A study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of TiO2 coatings produced by micro-arc oxidation in a Ca-P-based electrolyte.

PubMed

dos Santos, Amanda; Araujo, Joyce R; Landi, Sandra M; Kuznetsov, Alexei; Granjeiro, José M; de Sena, Lidia Ágata; Achete, Carlos Alberto

2014-07-01

In this work, a porous and homogeneous titanium dioxide layer was grown on commercially pure titanium substrate using a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process and Ca-P-based electrolyte. The structure and morphology of the TiO2 coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, and profilometry. The chemical properties were studied using electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The wettability of the coating was evaluated using contact angle measurements. During the MAO process, Ca and P ions were incorporated into the oxide layer. The TiO2 coating was composed of a mixture of crystalline and amorphous structures. The crystalline part of the sample consisted of a major anatase phase and a minor rutile phase. A cross-sectional image of the coating-substrate interface reveals the presence of voids elongated along the interface. An osteoblast culture was performed to verify the cytocompatibility of the anodized surface. The results of the cytotoxicity tests show satisfactory cell viability of the titanium dioxide films produced in this study.

Thickness Influence on In Vitro Biocompatibility of Titanium Nitride Thin Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition

PubMed Central

Duta, Liviu; Stan, George E.; Popa, Adrian C.; Husanu, Marius A.; Moga, Sorin; Socol, Marcela; Zgura, Irina; Miculescu, Florin; Urzica, Iuliana; Popescu, Andrei C.; Mihailescu, Ion N.

2016-01-01

We report a study on the biocompatibility vs. thickness in the case of titanium nitride (TiN) films synthesized on 410 medical grade stainless steel substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The films were grown in a nitrogen atmosphere, and their in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed according to ISO 10993-5 [1]. Extensive physical-chemical analyses have been carried out on the deposited structures with various thicknesses in order to explain the differences in biological behavior: profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction and surface energy measurements. XPS revealed the presence of titanium oxynitride beside TiN in amounts that vary with the film thickness. The cytocompatibility of films seems to be influenced by their TiN surface content. The thinner films seem to be more suitable for medical applications, due to the combined high values of bonding strength and superior cytocompatibility. PMID:28787846

Engineering Non-Wetting Antimicrobial Fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Berg, Desmond

This research presents novel techniques and a review of commercially available fabrics for their antimicrobial potential. Based on previous research into the advantages of superhydrophobic self-cleaning surfaces against bacterial contamination, insights into what can make a superhydrophobic fabric inherently antimicrobial were analyzed. Through comparing the characterization results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry to microbiology experiments, hypotheses into the relationship between the contact area of a bacterial solution and the extent of contamination is developed. Contact scenario experiments, involving the use of fluorescence microscopy and calculating colony forming units, proved that the contamination potential of any fabric is due to the wetting state exhibited by the fabric, as well as the extent of surface texturing. Transmission experiments, utilizing a novel technique of stamping a contaminated fabric, outlined the importance of retention of solutions or bacteria during interactions within the hospital environment on the extent of contamination.

A study of the effect of solid particle impact and particle shape on the erosion morphology of ductile metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, P. V.; Young, S. G.; Buckley, D. H.

1984-01-01

Impulsive versus steady jet impingement of spherical glass bead particles on metal surfaces was studied using a gas gun facility and a commercial sand blasting apparatus. Crushed glass particles were also used in the sand blasting apparatus as well as glass beads. Comparisons of the different types of erosion patterns were made. Scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were used to characterize erosion patterns. The nature of the wear can be divided into cutting and deformation, each with its own characteristic features. Surface chemistry analysis indicates the possiblity of complex chemical and/or mechanical interactions between erodants and target materials.

A study of the nature of solid particle impact and shape on the erosion morphology of ductile metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, P. V.; Young, S. G.; Buckley, D. H.

1982-01-01

Impulsive versus steady jet impingement of spherical glass bead particles on metal surfaces was studied using a gas gun facility and a commercial sand blasting apparatus. Crushed glass particles were also used in the sand blasting apparatus as well as glass beads. Comparisons of the different types of erosion patterns were made. Scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were used to characterize erosion patterns. The nature of the wear can be divided into cutting and deformation, each with its own characteristic features. Surface chemistry analysis indicates the possibility of complex chemical and/or mechanical interactions between erodants and target materials.

Osteoblast-like cell response to macro- and micro-patterned carbon scaffolds obtained from the sea rush Juncus maritimus.

PubMed

López-Álvarez, M; Pereiro, I; Serra, J; de Carlos, A; González, P

2011-08-01

Carbon scaffolds with a directional patterned surface were obtained by pyrolysis of the sea rush Juncus maritimus. The structure of the scaffolds was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry and interferometric profilometry. X-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence were the techniques used for their chemical characterization. The alignment and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cell line) incubated on the patterned scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and by the quantification of the phosphatase alkaline activity and the osteocalcin synthesis. It was found that pyrolysis at 500 °C preserved and even enhanced the natural macro- and micro-patterning of the plant. The results obtained for porosity and chemical composition validated these structures as viable scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Finally, the patterned surface was confirmed to promote the oriented growth of the pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1, not only after short periods of incubation (hours) but also after longer ones (several weeks). The quantification of the cell differentiation markers together with the evaluation of the cell layer morphology up to 28 days of incubation confirmed the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells to osteoblasts. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd

Surface-specific additive manufacturing test artefacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Andrew; Racasan, Radu; Blunt, Liam

2018-06-01

Many test artefact designs have been proposed for use with additive manufacturing (AM) systems. These test artefacts have primarily been designed for the evaluation of AM form and dimensional performance. A series of surface-specific measurement test artefacts designed for use in the verification of AM manufacturing processes are proposed here. Surface-specific test artefacts can be made more compact because they do not require the large dimensions needed for accurate dimensional and form measurements. The series of three test artefacts are designed to provide comprehensive information pertaining to the manufactured surface. Measurement possibilities include deviation analysis, surface texture parameter data generation, sub-surface analysis, layer step analysis and build resolution comparison. The test artefacts are designed to provide easy access for measurement using conventional surface measurement techniques, for example, focus variation microscopy, stylus profilometry, confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the test artefacts may be simply visually inspected as a comparative tool, giving a fast indication of process variation between builds. The three test artefacts are small enough to be included in every build and include built-in manufacturing traceability information, making them a convenient physical record of the build.

Measuring Nanoscale Heat Transfer for Gold-(Gallium Oxide)-Gallium Nitride Interfaces as a Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szwejkowski, Chester; Sun, Kai; Constantin, Costel; Giri, Ashutosh; Saltonstall, Christopher; Hopkins, Patrick; NanoSynCh Team; Exsite Team

2014-03-01

Gallium nitride (GaN) is considered the most important semiconductor after the discovery of Silicon. Understanding the properties of GaN is imperative in determining the utility and applicability of this class of materials to devices. We present results of time domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements as a function of surface root mean square (RMS) roughness. We used commercially available 5mm x 5mm, single-side polished GaN (3-7 μm)/Sapphire (430 μm) substrates that have a Wurtzite crystal structure and are slightly n-type doped. The GaN substrates were annealed in the open atmosphere for 10 minutes (900-1000 °C). This high-temperature treatment produced RMS values from 1-60 nm and growth of gallium oxide (GaO) as measured with an atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy respectively. A gold film (80nm) was deposited on the GaN surface using electron beam physical vapor deposition which was verified using ellipsometry and profilometry. The TDTR measurements suggest that the thermal conductivity decays exponentially with RMS roughness and that there is a minimum value for thermal boundary conductance at a roughness of 15nm.

Surface Chemistry, Microstructure, and Tribological Properties of Cubic Boron Nitride Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watanabe, Shuichi; Wheeler, Donald R.; Abel, Phillip B.; Street, Kenneth W.; Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Murakawa, Masao; Miyake, Shojiro

1998-01-01

This report deals with the surface chemistry, microstructure, bonding state, morphology, and friction and wear properties of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) films that were synthesized by magnetically enhanced plasma ion plating. Several analytical techniques - x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface profilometry - were used to characterize the films. Sliding friction experiments using a ball-on-disk configuration were conducted for the c-BN films in sliding contact with 440C stainless-steel balls at room temperature in ultrahigh vacuum (pressure, 10(exp -6), in ambient air, and under water lubrication. Results indicate that the boron-to-nitrogen ratio on the surface of the as-deposited c-BN film is greater than 1 and that not all the boron is present as boron nitride but a small percentage is present as an oxide. Both in air and under water lubrication, the c-BN film in sliding contact with steel showed a low wear rate, whereas a high wear rate was observed in vacuum. In air and under water lubrication, c-BN exhibited wear resistance superior to that of amorphous boron nitride, titanium nitride, and titanium carbide.

Preparing Al-Mg Substrate for Thermal Spraying: Evaluation of Surface State After Different Pretreatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukauskaitė, R.; Valiulis, A. V.; Černašėjus, O.; Škamat, J.; Rębiś, J. A.

2016-08-01

The article deals with the pretreatment technique for preparing the surface of aluminum alloy EN AW 5754 before thermal spray. The surface after different pretreatments, including degreasing with acetone, chemical etching with acidic and alkali solutions, grit-blasting, cathodic cleaning, and some combinations of these techniques, has been studied. The investigation of pre-treated surfaces covered the topographical study (using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and 3D profilometry), the chemical analysis by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the evaluation of surface wettability (sessile drop method), and the assessment of surface free energy. Compared with all the techniques used in present work, the cathodic cleaning and its combination with grit-blasting provide the most preferable chemistry of the surface. Due to the absence of hydroxides at the surface and, possible, due to the diffusion of magnesium to the surface of substrate, the surface wettability and the surface free energy have been significantly improved. No direct correlation between the surface topography and the surface wettability has been established.

Self-assembled anchor layers/polysaccharide coatings on titanium surfaces: a study of functionalization and stability

PubMed Central

Zemek, Josef; Neykova, Neda; Demianchuk, Roman; Chánová, Eliška Mázl; Šlouf, Miroslav; Houska, Milan; Rypáček, František

2015-01-01

Summary Composite materials based on a titanium support and a thin, alginate hydrogel could be used in bone tissue engineering as a scaffold material that provides biologically active molecules. The main objective of this contribution is to characterize the activation and the functionalization of titanium surfaces by the covalent immobilization of anchoring layers of self-assembled bisphosphonate neridronate monolayers and polymer films of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and biomimetic poly(dopamine). These were further used to bind a bio-functional alginate coating. The success of the titanium surface activation, anchoring layer formation and alginate immobilization, as well as the stability upon immersion under physiological-like conditions, are demonstrated by different surface sensitive techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The changes in morphology and the established continuity of the layers are examined by scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry and atomic force microscopy. The changes in hydrophilicity after each modification step are further examined by contact angle goniometry. PMID:25821702

Endothelial cell behaviour on gas-plasma-treated PLA surfaces: the roles of surface chemistry and roughness.

PubMed

Shah, Amita; Shah, Sarita; Mani, Gopinath; Wenke, Joseph; Agrawal, Mauli

2011-04-01

Glow-discharge gas-plasma (GP) treatment has been shown to induce surface modifications such that cell adhesion and growth are enhanced. However, it is not known which gas used in GP treatment is optimal for endothelial cell function. Polylactic acid (PLA) films treated oxygen, argon, or nitrogen GP were characterized using contact angles, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical profilometry, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. All three GP treatments decreased the carbon atomic concentration and surface roughness and increased the oxygen atomic concentration. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured on the PLA films for up to 7 days. Based on proliferation and live/dead assays, surface chemistry was shown to have the greatest effect on the attachment, proliferation, and viability of these cells, while roughness did not have a significant influence. Of the different gases, endothelial cell viability, attachment and proliferation were most significantly increased on PLA surfaces treated with oxygen and argon gas plasma. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Digital differential confocal microscopy based on spatial shift transformation.

PubMed

Liu, J; Wang, Y; Liu, C; Wilson, T; Wang, H; Tan, J

2014-11-01

Differential confocal microscopy is a particularly powerful surface profilometry technique in industrial metrology due to its high axial sensitivity and insensitivity to noise. However, the practical implementation of the technique requires the accurate positioning of point detectors in three-dimensions. We describe a simple alternative based on spatial transformation of a through-focus series of images obtained from a homemade beam scanning confocal microscope. This digital differential confocal microscopy approach is described and compared with the traditional Differential confocal microscopy approach. The ease of use of the digital differential confocal microscopy system is illustrated by performing measurements on a 3D standard specimen. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2014 Royal Microscopical Society.

Assessment of engineered surfaces roughness by high-resolution 3D SEM photogrammetry.

PubMed

Gontard, L C; López-Castro, J D; González-Rovira, L; Vázquez-Martínez, J M; Varela-Feria, F M; Marcos, M; Calvino, J J

2017-06-01

We describe a methodology to obtain three-dimensional models of engineered surfaces using scanning electron microscopy and multi-view photogrammetry (3DSEM). For the reconstruction of the 3D models of the surfaces we used freeware available in the cloud. The method was applied to study the surface roughness of metallic samples patterned with parallel grooves by means of laser. The results are compared with measurements obtained using stylus profilometry (PR) and SEM stereo-photogrammetry (SP). The application of 3DSEM is more time demanding than PR or SP, but it provides a more accurate representation of the surfaces. The results obtained with the three techniques are compared by investigating the influence of sampling step on roughness parameters. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Deposition and Characterization of Hermetic, Biocompatible Thin Film Coatings for Implantable, Electrically Active Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweitzer, Robyn K.

Retinal prostheses may be used to support patients suffering from Age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa. A hermetic encapsulation of the poly(imide )-based prosthesis is important in order to prevent the leakage of water and ions into the electric circuitry embedded in the poly(imide) matrix. The deposition of amorphous aluminum oxide (by sputtering) and diamond like carbon (by pulsed laser ablation and vacuum arc vapor deposition) were studied for the application in retinal prostheses. The resulting thin films were characterized for composition, thickness, adhesion and smoothness by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, profilometry and light microscopy. Electrical stability was evaluated and found to be good. The as-deposited films prevented incursion of salinated fluids into the implant over two (2) three month trials soaking in normal saline at body temperature, Biocompatibility was tested in vivo by implanting coated specimen subretinally in the eye of Yucatan pigs. While amorphous aluminum oxide is more readily deposited with sufficient adhesion quality, biocompatibility studies showed a superior behavior of diamond-like carbon. Amorphous aluminum oxide had more adverse effects and caused more severe damage to the retinal tissue.

Bonding of Resin Cement to Zirconia with High Pressure Primer Coating

PubMed Central

Wang, Ying-jie; Jiao, Kai; Liu, Yan; Zhou, Wei; Shen, Li-juan; Fang, Ming; Li, Meng; Zhang, Xiang; Tay, Franklin R.; Chen, Ji-hua

2014-01-01

Objectives To investigate the effect of air-drying pressure during ceramic primer coating on zirconia/resin bonding and the surface characteristics of the primed zirconia. Methods Two ceramic primers (Clearfil Ceramic Primer, CCP, Kuraray Medical Inc. and Z-Prime Plus, ZPP, Bisco Inc.) were applied on the surface of air-abraded zirconia (Katana zirconia, Noritake) and dried at 4 different air pressures (0.1–0.4 MPa). The primed zirconia ceramic specimens were bonded with a resin-based luting agent (SA Luting Cement, Kuraray). Micro-shear bond strengths of the bonded specimens were tested after 3 days of water storage or 5,000× thermocycling (n = 12). Failure modes of the fractured specimens were examined with scanning electron miscopy. The effects of air pressure on the thickness of the primer layers and the surface roughness (Sa) of primed zirconia were evaluated using spectroscopic ellipsometry (n = 6), optical profilometry and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) (n = 6), respectively. Results Clearfil Ceramic Primer air-dried at 0.3 and 0.4 MPa, yielding significantly higher µSBS than gentle air-drying subgroups (p<0.05). Compared to vigorous drying conditions, Z-Prime Plus air-dried at 0.2 MPa exhibited significantly higher µSBS (p<0.05). Increasing air-drying pressure reduced the film thickness for both primers. Profilometry measurements and ESEM showed rougher surfaces in the high pressure subgroups of CCP and intermediate pressure subgroup of ZPP. Conclusion Air-drying pressure influences resin/zirconia bond strength and durability significantly. Higher air-drying pressure (0.3-0.4 MPa) for CCP and intermediate pressure (0.2 MPa) for ZPP are recommended to produce strong, durable bonds between resin cement and zirconia ceramics. PMID:24992678

Laser Processing of Metals and Polymers

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

Singaravelu, Senthilraja

2012-05-01

A laser offers a unique set of opportunities for precise delivery of high quality coherent energy. This energy can be tailored to alter the properties of material allowing a very flexible adjustment of the interaction that can lead to melting, vaporization, or just surface modification. Nowadays laser systems can be found in nearly all branches of research and industry for numerous applications. Sufficient evidence exists in the literature to suggest that further advancements in the field of laser material processing will rely significantly on the development of new process schemes. As a result they can be applied in various applicationsmore » starting from fundamental research on systems, materials and processes performed on a scientific and technical basis for the industrial needs. The interaction of intense laser radiation with solid surfaces has extensively been studied for many years, in part, for development of possible applications. In this thesis, I present several applications of laser processing of metals and polymers including polishing niobium surface, producing a superconducting phase niobium nitride and depositing thin films of niobium nitride and organic material (cyclic olefin copolymer). The treated materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), high resolution optical microscopy, surface profilometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Power spectral density (PSD) spectra computed from AFM data gives further insight into the effect of laser melting on the topography of the treated niobium.« less

Uniformity studies of inductively coupled plasma etching in fabrication of HgCdTe detector arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bommena, R.; Velicu, S.; Boieriu, P.; Lee, T. S.; Grein, C. H.; Tedjojuwono, K. K.

2007-04-01

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) chemistry based on a mixture of CH 4, Ar, and H II was investigated for the purpose of delineating HgCdTe mesa structures and vias typically used in the fabrication of second and third generation infrared photo detector arrays. We report on ICP etching uniformity results and correlate them with plasma controlling parameters (gas flow rates, total chamber pressure, ICP power and RF power). The etching rate and surface morphology of In-doped MWIR and LWIR HgCdTe showed distinct dependences on the plasma chemistry, total pressure and RF power. Contact stylus profilometry and cross-section scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the anisotropy of the etched profiles obtained after various processes and a standard deviation of 0.06 μm was obtained for etch depth on 128 x 128 format array vias. The surface morphology and the uniformity of the etched surfaces were studied by plan view SEM. Atomic force microscopy was used to make precise assessments of surface roughness.

Modeling of profilometry with laser focus sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bischoff, Jörg; Manske, Eberhard; Baitinger, Henner

2011-05-01

Metrology is of paramount importance in submicron patterning. Particularly, line width and overlay have to be measured very accurately. Appropriated metrology techniques are scanning electron microscopy and optical scatterometry. The latter is non-invasive, highly accurate and enables optical cross sections of layer stacks but it requires periodic patterns. Scanning laser focus sensors are a viable alternative enabling the measurement of non-periodic features. Severe limitations are imposed by the diffraction limit determining the edge location accuracy. It will be shown that the accuracy can be greatly improved by means of rigorous modeling. To this end, a fully vectorial 2.5-dimensional model has been developed based on rigorous Maxwell solvers and combined with models for the scanning and various autofocus principles. The simulations are compared with experimental results. Moreover, the simulations are directly utilized to improve the edge location accuracy.

