04-01

For many failure cases, macroscopic examination of the fracture surface permits discrimination of fatigue fractures from overload fractures. For clarifying fatigue fractures, the practical significance of microfractography is limited to an investigation of the crack initiation areas. Scanning electron microscopy is successfully used in tracing local material abnormalities that act as fatigue crack initiators. The task for the scanning electron microscope, however, is much more substantial in failure analysis of overload fractures, especially for steels. By revealing specific fractographic characteristics, complemented by information about the material and the loading conditions, scanning electron microscopy provides a strong indication of the probablemore » cause of failure. A complete dimple fracture is indicative of acceptable bulk material properties; overloading, by subdimensioning or excessive external loading, has to be verified. The presence of cleavage fracture makes the material properties questionable if external conditions causing embrittlement are absent. Intergranular brittle fracture requires verification of grain-boundary weakening conditions--a sensitized structure, whether or not combined with a local stress state or a specific environment. The role of scanning electron microscopy in failure analysis is illustrated by case histories of the aforementioned fracture types.« less

Four-Dimensional Ultrafast Electron Microscopy: Insights into an Emerging Technique.

PubMed

Adhikari, Aniruddha; Eliason, Jeffrey K; Sun, Jingya; Bose, Riya; Flannigan, David J; Mohammed, Omar F

2017-01-11

Four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy (4D-UEM) is a novel analytical technique that aims to fulfill the long-held dream of researchers to investigate materials at extremely short spatial and temporal resolutions by integrating the excellent spatial resolution of electron microscopes with the temporal resolution of ultrafast femtosecond laser-based spectroscopy. The ingenious use of pulsed photoelectrons to probe surfaces and volumes of materials enables time-resolved snapshots of the dynamics to be captured in a way hitherto impossible by other conventional techniques. The flexibility of 4D-UEM lies in the fact that it can be used in both the scanning (S-UEM) and transmission (UEM) modes depending upon the type of electron microscope involved. While UEM can be employed to monitor elementary structural changes and phase transitions in samples using real-space mapping, diffraction, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, and tomography, S-UEM is well suited to map ultrafast dynamical events on materials surfaces in space and time. This review provides an overview of the unique features that distinguish these techniques and also illustrates the applications of both S-UEM and UEM to a multitude of problems relevant to materials science and chemistry.

Moessbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the Murchison meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Christopher L.; Oliver, Frederick W.; Hammond, Ernest C., Jr.

1989-01-01

Meteorites provide a wealth of information about the solar system's formation, since they have similar building blocks as the Earth's crust but have been virtually unaltered since their formation. Some stony meteorites contain minerals and silicate inclusions, called chondrules, in the matrix. Utilizing Moessbauer spectroscopy, we identified minerals in the Murchison meteorite, a carbonaceous chondritic meteorite, by the gamma ray resonance lines observed. Absorption patterns of the spectra were found due to the minerals olivine and phyllosilicate. We used a scanning electron microscope to describe the structure of the chondrules in the Murchison meteorite. The chondrules were found to be deformed due to weathering of the meteorite. Diameters varied in size from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Further enhancement of the microscopic imagery using a digital image processor was used to describe the physical characteristics of the inclusions.

Automated particle correspondence and accurate tilt-axis detection in tilted-image pairs

DOE PAGES

Shatsky, Maxim; Arbelaez, Pablo; Han, Bong-Gyoon; ...

2014-07-01

Tilted electron microscope images are routinely collected for an ab initio structure reconstruction as a part of the Random Conical Tilt (RCT) or Orthogonal Tilt Reconstruction (OTR) methods, as well as for various applications using the "free-hand" procedure. These procedures all require identification of particle pairs in two corresponding images as well as accurate estimation of the tilt-axis used to rotate the electron microscope (EM) grid. Here we present a computational approach, PCT (particle correspondence from tilted pairs), based on tilt-invariant context and projection matching that addresses both problems. The method benefits from treating the two problems as a singlemore » optimization task. It automatically finds corresponding particle pairs and accurately computes tilt-axis direction even in the cases when EM grid is not perfectly planar.« less

Behavior of oxidized platinum nanoparticles on an aligned carbon nanotube forest

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

Matsuda, Keita, E-mail: matsuda.keita@c.mbox.nagoya-u.ac.jp; Norimatsu, Wataru; Arai, Shigeo

2016-10-14

We observed and analyzed the behavior of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) supported on aligned-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at high temperatures by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscope observations. We found that the PtNPs moved toward the inner-side along each CNT on which they were deposited. The mechanism of this behavior is related to the redox reaction of Pt with the carbon atoms in the CNT. We also performed in-situ observation of this process at a high temperature using an environmental transmission electron microscope under an oxygen atmosphere. We found that the PtNPs penetrated down into a high-density aligned CNT forestmore » along the tube axis and that the PtNPs changed their shape to fit the structure of the CNTs during their movement.« less

Analysis of phase transformations in Inconel 738C alloy after regenerative heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazantseva, N.; Davidov, D.; Vinogradova, N.; Ezhov, I.; Stepanova, N.

2018-03-01

Study is based on the characterization of the chemical composition the phase transformations in Inconel 738C gas turbine blade after standard regenerative heat treatment. The microstructure and chemical composition were examined by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. It was found the degradation of microstructure of the blade feather. Redistribution of the chemical elements decreasing the corrosion resistance was observed inside the blade feather. The carbide transformation and sigma phase were found in the structure of the blade feather. It is found that the standard regenerative heat treatment of the IN738 operative gas turbine blade does not effect on carbides transformation, TCP σ-phase dissolution, and thus do not guarantee the full recovery of the IN738 gas turbine blade.

Preparation and Loading Process of Single Crystalline Samples into a Gas Environmental Cell Holder for In Situ Atomic Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopic Observation.

PubMed

Straubinger, Rainer; Beyer, Andreas; Volz, Kerstin

2016-06-01

A reproducible way to transfer a single crystalline sample into a gas environmental cell holder for in situ transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis is shown in this study. As in situ holders have only single-tilt capability, it is necessary to prepare the sample precisely along a specific zone axis. This can be achieved by a very accurate focused ion beam lift-out preparation. We show a step-by-step procedure to prepare the sample and transfer it into the gas environmental cell. The sample material is a GaP/Ga(NAsP)/GaP multi-quantum well structure on Si. Scanning TEM observations prove that it is possible to achieve atomic resolution at very high temperatures in a nitrogen environment of 100,000 Pa.

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

Compact plane illumination plugin device to enable light sheet fluorescence imaging of multi-cellular organisms on an inverted wide-field microscope

PubMed Central

Guan, Zeyi; Lee, Juhyun; Jiang, Hao; Dong, Siyan; Jen, Nelson; Hsiai, Tzung; Ho, Chih-Ming; Fei, Peng

2015-01-01

We developed a compact plane illumination plugin (PIP) device which enabled plane illumination and light sheet fluorescence imaging on a conventional inverted microscope. The PIP device allowed the integration of microscope with tunable laser sheet profile, fast image acquisition, and 3-D scanning. The device is both compact, measuring approximately 15 by 5 by 5 cm, and cost-effective, since we employed consumer electronics and an inexpensive device molding method. We demonstrated that PIP provided significant contrast and resolution enhancement to conventional microscopy through imaging different multi-cellular fluorescent structures, including 3-D branched cells in vitro and live zebrafish embryos. Imaging with the integration of PIP greatly reduced out-of-focus contamination and generated sharper contrast in acquired 2-D plane images when compared with the stand-alone inverted microscope. As a result, the dynamic fluid domain of the beating zebrafish heart was clearly segmented and the functional monitoring of the heart was achieved. Furthermore, the enhanced axial resolution established by thin plane illumination of PIP enabled the 3-D reconstruction of the branched cellular structures, which leads to the improvement on the functionality of the wide field microscopy. PMID:26819828

Compact plane illumination plugin device to enable light sheet fluorescence imaging of multi-cellular organisms on an inverted wide-field microscope.