Critical detonation thickness in vapor-deposited hexanitroazobenzene (HNAB) films with different preparation conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tappan, Alexander; Knepper, Robert; Marquez, Michael; Ball, J.; Miller, Jill

2013-06-01

At Sandia National Laboratories, we have coined the term ``microenergetics'' to describe sub-millimeter energetic material studies aimed at gaining knowledge of combustion and detonation behavior at the mesoscale. Films of the high explosive hexanitroazobenzene (HNAB) have been deposited through physical vapor deposition. HNAB deposits in an amorphous state that crystallizes over time and modest heating accelerates this crystallization. HNAB films were prepared under different crystallization temperatures, and characterized with surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. The critical detonation thickness for HNAB at different crystallization conditions was determined in a configuration where charge width was large compared to film thickness, and thus side losses did not play a role in detonation propagation. The results of these experiments will be discussed in the context of small sample geometry, deposited film morphology, crystal structure, and density.

Transition metal-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Sanpo, Noppakun; Berndt, Christopher C; Wen, Cuie; Wang, James

2013-03-01

Transition metals of copper, zinc, chromium and nickel were substituted into cobalt ferrite nanoparticles via a sol-gel route using citric acid as a chelating agent. The microstructure and elemental composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Phase analysis of transition metal-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was performed via X-ray diffraction. Surface wettability was measured using the water contact angle technique. The surface roughness of all nanoparticles was measured using profilometry. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to determine the temperature at which the decomposition and oxidation of the chelating agents took place. Results indicated that the substitution of transition metals influences strongly the microstructure, crystal structure and antibacterial property of the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An investigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on novel nanocellulose fibre dressings.

PubMed

Powell, Lydia C; Khan, Saira; Chinga-Carrasco, Gary; Wright, Chris J; Hill, Katja E; Thomas, David W

2016-02-10

Nanocellulose from wood is a novel biomaterial, which is highly fibrillated at the nanoscale. This affords the material a number of advantages, including self-assembly, biodegradability and the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which highlights its potential usefulness in clinical wound-dressing applications. In these in vitro studies, the wound pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was used to assess the ability of two nanocellulose materials to impair bacterial growth (<48 h). The two nanocelluloses had a relatively small fraction of residual fibres (<4%) and thus a large fraction of nanofibrils (widths <20 nm). Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging demonstrated impaired biofilm growth on the nanocellulose films and increased cell death when compared to a commercial control wound dressing, Aquacel(®). Nanocellulose suspensions inhibited bacterial growth, whilst UV-vis spectrophotometry and laser profilometry also revealed the ability of nanocellulose to form smooth, translucent films. Atomic force microscopy studies of the surface properties of nanocellulose demonstrated that PAO1 exhibited markedly contrasting morphology when grown on the nanocellulose film surfaces compared to an Aquacel(®) control dressing (p<0.05). This study highlights the potential utility of these biodegradable materials, from a renewable source, for wound dressing applications in the prevention and treatment of biofilm development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research of Adhesion Bonds Between Gas-Thermal Coating and Pre-Modified Base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalevskaya, Z.; Zaitsev, K.; Klimenov, V.

2016-08-01

Nature of adhesive bonds between gas-thermal nickel alloy coating and carbon steel base was examined using laser profilometry, optical metallography, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The steel surface was plastically pre-deformed by an ultrasonic tool. Proved that ultrasound pre-treatment modifies the steel surface. Increase of dislocation density and formation of sub micro-structure are base elements of surface modification. While using high-speed gas-flame, plasma and detonation modes of coatings, surface activation occurs and durable adhesion is formed. Ultrasonic pre-treatment of base material is effective when sprayed particles and base material interact through physical-chemical bond formation. Before applying high-speed gas flame and plasma sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasonic pretreatment, which creates periodic wavy topography with a stroke of 250 microns on the steel surface. Before applying detonation sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasound pretreatment that create modified surface with a uniform micro-topography.

Auger Electrons as Probes for Composite Micro- and Nano- structured Materials: Application to Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Graphite and Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

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

Kalaga, Kaushik; Shkrob, Ilya A.; Haasch, Richard T.

In this study, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with ion sputtering profilometry, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used in a complementary fashion to examine chemical and microstructural changes in graphite (Gr) and silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) blends contained in the negative electrodes of lithium-ion cells. We demonstrate how AES can be used to characterize morphology of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) deposits in such heterogeneous media, complementing well-established methods, such as XPS and SEM. In this way we demonstrate that the SEI does not consist of uniformly thick layers on the graphite and silicon; the thickness ofmore » the SEI layers in cycle-life aged electrodes follows an exponential distribution with a mean of ca. 13 nm for the graphite and ca. 20-25 nm for the silicon nanoparticles (with a crystalline core of 50-70 nm in diameter). Furthermore, a “sticky-sphere” model, in which Si nanoparticles are covered with a layer of polymer binder (that is replaced by the SEI during cycling) of variable thickness is introduced to account for the features observed.« less

Auger Electrons as Probes for Composite Micro- and Nano- structured Materials: Application to Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Graphite and Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

DOE PAGES

Kalaga, Kaushik; Shkrob, Ilya A.; Haasch, Richard T.; ...

2017-10-05

In this study, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with ion sputtering profilometry, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used in a complementary fashion to examine chemical and microstructural changes in graphite (Gr) and silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) blends contained in the negative electrodes of lithium-ion cells. We demonstrate how AES can be used to characterize morphology of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) deposits in such heterogeneous media, complementing well-established methods, such as XPS and SEM. In this way we demonstrate that the SEI does not consist of uniformly thick layers on the graphite and silicon; the thickness ofmore » the SEI layers in cycle-life aged electrodes follows an exponential distribution with a mean of ca. 13 nm for the graphite and ca. 20-25 nm for the silicon nanoparticles (with a crystalline core of 50-70 nm in diameter). Furthermore, a “sticky-sphere” model, in which Si nanoparticles are covered with a layer of polymer binder (that is replaced by the SEI during cycling) of variable thickness is introduced to account for the features observed.« less

Chemical imaging of drug delivery systems with structured surfaces-a combined analytical approach of confocal raman microscopy and optical profilometry.

PubMed

Kann, Birthe; Windbergs, Maike

2013-04-01

Confocal Raman microscopy is an analytical technique with a steadily increasing impact in the field of pharmaceutics as the instrumental setup allows for nondestructive visualization of component distribution within drug delivery systems. Here, the attention is mainly focused on classic solid carrier systems like tablets, pellets, or extrudates. Due to the opacity of these systems, Raman analysis is restricted either to exterior surfaces or cross sections. As Raman spectra are only recorded from one focal plane at a time, the sample is usually altered to create a smooth and even surface. However, this manipulation can lead to misinterpretation of the analytical results. Here, we present a trendsetting approach to overcome these analytical pitfalls with a combination of confocal Raman microscopy and optical profilometry. By acquiring a topography profile of the sample area of interest prior to Raman spectroscopy, the profile height information allowed to level the focal plane to the sample surface for each spectrum acquisition. We first demonstrated the basic principle of this complementary approach in a case study using a tilted silica wafer. In a second step, we successfully adapted the two techniques to investigate an extrudate and a lyophilisate as two exemplary solid drug carrier systems. Component distribution analysis with the novel analytical approach was neither hampered by the curvature of the cylindrical extrudate nor the highly structured surface of the lyophilisate. Therefore, the combined analytical approach bears a great potential to be implemented in diversified fields of pharmaceutical sciences.

Precision of 655nm Confocal Laser Profilometry for 3D surface texture characterisation of natural human enamel undergoing dietary acid mediated erosive wear.

PubMed

Mullan, F; Mylonas, P; Parkinson, C; Bartlett, D; Austin, R S

2018-03-01

To assess the precision of optical profilometry for characterising the 3D surface roughness of natural and polished human enamel in order to reliably quantify acid mediated surface roughness changes in human enamel. Forty-two enamel samples were prepared from extracted human molars and either polished flat or left unmodified. To investigate precision, the variability of thirty repeated measurements of five areas of one polished and one natural enamel sample was assessed using 655nm Confocal Laser Profilometry. Remaining samples were subjected to forty-five minutes orange juice erosion and microstructural changes were analysed using Sa roughness change (μm) and qualitatively using surface/subsurface confocal microscopy. Enamel surface profilometry from the selected areas revealed maximal precision of 5nm for polished enamel and 23nm for natural enamel. After erosion, the polished enamel revealed a 48% increase in mean (SD) Sa roughness of 0.10 (0.07)μm (P<0.05), whereas in contrast the natural enamel revealed a 45% decrease in mean (SD) roughness of -0.32 (0.42)μm (P<0.05). These data were supported by qualitative confocal images of the surface/subsurface enamel. This study demonstrates a method for precise surface texture measurement of natural human enamel. Measurement precision was superior for polished flat enamel in contrast to natural enamel however, natural enamel responds very differently to polished enamel when exposed to erosion challenges. Therefore, thus future studies characterising enamel surface changes following erosion on natural enamel may provide more clinically relevant responses in comparison to polished enamel. Copyright © 2017 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cleaning of copper traces on circuit boards with excimer laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wesner, D. A.; Mertin, M.; Lupp, F.; Kreutz, E. W.

1996-04-01

Cleaning of Cu traces on circuit boards is studied using pulsed excimer laser radiation (pulse width ˜ 20 ns, wavelength 248 nm), with the goal of improving the properties of the Cu surface for soldering and bonding. Traces with well-defined oxide overlayers are cleaned by irradiation in air using ≤ 10 3 laser pulses at fluences per pulse of ≤ 2 J cm -2. After treatment the surface morphology is analyzed using optical microscopy, optical profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy, while the chemical state of the surface is investigated with X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy. Ellipsometry is used to determine the oxide overlayer thickness. Prior to cleaning samples exhibit a contamination overlayer about 15-25 nm in thickness containing Cu 2O and C. Cleaning reduces the overlayer thickness to ≤ 10 nm by material removal. The process tends to be self-limiting, since the optical reflectivity of the oxidized Cu surface for laser radiation is smaller than that of the cleaned surface. Additionally, the interaction with the laser radiation results in surface segregation of a minor alloy component out of the bulk (e.g. Zn), which may help to passivate the surface for further chemical reactions.

Wear behavior of austenite containing plate steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hensley, Christina E.

As a follow up to Wolfram's Master of Science thesis, samples from the prior work were further investigated. Samples from four steel alloys were selected for investigation, namely AR400F, 9260, Hadfield, and 301 Stainless steels. AR400F is martensitic while the Hadfield and 301 stainless steels are austenitic. The 9260 exhibited a variety of hardness levels and retained austenite contents, achieved by heat treatments, including quench and tempering (Q&T) and quench and partitioning (Q&P). Samples worn by three wear tests, namely Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel (DSRW), impeller tumbler impact abrasion, and Bond abrasion, were examined by optical profilometry. The wear behaviors observed in topography maps were compared to the same in scanning electron microscopy micrographs and both were used to characterize the wear surfaces. Optical profilometry showed that the scratching abrasion present on the wear surface transitioned to gouging abrasion as impact conditions increased (i.e. from DSRW to impeller to Bond abrasion). Optical profilometry roughness measurements were also compared to sample hardness as well as normalized volume loss (NVL) results for each of the three wear tests. The steels displayed a relationship between roughness measurements and observed wear rates for all three categories of wear testing. Nanoindentation was used to investigate local hardness changes adjacent to the wear surface. DSRW samples generally did not exhibit significant work hardening. The austenitic materials exhibited significant hardening under the high impact conditions of the Bond abrasion wear test. Hardening in the Q&P materials was less pronounced. The Q&T microstructures also demonstrated some hardening. Scratch testing was performed on samples at three different loads, as a more systematic approach to determining the scratching abrasion behavior. Wear rates and scratch hardness were calculated from scratch testing results. Certain similarities between wear behavior in scratch testing and DSRW samples were observed. Different microstructures exhibited different scratching behaviors. Martensitic microstructures exhibited chipping and cracking, whereas Q&P microstructures exhibited limited or no chipping. The Q&P samples exhibited more deformation at greater loads and hardness levels than the martensitic microstructures. Austenitic microstructures exhibited significant deformation adjacent to the scratches.

Acoustic microscopy analyses to determine good vs. failed tissue engineered oral mucosa under normal or thermally stressed culture conditions.

PubMed

Winterroth, Frank; Lee, Junho; Kuo, Shiuhyang; Fowlkes, J Brian; Feinberg, Stephen E; Hollister, Scott J; Hollman, Kyle W

2011-01-01

This study uses scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) ultrasonic profilometry to determine acceptable vs. failed tissue engineered oral mucosa. Specifically, ex vivo-produced oral mucosal equivalents (EVPOMEs) under normal or thermally stressed culture conditions were scanned with the SAM operator blinded to the culture conditions. As seeded cells proliferate, they fill in and smooth out the surface irregularities; they then stratify and produce a keratinized protective upper layer. Some of these transformations could alter backscatter of ultrasonic signals and in the case of the thermally stressed cells, produce backscatter similar to an unseeded device. If non-invasive ultrasonic monitoring could be developed, then tissue cultivation could be adjusted to measure biological variations in the stratified surface. To create an EVPOME device, oral mucosa keratinocytes were seeded onto acellular cadaveric dermis. Two sets of EVPOMEs were cultured: one at physiological temperature 37 °C and the other at 43 °C. The specimens were imaged with SAM consisting of a single-element transducer: 61 MHz center frequency, 32 MHz bandwidth, 1.52 f#. Profilometry for the stressed and unseeded specimens showed higher surface irregularities compared to unstressed specimens. Elevated thermal stress retards cellular differentiation, increasing root mean square values; these results show that SAM can potentially monitor cell/tissue development.

Effect of plastic-covered ultrasonic scalers on titanium implant surfaces.

PubMed

Mann, M; Parmar, D; Walmsley, A D; Lea, S C

2012-01-01

Maintaining oral health around titanium implants is essential. The formation of a biofilm on the titanium surface will influence the continuing success of the implant. These concerns have led to modified ultrasonic scaler instruments that look to reduce implant damage while maximising the cleaning effect. This study aimed to assess the effect of instrumentation, with traditional and modified ultrasonic scalers, on titanium implant surfaces and to correlate this with the oscillations of the instruments. Two ultrasonic insert designs (metallic TFI-10 and a plastic-tipped implant insert) were selected. Each scaler probe was scanned using a scanning laser vibrometer, under loaded and unloaded conditions, to determine their oscillation characteristics. Loads were applied against a titanium implant (100g and 200 g) for 10 s. The resulting implant surfaces were then scanned using laser profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Insert probes oscillated with an elliptical motion with the maximum amplitude at the probe tip. Laser profilometry detected defects in the titanium surface only for the metallic scaler insert. Defect widths at 200 g high power were significantly larger than all other load/power conditions (P<0.02). Using SEM, it was observed that modifications to the implant surface had occurred following instrumentation with the plastic-tipped insert. Debris was also visible around the defects. Metal scalers produce defects in titanium implant surfaces and load and power are important factors in the damage caused. Plastic-coated scaler probes cause minimal damage to implant surfaces and have a polishing action but can leave plastic deposits behind on the implant surface. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Experimental study of ELM-like heat loading on beryllium under ITER operational conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spilker, B.; Linke, J.; Pintsuk, G.; Wirtz, M.

2016-02-01

The experimental fusion reactor ITER, currently under construction in Cadarache, France, is transferring the nuclear fusion research to the power plant scale. ITER’s first wall (FW), armoured by beryllium, is subjected to high steady state and transient power loads. Transient events like edge localized modes not only deposit power densities of up to 1.0 GW m-2 for 0.2-0.5 ms in the divertor of the machine, but also affect the FW to a considerable extent. Therefore, a detailed study was performed, in which transient power loads with absorbed power densities of up to 1.0 GW m-2 were applied by the electron beam facility JUDITH 1 on beryllium specimens at base temperatures of up to 300 °C. The induced damage was evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy and laser profilometry. As a result, the observed damage was highly dependent on the base temperatures and absorbed power densities. In addition, five different classes of damage, ranging from ‘no damage’ to ‘crack network plus melting’, were defined and used to locate the damage, cracking, and melting thresholds within the tested parameter space.

Microenergetic Shock Initiation Studies on Deposited Films of PETN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tappan, Alexander S.; Wixom, Ryan R.; Trott, Wayne M.; Long, Gregory T.; Knepper, Robert; Brundage, Aaron L.; Jones, David A.

2009-06-01

Films of the high explosive PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) up to 500-μm thick have been deposited through physical vapor deposition, with the intent of creating well-defined samples for shock-initiation studies. PETN films were characterized with surface profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and focused ion beam nanotomography. These high-density films were subjected to strong shocks in both the in-plane and out-of-plane orientations. Initiation behavior was monitored with high-speed framing and streak camera photography. Direct initiation with a donor explosive (either RDX with binder, or CL-20 with binder) was possible in both orientations, but with the addition of a thin aluminum buffer plate (in-plane configuration only), initiation proved to be difficult due to the attenuated shock and the high density of the PETN films. Mesoscale models of microenergetic samples were created using the shock physics code CTH and compared with experimental results. The results of these experiments will be discussed in the context of small sample geometry, deposited film morphology, and density.

Supersonic laser spray of aluminium alloy on a ceramic substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riveiro, A.; Lusquiños, F.; Comesaña, R.; Quintero, F.; Pou, J.

2007-12-01

Applying a ceramic coating onto a metallic substrate to improve its wear resistance or corrosion resistance has attracted the interest of many researchers during decades. However, only few works explore the possibility to apply a metallic layer onto a ceramic material. This work presents a novel technique to coat ceramic materials with metals: the supersonic laser spraying. In this technique a laser beam is focused on the surface of the precursor metal in such a way that the metal is transformed to the liquid state in the beam-metal interaction zone. A supersonic jet expels the molten material and propels it to the surface of the ceramic substrate. In this study, we present the preliminary results obtained using the supersonic laser spray to coat a commercial cordierite ceramic plate with an Al-Cu alloy using a 3.5 kW CO 2 laser and a supersonic jet of Argon. Coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and interferometric profilometry.

Particle morphology dependent superhydrophobicity in treated diatomaceous earth/polystyrene coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedai, Bhishma R.; Alavi, S. Habib; Harimkar, Sandip P.; McCollum, Mark; Donoghue, Joseph F.; Blum, Frank D.

2017-09-01

Superhydrophobic surfaces have been prepared from three different types of diatomaceous earth (DE) particles treated with 3-(heptafluoroisopropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (HFIP-TMS) and low molecular mass polystyrene. The untreated particles, consisting of CelTix DE (disk shape), DiaFil DE (rod shape) and EcoFlat DE (irregular), were studied using particle size analysis, bulk density, pore volume and surface area analysis (via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, BET, methods). The treated particles were characterized with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angles, scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and FTIR spectroscopy. The minimum amount of silane coupling agent on the DE surfaces required to obtain superhydrophobicity of the particles was determined and found to be dependent on the particle morphology. In the coatings made from different particles with 2.4 wt% HFIP-TMS, the minimum amounts of treated particles (loadings) for superhydrophobicity was determined with the less dense CelTix DE requiring about 30 wt%, DiaFil DE requiring about 40 wt%, and EcoFlat DE each requiring about 60 wt% loading of treated particles.

Hydroxyapatite thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition and matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation: Comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popescu-Pelin, G.; Sima, F.; Sima, L. E.; Mihailescu, C. N.; Luculescu, C.; Iordache, I.; Socol, M.; Socol, G.; Mihailescu, I. N.

2017-10-01

Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) and Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) techniques were applied for growing hydroxyapatite (HA) thin films on titanium substrates. All experiments were conducted in a reaction chamber using a KrF* excimer laser source (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≈ 25 ns). Half of the samples were post-deposition thermally treated at 500 °C in a flux of water vapours in order to restore crystallinity and improve adherence. Coating surface morphologies and topographies specific to the deposition method were evidenced by scanning electron, atomic force microscopy investigations and profilometry. They were shown to depend on deposition technique and also on the post-deposition treatment. Crystalline structure of the coatings evaluated by X-ray diffraction was improved after thermal treatment. Biocompatibility of coatings, cellular adhesion, proliferation and differentiation tests were conducted using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Results showed that annealed MAPLE deposited HA coatings were supporting MSCs proliferation, while annealed PLD obtained films were stimulating osteogenic differentiation.

Impact load-induced micro-structural damage and micro-structure associated mechanical response of concrete made with different surface roughness and porosity aggregates

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

Erdem, Savas, E-mail: evxse1@nottingham.ac.uk; Dawson, Andrew Robert; Thom, Nicholas Howard

2012-02-15

The relationship between the nature of micro damage under impact loading and changes in mechanical behavior associated with different microstructures is studied for concretes made with two different coarse aggregates having significant differences mainly in roughness and porosity - sintered fly ash and uncrushed gravel. A range of techniques including X-ray diffraction, digital image analysis, mercury porosimetry, X-ray computed tomography, laser surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the aggregates and micro-structures. The concrete prepared with lightweight aggregates was stronger in compression than the gravel aggregate concrete due to enhanced hydration as a result of internal curing.more » In the lightweight concrete, it was deduced that an inhomogeneous micro-structure led to strain incompatibilities and consequent localized stress concentrations in the mix, leading to accelerated failure. The pore structure, compressibility, and surface texture of the aggregates are of paramount importance for the micro-cracking growth.« less

Effect of electric discharge machining on the fatigue life of Inconel 718

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeelani, S.; Collins, M. R.

1988-01-01

The effect of electric discharge machining on the fatigue life of Inconel 718 alloy at room temperature was investigated. Data were generated in the uniaxial tension fatigue mode at ambient temperature using flat 3.175 mm thick specimens. The specimens were machined on a wire-cut electric discharge machine at cutting speeds ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm per minute. The specimens were fatigued at a selected stress, and the resulting fatigue lives compared with that of the virgin material. The surfaces of the fatigued specimens were examined under optical and scanning electron microscopes, and the roughness of the surfaces was measured using a standard profilometer. From the results of the investigation, it was concluded that the fatigue life of the specimens machined using EDM decreased slightly as compared with that of the virgin material, but remained unchanged as the cutting speed was changed. The results are explained using data produced employing microhardness measurements, profilometry, and optical and scanning microscopy.

Nondestructive, fast, and cost-effective image processing method for roughness measurement of randomly rough metallic surfaces.

PubMed

Ghodrati, Sajjad; Kandi, Saeideh Gorji; Mohseni, Mohsen

2018-06-01

In recent years, various surface roughness measurement methods have been proposed as alternatives to the commonly used stylus profilometry, which is a low-speed, destructive, expensive but precise method. In this study, a novel method, called "image profilometry," has been introduced for nondestructive, fast, and low-cost surface roughness measurement of randomly rough metallic samples based on image processing and machine vision. The impacts of influential parameters such as image resolution and filtering approach for elimination of the long wavelength surface undulations on the accuracy of the image profilometry results have been comprehensively investigated. Ten surface roughness parameters were measured for the samples using both the stylus and image profilometry. Based on the results, the best image resolution was 800 dpi, and the most practical filtering method was Gaussian convolution+cutoff. In these conditions, the best and worst correlation coefficients (R 2 ) between the stylus and image profilometry results were 0.9892 and 0.9313, respectively. Our results indicated that the image profilometry predicted the stylus profilometry results with high accuracy. Consequently, it could be a viable alternative to the stylus profilometry, particularly in online applications.

Effect of ion-implantation on surface characteristics of nickel titanium and titanium molybdenum alloy arch wires.

PubMed

Krishnan, Manu; Saraswathy, Seema; Sukumaran, Kalathil; Abraham, Kurian Mathew

2013-01-01

To evaluate the changes in surface roughness and frictional features of 'ion-implanted nickel titanium (NiTi) and titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) arch wires' from its conventional types in an in-vitro laboratory set up. 'Ion-implanted NiTi and low friction TMA arch wires' were assessed for surface roughness with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3 dimensional (3D) optical profilometry. Frictional forces were studied in a universal testing machine. Surface roughness of arch wires were determined as Root Mean Square (RMS) values in nanometers and Frictional Forces (FF) in grams. Mean values of RMS and FF were compared by Student's 't' test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). SEM images showed a smooth topography for ion-implanted versions. 3D optical profilometry demonstrated reduction of RMS values by 58.43% for ion-implanted NiTi (795.95 to 330.87 nm) and 48.90% for TMA groups (463.28 to 236.35 nm) from controls. Nonetheless, the corresponding decrease in FF was only 29.18% for NiTi and 22.04% for TMA, suggesting partial correction of surface roughness and disproportionate reduction in frictional forces with ion-implantation. Though the reductions were highly significant at P < 0.001, relations between surface roughness and frictional forces remained non conclusive even after ion-implantation. The study proved that ion-implantation can significantly reduce the surface roughness of NiTi and TMA wires but could not make a similar reduction in frictional forces. This can be attributed to the inherent differences in stiffness and surface reactivity of NiTi and TMA wires when used in combination with stainless steel brackets, which needs further investigations.

Non-contact profilometry of eroded and abraded enamel irradiated with an Er:YAG laser

PubMed Central

Scatolin, Renata Siqueira; Colucci, Vivian; Lepri, Taísa Penazzo; de Alexandria, Adílis Kalina; Maia, Lucianne Cople; Galo, Rodrigo; Borsatto, Maria Cristina; Corona, Silmara Aparecida Milori

2018-01-01

Abstract Literature has reported positive results regarding the use of lasers in the control of erosive lesions; however, evaluating whether they are effective in the control of the progression of erosive/abrasive lesions is important. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Er:YAG laser irradiation in controlling the progression of erosion associated with abrasive lesions in enamel. Material and methods Bovine incisors were sectioned, flattened and polished. Forty-eight enamel slabs were subjected to treatment in an intraoral phase. Twelve volunteers used an intraoral appliance containing one slab that was irradiated with an Er:YAG laser (5.2 J/cm2, 85 mJ, 2 Hz) and another non-irradiated slab on each side of the appliance, during one phase of 5 d, under a split-mouth design. Devices were subjected to erosive challenges (1% citric acid, 5 min, 3 times a day) and abrasive challenges one h after (brushing force of 1.5 N for 15 s) randomly and independently on each side of the device. Measurements of enamel loss were performed via 3D optical profilometry (μm). We analyzed data using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests and morphological characteristics via scanning electron microscopy. Results Following erosive and abrasive challenges, the group that was irradiated with the Er:YAG laser presented less loss of structure than the non-irradiated group. The group that underwent erosion and irradiation did not exhibit a significant difference from the non-irradiated group. Conclusion Irradiation with the Er:YAG laser did not control the loss of structure of enamel subjected to erosion but did control abrasion after erosion. PMID:29742259

Non-contact profilometry of eroded and abraded enamel irradiated with an Er:YAG laser.

PubMed

Scatolin, Renata Siqueira; Colucci, Vivian; Lepri, Taísa Penazzo; Alexandria, Adílis Kalina de; Maia, Lucianne Cople; Galo, Rodrigo; Borsatto, Maria Cristina; Corona, Silmara Aparecida Milori

2018-01-01

Literature has reported positive results regarding the use of lasers in the control of erosive lesions; however, evaluating whether they are effective in the control of the progression of erosive/abrasive lesions is important. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Er:YAG laser irradiation in controlling the progression of erosion associated with abrasive lesions in enamel. Material and methods Bovine incisors were sectioned, flattened and polished. Forty-eight enamel slabs were subjected to treatment in an intraoral phase. Twelve volunteers used an intraoral appliance containing one slab that was irradiated with an Er:YAG laser (5.2 J/cm2, 85 mJ, 2 Hz) and another non-irradiated slab on each side of the appliance, during one phase of 5 d, under a split-mouth design. Devices were subjected to erosive challenges (1% citric acid, 5 min, 3 times a day) and abrasive challenges one h after (brushing force of 1.5 N for 15 s) randomly and independently on each side of the device. Measurements of enamel loss were performed via 3D optical profilometry (μm). We analyzed data using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests and morphological characteristics via scanning electron microscopy. Results Following erosive and abrasive challenges, the group that was irradiated with the Er:YAG laser presented less loss of structure than the non-irradiated group. The group that underwent erosion and irradiation did not exhibit a significant difference from the non-irradiated group. Conclusion Irradiation with the Er:YAG laser did not control the loss of structure of enamel subjected to erosion but did control abrasion after erosion.

Effect of Clinically Relevant CAD/CAM Zirconia Polishing on Gingival Fibroblast Proliferation and Focal Adhesions

PubMed Central

Fischer, Nicholas G.; Wong, Jeffrey; Cerutis, D. Roselyn

2017-01-01

Mucosal seal formation around dental abutments is critical to the successful integration of dental implants into the human oral cavity. No information exists for how clinically relevant polishing procedures for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) zirconia abutments affects cellular responses important to mucosal seal formation. CAD/CAM zirconia was divided into four groups for clinically relevant polishing utilizing commercial polishing heads: control, coarse, coarse plus medium, and coarse plus medium plus fine. Surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical profilometry (OP). Subsequently, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were seeded onto the zirconia surfaces. Proliferation was measured via a quantitative SEM technique and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation status was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed an increase in proliferation on all polished surfaces as compared to the control. Phosphorylation of FAK at tyrosine 397 (Y397) was up-modulated on the control surfaces. The associated cell adaptation is discussed. In all cases, FAK phosphorylation was greater at 24 h than 48 h. These results suggest that clinicians should be mindful of the effects of abutment polishing methodology, as this may have an impact on early mucosal seal formation. PMID:29186907

Surface characterization of nickel titanium orthodontic arch wires

PubMed Central

Krishnan, Manu; Seema, Saraswathy; Tiwari, Brijesh; Sharma, Himanshu S.; Londhe, Sanjay; Arora, Vimal

2015-01-01

Background Surface roughness of nickel titanium orthodontic arch wires poses several clinical challenges. Surface modification with aesthetic/metallic/non metallic materials is therefore a recent innovation, with clinical efficacy yet to be comprehensively evaluated. Methods One conventional and five types of surface modified nickel titanium arch wires were surface characterized with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy and 3D profilometry. Root mean square roughness values were analyzed by one way analysis of variance and post hoc Duncan's multiple range tests. Results Study groups demonstrated considerable reduction in roughness values from conventional in a material specific pattern: Group I; conventional (578.56 nm) > Group V; Teflon (365.33 nm) > Group III; nitride (301.51 nm) > Group VI (i); rhodium (290.64 nm) > Group VI (ii); silver (252.22 nm) > Group IV; titanium (229.51 nm) > Group II; resin (158.60 nm). It also showed the defects with aesthetic (resin/Teflon) and nitride surfaces and smooth topography achieved with metals; titanium/silver/rhodium. Conclusions Resin, Teflon, titanium, silver, rhodium and nitrides were effective in decreasing surface roughness of nickel titanium arch wires albeit; certain flaws. Findings have clinical implications, considering their potential in lessening biofilm adhesion, reducing friction, improving corrosion resistance and preventing nickel leach and allergic reactions. PMID:26843749

Using sub-micron silver-nanoparticle based films to counter biofilm formation by Gram-negative bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillett, A. R.; Baxter, S. N.; Hodgson, S. D.; Smith, G. C.; Thomas, P. J.

2018-06-01

Composite films comprised of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) grown using a low-cost straightforward chemical bath based method have been deposited on glass microscope slides to investigate their potential as a sacrificial antibacterial coating. The as-deposited films have been characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry. These suggested that the films were relatively uniform in coverage. Chemical composition of the AgNP films has been studied by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS analysis indicated that the Ag was in a metallic form able to sustain plasmon behaviour, and that low levels of residual nanoparticle precursors were present. Particle size was characterised using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which showed an average particle size of 10.6 nm. The effectiveness of the films as an antibacterial coating was tested against Escherichia coli. The AgNP film was determined to be effective in the killing of E. coli cells over a 24 h period when compared to equivalent samples that contained no silver. Of particular note was that only minimal bacterial growth was detected over the first 12 h of testing, up to 78.6 times less than the control samples, suggesting the film is very efficient at slowing initial biofilm formation. The use of AgNP based films that have been synthesised using a novel low-cost, low-temperature and highly upscalable method is demonstrated as a promising solution for the deployment of silver as an effective sacrifical antimicrobial coating to counter the formation of potentially hazardous Gram negative biofilms.

Roughness and pH changes of enamel surface induced by soft drinks in vitro-applications of stylus profilometry, focus variation 3D scanning microscopy and micro pH sensor.

PubMed

Fujii, Mie; Kitasako, Yuichi; Sadr, Alireza; Tagami, Junji

2011-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate enamel surface roughness (Ra) and pH before and after erosion by soft drinks. Enamel was exposed to a soft drink (cola, orange juice or green tea) for 1, 5 or 60 min; Ra was measured using contact-stylus surface profilometry (SSP) and non-contact focus variation 3D microscope (FVM). Surface pH was measured using a micro pH sensor. Data were analyzed at significance level of alpha=0.05. There was a significant correlation in Ra between SSP and FVM. FVM images showed no changes in the surface morphology after various periods of exposure to green tea. Unlike cola and orange juice, exposure to green tea did not significantly affect Ra or pH. A significant correlation was observed between surface pH and Ra change after exposure to the drinks. Optical surface analysis and micro pH sensor may be useful tools for non-damaging, quantitative assessment of soft drinks erosion on enamel.

The interaction of atomic oxygen with copper: An XPS, AES, XRD, optical transmission, and stylus profilometry study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raikar, Ganesh N.; Gregory, John C.; Christl, Ligia C.; Peters, Palmer N.

1993-01-01

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) experiment A-0114 was designed to study the reaction of material surfaces with low earth orbits (LEO) atmospheric oxygen. The experiment contained 128 one-inch circular samples; metals, polymers, carbons, and semiconductors. Half of these samples were exposed on the front of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) and remaining on the rear. Among metal samples, copper has shown some interesting new results. There were two forms of copper samples: a thin film sputter-coated on fused silica and a solid piece of OFHC copper. They were characterized by x-ray and Auger electron spectroscopies, x-ray diffraction, and high resolution profilometry. Cu 2p core level spectra were used to demonstrate the presence of Cu2O and CuO and to determine the oxidation states.

High-Bandwidth Dynamic Full-Field Profilometry for Nano-Scale Characterization of MEMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang-Chia; Huang, Yao-Ting; Chang, Pi-Bai

2006-10-01

The article describes an innovative optical interferometric methodology to delivery dynamic surface profilometry with a measurement bandwidth up to 10MHz or higher and a vertical resolution up to 1 nm. Previous work using stroboscopic microscopic interferometry for dynamic characterization of micro (opto)electromechanical systems (M(O)EMS) has been limited in measurement bandwidth mainly within a couple of MHz. For high resonant mode analysis, the stroboscopic light pulse is insufficiently short to capture the moving fringes from dynamic motion of the detected structure. In view of this need, a microscopic prototype based on white-light stroboscopic interferometry with an innovative light superposition strategy was developed to achieve dynamic full-field profilometry with a high measurement bandwidth up to 10MHz or higher. The system primarily consists of an optical microscope, on which a Mirau interferometric objective embedded with a piezoelectric vertical translator, a high-power LED light module with dual operation modes and light synchronizing electronics unit are integrated. A micro cantilever beam used in AFM was measured to verify the system capability in accurate characterisation of dynamic behaviours of the device. The full-field seventh-mode vibration at a vibratory frequency of 3.7MHz can be fully characterized and nano-scale vertical measurement resolution as well as tens micrometers of vertical measurement range can be performed.

Tablet mechanics depend on nano and micro scale adhesion, lubrication and structure.

PubMed

Badal Tejedor, Maria; Nordgren, Niklas; Schuleit, Michael; Rutland, Mark W; Millqvist-Fureby, Anna

2015-01-01

Tablets are the most convenient form for drug administration. However, despite the ease of manufacturing problems such as powder adhesion occur during the production process. This study presents surface and structural characterization of tablets formulated with commonly used excipients (microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), lactose, mannitol, magnesium (Mg) stearate) pressed under different compaction conditions. Tablet surface analyses were performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The mechanical properties of the tablets were evaluated with a tablet hardness test. Local adhesion detected by AFM decreased when Mg stearate was present in the formulation. Moreover, the tablet strength of plastically deformable excipients such as MCC was significantly decreased after addition of Mg stearate. Combined these facts indicate that Mg stearate affects the particle-particle bonding and thus elastic recovery. The MCC excipient also displayed the highest hardness which is characteristic for a highly cohesive material. This is discussed in the view of the relatively high adhesion found between MCC and a hydrophilic probe at the nanoscale using AFM. In contrast, the tablet strength of brittle materials like lactose and mannitol is unaffected by Mg stearate. Thus fracture occurs within the excipient particles and not at particle boundaries, creating new surfaces not previously exposed to Mg stearate. Such uncoated surfaces may well promote adhesive interactions with tools during manufacture. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Control of surface topography in biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings.