PubMed

Guan, Zeyi; Lee, Juhyun; Jiang, Hao; Dong, Siyan; Jen, Nelson; Hsiai, Tzung; Ho, Chih-Ming; Fei, Peng

2016-01-01

We developed a compact plane illumination plugin (PIP) device which enabled plane illumination and light sheet fluorescence imaging on a conventional inverted microscope. The PIP device allowed the integration of microscope with tunable laser sheet profile, fast image acquisition, and 3-D scanning. The device is both compact, measuring approximately 15 by 5 by 5 cm, and cost-effective, since we employed consumer electronics and an inexpensive device molding method. We demonstrated that PIP provided significant contrast and resolution enhancement to conventional microscopy through imaging different multi-cellular fluorescent structures, including 3-D branched cells in vitro and live zebrafish embryos. Imaging with the integration of PIP greatly reduced out-of-focus contamination and generated sharper contrast in acquired 2-D plane images when compared with the stand-alone inverted microscope. As a result, the dynamic fluid domain of the beating zebrafish heart was clearly segmented and the functional monitoring of the heart was achieved. Furthermore, the enhanced axial resolution established by thin plane illumination of PIP enabled the 3-D reconstruction of the branched cellular structures, which leads to the improvement on the functionality of the wide field microscopy.

Fabrication and nanoscale characterization of magnetic multilayer nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elawayeb, Mohamed

Magnetic multilayers nanowires are scientifically fascinating and have potential industrial applications in many areas of advanced nanotechnology. These applications arise due to the nanoscale dimensions of nanostructures that lead to unique physical properties. Magnetic multilayer nanowires have been successfully produced by electrodeposition into templates. Anodic Aluminium Oxide (AAO) membranes were used as templates in this process; the templates were fabricated by anodization method in acidic solutions at a fixed voltage. The fabrication method of a range of magnetic multilayer nanowires is described in this study and their structure and dimensions were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). This study is focused on the first growth of NiFe/Pt and NiFe/Fe magnetic multilayer nanowires, which were successfully fabricated by pulse electrodeposition into the channels of porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) templates, and characterized at the nanoscale. Individual nanowires have uniform structure and regular periodicity. The magnetic and nonmagnetic layers are polycrystalline, with randomly oriented fcc lattice structure crystallites. Chemical compositions of the individual nanowires were analyzed using TEM equipped with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) and electron energy loss spectrometry (EELS). The electrical and magnetoresistance properties of individual magnetic multilayer nanowires have been measured inside a SEM using two sharp tip electrodes attached to in situ nanomanipulators and a new electromagnet technique. The giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect of individual magnetic multilayer nanowires was measured in the current - perpendicular to the plane (CPP) geometry using a new in situ method at variable magnetic field strength and different orientations..

Special Features of the Optical Absorption and Photoconductivity of Indium Monoselenide Upon Laser Excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyazym-Zade, A. G.; Salmanov, V. M.; Guseinov, A. G.; Mamedov, R. M.; Salmanova, A. A.; Akhmedova, F. Sh.

2018-02-01

The successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is used to prepare InSe thin films and InSe nanoparticles. Shapes and sizes of the obtained nanoparticles are investigated using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. The main parameters of the examined structures, nanoparticle sizes (4-20 nm), and band gap ( E g = 1.60 eV) for nanoparticles with the least sizes are determined. Superfast (1.5·10-8 s) photocurrent relaxation and stimulated emission with line half-width of 8 Å have been observed upon exposure to laser radiation.

[Microscopic observation on mycorrhiza of rare herb Dysosma versipellis].

PubMed

Tan, Xiao-Ming; Yu, Li-Ying; Zhou, Ya-Qin; Zhou, Xiao-Lei; Wei, Ying

2013-12-01

Endophytic fungi played an important role in the growth of its host plant. To investigate the mycorrhizal characteristics and the distribution of fungi in the root, an endangered wild plant-Dysosma versipellis was collected and observed by electron microscope. The results showed that the host was closely associated with endophytic fungi. The fungi were mainly distributed in the epidermis and cortex. The aseptate and septate fungi with swollen hyphae were observed in some cell of the cortex. The result provides a reference for the study of mycorrhizal structure of Dysosma genus and the interaction between the fungi and its host.

[Structural changes in the tissues of white rats after capsaicin administration].

PubMed

Vorob'eva, N F; Kniazev, G G; Lazarev, V A; Spiridonov, V K

1997-01-01

Tissue structure of albino rat lung, skin and cornea changing after administration of capsaicin (neurotoxin isolated from red pepper) was studied using light and electron microscope. 5 mg/kg dose causes tissue swelling and microcirculatory bed reaction. 200 mg/kg dose leads to more significant dystrophic tissue alterations. Fibrosclerosis signs were found in certain cases. Microcirculatory disorders are proposed as the main reason for tissue structure alterations observed, although the mechanism of their development is still unclear.

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

Onion-like nanoscale structures and fullerene-type cages formed by electron irradiation on turbostratic B{sub x}C{sub 1{minus}x} (x<0.2)

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

Golberg, D.; Bando, Y.; Kurashima, K.

Flakes of CVD grown B{sub x}C{sub 1{minus}x} (x<0.2) films were exposed to intense electron irradiation (flux density up to {approximately}100 A/cm{sup 2}) in a 300 kV high resolution electron microscope equipped with a field emission gun. The starting flakes revealed a turbostratic B{sub x}C{sub 1{minus}x} structure. The composition of the starting materials and irradiated products was determined by using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Depending on the electron dose applied, irradiation of the turbostratic material led to formation of soap-bubble-like irregularly-shaped objects (linear dimensions of {approximately}2--5 nm), onion- and semi-onion-like structures (d{approximately}10nm), nested fullerenes (3--14 shells) and elementary fullerene-type cagesmore » (d{approximately}0.7 nm). It is thought that these curled and closed nanostructures arise from a continuous bending of the hexagonal B{sub x}C{sub 1{minus}x} sheets under electron irradiation. Finally, some possible structural models of B{sub x}C{sub 1{minus}x} fullerenes are considered.« less

Electronic structure of hydrogenated diamond: Microscopical insight into surface conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacobucci, S.; Alippi, Paola; Calvani, P.; Girolami, M.; Offi, F.; Petaccia, L.; Trucchi, D. M.

2016-07-01

We have correlated the surface conductivity of hydrogen-terminated diamond to the electronic structure in the Fermi region. Significant density of electronic states (DOS) in proximity of the Fermi edge has been measured by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) on surfaces exposed to air, corresponding to a p -type electric conductive regime, while upon annealing a depletion of the DOS has been achieved, resembling the diamond insulating state. The surface and subsurface electronic structure has been determined, exploiting the different probing depths of PES applied in a photon energy range between 7 and 31 eV. Ab initio density functional calculations including surface charge depletion and band-bending effects favorably compare with electronic states measured by angular-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Such states are organized in the energy-momentum space in a twofold structure: one, bulk-derived, band disperses in the Γ -X direction with an average hole effective mass of (0.43 ±0.02 ) m0 , where m0 is the bare electron mass; a second flatter band, with an effective mass of (2.2 ±0.9 ) m0 , proves that a hole gas confined in the topmost layers is responsible for the conductivity of the (2 ×1 ) hydrogen-terminated diamond (100 ) surface.

First-Principles Calculations on the Origin of Mechanical Properties and Electronic Structures of 5d Transition Metal Monocarbides MC (M = Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuichi, Masayuki; Momida, Hiroyoshi; Geshi, Masaaki; Michiuchi, Masato; Sogabe, Koichi; Oguchi, Tamio

2018-04-01

Much is not systematically known about the origin of mechanical properties among 5d transition metal carbides including tungsten carbide. In order to understand the microscopic origin of hardness, the mechanical properties and electronic structures of 5d transition metal monocarbides MC (M = Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt) in five different structures (NaCl, WC, ZnS, CsCl, and NiAs type) are analyzed using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. Our results would indicate that WC-type WC and NiAs-type ReC have the highest and second highest hardness among all of the MC, respectively, in terms of the Debye temperature. By examining the Debye temperature in the series, it is found that MC in the range of less and more than half filled 5d shells are brittle and ductile, respectively. Our results would indicate that filling in the bonding and anti-bonding states contributes to brittleness and ductility. The Debye temperature could be a key to understanding hardness in terms of bulk and shear moduli. In addition, we evaluate some other structural properties such as equilibrium volume, formation enthalpy, and elastic constant to investigate structural stability. Based on the theoretical findings, the microscopic mechanisms of hardness and brittleness in the transition metal carbides are discussed.

Present and future of membrane protein structure determination by electron crystallography.

PubMed

Ubarretxena-Belandia, Iban; Stokes, David L

2010-01-01

Membrane proteins are critical to cell physiology, playing roles in signaling, trafficking, transport, adhesion, and recognition. Despite their relative abundance in the proteome and their prevalence as targets of therapeutic drugs, structural information about membrane proteins is in short supply. This chapter describes the use of electron crystallography as a tool for determining membrane protein structures. Electron crystallography offers distinct advantages relative to the alternatives of X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Namely, membrane proteins are placed in their native membranous environment, which is likely to favor a native conformation and allow changes in conformation in response to physiological ligands. Nevertheless, there are significant logistical challenges in finding appropriate conditions for inducing membrane proteins to form two-dimensional arrays within the membrane and in using electron cryo-microscopy to collect the data required for structure determination. A number of developments are described for high-throughput screening of crystallization trials and for automated imaging of crystals with the electron microscope. These tools are critical for exploring the necessary range of factors governing the crystallization process. There have also been recent software developments to facilitate the process of structure determination. However, further innovations in the algorithms used for processing images and electron diffraction are necessary to improve throughput and to make electron crystallography truly viable as a method for determining atomic structures of membrane proteins. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Present and future of membrane protein structure determination by electron crystallography

PubMed Central

Ubarretxena-Belandia, Iban; Stokes, David L.

2011-01-01

Membrane proteins are critical to cell physiology, playing roles in signaling, trafficking, transport, adhesion, and recognition. Despite their relative abundance in the proteome and their prevalence as targets of therapeutic drugs, structural information about membrane proteins is in short supply. This review describes the use of electron crystallography as a tool for determining membrane protein structures. Electron crystallography offers distinct advantages relative to the alternatives of X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Namely, membrane proteins are placed in their native membranous environment, which is likely to favor a native conformation and allow changes in conformation in response to physiological ligands. Nevertheless, there are significant logistical challenges in finding appropriate conditions for inducing membrane proteins to form two-dimensional arrays within the membrane and in using electron cryo-microscopy to collect the data required for structure determination. A number of developments are described for high-throughput screening of crystallization trials and for automated imaging of crystals with the electron microscope. These tools are critical for exploring the necessary range of factors governing the crystallization process. There have also been recent software developments to facilitate the process of structure determination. However, further innovations in the algorithms used for processing images and electron diffraction are necessary to improve throughput and to make electron crystallography truly viable as a method for determining atomic structures of membrane proteins. PMID:21115172

Bright-field electron tomography of individual inorganic fullerene-like structures.

PubMed

Bar Sadan, Maya; Wolf, Sharon G; Houben, Lothar

2010-03-01

Nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles of various inorganic layered compounds have been studied extensively in recent years. Their characterisation on the atomic scale has proven essential for progress in synthesis as well as for the theoretical modelling of their physical properties. We show that with electron tomography it is possible to achieve a reliable reconstruction of the 3D structure of nested WS(2) or MoS(2) fullerene-like and nanotube structures with sub-nanometre resolution using electron microscopes that are not aberration-corrected. Model-based simulations were used to identify imaging parameters, under which structural features such as the shell structure can be retained in the tomogram reconstructed from bright-field micrographs. The isolation of a particle out of an agglomerate for the analysis of a single structure and its interconnection with other particles is facilitated through the tomograms. The internal structure of the layers within the particle alongside the shape and content of its internal void are reconstructed. The tomographic reconstruction yields insights regarding the growth process as well as structural defects, such as non-continuous layers, which relate to the lubrication properties.

Electron microscopic study of the mandibular glands of Kalotermes flavicollis fabr. (isoptera; calotermitidae).

PubMed

Cassier, P; Fain-Maurel, M A; Lebrun, D

1977-08-26

The mandibular glands of Kalotermes were examined in different castes. They show sexual dimorphism in the soldiers and primary reproductives, Moreover, in female soldiers and queens, mandibular gland cells contained numerous crystalline structures of mitochondrial origin. The role of these glands (secretion of saliva or pheromone) is discussed.

In-situ realtime monitoring of nanoscale gold electroplating using micro-electro-mechanical systems liquid cell operating in transmission electron microscopy

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

Egawa, Minoru; Fujita, Hiroyuki; Ishida, Tadashi, E-mail: ishida.t.ai@m.titech.ac.jp

2016-01-11

The dynamics of nanoscale electroplating between gold electrodes was investigated using a microfabricated liquid cell mounted on a scanning transmission electron microscope. The electroplating was recorded in-situ for 10 min with a spatial resolution higher than 6 nm. At the beginning of the electroplating, gold spike-like structures of about 50 nm in size grew from an electrode, connected gold nanoclusters around them, and form three dimensional nanoscale structures. We visualized the elementary process of the gold electroplating, and believe that the results lead to the deeper understanding of electroplating at the nanoscale.

Combined electron beam imaging and ab initio modeling of T1 precipitates in Al-Li-Cu alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwyer, C.; Weyland, M.; Chang, L. Y.; Muddle, B. C.

2011-05-01

Among the many considerable challenges faced in developing a rational basis for advanced alloy design, establishing accurate atomistic models is one of the most fundamental. Here we demonstrate how advanced imaging techniques in a double-aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, combined with ab initio modeling, have been used to determine the atomic structure of embedded 1 nm thick T1 precipitates in precipitation-hardened Al-Li-Cu aerospace alloys. The results provide an accurate determination of the controversial T1 structure, and demonstrate how next-generation techniques permit the characterization of embedded nanostructures in alloys and other nanostructured materials.

Enantioselectively controlled release of chiral drug (metoprolol) using chiral mesoporous silica materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhen; Du, Yu; Liu, Xianbin; Ng, Siu-Choon; Chen, Yuan; Yang, Yanhui

2010-04-01

Chiral porous materials have attracted burgeoning attention on account of their potential applications in many areas, such as enantioseparation, chiral catalysis, chemical sensors and drug delivery. In this report, chiral mesoporous silica (CMS) materials with various pore sizes and structures were prepared using conventional achiral templates (other than chiral surfactant) and a chiral cobalt complex as co-template. The synthesized CMS materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. These CMS materials, as carriers, were demonstrated to be able to control the enantioselective release of a representative chiral drug (metoprolol). The release kinetics, as modeled by the power law equation, suggested that the release profiles of metoprolol were remarkably dependent on the pore diameter and pore structure of CMS materials. More importantly, R- and S-enantiomers of metoprolol exhibited different release kinetics on CMS compared to the corresponding achiral mesoporous silica (ACMS), attributable to the existence of local chirality on the pore wall surface of CMS materials. The chirality of CMS materials on a molecular level was further substantiated by vibrational circular dichroism measurements.

DNA AND THE FINE STRUCTURE OF SYNAPTIC CHROMOSOMES IN THE DOMESTIC ROOSTER (GALLUS DOMESTICUS)

PubMed Central

Coleman, James R.; Moses, Montrose J.

1964-01-01

The indium trichloride method of Watson and Aldridge (38) for staining nucleic acids for electron microscopy was employed to study the relationship of DNA to the structure of the synaptinemal complex in meiotic prophase chromosomes of the domestic rooster. The selectivity of the method was demonstrated in untreated and DNase-digested testis material by comparing the distribution of indium staining in the electron microscope to Feulgen staining and ultraviolet absorption in thicker sections seen with the light microscope. Following staining by indium, DNA was found mainly in the microfibril component of the synaptinemal complex. When DNA was known to have been removed from aldehyde-fixed material by digestion with DNase, indium stainability was also lost. However, staining of the digested material with non-selective heavy metal techniques demonstrated the presence of material other than DNA in the microfibrils and showed that little alteration in appearance of the chromosome resulted from DNA removal. The two dense lateral axial elements of the synaptinemal complex, but not the central one to any extent, also contained DNA, together with non-DNA material. PMID:14228519

Structural and magnetic properties of cobalt-doped iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by solution combustion method for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Venkatesan, Kaliyamoorthy; Rajan Babu, Dhanakotti; Kavya Bai, Mane Prabhu; Supriya, Ravi; Vidya, Radhakrishnan; Madeswaran, Saminathan; Anandan, Pandurangan; Arivanandhan, Mukannan; Hayakawa, Yasuhiro

2015-01-01

Cobalt-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by solution combustion technique. The structural and magnetic properties of the prepared samples were also investigated. The average crystallite size of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticle was calculated using Scherrer equation, and it was found to be 16±5 nm. The particle size was measured by transmission electron microscope. This value was found to match with the crystallite size calculated by Scherrer equation corresponding to the prominent intensity peak (311) of X-ray diffraction. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope image shows clear lattice fringes and high crystallinity of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles exhibited the saturation magnetization value of 47 emu/g and coercivity of 947 Oe. The anti-microbial activity of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles showed better results as an anti-bacterial agent. The affinity constant was determined for the nanoparticles, and the cytotoxicity studies were conducted for the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles at different concentrations and the results are discussed.