PubMed

Costa, Daniel O; Allo, Bedilu A; Klassen, Robert; Hutter, Jeffrey L; Dixon, S Jeffrey; Rizkalla, Amin S

2012-02-28

The behavior of cells responsible for bone formation, osseointegration, and bone bonding in vivo are governed by both the surface chemistry and topography of scaffold matrices. Bone-like apatite coatings represent a promising method to improve the osteoconductivity and bonding of synthetic scaffold materials to mineralized tissues for regenerative procedures in orthopedics and dentistry. Polycaprolactone (PCL) films were coated with calcium phosphates (CaP) by incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF). We investigated the effect of SBF ion concentration and soaking time on the surface properties of the resulting apatite coatings. CaP coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). Young's modulus (E(s)) was determined by nanoindentation, and surface roughness was assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and mechanical stylus profilometry. CaP such as carbonate-substituted apatite were deposited onto PCL films. SEM and AFM images of the apatite coatings revealed an increase in topographical complexity and surface roughness with increasing ion concentration of SBF solutions. Young's moduli (E(s)) of various CaP coatings were not significantly different, regardless of the CaP phase or surface roughness. Thus, SBF with high ion concentrations may be used to coat synthetic polymers with CaP layers of different surface topography and roughness to improve the osteoconductivity and bone-bonding ability of the scaffold. © 2012 American Chemical Society

The effect of composition and thermodynamics on the surface morphology of durable superhydrophobic polymer coatings

PubMed Central

Nahum, Tehila; Dodiuk, Hanna; Kenig, Samuel; Panwar, Artee; Barry, Carol; Mead, Joey

2017-01-01

Durable superhydrophobic coatings were synthesized using a system of silica nanoparticles (NPs) to provide nanoscale roughness, fluorosilane to give hydrophobic chemistry, and three different polymer binders: urethane acrylate, ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, and epoxy. Coatings composed of different binders incorporating NPs in various concentrations exhibited different superhydrophobic attributes when applied on polycarbonate (PC) and glass substrates and as a function of coating composition. It was found that the substrate surface characteristics and wettability affected the superhydrophobic characteristics of the coatings. Interfacial tension and spreading coefficient parameters (thermodynamics) of the coating components were used to predict the localization of the NPs for the different binders’ concentrations. The thermodynamic analysis of the NPs localization was in good agreement with the experimental observations. On the basis of the thermodynamic analysis and the experimental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, profilometry, and atomic force microscopy results, it was concluded that localization of the NPs on the surface was critical to provide the necessary roughness and resulting superhydrophobicity. The durability evaluated by tape testing of the epoxy formulations was the best on both glass and PC. Several coating compositions retained their superhydrophobicity after the tape test. In summary, it was concluded that thermodynamic analysis is a powerful tool to predict the roughness of the coating due to the location of NPs on the surface, and hence can be used in the design of superhydrophobic coatings. PMID:28243071

The effect of composition and thermodynamics on the surface morphology of durable superhydrophobic polymer coatings.

PubMed

Nahum, Tehila; Dodiuk, Hanna; Kenig, Samuel; Panwar, Artee; Barry, Carol; Mead, Joey

2017-01-01

Durable superhydrophobic coatings were synthesized using a system of silica nanoparticles (NPs) to provide nanoscale roughness, fluorosilane to give hydrophobic chemistry, and three different polymer binders: urethane acrylate, ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, and epoxy. Coatings composed of different binders incorporating NPs in various concentrations exhibited different superhydrophobic attributes when applied on polycarbonate (PC) and glass substrates and as a function of coating composition. It was found that the substrate surface characteristics and wettability affected the superhydrophobic characteristics of the coatings. Interfacial tension and spreading coefficient parameters (thermodynamics) of the coating components were used to predict the localization of the NPs for the different binders' concentrations. The thermodynamic analysis of the NPs localization was in good agreement with the experimental observations. On the basis of the thermodynamic analysis and the experimental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, profilometry, and atomic force microscopy results, it was concluded that localization of the NPs on the surface was critical to provide the necessary roughness and resulting superhydrophobicity. The durability evaluated by tape testing of the epoxy formulations was the best on both glass and PC. Several coating compositions retained their superhydrophobicity after the tape test. In summary, it was concluded that thermodynamic analysis is a powerful tool to predict the roughness of the coating due to the location of NPs on the surface, and hence can be used in the design of superhydrophobic coatings.

Flexible camphor diamond-like carbon coating on polyurethane to prevent Candida albicans biofilm growth.

PubMed

Santos, Thaisa B; Vieira, Angela A; Paula, Luciana O; Santos, Everton D; Radi, Polyana A; Khouri, Sônia; Maciel, Homero S; Pessoa, Rodrigo S; Vieira, Lucia

2017-04-01

Camphor was incorporated in diamond-like carbon (DLC) films to prevent the Candida albicans yeasts fouling on polyurethane substrates, which is a material commonly used for catheter manufacturing. The camphor:DLC and DLC film for this investigation was produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), using an apparatus based on the flash evaporation of organic liquid (hexane) containing diluted camphor for camphor:DLC and hexane/methane, mixture for DLC films. The film was deposited at a low temperature of less than 25°C. We obtained very adherent camphor:DLC and DLC films that accompanied the substrate flexibility without delamination. The adherence of camphor:DLC and DLC films on polyurethane segments were evaluated by scratching test and bending polyurethane segments at 180°. The polyurethane samples, with and without camphor:DLC and DLC films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and optical profilometry. Candida albicans biofilm formation on polyurethane, with and without camphor:DLC and DLC, was assessed. The camphor:DLC and DLC films reduced the biofilm growth by 99.0% and 91.0% of Candida albicans, respectively, compared to bare polyurethane. These results open the doors to studies of functionalized DLC coatings with biofilm inhibition properties used in the production of catheters or other biomedical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structuring by field enhancement of glass, Ag, Au, and Co thin films using short pulse laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulmeanu, M.; Zamfirescu, M.; Rusen, L.; Luculescu, C.; Moldovan, A.; Stratan, A.; Dabu, R.

2009-12-01

Single pulse laser ablation of glass, Ag, Au, and Co thin films was experimentally investigated with a laser pulse width of 400 ps at a wavelength of 532 nm both in the far and near fields. In the far-field regime, the electromagnetic field results from a focused laser beam, while the near-field regime is realized by a combination of the focused laser beam incident on a spherical colloidal particle. For the near-field experiments we have used polystyrene colloidal particles of 700 nm diameter self-assembled or spin coated on top of the surfaces. Laser fluences applied are in the range of 0.01-10 J/cm2. The diameter and the morphologies of the ablated holes were investigated by optical microscopy, profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The dependence of the shape of the holes reflects the fluence regime and the thermophysical properties, i.e., melting temperature and thermal diffusivity of the surfaces involved in the experiments. We give quantitative data about the fluence threshold, diameter, and depth ablation dependence for the far and near fields and discuss their values with respect to the enhancement factor of the intensity of the electromagnetic field due to the use of the colloidal particles. Theoretical estimations of the intensity enhancement were done using the finite-difference time-domain method by using the RSOFT software. The application of near fields allows structuring of the surfaces with structure dimension in the order of 100 nm and even below.

C-axis orientated AlN films deposited using deep oscillation magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jianliang; Chistyakov, Roman

2017-02-01

Highly <0001> c-axis orientated aluminum nitride (AlN) films were deposited on silicon (100) substrates by reactive deep oscillation magnetron sputtering (DOMS). No epitaxial favored bond layer and substrate heating were applied for assisting texture growth. The effects of the peak target current density (varied from 0.39 to 0.8 Acm-2) and film thickness (varied from 0.25 to 3.3 μm) on the c-axis orientation, microstructure, residual stress and mechanical properties of the AlN films were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction rocking curve methodology, transmission electron microscopy, optical profilometry, and nanoindentation. All AlN films exhibited a <0001> preferred orientation and compressive residual stresses. At similar film thicknesses, an increase in the peak target current density to 0.53 Acm-2 improved the <0001> orientation. Further increasing the peak target current density to above 0.53 Acm-2 showed limited contribution to the texture development. The study also showed that an increase in the thickness of the AlN films deposited by DOMS improved the c-axis alignment accompanied with a reduction in the residual stress.

Bearing-Foreign Material Deposition on Retrieved Co-Cr Femoral Heads: Composition and Morphology

PubMed Central

Tikekar, Nishant M.; Heiner, Anneliese D.; Baer, Thomas E.; Kruger, Karen M.; Callaghan, John J.; Brown, Thomas D.; Lannutti, John J.

2015-01-01

Bearing-foreign material deposition onto a femoral head can occur from contact with an acetabular shell due to dislocation, reduction, or subluxation. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively characterize deposit regions on retrieved cobalt-chrome femoral heads from metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasties that had experienced such adverse events. The morphology, topography, and composition of deposition regions were characterized using macrophotography, optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The deposit areas were relatively large, they were much rougher than the surrounding undamaged clean areas, and they displayed several distinct morphologies. Titanium alloy elements were the predominant constituents. Calcium and phosphorous were also detected within the deposit areas, in a composition that could nucleate abrasive hydroxyapatite. In addition, tungsten-rich particles, likely present as tungsten carbide, were observed on top of the titanium deposits. The increased roughness associated with these deposition features would be expected to accelerate damage and wear of the opposing liner and hence accelerate the development of osteolysis. PMID:26236744

High-throughput characterization of film thickness in thin film materials libraries by digital holographic microscopy.

PubMed

Lai, Yiu Wai; Krause, Michael; Savan, Alan; Thienhaus, Sigurd; Koukourakis, Nektarios; Hofmann, Martin R; Ludwig, Alfred

2011-10-01

A high-throughput characterization technique based on digital holography for mapping film thickness in thin-film materials libraries was developed. Digital holographic microscopy is used for fully automatic measurements of the thickness of patterned films with nanometer resolution. The method has several significant advantages over conventional stylus profilometry: it is contactless and fast, substrate bending is compensated, and the experimental setup is simple. Patterned films prepared by different combinatorial thin-film approaches were characterized to investigate and demonstrate this method. The results show that this technique is valuable for the quick, reliable and high-throughput determination of the film thickness distribution in combinatorial materials research. Importantly, it can also be applied to thin films that have been structured by shadow masking.

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

Alkhaldi, H. S.; Department of Physics in Jubail Education college, Dammam University, Dammam 1982; Kremer, F.

The development of porosity in single-crystal germanium and silicon-germanium alloys (c-Si{sub 1−x} Ge{sub x}) of (100) orientation was studied under bombardment with 140 keV Ge{sup −} ions over a wide range of temperatures (−180 to 400 °C) and ion fluences up to 1 × 10{sup 18} ions/cm{sup 2}. The surface swelling and morphology were investigated using multi-characterization techniques including optical profilometry, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The initiation of porosity and the evolution of the near-surface microstructure strongly depend on the ion fluence, the irradiation temperature, and the stoichiometry of the substrate. Significant results and new findings include: (i) the fact that,more » over the entire temperature and stoichiometry range, porosity is only developed once the substrate is rendered amorphous; (ii) with increasing Si content in the alloy, the onset of porosity is pushed to higher fluences; (iii) porosity is observed for Si contents in the alloy up to 23% but not higher under the irradiation conditions used; and (iv) in all cases the initiation of porosity was observed to occur at the surface of the amorphous alloy above a threshold fluence. This last result strongly suggests that the mechanism for initiation of porosity is via preferential vacancy segregation and clustering at the surface of the amorphous alloy. Particularly at elevated temperatures, preferential sputtering of the Si-Ge atomic species in the alloy also plays an important role in developing the surface topography and porosity in alloys. Such effects are discussed along with the implications of our results for mechanisms of porosity in Ge and its alloys.« less

Eco-friendly spray coating of organic solar cells through water-based nanoparticles ink (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stryckers, Jeroen; D'Olieslaeger, Lien; Manca, Jean; Ethirajan, Anitha; Deferme, Wim

2015-09-01

Ultrasonic spray coating is currently proven to be a reliable, flexible and cost efficient fabrication method for printed electronics [1-2]. Ultrasonic nozzles are by design especially well-suited to deposit nano-suspension dispersions. Due to the ultrasonic vibration of the nozzle, droplets having a median diameter of 20 μm are created in a homogeneous droplet cloud and directed towards the substrate. When one prepares an ink having the right wetting properties, thin and homogeneous layers, fully covering the surface, can be achieved. Together with conjugated polymer nanoparticles (NPs), emerging as a new class of nanomaterials, [3] it opens possibilities towards eco-friendly roll-to-roll processing of state-of-the-art organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. A ultrasonic spray coater was used to print the conjugated polymer NP layers under different conditions. A first optimization of the spray coater settings (flow rate, spray speed and temperature) and the ink formulation (water and co-solvent mixture and NP content) was performed for polystyrene particles dissolved in a water-ethanol mixture. As a next step, the low bandgap donor polymer poly[9-(1-octylnonyl)-9H-carbazole-2,7-diyl]-2,5-thiophenediyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl-2,5-thiophene-diyl] (PCDTBT) [4] and the fullerene acceptor phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM[70]) were combined in a water-based blend NP dispersion which was prepared using the mini-emulsion technique. [5,6] Optical Microscopy, profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are performed to study the roughness, surface structure, thickness and coverage of the spray coated layers. Finally the printed NP layers are integrated in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells and compared to spin coated reference devices.

Telecentric 3D profilometry based on phase-shifting fringe projection.

PubMed

Li, Dong; Liu, Chunyang; Tian, Jindong

2014-12-29

Three dimensional shape measurement in the microscopic range becomes increasingly important with the development of micro manufacturing technology. Microscopic fringe projection techniques offer a fast, robust, and full-field measurement for field sizes from approximately 1 mm² to several cm². However, the depth of field is very small due to the imaging of non-telecentric microscope, which is often not sufficient to measure the complete depth of a 3D-object. And the calibration of phase-to-depth conversion is complicated which need a precision translation stage and a reference plane. In this paper, we propose a novel telecentric phase-shifting projected fringe profilometry for small and thick objects. Telecentric imaging extends the depth of field approximately to millimeter order, which is much larger than that of microscopy. To avoid the complicated phase-to-depth conversion in microscopic fringe projection, we develop a new system calibration method of camera and projector based on telecentric imaging model. Based on these, a 3D reconstruction of telecentric imaging is presented with stereovision aided by fringe phase maps. Experiments demonstrated the feasibility and high measurement accuracy of the proposed system for thick object.

Towards High-Resolution Tissue Imaging Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Coupled to Shear Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Son N.; Sontag, Ryan L.; Carson, James P.; Corley, Richard A.; Ansong, Charles; Laskin, Julia

2018-02-01

Constant mode ambient mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue sections with high lateral resolution of better than 10 μm was performed by combining shear force microscopy with nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI). Shear force microscopy enabled precise control of the distance between the sample and nano-DESI probe during MSI experiments and provided information on sample topography. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed using lung and brain tissue sections representing spongy and dense tissues, respectively. Topography images obtained using shear force microscopy were comparable to the results obtained using contact profilometry over the same region of the tissue section. Variations in tissue height were found to be dependent on the tissue type and were in the range of 0-5 μm for lung tissue and 0-3 μm for brain tissue sections. Ion images of phospholipids obtained in this study are in good agreement with literature data. Normalization of nano-DESI MSI images to the signal of the internal standard added to the extraction solvent allowed us to construct high-resolution ion images free of matrix effects.

Diversity of dermal denticle structure in sharks: Skin surface roughness and three-dimensional morphology.

PubMed

Ankhelyi, Madeleine V; Wainwright, Dylan K; Lauder, George V

2018-05-29

Shark skin is covered with numerous placoid scales or dermal denticles. While previous research has used scanning electron microscopy and histology to demonstrate that denticles vary both around the body of a shark and among species, no previous study has quantified three-dimensional (3D) denticle structure and surface roughness to provide a quantitative analysis of skin surface texture. We quantified differences in denticle shape and size on the skin of three individual smooth dogfish sharks (Mustelus canis) using micro-CT scanning, gel-based surface profilometry, and histology. On each smooth dogfish, we imaged between 8 and 20 distinct areas on the body and fins, and obtained further comparative skin surface data from leopard, Atlantic sharpnose, shortfin mako, spiny dogfish, gulper, angel, and white sharks. We generated 3D images of individual denticles and measured denticle volume, surface area, and crown angle from the micro-CT scans. Surface profilometry was used to quantify metrology variables such as roughness, skew, kurtosis, and the height and spacing of surface features. These measurements confirmed that denticles on different body areas of smooth dogfish varied widely in size, shape, and spacing. Denticles near the snout are smooth, paver-like, and large relative to denticles on the body. Body denticles on smooth dogfish generally have between one and three distinct ridges, a diamond-like surface shape, and a dorsoventral gradient in spacing and roughness. Ridges were spaced on average 56 µm apart, and had a mean height of 6.5 µm, comparable to denticles from shortfin mako sharks, and with narrower spacing and lower heights than other species measured. We observed considerable variation in denticle structure among regions on the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins, including a leading-to-trailing edge gradient in roughness for each region. Surface roughness in smooth dogfish varied around the body from 3 to 42 microns. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development and calibration of mirrors and gratings for the Soft X-ray materials science beamline at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser

DOE PAGES

Soufli, Regina; Fernandez-Perea, Monica; Baker, Sherry L.; ...

2012-04-18

This article discusses the development and calibration of the x-ray reflective and diffractive elements for the Soft X-ray Materials Science (SXR) beamline of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) free-electron laser (FEL), designed for operation in the 500 – 2000 eV region. The surface topography of three Si mirror substrates and two Si diffraction grating substrates was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical profilometry. The figure of the mirror substrates was also verified via surface slope measurements with a long trace profiler. A boron carbide (B 4C) coating especially optimized for the LCLS FEL conditions was deposited onmore » all SXR mirrors and gratings. Coating thickness uniformity of 0.14 nm root mean square (rms) across clear apertures extending to 205 mm length was demonstrated for all elements, as required to preserve the coherent wavefront of the LCLS source. The reflective performance of the mirrors and the diffraction efficiency of the gratings were calibrated at beamline 6.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron. To verify the integrity of the nanometer-scale grating structure, the grating topography was examined by AFM before and after coating. This is to our knowledge the first time B 4C-coated diffraction gratings are demonstrated for operation in the soft x-ray region.« less

Treatment of subgingival implant surfaces with Teflon-coated sonic and ultrasonic scaler tips and various implant curettes. An in vitro study.

PubMed

Rühling, A; Kocher, T; Kreusch, J; Plagmann, H C

1994-03-01

Removal of plaque and calculus by means of sonic and ultrasonic scalers causes considerable damage to implants. With a view to avoiding the aggressive effects of these instruments, an experimental study was carried out for which conventional sonic and ultrasonic scalers were coated with Teflon. The effects of these instruments on implant surfaces was then compared with that of plastic and metal implant curettes. Stereo-microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometry were used to detect and record damage to implant surfaces and changes in surface roughness. Generation and propagation of heat in subgingival simulation of use of sonic and ultrasonic scalers were also recorded by means of temperature measurements at the implant surface. The results revealed that no discernible damage was caused by Teflon-coated sonic and ultrasonic scalers or implant curettes made of plastic on smooth titanium surfaces. Instrument material residues were found on rough implant surfaces. It was not the intention of this study to provide an analysis of the prerequisites for the cleaning of rough implant surfaces, but rather to determine what type of damage is to be expected when contact is made with smooth and rough surfaces unintentionally. Temperature measurements during the subgingival use of sonic and ultrasonic scalers indicated satisfactory functioning of the cooling system. Coating of sonic and ultrasonic scaler tips with Teflon thus facilitates the use of high-frequency instruments to achieve professional cleaning of implants.