Improved photoelectrical performance of graphene supported highly crystallized anatase TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Min; Sun, Qiong; Zhao, Mei; Li, Yang; Liu, Qiuhong; Dong, Lifeng

2015-08-01

In this study, titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO4) and graphene were used as titanium source and supporter, respectively, to synthesize anatase TiO2-graphene (TiO2-G) composite. Crystal structure, morphology, and composition of TiO2-G were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. Both TiO2-G and blank TiO2 powders exhibit spindle-shaped structure with the long axis along [001]. Compared to unsupported TiO2, TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly formed on graphene surface. When fabricated into dye-sensitized solar cells, photoelectrical conversion efficiency of TiO2-G (2.3 %) was much higher than that of blank TiO2 (0.89 %) prepared at the same conditions. Moreover, high sintering temperature enhanced photoelectrical performance of the composite. When the temperature was increased from 450 to 600 °C, the efficiency was improved from 1.5 to 2.6 %. The findings above demonstrate that TiO2-G has great potential for applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Structural and magnetic properties of cobalt-doped iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by solution combustion method for biomedical applications

PubMed Central

Venkatesan, Kaliyamoorthy; Rajan Babu, Dhanakotti; Kavya Bai, Mane Prabhu; Supriya, Ravi; Vidya, Radhakrishnan; Madeswaran, Saminathan; Anandan, Pandurangan; Arivanandhan, Mukannan; Hayakawa, Yasuhiro

2015-01-01

Cobalt-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by solution combustion technique. The structural and magnetic properties of the prepared samples were also investigated. The average crystallite size of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticle was calculated using Scherrer equation, and it was found to be 16±5 nm. The particle size was measured by transmission electron microscope. This value was found to match with the crystallite size calculated by Scherrer equation corresponding to the prominent intensity peak (311) of X-ray diffraction. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope image shows clear lattice fringes and high crystallinity of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized magnetic nanoparticles exhibited the saturation magnetization value of 47 emu/g and coercivity of 947 Oe. The anti-microbial activity of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles showed better results as an anti-bacterial agent. The affinity constant was determined for the nanoparticles, and the cytotoxicity studies were conducted for the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles at different concentrations and the results are discussed. PMID:26491320

Optical, Magnetic and Photocatalytic Activity Studies of Li, Mg and Sr Doped and Undoped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shanthi, S I; Poovaragan, S; Arularasu, M V; Nithya, S; Sundaram, R; Magdalane, C Maria; Kaviyarasu, K; Maaza, M

2018-08-01

Nanoparticles of Li, Mg and Sr doped and undoped zinc oxide was prepared by simple precipitation method. The structural, optical, and magnetic properties of the samples were investigated by the Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultra-violet Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) spectra, Photoluminescence (PL) and Vibrational Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The Powder X-ray diffraction data confirm the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure of all doped and undoped ZnO. The SEM photograph reveals that the pores availability and particles size in the range of 10 nm-50 nm. FTIR and UV-Visible spectra results confirm the incorporation of the dopant into the ZnO lattice nanostructure. The UV-Visible spectra indicate that the shift of blue region (lower wavelength) due to bandgap widening. Photoluminescence intensity varies with doping due to the increase of oxygen vacancies in prepared ZnO. The pure ZnO exist paramagnetic while doped (Li, Mg and Sr) ZnO exist ferromagnetic property. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared sample also carried out in detail.

Unconditionally marginal stability of harmonic electron hole equilibria in current-driven plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schamel, Hans

2018-06-01

Two forms of the linearized eigenvalue problem with respect to linear perturbations of a privileged cnoidal electron hole as a structural nonlinear equilibrium element are established. Whereas its integral form involves integrations along the characteristics or unperturbed particle orbits, the differential form has to cope with a differential operator of infinite order. Both are hence faced with difficulties to obtain a solution. A first successful attempt is, however, made by addressing a single harmonic wave as a nonlinear equilibrium structure. By this microscopic nonlinear approach, its marginal stability against linear perturbations in both linear stability regimes, the sub- and super-critical one, is shown independent of the mobility of ions and in favor with recent observations. Responsible for vanishing damping (growth) is the microscopic distortion of the resonant distribution function. The macroscopic form of the trapping nonlinearity—the 3/2 power term of the electrostatic potential in the density—which disappears in the monochromatic harmonic wave limit is consequently necessary for the occurrence of a nonlinear plasma instability in the sub-critical regime.

Pentaethylenehexamine-Loaded Hierarchically Porous Silica for CO2 Adsorption

PubMed Central

Ji, Changchun; Huang, Xin; Li, Lei; Xiao, Fukui; Zhao, Ning; Wei, Wei

2016-01-01

Recently, amine-functionalized materials as a prospective chemical sorbent for post combustion CO2 capture have gained great interest. However, the amine grafting for the traditional MCM-41, SBA-15, pore-expanded MCM-41 or SBA-15 supports can cause the pore volume and specific surface area of sorbents to decrease, significantly affecting the CO2 adsorption-desorption dynamics. To overcome this issue, hierarchical porous silica with interparticle macropores and long-range ordering mesopores was prepared and impregnated with pentaethylenehexamine. The pore structure and amino functional group content of the modified silicas were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, N2 adsorption, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Moreover, the effects of the pore structure as well as the amount of PEHA loading of the samples on the CO2 adsorption capacity were investigated in a fixed-bed adsorption system. The CO2 adsorption capacity reached 4.5 mmol CO2/(g of adsorbent) for HPS−PEHA-70 at 75 °C. Further, the adsorption capacity for HPS-PEHA-70 was steady after a total of 15 adsorption-desorption cycles. PMID:28773956

Femtosecond pulse laser-oriented recording on dental prostheses: a trial introduction.

PubMed

Ichikawa, Tetsuo; Hayasaki, Yoshio; Fujita, Keiji; Nagao, Kan; Murata, Masayo; Kawano, Takanori; Chen, JianRong

2006-12-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a femtosecond pulse laser processing technique to store information on a dental prosthesis. Commercially pure titanium plates were processed by a femtosecond pulse laser system. The processed surface structure was observed with a reflective illumination microscope, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. Processed area was an almost conical pit with a clear boundary. When laser pulse energy was 2 microJ, the diameter and depth were approximately 10microm and 0.2 microm respectively--whereby both increased with laser pulse energy. Further, depth of pit increased with laser pulse number without any thermal effect. This study showed that the femtosecond pulse processing system was capable of recording personal identification and optional additional information on a dental prosthesis.

Morphological studies of the developing human esophageal epithelium.

PubMed

Ménard, D

1995-06-15

This article focusses on the structural development of human esophageal ciliated epithelium. A combination of transmission electron microscopic (TEM), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), radioautographic, and light microscopic (LM) analyses were carried out using intact fetal tissues between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation as well as cultured esophageal explants. Up to the age of 10 weeks, the stratified esophageal epithelium consisted of two longitudinal primary folds. The surface cells were undifferentiated and contained large glycogen aggregates. Between 11 and 16 weeks, the primary folds (now up to four) had developed secondary folds. The thickness of the epithelium drastically increased (123%) in concomittance with a differentiation of surface columnar ciliated cells. These highly specialized surface cells exhibited junctional complexes and well-developed organelles with numerous microvilli interspersed among the cilia. Transverse sections revealed the internal structure of the cilia with a consistent pattern of nine doublet microtubules surrounding a central pair of single microtubules. Freeze-fracture studies illustrated the presence of a ciliary necklace composed of 6 ring-like rows of intramembranous particles. They also revealed the structure of ciliary cell tight junctions consisting of up to nine anastomosing strands (P-face) or complementary grooves (E-face). Ultrastructural studies (LM, TEM, SEM) of the esophageal squamous epithelium obtained after 15 days of culture showed that the newly formed epithelium was similar to adult human epithelium. Finally LM and SEM observations established that the esophagogastric junction was not yet well delineated, consisting of a transitional area composed of a mixture of esophageal ciliated cells and gastric columnar mucous cells.

Characterization of process-induced damage in Cu/low-k interconnect structure by microscopic infrared spectroscopy with polarized infrared light

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

Seki, Hirofumi, E-mail: Hirofumi-Seki@trc.toray.co.jp; Hashimoto, Hideki; Ozaki, Yukihiro

Microscopic Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra are measured for a Cu/low-k interconnect structure using polarized IR light for different widths of low-k spaces and Cu lines, and for different heights of Cu lines, on Si substrates. Although the widths of the Cu line and the low-k space are 70 nm each, considerably smaller than the wavelength of the IR light, the FT-IR spectra of the low-k film were obtained for the Cu/low-k interconnect structure. A suitable method was established for measuring the process-induced damage in a low-k film that was not detected by the TEM-EELS (Transmission Electron Microscope-Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy) using microscopicmore » IR polarized light. Based on the IR results, it was presumed that the FT-IR spectra mainly reflect the structural changes in the sidewalls of the low-k films for Cu/low-k interconnect structures, and the mechanism of generating process-induced damage involves the generation of Si-OH groups in the low-k film when the Si-CH{sub 3} bonds break during the fabrication processes. The Si-OH groups attract moisture and the OH peak intensity increases. It was concluded that the increase in the OH groups in the low-k film is a sensitive indicator of low-k damage. We achieved the characterization of the process-induced damage that was not detected by the TEM-EELS and speculated that the proposed method is applicable to interconnects with line and space widths of 70 nm/70 nm and on shorter scales of leading edge devices. The location of process-induced damage and its mechanism for the Cu/low-k interconnect structure were revealed via the measurement method.« less

Characterization, Microbial Community Structure, and Pathogen Occurrence in Urban Faucet Biofilms in South China

PubMed Central

Lin, Huirong; Zhang, Shuting; Gong, Song; Zhang, Shenghua; Yu, Xin

2015-01-01

The composition and microbial community structure of the drinking water system biofilms were investigated using microstructure analysis and 454 pyrosequencing technique in Xiamen city, southeast of China. SEM (scanning electron microscope) results showed different features of biofilm morphology in different fields of PVC pipe. Extracellular matrix material and sparse populations of bacteria (mainly rod-shaped and coccoid) were observed. CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscope) revealed different distributions of attached cells, extracellular proteins, α-polysaccharides, and β-polysaccharides. The biofilms had complex bacterial compositions. Differences in bacteria diversity and composition from different tap materials and ages were observed. Proteobacteria was the common and predominant group in all biofilms samples. Some potential pathogens (Legionellales, Enterobacteriales, Chromatiales, and Pseudomonadales) and corrosive microorganisms were also found in the biofilms. This study provides the information of characterization and visualization of the drinking water biofilms matrix, as well as the microbial community structure and opportunistic pathogens occurrence. PMID:26273617

Microscopic Structural Changes in Paddy Straw Pretreated with Trichoderma reesei MTCC 164 and Coriolus versicolor MTCC 138.

PubMed

Phutela, Urmila Gupta; Sahni, Nidhi

2013-06-01

The present study reports the pretreatment of paddy straw by Trichoderma reesei MTCC 164 and Coriolus versicolor MTCC 138 to observe the changes in chemical composition and its correlation with change of surface structure, morphology and porosity of paddy straw. Compared with untreated straw, cellulose decreased by 15.9 and 19.3 % in T. reesei MTCC 164 and C. versicolor MTCC 138 pretreated paddy straw respectively. Lignin content increased by 41.4 % in T. reesei pretreated paddy straw whereas decreased by 19.1 % in C. versicolor pretreated straw. The microscopic structural changes were examined by scanning electron microscopy under reasonable conditions. Results showed that digestibility of paddy straw are increased by treating paddy straw with both the cultures. Both surface area and pore size of treated straw were increased partially due to solubilization of silica components.

Microstructure-related properties of magnesium fluoride films at 193nm by oblique-angle deposition.

PubMed

Guo, Chun; Kong, Mingdong; Lin, Dawei; Liu, Cunding; Li, Bincheng

2013-01-14

Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) films deposited by resistive heating evaporation with oblique-angle deposition have been investigated in details. The optical and micro-structural properties of single-layer MgF2 films were characterized by UV-VIS and FTIR spectrophotometers, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The dependences of the optical and micro-structural parameters of the thin films on the deposition angle were analyzed. It was found that the MgF2 film in a columnar microstructure was negatively inhomogeneous of refractive index and polycrystalline. As the deposition angle increased, the optical loss, extinction coefficient, root-mean-square (rms) roughness, dislocation density and columnar angle of the MgF2 films increased, while the refractive index, packing density and grain size decreased. Furthermore, IR absorption of the MgF2 films depended on the columnar structured growth.

Three-dimensional imaging of adherent cells using FIB/SEM and STEM.

PubMed

Villinger, Clarissa; Schauflinger, Martin; Gregorius, Heiko; Kranz, Christine; Höhn, Katharina; Nafeey, Soufi; Walther, Paul

2014-01-01

In this chapter we describe three different approaches for three-dimensional imaging of electron microscopic samples: serial sectioning transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography, and focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography. With these methods, relatively large volumes of resin-embedded biological structures can be analyzed at resolutions of a few nm within a reasonable expenditure of time. The traditional method is serial sectioning and imaging the same area in all sections. Another method is TEM tomography that involves tilting a section in the electron beam and then reconstruction of the volume by back projection of the images. When the scanning transmission (STEM) mode is used, thicker sections (up to 1 μm) can be analyzed. The third approach presented here is focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography, in which a sample is repeatedly milled with a focused ion beam (FIB) and each newly produced block face is imaged with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). This process can be repeated ad libitum in arbitrary small increments allowing 3D analysis of relatively large volumes such as eukaryotic cells. We show that resolution of this approach is considerably improved when the secondary electron signal is used. However, the most important prerequisite for three-dimensional imaging is good specimen preparation. For all three imaging methods, cryo-fixed (high-pressure frozen) and freeze-substituted samples have been used.

In situ disordering of monoclinic titanium monoxide Ti5O5 studied by transmission electron microscope TEM.

PubMed

Rempel, А А; Van Renterghem, W; Valeeva, А А; Verwerft, M; Van den Berghe, S

2017-09-07

The superlattice and domain structures exhibited by ordered titanium monoxide Ti 5 O 5 are disrupted by low energy electron beam irradiation. The effect is attributed to the disordering of the oxygen and titanium sublattices. This disordering is caused by the displacement of both oxygen and titanium atoms by the incident electrons and results in a phase transformation of the monoclinic phase Ti 5 O 5 into cubic B1 titanium monoxide. In order to determine the energies required for the displacement of titanium or oxygen atoms, i.e. threshold displacement energies, a systematic study of the disappearance of superstructure reflections with increasing electron energy and electron bombardment dose has been performed in situ in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). An incident electron energy threshold between 120 and 140 keV has been observed. This threshold can be ascribed to the displacements of titanium atoms with 4 as well as with 5 oxygen atoms as nearest neighbors. The displacement threshold energy of titanium atoms in Ti 5 O 5 corresponding with the observed incident electron threshold energy lies between 6.0 and 7.5 eV. This surprisingly low value can be explained by the presence of either one or two vacant oxygen lattice sites in the nearest neighbors of all titanium atoms.

Effect of high-energy electron irradiation in an electron microscope column on fluorides of alkaline earth elements (CaF2, SrF2, and BaF2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaichik, V. I.; Sobolev, B. P.; Zaporozhets, M. A.; Avilov, A. S.

2012-03-01

The effect of high-energy (150 eV) electron irradiation in an electron microscope column on crystals of fluorides of alkaline earth elements CaF2, SrF2, and BaF2 is studied. During structural investigations by electron diffraction and electron microscopy, the electron irradiation causes chemical changes in MF2 crystals such as the desorption of fluorine and the accumulation of oxygen in the irradiated area with the formation of oxide MO. The fluorine desorption rate increases significantly when the electron-beam density exceeds the threshold value of ˜2 × 103 pA/cm2). In BaF2 samples, the transformation of BaO into Ba(OH)2 was observed when irradiation stopped. The renewal of irradiation is accompanied by the inverse transformation of Ba(OH)2 into BaO. In the initial stage of irradiation of all MF2 compounds, the oxide phase is in the single-crystal state with a lattice highly matched with the MF2 matrix. When the irradiation dose is increased, the oxide phase passes to the polycrystalline phase. Gaseous products of MF2 destruction (in the form of bubbles several nanometers in diameter) form a rectangular array with a period of ˜20 nm in the sample.

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)

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.