Investigations on microstructure, electrical and magnetic properties of copper spinel ferrite with WO3 addition for applications in the humidity sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tudorache, Florin

2018-04-01

In the present study we report the structural, electrical, magnetic and humidity characteristics of copper ferrite with different percent on tungsten trioxide addition. The aim of this study was to obtain more stable and sensitive active materials for humidity sensors. In order to highlight the influence of tungsten on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties, the ferrite samples were fabricated via sol-gel self-combustion method and sintered for 30 min at 1000 °C with percent between 0 and 20% tungsten trioxide additions. The X-ray diffraction investigations showed the copper ferrite phase composition. The scanning electron microscopy revealed the influence of the substitution on characteristics of the crystallites and the profilometry showed the surface topography of samples. The investigation was focused on the variation of permittivity and electrical conductivity, in relation with tungsten trioxide addition, frequency and humidity. We have also, investigated the relevant magnetic characteristics of the copper ferrite material by highlighting the influence of tungsten trioxide addition on to Curie temperature and the permeability frequency characteristics. The data suggests that the copper ferrite with tungsten trioxide addition can be used as active material for humidity sensors.

Ultrafast Shock Compression Hugoniot Data of beta-CL-20 and TATB Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaug, Joseph; Armstrong, Michael; Grivickas, Paulius; Tappan, Alexander; Kohl, Ian; Rodriguez, Mark; Knepper, Robert; Crowhurst, Jonathan; Stavrou, Elissaios; Bastea, Sorin

2017-06-01

The shock induced initiation threshold of two energetic materials, CL-20 and TATB are remarkably different; CL-20 is a relatively shock sensitive energetic material and TATB is considered an insensitive high explosive (IHE). Here we report ultrafast laser-based shockwave hydrodynamic data on the 100 ps timescale with 10 ps time resolution to further develop density dependent unreacted shock Hugoniot equations of state (UEOS) and to elucidate ultrafast timescale shock initiation processes for these two vastly different HEs. Thin film samples were made by vacuum thermal evaporation of the explosive on a deposited aluminum ablator layer. The deposited explosives were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface profilometry, and x-ray diffraction. Our preliminary UEOS results (up range of 1.3 - 1.8 km/s) from shock compressed beta-CL-20 agree reasonably well with extrapolated pseudo-velocities computed from epsilon-CL-20 isothermal diamond-anvil cell EOS measurements. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporati.

Microchannel fabrication on cyclic olefin polymer substrates via 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCann, Ronán; Bagga, Komal; Groarke, Robert; Stalcup, Apryll; Vázquez, Mercedes; Brabazon, Dermot

2016-11-01

This paper presents a method for fabrication of microchannels on cyclic olefin polymer films that have application in the field of microfluidics and chemical sensing. Continuous microchannels were fabricated on 188-μm-thick cyclic olefin polymer substrates using a picosecond pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. The effect of laser fluence on the microchannel morphology and dimensions was analysed via scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Single laser passes were found to produce v-shaped microchannels with depths ranging from 12 μm to 47 μm and widths from 44 μm to 154 μm. The ablation rate during processing was lower than predicted theoretically. Multiple laser passes were applied to examine the ability for finer control over microchannel morphology with channel depths ranging from 22 μm to 77 μm and channel widths from 59 μm to 155 μm. For up to five repeat passes, acceptable reproducibility was found in the produced microchannel morphology. Infrared spectroscopy revealed oxidation and dehydrogenation of the polymer surface following laser ablation. These results were compared to other work conducted on cyclic olefin polymers.

Towards High-Resolution Tissue Imaging Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Coupled to Shear Force Microscopy

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

Nguyen, Son N.; Sontag, Ryan L.; Carson, James P.

Constant mode ambient mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue sections with high lateral resolution of better than 10 µm was performed by combining shear force microscopy with nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI). Shear force microscopy enabled precise control of the distance between the sample and nano-DESI probe during MSI experiments and provided information on sample topography. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed using lung and brain tissue sections representing spongy and dense tissues, respectively. Topography images obtained using shear force microscopy were comparable to the results obtained using contact profilometry over the same region of the tissue section. Variations in tissue heightmore » were found to be dependent on the tissue type and were in the range of 0-5 µm for lung tissue and 0-3 µm for brain tissue sections. Ion images of phospholipids obtained in this study are in good agreement with literature data. Normalization of nano-DESI MSI images to the signal of the internal standard added to the extraction solvent allowed us to construct high-resolution ion images free of matrix effects.« less

Advanced chemical imaging and comparison of human and porcine hair follicles for drug delivery by confocal Raman microscopy.

PubMed

Franzen, Lutz; Mathes, Christiane; Hansen, Steffi; Windbergs, Maike

2013-06-01

Hair follicles have recently gained a lot of interest for dermal drug delivery. They provide facilitated penetration into the skin and a high potential to serve as a drug depot. In this area of research, excised pig ear is a widely accepted in vitro model to evaluate penetration of drug delivery into hair follicles. However, a comparison of human and porcine follicles in terms of chemical composition has not been performed so far. In this study, we applied confocal Raman microscopy as a chemically selective imaging technique to compare human and porcine follicle composition and to visualize component distribution within follicle cross-sections. Based on the evaluation of human and porcine Raman spectra optical similarity for both species was successfully confirmed. Furthermore, cyanoacrylate skin surface biopsies, which are generally used to determine the extent of follicular penetration, were imaged by a novel complementary analytical approach combining confocal Raman microscopy and optical profilometry. This all-encompassing analysis allows investigation of intactness and component distribution of the excised hair bulb in three dimensions. Confocal Raman microscopy shows a high potential as a noninvasive and chemically selective technique for the analysis of trans-follicular drug delivery.

Advanced chemical imaging and comparison of human and porcine hair follicles for drug delivery by confocal Raman microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franzen, Lutz; Mathes, Christiane; Hansen, Steffi; Windbergs, Maike

2013-06-01

Hair follicles have recently gained a lot of interest for dermal drug delivery. They provide facilitated penetration into the skin and a high potential to serve as a drug depot. In this area of research, excised pig ear is a widely accepted in vitro model to evaluate penetration of drug delivery into hair follicles. However, a comparison of human and porcine follicles in terms of chemical composition has not been performed so far. In this study, we applied confocal Raman microscopy as a chemically selective imaging technique to compare human and porcine follicle composition and to visualize component distribution within follicle cross-sections. Based on the evaluation of human and porcine Raman spectra optical similarity for both species was successfully confirmed. Furthermore, cyanoacrylate skin surface biopsies, which are generally used to determine the extent of follicular penetration, were imaged by a novel complementary analytical approach combining confocal Raman microscopy and optical profilometry. This all-encompassing analysis allows investigation of intactness and component distribution of the excised hair bulb in three dimensions. Confocal Raman microscopy shows a high potential as a noninvasive and chemically selective technique for the analysis of trans-follicular drug delivery.

Motion-induced error reduction by combining Fourier transform profilometry with phase-shifting profilometry.

PubMed

Li, Beiwen; Liu, Ziping; Zhang, Song

2016-10-03

We propose a hybrid computational framework to reduce motion-induced measurement error by combining the Fourier transform profilometry (FTP) and phase-shifting profilometry (PSP). The proposed method is composed of three major steps: Step 1 is to extract continuous relative phase maps for each isolated object with single-shot FTP method and spatial phase unwrapping; Step 2 is to obtain an absolute phase map of the entire scene using PSP method, albeit motion-induced errors exist on the extracted absolute phase map; and Step 3 is to shift the continuous relative phase maps from Step 1 to generate final absolute phase maps for each isolated object by referring to the absolute phase map with error from Step 2. Experiments demonstrate the success of the proposed computational framework for measuring multiple isolated rapidly moving objects.

Chiral Nematic Structure of Cellulose Nanocrystal Suspensions and Films; Polarized Light and Atomic Force Microscopy

PubMed Central

Gray, Derek G.; Mu, Xiaoyue

2015-01-01

Cellulosic liquid crystalline solutions and suspensions form chiral nematic phases that show a rich variety of optical textures in the liquid crystalline state. These ordered structures may be preserved in solid films prepared by evaporation of solvent or suspending medium. Film formation from aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was investigated by polarized light microscopy, optical profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). An attempt is made to interpret qualitatively the observed textures in terms of the orientation of the cellulose nanocrystals in the suspensions and films, and the changes in orientation caused by the evaporative process. Mass transfer within the evaporating droplet resulted in the formation of raised rings whose magnitude depended on the degree of pinning of the receding contact line. AFM of dry films at short length scales showed a radial orientation of the CNC at the free surface of the film, along with a radial height variation with a period of approximately P/2, ascribed to the anisotropic shrinkage of the chiral nematic structure. PMID:28793684

Gamma model and its analysis for phase measuring profilometry.

PubMed

Liu, Kai; Wang, Yongchang; Lau, Daniel L; Hao, Qi; Hassebrook, Laurence G

2010-03-01

Phase measuring profilometry is a method of structured light illumination whose three-dimensional reconstructions are susceptible to error from nonunitary gamma in the associated optical devices. While the effects of this distortion diminish with an increasing number of employed phase-shifted patterns, gamma distortion may be unavoidable in real-time systems where the number of projected patterns is limited by the presence of target motion. A mathematical model is developed for predicting the effects of nonunitary gamma on phase measuring profilometry, while also introducing an accurate gamma calibration method and two strategies for minimizing gamma's effect on phase determination. These phase correction strategies include phase corrections with and without gamma calibration. With the reduction in noise, for three-step phase measuring profilometry, analysis of the root mean squared error of the corrected phase will show a 60x reduction in phase error when the proposed gamma calibration is performed versus 33x reduction without calibration.

Influence of Cu-Ti thin film surface properties on antimicrobial activity and viability of living cells.

PubMed

Wojcieszak, Damian; Kaczmarek, Danuta; Antosiak, Aleksandra; Mazur, Michal; Rybak, Zbigniew; Rusak, Agnieszka; Osekowska, Malgorzata; Poniedzialek, Agata; Gamian, Andrzej; Szponar, Bogumila

2015-11-01

The paper describes properties of thin-film coatings based on copper and titanium. Thin films were prepared by co-sputtering of Cu and Ti targets in argon plasma. Deposited coatings consist of 90at.% of Cu and 10at.% of Ti. Characterization of the film was made on the basis of investigations of microstructure and physicochemical properties of the surface. Methods such as scanning electron microscopy, x-ray microanalysis, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical profilometry and wettability measurements were used to assess the properties of deposited thin films. An impact of Cu-Ti coating on the growth of selected bacteria and viability of the living cells (line L929, NCTC clone 929) was described in relation to the structure, surface state and wettability of the film. It was found that as-deposited films were amorphous. However, in such surroundings the nanocrystalline grains of 10-15nm and 25-35nm size were present. High surface active area with a roughness of 8.9nm, had an effect on receiving relatively high water contact angle value (74.1°). Such wettability may promote cell adhesion and result in an increase of the probability of copper ion transfer from the film surface into the cell. Thin films revealed bactericidal and fungicidal effects even in short term-contact. High activity of prepared films was directly related to high amount (ca. 51 %) of copper ions at 1+ state as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results have shown. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interaction of atomic oxygen with thin film and bulk copper: An XPS, AES, XRD, and profilometer study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raikar, Genesh N.; Gregory, John C.; Christl, Ligia C.; Peters, Palmer N.

1992-01-01

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) experiment A-0114 was designed primarily to study degradation of material surfaces due to low earth orbital (LEO) atmospheric oxygen. The experiment contained 128 one inch circular samples: metals, polymers, carbons, and semiconductors. Among metal samples, copper has shown some interesting new results. Two types of copper samples, a film sputter coated on fused silica and a bulk piece of OFHC copper, were characterized employing a variety of techniques such as X-ray and Auger electron spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and high resolution profilometry. Cu 2p core level spectra were used to characterize the presence of Cu2O and CuO in addition to Cu Auger LMM lines. These results are supported by our recent X-ray diffraction studies which clearly establish the presence of Cu oxides which we were unable to prove in our earlier work. Profilometry showed an increase in thickness of the film sample where exposed to 106.7 +/- 0.5 nm from an initial thickness of 74.2 +/- 1.1 nm. Further studies with SEM and ellipsometry are underway.

Error analysis and correction of lever-type stylus profilometer based on Nelder-Mead Simplex method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chunbing; Chang, Suping; Li, Bo; Wang, Junwei; Zhang, Zhongyu

2017-10-01

Due to the high measurement accuracy and wide range of applications, lever-type stylus profilometry is commonly used in industrial research areas. However, the error caused by the lever structure has a great influence on the profile measurement, thus this paper analyzes the error of high-precision large-range lever-type stylus profilometry. The errors are corrected by the Nelder-Mead Simplex method, and the results are verified by the spherical surface calibration. It can be seen that this method can effectively reduce the measurement error and improve the accuracy of the stylus profilometry in large-scale measurement.

Eliminating the zero spectrum in Fourier transform profilometry using empirical mode decomposition.

PubMed

Li, Sikun; Su, Xianyu; Chen, Wenjing; Xiang, Liqun

2009-05-01

Empirical mode decomposition is introduced into Fourier transform profilometry to extract the zero spectrum included in the deformed fringe pattern without the need for capturing two fringe patterns with pi phase difference. The fringe pattern is subsequently demodulated using a standard Fourier transform profilometry algorithm. With this method, the deformed fringe pattern is adaptively decomposed into a finite number of intrinsic mode functions that vary from high frequency to low frequency by means of an algorithm referred to as a sifting process. Then the zero spectrum is separated from the high-frequency components effectively. Experiments validate the feasibility of this method.

Real-Time Laser Ultrasound Tomography for Profilometry of Solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarubin, V. P.; Bychkov, A. S.; Karabutov, A. A.; Simonova, V. A.; Kudinov, I. A.; Cherepetskaya, E. B.

2018-01-01

We studied the possibility of applying laser ultrasound tomography for profilometry of solids. The proposed approach provides high spatial resolution and efficiency, as well as profilometry of contaminated objects or objects submerged in liquids. The algorithms for the construction of tomograms and recognition of the profiles of studied objects using the parallel programming technology NDIVIA CUDA are proposed. A prototype of the real-time laser ultrasound profilometer was used to obtain the profiles of solid surfaces of revolution. The proposed method allows the real-time determination of the surface position for cylindrical objects with an approximation accuracy of up to 16 μm.

Profilometry of three-dimensional discontinuous solids by combining two-steps temporal phase unwrapping, co-phased profilometry and phase-shifting interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Servin, Manuel; Padilla, Moises; Garnica, Guillermo; Gonzalez, Adonai

2016-12-01

In this work we review and combine two techniques that have been recently published for three-dimensional (3D) fringe projection profilometry and phase unwrapping, namely: co-phased profilometry and 2-steps temporal phase-unwrapping. By combining these two methods we get a more accurate, higher signal-to-noise 3D profilometer for discontinuous industrial objects. In single-camera single-projector (standard) profilometry, the camera and the projector must form an angle between them. The phase-sensitivity of the profilometer depends on this angle, so it cannot be avoided. This angle produces regions with self-occluding shadows and glare from the solid as viewed from the camera's perspective, making impossible the demodulation of the fringe-pattern there. In other words, the phase data is undefined at those shadow regions. As published recently, this limitation can be solved by using several co-phased fringe-projectors and a single camera. These co-phased projectors are positioned at different directions towards the object, and as a consequence most shadows are compensated. In addition to this, most industrial objects are highly discontinuous, which precludes the use of spatial phase-unwrappers. One way to avoid spatial unwrapping is to decrease the phase-sensitivity to a point where the demodulated phase is bounded to one lambda, so the need for phase-unwrapping disappears. By doing this, however, the recovered non-wrapped phase contains too much harmonic distortion and noise. Using our recently proposed two-step temporal phase-unwrapping technique, the high-sensitivity phase is unwrapped using the low-frequency one as initial gross estimation. This two-step unwrapping technique solves the 3D object discontinuities while keeping the accuracy of the high-frequency profilometry data. In scientific research, new art are derived as logical and consistent result of previous efforts in the same direction. Here we present a new 3D-profilometer combining these two recently published methods: co-phased profilometry and two-steps temporal phase-unwrapping. By doing this, we obtain a new and more powerful 3D profilometry technique which overcomes the two main limitations of previous fringe-projection profilometers namely: high phase-sensitivity digitalization of discontinuous objects and solid's self-generated shadow minimization. This new 3D profilometer is demonstrated by an experiment digitizing a discontinuous 3D industrial-solid where the advantages of this new profilometer with respect to previous art are clearly shown.

Logic gate scanner focus control in high-volume manufacturing using scatterometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dare, Richard J.; Swain, Bryan; Laughery, Michael

2004-05-01

Tool matching and optimal process control are critical requirements for success in semiconductor manufacturing. It is imperative that a tool"s operating conditions are understood and controlled in order to create a process that is repeatable and produces devices within specifications. Likewise, it is important where possible to match multiple systems using some methodology, so that regardless of which tool is used the process remains in control. Agere Systems is currently using Timbre Technologies" Optical Digital Profilometry (ODP) scatterometry for controlling Nikon scanner focus at the most critical lithography layer; logic gate. By adjusting focus settings and verifying the resultant changes in resist profile shape using ODP, it becomes possible to actively control scanner focus to achieve a desired resist profile. Since many critical lithography processes are designed to produce slightly re-entrant resist profiles, this type of focus control is not possible via Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscopy (CDSEM) where reentrant profiles cannot be accurately determined. Additionally, the high throughput and non-destructive nature of this measurement technique saves both cycle time and wafer costs compared to cross-section SEM. By implementing an ODP daily process check and after any maintenance on a scanner, Agere successfully enabled focus drift control, i.e. making necessary focus or equipment changes in order to maintain a desired resist profile.

Surface micro-structuring of silicon by excimer-laser irradiation in reactive atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedraza, A. J.; Fowlkes, J. D.; Jesse, S.; Mao, C.; Lowndes, D. H.

2000-12-01

The formation mechanisms of cones and columns by pulsed-laser irradiation in reactive atmospheres were studied using scanning electron microscopy and profilometry. Deep etching takes place in SF6- and O2- rich atmospheres and consequently, silicon-containing molecules and clusters are released. Transport of silicon from the etched/ablated regions to the tip of columns and cones and to the side of the cones is required because both structures, columns and cones, protrude above the initial surface. The laser-induced micro-structure is influenced not only by the nature but also by the partial pressure of the reactive gas in the atmosphere. Irradiation in Ar following cone formation in SF6 produced no additional growth but rather melting and resolidification. Subsequent irradiation using again a SF6 atmosphere lead to cone restructuring and growth resumption. Thus the effects of etching plus re-deposition that produce column/cone formation and growth are clearly separated from the effects of just melting. On the other hand, irradiation continued in air after first performed in SF6 resulted in: (a) an intense etching of the cones and a tendency to transform them into columns; (b) growth of new columns on top of the existing cones and (c) filamentary nano-structures coating the sides of the columns and cones.

Laser micro-processing of amorphous and partially crystalline Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqida, S. N.; Brabazon, D.; Naher, S.; Kovacs, Z.; Browne, D. J.

2010-11-01

This paper presents a microstructural study of laser micro-processed high-purity Cu45Zr48Al7 alloys prepared by arc melting and Cu-mould casting. Microprocessing of the Cu45Zr48Al7 alloy was performed using a Rofin DC-015 diffusion-cooled CO2 slab laser system with 10.6-μm wavelength. The laser was defocused to a spot size of 0.2 mm on the sample surface. The laser parameters were set to give 300- and 350-W peak power, 30% duty cycle and a 3000-Hz laser pulse repetition frequency (PRF). About 100-micrometer-wide channels were scribed on the surfaces of disk-shaped amorphous and partially crystalline samples at traverse speeds of 500 and 5000 mm/min. These channels were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 2D stylus profilometry. The metallographic study and profile of these processed regions are discussed in terms of the applied laser processing parameters. The SEM micrographs showed that striation marks developed at the edge and inside these regions as a result of the laser processing. The results from this work showed that microscale features can be produced on the surface of amorphous Cu-Zr-Al alloys by CO2 laser processing.

Influence of autoclave sterilization on the surface parameters and mechanical properties of six orthodontic wires.

PubMed

Pernier, C; Grosgogeat, B; Ponsonnet, L; Benay, G; Lissac, M

2005-02-01

Orthodontic wires are frequently packaged in individual sealed bags in order to avoid cross-contamination. The instructions on the wrapper generally advise autoclave sterilization of the package and its contents if additional protection is desired. However, sterilization can modify the surface parameters and the mechanical properties of many types of material. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of one of the most widely used sterilization processes, autoclaving (18 minutes at 134 degrees C, as recommended by the French Ministry of Health), on the surface parameters and mechanical properties of six wires currently used in orthodontics (one stainless steel alloy: Tru-Chrome RMO; two nickel-titanium shape memory alloys: Neo Sentalloy and Neo Sentalloy with Ionguard GAC; and three titanium-molybdenum alloys: TMA(R) and Low Friction TMA Ormco and Resolve GAC). The alloys were analysed on receipt and after sterilization, using surface structure observation techniques, including optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy and profilometry. The mechanical properties were assessed by three-point bending tests. The results showed that autoclave sterilization had no adverse effects on the surface parameters or on the selected mechanical properties. This supports the possibility for practitioners to systematically sterilize wires before placing them in the oral environment.

The susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9721 cells to the bactericidal action of nanostructured Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis damselfly wing surfaces.

PubMed

Truong, Vi Khanh; Geeganagamage, Nipuni Mahanamanam; Baulin, Vladimir A; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Tobin, Mark J; Luque, Pere; Crawford, Russell J; Ivanova, Elena P

2017-06-01

Nanostructured insect wing surfaces have been reported to possess the ability to resist bacterial colonization through the mechanical rupture of bacterial cells coming into contact with the surface. In this work, the susceptibility of physiologically young, mature and old Staphylococcus aureus CIP 65.8 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9721 bacterial cells, to the action of the bactericidal nano-pattern of damselfly Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis wing surfaces, was investigated. The results were obtained using several surface characterization techniques including optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, synchrotron-sourced Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, water contact angle measurements and antibacterial assays. The data indicated that the attachment propensity of physiologically young S. aureus CIP 65.8 T and mature P. aeruginosa ATCC 9721 bacterial cells was greater than that of the cells at other stages of growth. Both the S. aureus CIP 65.8 T and P. aeruginosa ATCC 9721 cells, grown at the early (1 h) and late stationary phase (24 h), were found to be most susceptible to the action of the wings, with up to 89.7 and 61.3% as well as 97.9 and 97.1% dead cells resulting from contact with the wing surface, respectively.

Experimental study of crack initiation and propagation in high- and gigacycle fatigue in titanium alloys

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

Bannikov, Mikhail, E-mail: mbannikov@icmm.ru, E-mail: oborin@icmm.ru, E-mail: naimark@icmm.ru; Oborin, Vladimir, E-mail: mbannikov@icmm.ru, E-mail: oborin@icmm.ru, E-mail: naimark@icmm.ru; Naimark, Oleg, E-mail: mbannikov@icmm.ru, E-mail: oborin@icmm.ru, E-mail: naimark@icmm.ru

Fatigue (high- and gigacycle) crack initiation and its propagation in titanium alloys with coarse and fine grain structure are studied by fractography analysis of fracture surface. Fractured specimens were analyzed by interferometer microscope and SEM to improve methods of monitoring of damage accumulation during fatigue test and to verify the models for fatigue crack kinetics. Fatigue strength was estimated for high cycle fatigue regime using the Luong method [1] by “in-situ” infrared scanning of the sample surface for the step-wise loading history for different grain size metals. Fine grain alloys demonstrated higher fatigue resistance for both high cycle fatigue andmore » gigacycle fatigue regimes. Fracture surface analysis for plane and cylindrical samples was carried out using optical and electronic microscopy method. High resolution profilometry (interferometer-profiler New View 5010) data of fracture surface roughness allowed us to estimate scale invariance (the Hurst exponent) and to establish the existence of two characteristic areas of damage localization (different values of the Hurst exponent). Area 1 with diameter ∼300 μm has the pronounced roughness and is associated with damage localization hotspot. Area 2 shows less amplitude roughness, occupies the rest fracture surface and considered as the trace of the fatigue crack path corresponding to the Paris kinetics.« less

Bio-active glass air-abrasion has the potential to remove resin composite restorative material selectively

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milly, Hussam; Andiappan, Manoharan; Thompson, Ian; Banerjee, Avijit

2014-06-01

The aims of this study were to assess: (a) the chemistry, morphology and bioactivity of bio-active glass (BAG) air-abrasive powder, (b) the effect of three air-abrasion operating parameters: air pressure, powder flow rate (PFR) and the abrasive powder itself, on the selective removal of resin composite and (c) the required "time taken". BAG abrasive particles were characterised using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Standardised resin composite restorations created within an enamel analogue block (Macor™) in vitro, were removed using air-abrasion undersimulated clinical conditions. 90 standardised cavities were scanned before and after resin composite removal using laser profilometry and the volume of the resulting 3D images calculated. Multilevel linear model was used to identify the significant factors affecting Macor™ removal. BAG powder removed resin composite more selectively than conventional air-abrasion alumina powder using the same operating parameters (p < 0.001) and the effect of altering the unit's operating parameters was significant (p < 0.001). In conclusion, BAG powder is more efficient than alumina in the selective removal of resin composite particularly under specific operating parameters, and therefore may be recommended clinically as a method of preserving sound enamel structure when repairing and removing defective resin composite restorations.

Study of laser interaction with aluminum contaminant on fused silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmier, S.; Tovena, I.; Lamaignère, L.; Rullier, J. L.; Capoulade, J.; Bertussi, B.; Natoli, J. Y.; Servant, L.

2005-12-01

One of the major issues met in the operating of high power lasers concerns the cleanliness of laser components. In this context, in order to assess laser-induced damage in presence of metallic particulate contamination, we study the behaviour of aluminum on a silica substrate. Model samples containing calibrated aluminum square dots of 50 x 50 μ2 have been deposited by photolithography on a silica substrate. The sample was irradiated by a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with different fluences and also different numbers of shots on each dot. Then the initial aluminum dot zone and the surrounding silica were analyzed using Nomarski microscopy, profilometry and photothermal microscopy. Laser fluence is revealed to be a very important parameter for the behaviour of aluminum dots. For example, it is possible to find a fluence of irradiation where aluminum dots are blown off the substrate and only small modifications occur to silica. In this case, increasing the number of shots doesn't significantly affect the silica surface.

Depth Profilometry via Multiplexed Optical High-Coherence Interferometry

PubMed Central

Kazemzadeh, Farnoud; Wong, Alexander; Behr, Bradford B.; Hajian, Arsen R.

2015-01-01

Depth Profilometry involves the measurement of the depth profile of objects, and has significant potential for various industrial applications that benefit from non-destructive sub-surface profiling such as defect detection, corrosion assessment, and dental assessment to name a few. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of depth profilometry using an Multiplexed Optical High-coherence Interferometry MOHI instrument. The MOHI instrument utilizes the spatial coherence of a laser and the interferometric properties of light to probe the reflectivity as a function of depth of a sample. The axial and lateral resolutions, as well as imaging depth, are decoupled in the MOHI instrument. The MOHI instrument is capable of multiplexing interferometric measurements into 480 one-dimensional interferograms at a location on the sample and is built with axial and lateral resolutions of 40 μm at a maximum imaging depth of 700 μm. Preliminary results, where a piece of sand-blasted aluminum, an NBK7 glass piece, and an optical phantom were successfully probed using the MOHI instrument to produce depth profiles, demonstrate the feasibility of such an instrument for performing depth profilometry. PMID:25803289

Depth profilometry via multiplexed optical high-coherence interferometry.

PubMed

Kazemzadeh, Farnoud; Wong, Alexander; Behr, Bradford B; Hajian, Arsen R

2015-01-01

Depth Profilometry involves the measurement of the depth profile of objects, and has significant potential for various industrial applications that benefit from non-destructive sub-surface profiling such as defect detection, corrosion assessment, and dental assessment to name a few. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of depth profilometry using an Multiplexed Optical High-coherence Interferometry MOHI instrument. The MOHI instrument utilizes the spatial coherence of a laser and the interferometric properties of light to probe the reflectivity as a function of depth of a sample. The axial and lateral resolutions, as well as imaging depth, are decoupled in the MOHI instrument. The MOHI instrument is capable of multiplexing interferometric measurements into 480 one-dimensional interferograms at a location on the sample and is built with axial and lateral resolutions of 40 μm at a maximum imaging depth of 700 μm. Preliminary results, where a piece of sand-blasted aluminum, an NBK7 glass piece, and an optical phantom were successfully probed using the MOHI instrument to produce depth profiles, demonstrate the feasibility of such an instrument for performing depth profilometry.

A Profilometry-Based Dentifrice Abrasion Method for V8 Brushing Machines Part II: Comparison of RDA-PE and Radiotracer RDA Measures.

PubMed

Schneiderman, Eva; Colón, Ellen; White, Donald J; St John, Samuel

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the abrasivity of commercial dentifrices by two techniques: the conventional gold standard radiotracer-based Radioactive Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) method; and a newly validated technique based on V8 brushing that included a profilometry-based evaluation of dentin wear. This profilometry-based method is referred to as RDA-Profilometry Equivalent, or RDA-PE. A total of 36 dentifrices were sourced from four global dentifrice markets (Asia Pacific [including China], Europe, Latin America, and North America) and tested blindly using both the standard radiotracer (RDA) method and the new profilometry method (RDA-PE), taking care to follow specific details related to specimen preparation and treatment. Commercial dentifrices tested exhibited a wide range of abrasivity, with virtually all falling well under the industry accepted upper limit of 250; that is, 2.5 times the level of abrasion measured using an ISO 11609 abrasivity reference calcium pyrophosphate as the reference control. RDA and RDA-PE comparisons were linear across the entire range of abrasivity (r2 = 0.7102) and both measures exhibited similar reproducibility with replicate assessments. RDA-PE assessments were not just linearly correlated, but were also proportional to conventional RDA measures. The linearity and proportionality of the results of the current study support that both methods (RDA or RDA-PE) provide similar results and justify a rationale for making the upper abrasivity limit of 250 apply to both RDA and RDA-PE.

Fatigue crack propagation behavior of stainless steel welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusko, Chad S.

The fatigue crack propagation behavior of austenitic and duplex stainless steel base and weld metals has been investigated using various fatigue crack growth test procedures, ferrite measurement techniques, light optical microscopy, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical profilometry. The compliance offset method has been incorporated to measure crack closure during testing in order to determine a stress ratio at which such closure is overcome. Based on this method, an empirically determined stress ratio of 0.60 has been shown to be very successful in overcoming crack closure for all da/dN for gas metal arc and laser welds. This empirically-determined stress ratio of 0.60 has been applied to testing of stainless steel base metal and weld metal to understand the influence of microstructure. Regarding the base metal investigation, for 316L and AL6XN base metals, grain size and grain plus twin size have been shown to influence resulting crack growth behavior. The cyclic plastic zone size model has been applied to accurately model crack growth behavior for austenitic stainless steels when the average grain plus twin size is considered. Additionally, the effect of the tortuous crack paths observed for the larger grain size base metals can be explained by a literature model for crack deflection. Constant Delta K testing has been used to characterize the crack growth behavior across various regions of the gas metal arc and laser welds at the empirically determined stress ratio of 0.60. Despite an extensive range of stainless steel weld metal FN and delta-ferrite morphologies, neither delta-ferrite morphology significantly influence the room temperature crack growth behavior. However, variations in weld metal da/dN can be explained by local surface roughness resulting from large columnar grains and tortuous crack paths in the weld metal.

Corrosion kinetics and topography analysis of Ti-6Al-4V alloy subjected to different mouthwash solutions.

PubMed

Faverani, Leonardo Perez; Barao, Valentim Adelino Ricardo; Pires, Maria Flávia Araújo; Yuan, Judy Chia-Chun; Sukotjo, Cortino; Mathew, Mathew T; Assunção, Wirley Gonçalves

2014-10-01

This study evaluated the corrosion kinetics and surface topography of Ti-6Al-4V alloy exposed to mouthwash solutions (0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.053% cetylpyridinium chloride and 3% hydrogen peroxide) compared to artificial saliva (pH6.5) (control). Twenty Ti-6Al-4V alloy disks were used and divided into 4 groups (n=5). For the electrochemical assay, standard tests as open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were applied at baseline, 7 and 14days after immersion in the solutions. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and profilometry (average roughness - Ra) were used for surface characterization. Total weight loss of disks was calculated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni's test (α=0.05). Hydrogen peroxide generated the lowest polarization resistance (Rp) values for all periods (P<0.05). For the capacitance (Cdl), similar results were observed among groups at baseline (P=0.098). For the 7 and 14-day periods, hydrogen peroxide promoted the highest Cdl values (P<0.0001). Hydrogen peroxide promoted expressive superficial changes and greater Ra values than the others (P<0.0001). It could be concluded that solutions containing cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine digluconate might be the mouthwashes of choice during the post-operatory period of dental implants. However, hydrogen peroxide is counter-indicated in these situations. Further studies evaluating the dynamics of these solutions (tribocorrosion) and immersing the disks in daily cycles (two or three times a day) to mimic a clinical situation closest to the application of mouthwashes in the oral cavity are warranted to prove our results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an optimized electrochemical process for subsequent coating of 316 stainless steel for stent applications.

PubMed

Haïdopoulos, M; Turgeon, S; Sarra-Bournet, C; Laroche, G; Mantovani, D

2006-07-01

Metallic endovascular stents are used as medical devices to scaffold biological lumen, most often diseased arteries, after balloon angioplasty. They are commonly made of 316L stainless steel or Nitinol, two alloys containing nickel, an element classified as potentially toxic and carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Although they are largely implanted, the long-term safety of such metallic elements is still controversial, since the corrosion processes may lead to the release of several metallic ions, including nickel ions in diverse oxidation states. To avoid metallic ion release in the body, the strategy behind this work was to develop a process aiming the complete isolation of the stainless steel device from the body fluids by a thin, cohesive and strongly adherent coating of RF-plasma-polymerized fluoropolymer. Nevertheless, prior to the polymer film deposition, an essential aspect was the development of a pre-treatment for the metallic substrate, based on the electrochemical polishing process, aiming the removal of any fragile interlayer, including the native oxide layer and the carbon contaminated layer, in order to obtain a smooth, defect-free surface to optimize the adhesion of the plasma-deposited thin film. In this work, the optimized parameters for electropolishing, such as the duration and the temperature of the electrolysis, and the complementary acid dipping were presented and accurately discussed. Their effects on roughness as well as on the evolution of surface topography were investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy, stylus profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The modifications induced on the surface atomic concentrations were studied by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The improvements in terms of the surface morphology after the pre-treatment were also emphasized, as well as the influence of the original stainless steel surface finish.

Influence of Surface Properties and Impact Conditions on Adhesion of Insect Residues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohl, Christopher J.; Smith, Joseph G.; Connell, John W.; Siochi, Emilie J.; Doss, Jereme R.; Shanahan, Michelle H.; Penner, Ronald K.

2015-01-01

Insect residues can cause premature transition to turbulent flow on laminar flow airfoils. Engineered surfaces that mitigate the adhesion of insect residues provide, therefore, a route to more efficient aerodynamics and reduced fuel burn rates. Areal coverage and heights of residues depend not only on surface properties, but also on impact conditions. We report high speed photography of fruit fly impacts at different angles of inclination on a rigid aluminum surface, optical microscopy and profilometry, and contact angle goniometry to support the design of engineered surfaces. For the polyurethane and epoxy coatings studied, some of which exhibited superhydrophobicity, it was determined that impact angle and surface compositions play critical roles in the efficacy of these surfaces to reduce insect residue adhesion.

Materials characterization of impregnated W and W-Ir cathodes after oxygen poisoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polk, James E.; Capece, Angela M.

2015-05-01

Electric thrusters use hollow cathodes as the electron source for generating the plasma discharge and for beam neutralization. These cathodes contain porous tungsten emitters impregnated with BaO material to achieve a lower surface work function and are operated with xenon propellant. Oxygen contaminants in the xenon plasma can poison the emitter surface, resulting in a higher work function and increased operating temperature. This could lead directly to cathode failure by preventing discharge ignition or could accelerate evaporation of the BaO material. Exposures over hundreds of hours to very high levels of oxygen can result in increased temperatures, oxidation of the tungsten substrate, and the formation of surface layers of barium tungstates. In this work, we present results of a cathode test in which impregnated tungsten and tungsten-iridium emitters were operated with 100 ppm of oxygen in the xenon plasma for several hundred hours. The chemical and morphological changes were studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and laser profilometry. The results provide strong evidence that high concentrations of oxygen accelerate the formation of tungstate layers in both types of emitters, a phenomenon not inherent to normal cathode operation. Deposits of pure tungsten were observed on the W-Ir emitter, indicating that tungsten is preferentially removed from the surface and transported in the insert plasma. A W-Ir cathode surface will therefore evolve to a pure W composition, eliminating the work function benefit of W-Ir. However, the W-Ir emitter exhibited less erosion and redeposition at the upstream end than the pure W emitter.

Surface Chemistry, Friction, and Wear Properties of Untreated and Laser-Annealed Surfaces of Pulsed-Laser-Deposited WS(sub 2) Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Wheeler, Donald R.; Zabinski, Jeffrey S.

1996-01-01

An investigation was conducted to examine the surface chemistry, friction, and wear behavior of untreated and annealed tungsten disulfide (WS2) coatings in sliding contact with a 6-mm-diameter 440C stainless-steel ball. The WS2 coatings and annealing were performed using the pulsed-laser-deposition technique. All sliding friction experiments were conducted with a load of 0.98 N (100 g), an average Hertzian contact pressure of 0.44 GPa, and a constant rotating speed of 120 rpm. The sliding velocity ranged from 31 to 107 mm/s because of the range of wear track radii involved in the experiments. The experiment was performed at room temperature in three environments: ultrahigh vacuum (vacuum pressure, 7X(exp -10) Pa), dry nitrogen (relative humidity, less than 1 percent), and humid air (relative humidity, 15 to 40 percent). Analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), x-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), surface profilometry, and Vickers hardness testing, were used to characterize the tribological surfaces of WS2 coatings. The results of the investigation indicate that the laser annealing decreased the wear of a WS2 coating in an ultrahigh vacuum. The wear rate was reduced by a factor of 30. Thus, the laser annealing increased the wear life and resistance of the WS2 coating. The annealed WS 2 coating had a low coefficient of friction (less than O.1) and a low wear rate ((10(exp -7) mm(exp 3)/N-m)) both of which are favorable in an ultrahigh vacuum.