Investigation of Optical Cavity Modes and Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in Zinc Oxide Rods Using Second-Harmonic Generation and Transient Absorption Pump-Probe Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehl, Brian Peter

The polydispersity intrinsic to nanoscale and microscale semiconductor materials poses a major challenge to using individual objects as building blocks for device applications. The ability to manipulate the shape of ZnO structures is enormous, making it an ideal material for studying shape-dependent phenomena. We have built a nonlinear microscope used to directly image optical cavity modes in ZnO rods using second-harmonic generation. Images of second-harmonic generation in needle-shaped ZnO rods obtained from individual structures show areas of enhanced second-harmonic intensity along the longitudinal axis of the rod that are periodically distributed and symmetrically situated relative to the rod midpoint. The spatial modulation is a direct consequence of the fundamental optical field coupling into standing wave resonator modes of the ZnO structure, leading to an enhanced backscattered second-harmonic condition that cannot be achieved in bulk ZnO. A more complicated second-harmonic image is observed when excitation is below the band gap, which is attributed to whispering gallery modes. Additionally, the nonlinear microscope was combined with transient absorption pump-probe to follow the electron-hole recombination dynamics at different points within individual needle-shaped ZnO rods to characterize spatial differences in dynamical behavior. The results from pump-probe experiments are correlated with spatially resolved ultrafast emission measurements, and scanning electron microscopy provides structural details. Dramatically different electron-hole recombination dynamics are observed in the narrow tips compared to the interior, with the ends exhibiting a greater propensity for electron-hole plasma formation and faster recombination of carriers across the band gap that stem from a physical confinement of the charge carriers. In the interior of the rod, a greater fraction of the electron-hole recombination is trap-mediated and occurs on a significantly longer time scale.

Ultrastructural liver changes in the experimental thyrotoxicosis.

PubMed

Pasyechko, Nadiya Vasylivna; Kuleshko, Iryna Ihorivna; Kulchinska, Veronika Mykolaiivna; Naumova, Liudmyla Valeriivna; Smachylo, Iryna Volodymyrivna; Bob, Anzhela Olehivna; Radetska, Liudmyla Volodymyrivna; Havryliuk, Mykhailo Yevhenovych; Sopel, Olha Mykolaiivna; Mazur, Liudmyla Petrivna

Aim of the study is to evaluate ultrastructural changes of rat liver in experimental thyrotoxicosis. For the study, 36 male rats have been utilized, weighing approximately 150-190 g, which were divided into three groups: the first, control group (12 animals) was composed of healthy rats that received intragastric sodium chloride 0.9% solution, the second group (12 animals) - animals with experimental thyrotoxicosis, which received intragastric solution of L-thyroxine at the rate of 200 μg/kg for 2 weeks, and the third group (12 animals) - rats with experimental thyrotoxicosis, which received intragastric solution of L-thyroxine at the rate of 200 μg/kg for 4 weeks. For electron-microscopic studies small pieces of liver tissue were taken at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks of the experiment. The material was studied and documented in electron micrographs by using a TEM-125K electron microscope. In experiment in white male rats the electron-microscopic state of the liver in thyrotoxicosis has been studied. It has been established that thyrotoxicosis is accompanied by the significant changes of the hepatocytes ultrastructure, blood and bile capillaries. Experimental thyrotoxicosis causes significant damage of the liver plasma membranes and intracellular structural components of hepatocytes and endothelial cells. In experimental thyrotoxicosis, on the background of microcirculatory disorders, significant damage of plasmatic and intracellular organoid membranes of hepatocytes in the liver develops, which has an adverse effect on the functionality of the organ. The found ultrastructural changes are aggravated depending on the duration of thyrotoxicosis.

Cytological studies of lunar treated tissue cultures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halliwell, R. S.

1972-01-01

An electron microscopic study was made of botanical materials, particularly pine tissues, treated with lunar materials collected by Apollo 12 quarantine mission. Results show unusual structural changes within several of the treated tissues. The bodies, as yet unidentified, resemble virus particles observed within infected plant cells. Although the size and shape of the structures are comparable to rod shaped virus particles such as Tobacco mosaic, the numerical distribution, affinity for stains, and intercellular location are different.

Electrons and Phonons in Semiconductor Multilayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridley, B. K.

1996-11-01

This book provides a detailed description of the quantum confinement of electrons and phonons in semiconductor wells, superlattices and quantum wires, and shows how this affects their mutual interactions. It discusses the transition from microscopic to continuum models, emphasizing the use of quasi-continuum theory to describe the confinement of optical phonons and electrons. The hybridization of optical phonons and their interactions with electrons are treated, as are other electron scattering mechanisms. The book concludes with an account of the electron distribution function in three-, two- and one-dimensional systems, in the presence of electrical or optical excitation. This text will be of great use to graduate students and researchers investigating low-dimensional semiconductor structures, as well as to those developing new devices based on these systems.

The Structure and Properties of Diffusion Assisted Bonded Joints in 17-4 PH, Type 347, 15-5 PH and Nitronic 40 Stainless Steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wigley, D. A.

1981-01-01

Diffusion assisted bonds are formed in 17-4 PH, 15-5 PH, type 347 and Nitronic 40 stainless steels using electrodeposited copper as the bonding agent. The bonds are analyzed by conventional metallographic, electron microprobe analysis, and scanning electron microscopic techniques as well as Charpy V-notch impact tests at temperatures of 77 and 300 K. Results are discussed in terms of a postulated model for the bonding process.

A new method using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for preparation of anisopterous odonates.

PubMed

Del Palacio, Alejandro; Sarmiento, Patricia Laura; Javier, Muzón

2017-10-01

Anisopterous odonate male's secondary genitalia is a complex of several structures, among them the vesica spermalis is the most informative with important specific characters. The observation of those characters, mostly of membranous nature, is difficult in the Scanning Electron Microscope due to dehydration and metallization processes. In this contribution, we discuss a new and low cost procedure for the observation of these characters in the SEM, compatible with the most common agents used for preserving specimens. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Au functionalized ZnO rose-like hierarchical structures and their enhanced NO2 sensing performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shingange, K.; Swart, H. C.; Mhlongo, G. H.

2018-04-01

Herein, we present ZnO rose-like hierarchical nanostructures employed as support to Au nanoparticles to produce Au functionalized three dimensional (3D) ZnO hierarchical nanostructures (Au/ZnO) for NO2 detection using a microwave-assisted method. Comparative analysis of NO2 sensing performance between the pristine ZnO and Au/ZnO rose-like structures at 300 °C revealed improved NO2 response and rapid response-recovery times with Au incorporation owing to a combination of high surface accessibility induced by hierarchical nanostructure design and catalytic activity of the small Au nanoparticles. Structural and optical analyses acquired from X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and photoluminescence spectroscopy were also performed.

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.

Time-resolved scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis

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

Frömter, Robert, E-mail: rfroemte@physik.uni-hamburg.de; Oepen, Hans Peter; The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg

2016-04-04

We demonstrate the feasibility of investigating periodically driven magnetization dynamics in a scanning electron microscope with polarization analysis based on spin-polarized low-energy electron diffraction. With the present setup, analyzing the time structure of the scattering events, we obtain a temporal resolution of 700 ps, which is demonstrated by means of imaging the field-driven 100 MHz gyration of the vortex in a soft-magnetic FeCoSiB square. Owing to the efficient intrinsic timing scheme, high-quality movies, giving two components of the magnetization simultaneously, can be recorded on the time scale of hours.

Tip-induced reduction of the resonant tunneling current on semiconductor surfaces.

PubMed

Jelínek, Pavel; Svec, Martin; Pou, Pablo; Perez, Ruben; Cháb, Vladimír

2008-10-24

We report scanning tunneling microscope measurements showing a substantial decrease of the current, almost to zero, on the Si(111)-(7x7) reconstruction in the near-to-contact region under low bias conditions. First principles simulations for the tip-sample interaction and transport calculations show that this effect is driven by the substantial local modification of the atomic and electronic structure of the surface. The chemical reactivity of the adatom dangling bond states that dominate the electronic density of states close to the Fermi level and their spatial localization result in a strong modification of the electronic current.

Dimensionality-Driven Metal-Insulator Transition in Spin-Orbit-Coupled SrIrO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schütz, P.; Di Sante, D.; Dudy, L.; Gabel, J.; Stübinger, M.; Kamp, M.; Huang, Y.; Capone, M.; Husanu, M.-A.; Strocov, V. N.; Sangiovanni, G.; Sing, M.; Claessen, R.