A profilometry-based dentifrice abrasion Method for V8 brushing machines. Part I: Introduction to RDA-PE.

PubMed

White, Donald J; Schneiderman, Eva; Colón, Ellen; St John, Samuel

2015-01-01

This paper describes the development and standardization of a profilometry-based method for assessment of dentifrice abrasivity called Radioactive Dentin Abrasivity - Profilometry Equivalent (RDA-PE). Human dentine substrates are mounted in acrylic blocks of precise standardized dimensions, permitting mounting and brushing in V8 brushing machines. Dentin blocks are masked to create an area of "contact brushing." Brushing is carried out in V8 brushing machines and dentifrices are tested as slurries. An abrasive standard is prepared by diluting the ISO 11609 abrasivity reference calcium pyrophosphate abrasive into carboxymethyl cellulose/glycerin, just as in the RDA method. Following brushing, masked areas are removed and profilometric analysis is carried out on treated specimens. Assessments of average abrasion depth (contact or optical profilometry) are made. Inclusion of standard calcium pyrophosphate abrasive permits a direct RDA equivalent assessment of abrasion, which is characterized with profilometry as Depth test/Depth control x 100. Within the test, the maximum abrasivity standard of 250 can be created in situ simply by including a treatment group of standard abrasive with 2.5x number of brushing strokes. RDA-PE is enabled in large part by the availability of easy-to-use and well-standardized modern profilometers, but its use in V8 brushing machines is enabled by the unique specific conditions described herein. RDA-PE permits the evaluation of dentifrice abrasivity to dentin without the requirement of irradiated teeth and infrastructure for handling them. In direct comparisons, the RDA-PE method provides dentifrice abrasivity assessments comparable to the gold industry standard RDA technique.

The Evolution of Silica Nanoparticle-polyester Coatings on Surfaces Exposed to Sunlight.

PubMed

Truong, Vi Khanh; Stefanovic, Miljan; Maclaughlin, Shane; Tobin, Mark; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Al Kobaisi, Mohammad; Crawford, Russell J; Ivanova, Elena P

2016-10-11

Corrosion of metallic surfaces is prevalent in the environment and is of great concern in many areas, including the military, transport, aviation, building and food industries, amongst others. Polyester and coatings containing both polyester and silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have been widely used to protect steel substrata from corrosion. In this study, we utilized X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection infrared micro-spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, optical profiling and atomic force microscopy to provide an insight into how exposure to sunlight can cause changes in the micro- and nanoscale integrity of the coatings. No significant change in surface micro-topography was detected using optical profilometry, however, statistically significant nanoscale changes to the surface were detected using atomic force microscopy. Analysis of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection infrared micro-spectroscopy data revealed that degradation of the ester groups had occurred through exposure to ultraviolet light to form COO·, -H2C·, -O·, -CO· radicals. During the degradation process, CO and CO2 were also produced.

Chemically induced porosity on BiVO4 films produced by double magnetron sputtering to enhance the photo-electrochemical response.

PubMed

Thalluri, Sitaramanjaneya Mouli; Rojas, Roberto Mirabal; Rivera, Osmary Depablos; Hernández, Simelys; Russo, Nunzio; Rodil, Sandra Elizabeth

2015-07-21

Double magnetron sputtering (DMS) is an efficient system that is well known because of its precise control of the thin film synthesizing process over any kind of substrate. Here, DMS has been adopted to synthesize BiVO4 films over a conducting substrate (FTO), using metallic vanadium and ceramic Bi2O3 targets simultaneously. The films were characterized using different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and profilometry. The photo-electrochemical analysis was performed using linear scan voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under the illumination of simulated solar light at 1 Sun. The photocurrent density of the sputtered BiVO4 thin films could be improved from 0.01 mA cm(-2) to 1.19 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V vs. RHE by chemical treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH). The effect of KOH was the removal of impurities from the grain boundaries, leading to a more porous structure and more pure crystalline monoclinic BiVO4 particles. Such variations in the microstructure as well as the improvement of the charge transfer properties of the BiVO4 film after the KOH treatment were confirmed and studied in depth by EIS analysis.

Understanding the differences between the wear of metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-metal total hip replacements.

PubMed

Figueiredo-Pina, C G; Yan, Y; Neville, A; Fisher, J

2008-04-01

Hip simulator studies have been carried out extensively to understand and test artificial hip implants in vitro as an efficient alternative to obtaining long-term results in vivo. Recent studies have shown that a ceramic-on-metal material combination lowers the wear by up to 100 times in comparison with a typical metal-on-metal design. The reason for this reduction remains unclear and for this reason this study has undertaken simple tribometer tests to understand the fundamental material loss mechanisms in two material combinations: metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic. A simple-configuration reciprocating pin-on-plate wear study was performed under open-circuit potential (OCP) and with applied cathodic protection (CP) in a serum solution using two tribological couples: firstly, cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) pins against Co-Cr plates; secondly, Co-Cr pins against alumina (Al2O3) plates. The pin and plate surfaces prior to and after testing were examined by profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a marked reduction in wear when CP was applied, indicating that total material degradation under the OCP condition was attributed to corrosion processes. The substitution of the Co-Cr pin with an Al2O3 plate also resulted in a dramatic reduction in wear, probably due to the reduction in the corrosion-wear interactions between the tribological pair.

In vitro biocompatibility of magnesium-incorporated submicro-porous titanium oxide surface produced by hydrothermal treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jin-Woo; Kim, Youn-Jeong; Jang, Je-Hee; An, Chang-Hyeon

2010-11-01

This study investigated the surface characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) oxide surface incorporating magnesium ions (Mg), produced by hydrothermal treatment using an alkaline Mg-containing solution, for future biomedical applications. The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, thin-film X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and optical profilometry. Mouse calvaria-derived osteoblastic cell (MC3T3-E1) attachment, spreading, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteoblastic gene expression on Mg-containing surfaces were compared with untreated Ti surfaces. Hydrothermal treatment resulted in Mg-incorporated Ti oxide layer with submicro-porous surface structures approximately 2 μm in thickness. ICP-AES analysis revealed Mg ions release from treated surfaces into the solution. The Mg-incorporated surface displayed significantly increased cellular attachment and ALP activity compared with untreated surface ( p < 0.05), and supported better cell spreading. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed notably higher mRNA expression of the osteoblast transcription factor genes (Dlx5, Runx2) and the osteoblast phenotype genes (ALP, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin) in cells grown on the Mg-incorporated surfaces than untreated surfaces. These results demonstrate that the Mg-incorporated submicro-porous Ti oxide surface produced by hydrothermal treatment may improve implant osseointegration by enhancing the attachment, spreading and differentiation of osteoblastic cells.

Characterization and in vitro evaluation of electrospun chitosan/polycaprolactone blend fibrous mat for skin tissue engineering.

PubMed

Prasad, Tilak; Shabeena, E A; Vinod, D; Kumary, T V; Anil Kumar, P R

2015-01-01

The electrospinning technique allows engineering biomimetic scaffolds within micro to nanoscale range mimicking natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Chitosan (CS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were dissolved in a modified solvent mixture consisting of formic acid and acetone (3:7) and mixed in different weight ratios to get chitosan-polycaprolactone [CS-PCL] blend solutions. The CS-PCL blend polymer was electrospun in the same solvent system and compared with PCL. The physicochemical characterization of the electrospun fibrous mats was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile test, swelling properties, water contact angle (WCA) analysis, surface profilometry and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The CS-PCL fibrous mat showed decreased hydrophobicity. The CS-PCL mats also showed improved swelling property, tensile strength, thermal stability and surface roughness. The cytocompatibility of the CS-PCL and PCL fibrous mats were examined using mouse fibroblast (L-929) cell line by direct contact and cellular activity with extract of materials confirmed non-cytotoxic nature. The potential of CS-PCL and PCL fibrous mats as skin tissue engineering scaffolds were assessed by cell adhesion, viability, proliferation and actin distribution using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and L-929 cell lines. Results indicate that CS-PCL is a better scaffold for attachment and proliferation of keratinocytes and is a potential material for skin tissue engineering.

Incorporation of Ca and P on anodized titanium surface: Effect of high current density.

PubMed

Laurindo, Carlos A H; Torres, Ricardo D; Mali, Sachin A; Gilbert, Jeremy L; Soares, Paulo

2014-04-01

This study systematically evaluated the surface and corrosion characteristics of commercially pure titanium (grade 2) modified by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with high current density. The anodization process was carried out galvanostatically (constant current density) using a solution containing calcium glycerophosphate (0.02mol/L) and calcium acetate (0.15mol/L). The current densities applied were 400, 700, 1000 and 1200mA/cm(2) for a period of 15s. Composition, crystalline structure, morphology, roughness, wettability and "in-vitro" bioactivity test in SBF of the anodized layer were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, profilometry and contact angle measurements. Corrosion properties were evaluated by open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The results show that the TiO2 oxide layers present an increase of thickness, porosity, roughness, wettability, Ca/P ratio, and bioactivity, with the applied current density up to 1000mA/cm(2). Corrosion resistance also increases with applied current density. It is observed that for 1200mA/cm(2), there is a degradation of the oxide layer. In general, the results suggest that the anodized TiO2 layer with better properties is formed with an applied current of 1000mA/cm(2). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of ex vivo effectiveness of commercial desensitizing dentifrices

PubMed Central

Mockdeci, Hanny; Polonini, Hudson; Granato, Ana-Paula; Raposo, Nádia; Chaves, Maria-das Graças

2017-01-01

Background Dentin hypersensitivity is a short, severe pain with fast onset. Therapy aims to either prevent or decrease neural transmission or physically occlude the dentinal tubules. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial desensitizing dentifrice by means of an ex vivo method. Material and Methods Samples (n=8 lower human premolars for each group) were randomly allocated into: G1- brushing with Colgate®Sensitive Pro-Relief; G2- brushing with Sensodyne®Rapid Relief; G3- brushing with Sensodyne®Repair & Protect; and G4- brushing with Colgate®Maximum Cavity Protection. The test bodies were submitted to simulated toothbrushing and dentifrices were analyzed regarding their hydrodynamic size, polydispersity index (PI) and zeta potential. Specimens were evaluated using: scanning electron microscopy (SEM); spectroscopy energy dispersive X-ray (EDS); and profilometry. A qualitative analysis of the photomicrographs and topographies was performed. Results The dentifrices showed statistical similar physical and chemical characteristics. They also demonstrated obliteration of dentinal tubules when micrographs were observed. Regarding the chemical elements present in the dentin samples, there was a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental surfaces in the four groups. Conclusions Joint data analysis shows that the desensitizing dentifrice showed better results with regards to the obliteration of dentinal tubules compared to positive and negative controls. Key words:Dentin hypersensitivity, dentin desensitizing agents, toothpastes. PMID:28469813

Bacterial attachment on titanium surfaces is dependent on topography and chemical changes induced by nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma.

PubMed

Jeong, Won-Seok; Kwon, Jae-Sung; Lee, Jung-Hwan; Uhm, Soo-Hyuk; Ha Choi, Eun; Kim, Kwang-Mahn

2017-07-26

Here, we investigated the antibacterial effects of chemical changes induced by nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) on smooth and rough Ti. The morphologies of smooth and rough surfaces of Ti were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both Ti specimens were then treated for 10 min by NTAPP with nitrogen gas. The surface roughness, chemistry, and wettability were examined by optical profilometry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and water contact angle analysis, respectively. Bacterial attachment was measured by determining the number of colony forming units and by SEM analysis. The rough Ti showed irregular micropits, whereas smooth Ti had a relatively regular pattern on the surface. There were no differences in morphology between samples before and after NTAPP treatment. NTAPP treatment resulted in changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic properties on rough and smooth Ti; rough Ti showed relatively higher hydrophilicity. Before NTAPP treatment, Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) showed greater attachment on rough Ti, and after NTAPP treatment, there was a significant reduction in bacterial attachment. Moreover, the bacterial attachment rate was significantly lower on rough Ti, and the structure of S. sanguinis colonies were significantly changed on NTAPP-treated Ti. NTAPP treatment inhibited bacterial attachment surrounding titanium implants, regardless of surface topography. Therefore, NTAPP treatment on Ti is a next-generation tool for antibacterial applications in the orthopaedic and dental fields.

Controlled growth of Au nanoparticles in co-evaporated metal/polymer composite films and their optical and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takele, H.; Schürmann, U.; Greve, H.; Paretkar, D.; Zaporojtchenko, V.; Faupel, F.

2006-02-01

Nanocomposite films containing Au nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix were prepared by vapour phase co-deposition of Au and polymers (Teflon AF and Poly(α -methylstyrene)) in high vacuum. The microstructure of the composite materials as well as metal content strongly depend on the condensation coefficient of the Au atoms, the deposition rates of the components, the substrate temperature, and the type of polymer matrix. The condensation coefficient, which varies between 0.03 and 1, was determined from energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) and surface profilometry. It is shown that the microstructure of nanocomposites (size, size distribution, and interparticle separation of metal clusters), which was determined by transmission electron microscopy, can be controlled by the deposition parameters and the choice of polymer matrix. The optical absorption in the visible region due to the particle plasmon resonance has a strong dependence on the metal filling factor. The correlation between the microstructure of nanocomposites and optical properties, studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy, was also established. Further more, the electrical properties of the composites were studied as a function of the metal volume fraction. It was observed that the nanocomposite films exhibit a percolation threshold at a metal volume fraction of 0.43 and 0.20 for gold nanoclusters in Teflon AF and Poly(α-methylstyrene), respectively.

Improved tribocorrosion performance of bio-functionalized TiO2 nanotubes under two-cycle sliding actions in artificial saliva.

PubMed

Alves, Sofia A; Rossi, André L; Ribeiro, Ana R; Toptan, Fatih; Pinto, Ana M; Shokuhfar, Tolou; Celis, Jean-Pierre; Rocha, Luís A

2018-04-01

After insertion into bone, dental implants may be subjected to tribocorrosive conditions resulting in the release of metallic ions and solid wear debris, which can induce to peri-implant inflammatory reactions accompanied by bone loss, and ultimately implant loosening. Despite the promising ability of TiO 2 nanotubes (NTs) to improve osseointegration and avoid infection-related failures, the understanding of their degradation under the simultaneous action of wear and corrosion (tribocorrosion) is still very limited. This study aims, for the first time, to study the tribocorrosion behavior of bio-functionalized TiO 2 NTs submitted to two-cycle sliding actions, and compare it with conventional TiO 2 NTs. TiO 2 NTs grown by anodization were doped with bioactive elements, namely calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), and zinc (Zn), through reverse polarization anodization treatments. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), were used to characterize the films. Tribocorrosion tests were carried out in artificial saliva (AS) by applying two cycles of reciprocating sliding actions. The open circuit potential (OCP) was monitored before, during, and after both cycles of sliding, during which the coefficient of friction (COF) was calculated. The resulting wear scars were analyzed by SEM and EDS, and wear volume measurements were performed by 2D profilometry. Finally, the mechanical features of TiO 2 NTs were accessed by nanoindentation. The results show that bio-functionalized TiO 2 NTs display an enhanced tribocorrosion performance, ascribed to the growth of a nano-thick oxide film at Ti/TiO 2 NTs interface, which significantly increased their adhesion strength to the substrate and consequently their hardness. Furthermore, it was discovered that during tribo-electrochemical solicitations, the formation of a P-rich tribofilm takes place, which grants both electrochemical protection and resistance to mechanical wear. This study provides fundamental and new insights for the development of multifunctional TiO 2 NTs with long-term biomechanical stability and improved clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of the pressure profilometry of vesicocutaneous continent catheterizable conduits between patients with and without rectus abdominis neosphincter (Yachia principle).

PubMed

Rondon, Atila; Leslie, Bruno; Arcuri, Leonardo Javier; Ortiz, Valdemar; Macedo, Antonio

2015-09-01

To assess whether crossing rectus abdominis muscle strips, as proposed by Yachia, would change urinary catheterizable conduit's pressure profilometry, in static and dynamic conditions. Non-randomized selection of 20 continent patients that underwent Macedo's ileum-based reservoir, 10 including Yachia's technique (Study Group) and 10 without this mechanism of continence (Control Group). Demographics and cystometric data were assessed. Conduit's pressure profilometry was obtained by infusing saline through a multichannel catheter, at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. We assessed the pressure: (a) in the bladder; (b) in conduit's proximal segment; and (c) in conduit's distal segment, which is presumably the abdominal wall and crossed muscle strips site. Mean age at surgery was 6.1 years in the Control Group and 7.7 years in the Study Group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding maximum cystometric bladder capacity and leakage point pressure. At rest, the pressure profilometry showed similar results between groups in all segments analyzed. During Valsalva maneuver, pressure profilometry showed similar results between groups in bladder and conduit's proximal segment pressure. In this condition, conduit's distal segment pressure in the Study Group (Mean = 72.9 and Peak = 128.7 cmH2 O) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than conduit's distal segment pressure in the Control Group (Mean = 48.3 and Peak = 65.1 cmH2 O). Crossing muscle strips over the conduit significantly increases the pressure in its distal segment during contraction of the rectus abdominis muscle, which can be important in moments of sudden increase in abdominal pressure in order to keep continence. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Method for 3D profilometry measurement based on contouring moire fringe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhiwei; Lin, Juhua

2007-12-01

3D shape measurement is one of the most active branches of optical research recently. A method of 3D profilometry measurement by the combination of Moire projection method and phase-shifting technology based on SCM (Single Chip Microcomputer) control is presented in the paper. Automatic measurement of 3D surface profiles can be carried out by applying this method with high speed and high precision.

Surface profilometry using the incoherent self-imaging technique in reflection mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassani, Khosrow; Nahal, Arashmid; Tirandazi, Negin

2018-01-01

In this paper, we introduce a highly sensitive and cost-effective surface profilometry technique based on the Lau self-imaging phenomenon in reflection mode, combined with the Moiré technique. Standard incoherent grating imaging with two Ronchi rulings is deployed to produce localized Fresnel pseudoimages, except that the light wavefront gets modulated after reflecting off the surface under test and before the final image forms. A third grating is superimposed on the pseudoimage to take advantage of the magnification property of the Moiré fringes and enhance the surface-induced modulations. A five-step phase-shifting technique is used to extract the 2D surface profile of the sample from the recorded Moiré patterns. To demonstrate our technique, we measure the profile of a 250 nm step-like metallic sample. The results show a few nanometer uncertainties, very good reproducibility, and agreement with other known optical and mechanical surface profilometry methods.