2017-12-01

Upon reduction of the film thickness we observe a metal-insulator transition in epitaxially stabilized, spin-orbit-coupled SrIrO3 ultrathin films. By comparison of the experimental electronic dispersions with density functional theory at various levels of complexity we identify the leading microscopic mechanisms, i.e., a dimensionality-induced readjustment of octahedral rotations, magnetism, and electronic correlations. The astonishing resemblance of the band structure in the two-dimensional limit to that of bulk Sr2 IrO4 opens new avenues to unconventional superconductivity by "clean" electron doping through electric field gating.

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.

Au crystal growth on natural occurring Au-Ag aggregate elucidated by means of precession electron diffraction (PED)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roqué Rosell, Josep; Portillo Serra, Joaquim; Aiglsperger, Thomas; Plana-Ruiz, Sergi; Trifonov, Trifon; Proenza, Joaquín A.

2018-02-01

In the present work, a lamella from an Au-Ag aggregate found in Ni-laterites has been examined using Transmission Electron Microscope to produce a series of Precision Electron Diffraction (PED) patterns. The analysis of the structural data obtained, coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalysis, made it possible to determine the orientation of twinned native gold growing on the Au-Ag aggregate. The native Au crystal domains are found to have grown at the outermost part of the aggregate whereas the inner core of the aggregate is an Au-Ag alloy (∼4 wt% Ag). The submicron structural study of the natural occurring Au aggregate points to the mobilization and precipitation of gold in laterites and provides insights on Au aggregates development at supergene conditions. This manuscript demonstrates the great potential of electron crystallographic analysis, and in particular, PED to study submicron structural features of micron sized mineral aggregates by using the example of a gold grain found in a Ni-laterite deposits.

Ultrafast structural dynamics of boron nitride nanotubes studied using transmitted electrons.

PubMed

Li, Zhongwen; Sun, Shuaishuai; Li, Zi-An; Zhang, Ming; Cao, Gaolong; Tian, Huanfang; Yang, Huaixin; Li, Jianqi

2017-09-14

We investigate the ultrafast structural dynamics of multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) upon femtosecond optical excitation using ultrafast electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope. Analysis of the time-resolved (100) and (002) diffraction profiles reveals highly anisotropic lattice dynamics of BNNTs, which can be attributed to the distinct nature of the chemical bonds in the tubular structure. Moreover, the changes in (002) diffraction positions and intensities suggest that the lattice response of BNNTs to the femtosecond laser excitation involves a fast and a slow lattice dynamic process. The fast process with a time constant of about 8 picoseconds can be understood to be a result of electron-phonon coupling, while the slow process with a time constant of about 100 to 300 picoseconds depending on pump laser fluence is tentatively associated with an Auger recombination effect. In addition, we discuss the power-law relationship of a three-photon absorption process in the BNNT nanoscale system.

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...

The synthesis of Ag/polypyrrole coaxial nanocables via ion adsorption method using different oxidants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Teng; Xie, Huxiao; Zhang, Jiangru; Zahoor, Amad; Li, Xiaoyu

2011-03-01

Ag/polypyrrole (PPy) coaxial nanocables (NCs) were synthesized by an ion adsorption method. In this method, the pre-made Ag nanowires (NWs) were dispersed in the aqueous solution of copper acetate (Cu(Ac)2), and the Cu2+ ions adsorbed onto the surface of Ag NWs can oxidize pyrrole monomers to polymerize into uniform PPy sheath outside Ag NWs after the Cu(Ac)2-treated Ag NWs were re-dispersed in the aqueous solution of pyrrole. The morphology of NCs was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The relationship between the thickness of polymer sheath and the concentration of Cu(Ac)2 was established. As Cu(Ac)2 which served as the oxidant can also be replaced by AgNO3 in this synthesis, the differences on the structure of polymer sheath caused by different oxidants were studied by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Comparing with the characterization results of Ag/PPy NCs synthesized using AgNO3 as the oxidant which indicates the random arrangement of PPy chains at the interface between polymer sheath and Ag NWs, PPy chain oxidized by Cu2+ tends to show a relatively ordered conformation at the interface with the pyrrole rings identically taking the plane vertical to the surface of Ag NWs. In addition, although the main part of the polymer sheath was composed of PPy whatever kind of oxidant was used, the sheath of the NCs oxidized by Cu2+ is typical for the existence of Cu(I)-pyrrole coordinate structures with strong Cu(I)-N bond signal shown in XPS characterization.

[Biomimetic nanohydroxyapatite/gelatin composite material preparation and in vitro study].

PubMed

Li, Siriguleng; Hu, Xiaowen

2014-09-01

To prepare nHA/gelatin porous scaffold and to evaluate its physical and chemical properties and biocompatibility. We used nano-powders of HA and gelatin to prepare 3D porous composite scaffold by freeze-drying technique, and used scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and universal testing machine to characterize the composite material. Osteoblasts were primarily cultured, and the third-passage osteoblasts were co-cultured with the composite material. The cell adhesion and morphology were examined under scanning electron microscope. The cell viability analysis was performed by MTT assay, and the alkaline phosphatase activity was measured with alkaline phosphatase kit. Scanning electron microscope showed that the scaffold possessed a 3-dimensional interconnected homogenous porous structure with pore sizes ranging from 150 to 400 μm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the composite material had a strong chemical bond between the inorganic phase and organic phase. The scaffold presented the compressive strength of (3.28 ± 0.51) MPa and porosities of (80.6 ± 4.1)%. Composite materials showed features of had good biocompatibility. Mouse osteoblasts were well adhered and spread on the materials. The grade of the cell toxicity ranged from I to II. On the 5th and 7th day the proliferative rate of osteoblasts on scaffolds in the composite materials was significantly higher than that in the control group. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was obviously higher than that in the control group on Day 1 and 3. Nano-hydroxyapatite and gelatin in certain proportions and under certain conditions can be prepared into a composite biomimetic porous scaffolds with high porosity and three-dimensional structure using freeze-drying method. The scaffold shows good biocompatibility with mouse osteoblasts and may be a novel scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Determination of the structural phase and octahedral rotation angle in halide perovskites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

dos Reis, Roberto; Yang, Hao; Ophus, Colin; Ercius, Peter; Bizarri, Gregory; Perrodin, Didier; Shalapska, Tetiana; Bourret, Edith; Ciston, Jim; Dahmen, Ulrich

2018-02-01

A key to the unique combination of electronic and optical properties in halide perovskite materials lies in their rich structural complexity. However, their radiation sensitive nature limits nanoscale structural characterization requiring dose efficient microscopic techniques in order to determine their structures precisely. In this work, we determine the space-group and directly image the Br halide sites of CsPbBr3, a promising material for optoelectronic applications. Based on the symmetry of high-order Laue zone reflections of convergent-beam electron diffraction, we identify the tetragonal (I4/mcm) structural phase of CsPbBr3 at cryogenic temperature. Electron ptychography provides a highly sensitive phase contrast measurement of the halide positions under low electron-dose conditions, enabling imaging of the elongated Br sites originating from the out-of-phase octahedral rotation viewed along the [001] direction of I4/mcm persisting at room temperature. The measurement of these features and comparison with simulations yield an octahedral rotation angle of 6.5°(±1.5°). The approach demonstrated here opens up opportunities for understanding the atomic scale structural phenomena applying advanced characterization tools on a wide range of radiation sensitive halide-based all-inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites.

Stability of DNA Origami Nanoarrays in Cell Lysate

PubMed Central

Mei, Qian; Wei, Xixi; Su, Fengyu; Liu, Yan; Youngbull, Cody; Johnson, Roger; Lindsay, Stuart; Yan, Hao; Meldrum, Deirdre

2012-01-01

Scaffolded DNA origami, a method to create self-assembled nanostructures with spatially addressable features, has recently been used to develop water-soluble molecular chips for label-free RNA detection, platforms for deterministic protein positioning, and single molecule reaction observatories. These applications highlight the possibility of exploiting the unique properties and biocompatibility of DNA nanostructures in live, cellular systems. Herein, we assembled several DNA origami nanostructures of differing shape, size and probes, and investigated their interaction with lysate obtained from various normal and cancerous cell lines. We separated and analyzed the origami–lysate mixtures using agarose gel electrophoresis and recovered the DNA structures for functional assay and subsequent microscopic examination. Our results demonstrate that DNA origami nanostructures are stable in cell lysate and can be easily separated from lysate mixtures, in contrast to natural, single- and double-stranded DNA. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that the DNA origami structures are fully intact after separation from cell lysates and hybridize to their targets, verifying the superior structural integrity and functionality of self-assembled DNA origami nanostructures relative to conventional oligonucleotides. The stability and functionality of DNA origami structures in cell lysate validate their use for biological applications, for example, as programmable molecular rafts or disease detection platforms. PMID:21366226

Electronic Interfacial Effects in Epitaxial Heterostructures based on LaMnO3.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christen, Hans M.; Varela, M.; Lee, H. N.; Kim, D. H.; Chisholm, M. F.; Cantoni, C.; Petit, L.; Schulthess, T. C.; Lowndes, D. H.

2006-03-01

Studies of chemically abrupt interfaces provide an ideal platform to study the effects of discontinuities and asymmetries of the electronic configuration on the transport and magnetic properties of complex oxides. In addition, the behavior of complex materials near interfaces plays the most crucial role not only in devices and nanostructures but also in complex structures in the form of composites and superlattices, including artificial multiferroics. Interfaces in the ABO3 perovskite system are particularly attractive because structurally similar oxides with fundamentally different physical properties can be integrated epitaxially. To explore the electronic effects at interfaces and to probe the physical properties that result from local electronic changes, we have synthesized structures containing LaMnO3 and insulating perovskites using pulsed laser deposition. The local electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) capability of a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is used to probe the electronic configuration in the LaMnO3 films as a function of the distance from the interfaces. The results are compared to macroscopic measurements and theoretical predictions. Research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC.

An Effective Method of Preparing Sections of Bacillus polymyxa Sporangia and Spores for Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Holbert, Pauline E.

1960-01-01

Bacillus polymyxa sporangia and spores were prepared for examination in the electron microscope by methods whose critical features were apparently: judicious use of vacuum, to encourage complete penetration of the embedding medium; the use of epoxy resins as embedding media; and cutting of the thin sections with a diamond knife. Electron micrographs of material prepared in this manner exhibit undeformed sporangial sections. Some of the structures revealed have been shown before, though perhaps less distinctly; other structures are revealed here for the first time. While this single study does not pretend to elucidate all the complexities of sporulation in bacteria, these and similar images should make this possible, and some mention of the preparatory techniques that lead to them seems advisable at this time. PMID:14402552

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.

Investigation of C3 S hydration mechanism by transmission electron microscope (TEM) with integrated Super-XTM EDS system.

PubMed

Sakalli, Y; Trettin, R

2017-07-01

Tricalciumsilicate (C 3 S, Alite) is the major component of the Portland cement clinker. Hydration of Alite is decisive in influencing the properties of the resulting material. This is due to its high content in cement. The mechanism of the hydration of C 3 S is very complicated and not yet fully understood. There are different models describing the hydration of C 3 S in various ways. In this work for a better understanding of hydration mechanism, the hydrated C 3 S was investigated by using the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and for the first time, the samples for the investigations were prepared by using of focused ion beam from sintered pellets of C 3 S. Also, an FEI Talos F200x with an integrated Super-X EDS system was used for the investigations. FEI Talos F200X combines outstanding high-resolution S/TEM and TEM imaging with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy signal detection, and 3D chemical characterization with compositional mapping. TEM is a very powerful tool for material science. A high energy beam of electrons passes through a very thin sample, and the interactions between the electrons and the atoms can be used to observe the structure of the material and other features in the structure. TEM can be used to study the growth of layers and their composition. TEM produces high-resolution, two-dimensional images and will be used for a wide range of educational, science and industry applications. Chemical analysis can also be performed. The purpose of these investigations was to get the information about the composition of the C-S-H phases and some details of the nanostructure of the C-S-H phases. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

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

Hybrid density functional study of structural, bonding, and electronic properties of the manganite series La1-xCaxMnO3 (x =0,1/4,1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korotana, R.; Mallia, G.; Gercsi, Z.; Liborio, L.; Harrison, N. M.

2014-05-01

Hybrid-exchange density functional theory calculations are carried out to determine the effects of A-site doping on the electronic and magnetic properties of the manganite series La1-xCaxMnO3. This study focuses on the ground state of an ordered Ca occupancy in a periodic structure. It is shown that the hybrid-exchange functional, Becke three-parameter Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP), provides an accurate and consistent description of the electronic structure for LaMnO3, CaMnO3, and La0.75Ca0.25MnO3. We have quantified the relevant structural, magnetic, and electronic energy contributions to the stability of the doped compound. An insight into the exchange coupling mechanism for the low hole density region of the phase diagram, where a polaron (anti-Jahn-Teller) forms, is also provided. This study completes a microscopic description of the lightly doped insulator with an antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic and metal-to-insulator transition.

Transmission electron microscopy in molecular structural biology: A historical survey.

PubMed

Harris, J Robin

2015-09-01

In this personal, historic account of macromolecular transmission electron microscopy (TEM), published data from the 1940s through to recent times is surveyed, within the context of the remarkable progress that has been achieved during this time period. The evolution of present day molecular structural biology is described in relation to the associated biological disciplines. The contribution of numerous electron microscope pioneers to the development of the subject is discussed. The principal techniques for TEM specimen preparation, thin sectioning, metal shadowing, negative staining and plunge-freezing (vitrification) of thin aqueous samples are described, with a selection of published images to emphasise the virtues of each method. The development of digital image analysis and 3D reconstruction is described in detail as applied to electron crystallography and reconstructions from helical structures, 2D membrane crystals as well as single particle 3D reconstruction of icosahedral viruses and macromolecules. The on-going development of new software, algorithms and approaches is highlighted before specific examples of the historical progress of the structural biology of proteins and viruses are presented. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Atomic Resolution Study of the Interfacial Bonding at Si3N4/CeO2-δ Grain Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klie, Robert F.; Walkosz, Weronika; Ogut, Serdar; Borisevich, A.; Becher, Paul F.; Pennycook, Steve J.; Idrobo, Juan C.

2008-03-01

Using a combination of atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the scanning transmission electron microscope, we examine the atomic and electronic structures at the interface between Si3N4 (10 10) and CeO2-δ inter-granular film (IGF). Ce atoms are observed to segregate to the interface in a two-layer periodic arrangement, which is significantly different compared to the structure observed in a previous study. Our EELS experiments show that (i) oxygen is present at the interface in direct contact with the terminating Si3N4 open-ring structures, (ii) the Ce valence state changes from +3 to +4 in going from the interface into the IGF, and (iii) while the N concentration decreases away from the Si3N4 grains into the IGF, the Si concentration remains uniform across the whole width of the IGF. Possible reasons for these observed structural and electronic variations at the interface and their implications for future studies on Si3N4/rare-earth oxide interfaces are briefly discussed.

Group-III nitride VCSEL structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ng, HockMin; Moustakas, Theodore D.

2000-07-01

III-nitride VCSEL structures designed for electron-beam pumping have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The structures consist of a sapphire substrate on which an AlN/GaN distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with peak reflectance >99% at 402 nm is deposited. The active region consists of a 2-(lambda) cavity with 25 In0.1Ga0.9N/GaN multiquantum wells (MQWs) whose emission coincides with the high reflectance region of the DBR. The thicknesses of the InGaN wells and the GaN barriers are 35 angstrom and 75 angstrom respectively. The top reflector consists of a silver metallic mirror which prevents charging effects during electron-beam pumping. The structure was pumped from the top- side with a cw electron-beam using a modified cathodoluminescence (CL) system mounted on a scanning electron microscope chamber. Light output was collected from the polished sapphire substrate side. Measurements performed at 100 K showed intense emission at 407 nm with narrowing of the linewidth with increasing beam current. A narrow emission linewidth of 0.7 nm was observed indicating the onset of stimulated emission.

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.

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.

The effect of immersion time to low carbon steel hardness and microstructure with hot dip galvanizing coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakim, A. A.; Rajagukguk, T. O.; Sumardi, S.

2018-01-01

Along with developing necessities of metal materials, these rise demands of quality improvements and material protections especially the mechanical properties of the material. This research used hot dip galvanizing coating method. The objectives of this research were to find out Rockwell hardness (HRb), layer thickness, micro structure and observation with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) from result of coating by using Hot Dip Galvanizing coating method with immersion time of 3, 6, 9, and 12 minutes at 460°C. The result shows that Highest Rockwell hardness test (HRb) was at 3 minutes immersion time with 76.012 HRb. Highest thickness result was 217.3 μm at 12 minutes immersion. Microstructure test result showed that coating was formed at eta, zeta, delta and gamma phases, while Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed Fe, Zn, Mn, Si and S elements at the specimens after coating.