Earth abundant thin film technology for next generation photovoltaic modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alapatt, Githin Francis

With a cumulative generation capacity of over 100 GW, Photovoltaics (PV) technology is uniquely poised to become increasingly popular in the coming decades. Although, several breakthroughs have propelled PV technology, it accounts for only less than 1% of the energy produced worldwide. This aspect of the PV technology is primarily due to the somewhat high cost per watt, which is dependent on the efficiency of the PV cells as well as the cost of manufacturing and installing them. Currently, the efficiency of the PV conversion process is limited to about 25% for commercial terrestrial cells; improving this efficiency can increase the penetration of PV worldwide rapidly. A critical review of all possibilities pursued in the public domain reveals serious shortcomings and manufacturing issues. To make PV generated power a reality in every home, a Multi-Junction Multi-Terminal (MJMT) PV architecture can be employed combining silicon and another earth abundant material. However, forming electronic grade thin films of earth abundant materials is a non-trivial challenge; without solving this, it is impossible to increase the overall PV efficiency. Deposition of Copper (I) Oxide, an earth abundant semiconducting material, was conducted using an optimized Photo assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition process. X-Ray Diffraction, Ellipsometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Profilometry revealed that the films composed of Cu2O of about 90 nm thickness and the grain size was as large as 600 nm. This result shows an improvement in material properties over previously grown thin films of Cu2O. Measurement of I-V characteristics of a diode structure composed of the Cu2O indicates an increase in On/Off ratio to 17,000 from the previous best value of 800. These results suggest that the electronic quality of the thin films deposited using our optimized process to be better than the results reported elsewhere. Using this optimized thin film forming technique, it is now possible to create a complete MJMT structure to improve the terrestrial commercial PV efficiency.

Corroded surface roughness of copper analyzed by Fourier transform infrared mapping microscopy and optical profilometric study.

PubMed

Kasperek, J; Lefez, B; Beucher, E

2004-02-01

This study shows the effects of roughness on infrared spectra shapes of thin corrosion products on metallic substrates. The calculated spectra show that the baseline is mainly affected by increasing roughness and that such effects do not shift the position of the absorption bands. The model obtained has been used to extract data of artificial patina on a copper surface. Surface defects of copper substrates can be distinguished on the whole surface, from the morphological and chemical points of view, using optical profilometry and infrared microspectroscopy. An homogeneous layer of cuprite covers the surface except in the linear defects. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicates that a mixture of atacamite and clinoatacamite is mainly located in these scratches. The width of these particular areas is in good agreement with profilometric observations.

Comment on "Fringe projection profilometry with nonparallel illumination: a least-squares approach"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhaoyang; Bi, Hongbo

2006-07-01

We comment on the recent Letter by Chen and Quan [Opt. Lett.30, 2101 (2005)] in which a least-squares approach was proposed to cope with the nonparallel illumination in fringe projection profilometry. It is noted that the previous mathematical derivations of the fringe pitch and carrier phase functions on the reference plane were incorrect. In addition, we suggest that the variation of carrier phase along the vertical direction should be considered.

On-chip micropatterning of plastic (cylic olefin copolymer, COC) microfluidic channels for the fabrication of biomolecule microarrays using photografting methods.

PubMed

Pu, Qiaosheng; Oyesanya, Olufemi; Thompson, Bowlin; Liu, Shantang; Alvarez, Julio C

2007-01-30

This paper reports on the surface modification of plastic microfluidic channels to prepare different biomolecule micropatterns using ultraviolet (UV) photografting methods. The linkage chemistry is based upon UV photopolymerization of acryl monomers to generate thin films (0.01-6 microm) chemically linked to the organic backbone of the plastic surface. The commodity thermoplastic, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) was selected to build microfluidic chips because of its significant UV transparency and easiness for microfabrication by molding techniques. Once the polyacrylic films were grafted on the COC surface using photomasks, micropatterns of proteins, DNA, and biotinlated conjugates were readily obtained by surface chemical reactions in one or two subsequent steps. The thickness of the photografted films can be tuned from several nanometers up to several micrometers, depending on the reaction conditions. The micropatterned films can be prepared inside the microfluidic channel (on-chip) or on open COC surfaces (off-chip) with densities of functional groups about 10(-7) mol/cm2. Characterization of these films was performed by attenuated-total-reflectance IR spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, profilometry, atomic force microscopy, and electrokinetic methods.

A new silica-infiltrated Y-TZP obtained by the sol-gel method.

PubMed

Campos, T M B; Ramos, N C; Machado, J P B; Bottino, M A; Souza, R O A; Melo, R M

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate silica infiltration into dental zirconia (VITA In-Ceram 2000 YZ, Vita Zahnfabrik) and its effects on zirconia's surface characteristics, structural homogeneity and bonding to a resin cement. Infiltration was performed by immersion of the pre-sintered zirconia specimens in silica sols for five days (ZIn). Negative (pure zirconia specimens, ZCon-) and positive controls (specimens kept in water for 5 days, ZCon+) were also performed. After sintering, the groups were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), grazing angle X-ray diffraction (DRXR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements, optical profilometry, biaxial flexural test and shear bonding test. Weibull analysis was used to determine the Weibull modulus (m) and characteristic strength (σ0) of all groups. There were no major changes in strength for the infiltrated group, and homogeneity (m) was also increased. A layer of ZrSiO4 was formed on the surface. The bond strength to resin cement was improved after zirconia infiltration, acid conditioning and the use of an MDP primer. The sol-gel method is an efficient and simple method to increase the homogeneity of zirconia. Infiltration also improved bonding to resin cement. The performance of a zirconia infiltrated by silica gel improved in at least two ways: structural homogeneity and bonding to resin cement. The infiltration is simple to perform and can be easily managed in a prosthesis laboratory. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Do pediatric medicines induce topographic changes in dental enamel?

PubMed

Alexandria, Adílis Kalina; Meckelburg, Nicolli de Araujo; Puetter, Ursula Tavares; Salles, Jordan Trugilho; Souza, Ivete Pomarico Ribeiro; Maia, Lucianne Cople

2016-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of common pediatric liquid medicines on surface roughness and tooth structure loss and to evaluate the pH values of these medicines at room and cold temperatures in vitro. Eighty-four bovine enamel blocks were divided into seven groups (n = 12): G1-Alivium®, G2-Novalgina®, G3-Betamox®, G4-Clavulin®, G5-Claritin®, G6-Polaramine® and G7-Milli-Q water (negative control). The pH was determined and the samples were immersed in each treatment 3x/day for 5 min. 3D non-contact profilometry was used to determine surface roughness (linear Ra, volumetric Sa) and the Gap formed between treated and control areas in each block. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were also performed. The majority of liquid medicines had pH ≤ 5.50. G1, G4, and G5 showed alterations in Ra when compared with G7 (p < 0.05). According to Sa and Gap results, only G5 was different from G7 (p < 0.05). Alteration in surface was more evident in G5 SEM images. EDS revealed high concentrations of carbon, oxygen, phosphorus, and calcium in all tested groups. Despite the low pH values of all evaluated medicines, only Alivium®, Clavulin®, and Claritin® increased linear surface roughness, and only Claritin® demonstrated the in vitro capacity to produce significant tooth structure loss.

Roll-to-Roll Processing of Inverted Polymer Solar Cells using Hydrated Vanadium(V)Oxide as a PEDOT:PSS Replacement

PubMed Central

Espinosa, Nieves; Dam, Henrik Friis; Tanenbaum, David M.; Andreasen, Jens W.; Jørgensen, Mikkel; Krebs, Frederik C.

2011-01-01

The use of hydrated vanadium(V)oxide as a replacement of the commonly employed hole transporting material PEDOT:PSS was explored in this work. Polymer solar cells were prepared by spin coating on glass. Polymer solar cells and modules comprising 16 serially connected cells were prepared using full roll-to-roll (R2R) processing of all layers. The devices were prepared on flexible polyethyleneterphthalate (PET) and had the structure PET/ITO/ZnO/P3HT:PCBM/V2O5·(H2O)n/Ag. The ITO and silver electrodes were processed and patterned by use of screen printing. The zinc oxide, P3HT:PCBM and vanadium(V)oxide layers were processed by slot-die coating. The hydrated vanadium(V)oxide layer was slot-die coated using an isopropanol solution of vanadyl-triisopropoxide (VTIP). Coating experiments were carried out to establish the critical thickness of the hydrated vanadium(V)oxide layer by varying the concentration of the VTIP precursor over two orders of magnitude. Hydrated vanadium(V)oxide layers were characterized by profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) for completed modules was up to 0.18%, in contrast to single cells where efficiencies of 0.4% were achieved. Stability tests under indoor and outdoor conditions were accomplished over three weeks on a solar tracker. PMID:28879984

Protection of Polymers from the Space Environment by Atomic Layer Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindholm, Ned F.; Zhang, Jianming; Minton, Timothy K.; O'Patchen, Jennifer; George, Steven M.; Groner, Markus D.

2009-01-01

Polymers in space may be subjected to a barrage of incident atoms, photons, and/or ions. For example, oxygen atoms can etch and oxidize these materials. Photons may act either alone or in combination with oxygen atoms to degrade polymers and paints and thus limit their usefulness. Colors fade under the intense vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) solar radiation. Ions can lead to the build-up of static charge on polymers. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques can provide coatings that could mitigate many challenges for polymers in space. ALD is a gas-phase technique based on two sequential, self-limiting surface reactions, and it can deposit very uniform, conformal, and pinhole-free films with atomic layer control. We have studied the efficacy of various ALD coatings to protect Kapton® polyimide, FEP Teflon®, and poly(methyl methacrylate) films from atomic-oxygen and VUV attack. Atomic-oxygen and VUV studies were conducted with the use of a laser-breakdown source for hyperthermal O atoms and a D2 lamp as a source of VUV light. These studies used a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to monitor mass loss in situ, as well as surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy to study the surface recession and morphology changes ex situ. Al2O3 ALD coatings applied to polyimide and FEP Teflon® films protected the underlying substrates from O-atom attack, and ZnO coatings protected the poly(methyl methacrylate) substrate from VUV-induced damage.

External short circuit performance of Graphite-LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 and Graphite-LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cells at different external resistances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriston, Akos; Pfrang, Andreas; Döring, Harry; Fritsch, Benjamin; Ruiz, Vanesa; Adanouj, Ibtissam; Kosmidou, Theodora; Ungeheuer, Jürgen; Boon-Brett, Lois

2017-09-01

This study aims at analyzing the response of Li-ion cells and at identifying the hazards and governing phenomena from hard to soft external short circuit conditions. 10 Ah pouch cells and 4.5 mAh coin cells were short circuited while synchronized current, potential and temperature signals, audio, IR and visual video recordings were registered. The anode, cathode and separator harvested from the cells were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, micro X-ray Computed Tomography and 3D-profilometry. The complex short circuit behavior obtained can be described by 3 regions: In the first region 274C-rate is observed which is mainly governed by the cell's double and diffusion layer discharge. In the second region, the current drops significantly to 50-60C-rate where mass transport becomes the current limiting factor. The maximum temperature (77-121 °C) is reached and cell rupture, venting and electrolyte leakage may occur. In the final, third region the current decline continues due to the decaying electromotive force. The normalized external/internal resistance ratio is found to be the main influential factor on current and hazards rather than the external resistance or the capacity of the cell. The implications on the relevance and fitness-for-purpose of external short circuit test in standards are outlined.

Letrozole dispersed on poly (vinyl alcohol) anchored maleic anhydride grafted low density polyethylene: a controlled drug delivery system for treatment of breast cancer.

PubMed

Siddiqa, Akhtar Jahan; Chaudhury, Koel; Adhikari, Basudam

2014-04-01

The present work focuses on the design of a drug delivery system for systemic, controlled release of the poorly soluble breast cancer drug, letrozole. The drug delivery system was prepared in two steps: a low density polyethylene (LDPE) substrate surface was grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) via solution grafting technique. Next, the grafted substrate was used to anchor a hydrophilic polymeric drug release system consisting of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The PVA anchored MA grafted LDPE (PVA/MA-g-LDPE) drug release system was used for the controlled release of letrozole. This system was characterized using ATR-FTIR spectrophotometry, surface profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Biocompatibility studies were also carried out. In vitro release studies of letrozole from the system were performed in distilled water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at 37°C. Release of ∼90% letrozole from hydrophilic PVA matrix was observed within a period of 35 days. A high correlation coefficient (R(2)=0.99) was seen between the release of letrozole in distilled water and PBS. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT colorimetric assay suggested that all samples were biocompatible. It is concluded that the letrozole delivery system appears to overcome the limitations associated with letrozole by providing enhanced drug dissolution rate, controlled release and improved bioavailability of the incorporated drug and, therefore, seems to have extended therapeutic effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solderability study of RABiTS-based YBCO coated conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yifei; Duckworth, Robert C.; Ha, Tam T.; Gouge, Michael J.

2011-08-01

The solderability of commercially available YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) coated conductors that were made from Rolling Assisted Biaxially Textured Substrates (RABiTS)-based templates was studied. The coated conductors, also known as second-generation (2G) high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires (in the geometry of flat tapes about 4 mm wide), were laminated with copper, brass, or stainless steel strips as stabilizers. To understand the factors that influence their solderability, surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the wire surfaces. The solderability of three solders, 52In48Sn, 67Bi33In, and 100In (wt.%), was evaluated using a standard test (IPC/ECA J-STD-002) and with two different commercial fluxes. It was found that the solderability varied with the solder and flux but the three different wires showed similar solderability for a fixed combination of solder and flux. Solder joints of the 2G wires were fabricated using the tools and the procedures recommended by the HTS wire manufacturer. The solder joints were made in a lap-joint geometry and with the superconducting sides of the two wires face-to-face. The electrical resistances of the solder joints were measured at 77 K, and the results were analyzed to qualify the soldering materials and evaluate the soldering process. It was concluded that although the selection of soldering materials affected the resistance of a solder joint, the resistivity of the stabilizer was the dominant factor.

The High performance of nanocrystalline CVD diamond coated hip joints in wear simulator test.

PubMed

Maru, M M; Amaral, M; Rodrigues, S P; Santos, R; Gouvea, C P; Archanjo, B S; Trommer, R M; Oliveira, F J; Silva, R F; Achete, C A

2015-09-01

The superior biotribological performance of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) coatings grown by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method was already shown to demonstrate high wear resistance in ball on plate experiments under physiological liquid lubrication. However, tests with a close-to-real approach were missing and this constitutes the aim of the present work. Hip joint wear simulator tests were performed with cups and heads made of silicon nitride coated with NCD of ~10 μm in thickness. Five million testing cycles (Mc) were run, which represent nearly five years of hip joint implant activity in a patient. For the wear analysis, gravimetry, profilometry, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used. After 0.5 Mc of wear test, truncation of the protruded regions of the NCD film happened as a result of a fine-scale abrasive wear mechanism, evolving to extensive plateau regions and highly polished surface condition (Ra<10nm). Such surface modification took place without any catastrophic features as cracking, grain pullouts or delamination of the coatings. A steady state volumetric wear rate of 0.02 mm(3)/Mc, equivalent to a linear wear of 0.27 μm/Mc favorably compares with the best performance reported in the literature for the fourth generation alumina ceramic (0.05 mm(3)/Mc). Also, squeaking, quite common phenomenon in hard-on-hard systems, was absent in the present all-NCD system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Roll-to-Roll Processing of Inverted Polymer Solar Cells using Hydrated Vanadium(V)Oxide as a PEDOT:PSS Replacement.

PubMed

Espinosa, Nieves; Dam, Henrik Friis; Tanenbaum, David M; Andreasen, Jens W; Jørgensen, Mikkel; Krebs, Frederik C

2011-01-11

The use of hydrated vanadium(V)oxide as a replacement of the commonly employed hole transporting material PEDOT:PSS was explored in this work. Polymer solar cells were prepared by spin coating on glass. Polymer solar cells and modules comprising 16 serially connected cells were prepared using full roll-to-roll (R2R) processing of all layers. The devices were prepared on flexible polyethyleneterphthalate (PET) and had the structure PET/ITO/ZnO/P3HT:PCBM/V₂O₅·(H₂O) n /Ag. The ITO and silver electrodes were processed and patterned by use of screen printing. The zinc oxide, P3HT:PCBM and vanadium(V)oxide layers were processed by slot-die coating. The hydrated vanadium(V)oxide layer was slot-die coated using an isopropanol solution of vanadyl-triisopropoxide (VTIP). Coating experiments were carried out to establish the critical thickness of the hydrated vanadium(V)oxide layer by varying the concentration of the VTIP precursor over two orders of magnitude. Hydrated vanadium(V)oxide layers were characterized by profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) for completed modules was up to 0.18%, in contrast to single cells where efficiencies of 0.4% were achieved. Stability tests under indoor and outdoor conditions were accomplished over three weeks on a solar tracker.

Comparative short-term in vitro analysis of mutans streptococci adhesion on esthetic, nickel-titanium, and stainless-steel arch wires.

PubMed

Kim, In-Hye; Park, Hyo-Sang; Kim, Young Kyung; Kim, Kyo-Han; Kwon, Tae-Yub

2014-07-01

To test the hypothesis that there are no differences in mutans streptococci (MS) adhesion between esthetic and metallic orthodontic arch wires based on their surface characteristics. Surface roughness (Ra) and apparent surface free energy (SFE) were measured for six wires-four esthetic, one nickel-titanium (NiTi), and one stainless-steel (SS)-using profilometry and dynamic contact angle analysis, respectively. The amount of MS (Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus) adhering to the wires was quantified using the colony-counting method. The surfaces, coating layers, and MS adhesion were also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. The Ra values of the esthetic wires were significantly different from one another depending on the coating method (P < .05). The NiTi wire showed the highest SFE, followed by the SS wire and then the four esthetic wires. The NiTi wires produced a significantly higher MS adhesion than did the SS wires (P < .05). The esthetic wires showed significantly lower MS adhesions than did the NiTi wire (P < .05). Pearson correlation analyses found moderate significant positive correlations between the SFE and the S mutans and S sobrinus adhesions (r  =  .636/.427, P < .001/P  =  .001, respectively). The hypothesis is rejected. This study indicates that some esthetic coatings on NiTi alloy might reduce MS adhesion in vitro in the short term.

Solderability Study of RABiTS-Based YBCO Coated Conductors

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

Zhang, Yifei; Duckworth, Robert C; Ha, Tam T

2011-01-01

The solderability of commercially available YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x} (YBCO) coated conductors that were made from Rolling Assisted Biaxially Textured Substrates (RABiTS)-based templates was studied. The coated conductors, also known as second-generation (2G) high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires (in the geometry of flat tapes about 4 mm wide), were laminated with copper, brass, or stainless steel strips as stabilizers. To understand the factors that influence their solderability, surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the wire surfaces. The solderability of three solders, 52In48Sn, 67Bi33In, and 100In (wt.%), was evaluated using a standard test (IPC/ECA J-STD-002) and withmore » two different commercial fluxes. It was found that the solderability varied with the solder and flux but the three different wires showed similar solderability for a fixed combination of solder and flux. Solder joints of the 2G wires were fabricated using the tools and the procedures recommended by the HTS wire manufacturer. The solder joints were made in a lap-joint geometry and with the superconducting sides of the two wires face-to-face. The electrical resistances of the solder joints were measured at 77 K, and the results were analyzed to qualify the soldering materials and evaluate the soldering process. It was concluded that although the selection of soldering materials affected the resistance of a solder joint, the resistivity of the stabilizer was the dominant factor.« less

Surface pre-conditioning with bioactive glass air-abrasion can enhance enamel white spot lesion remineralization.

PubMed

Milly, Hussam; Festy, Frederic; Andiappan, Manoharan; Watson, Timothy F; Thompson, Ian; Banerjee, Avijit

2015-05-01

To evaluate the effect of pre-conditioning enamel white spot lesion (WSL) surfaces using bioactive glass (BAG) air-abrasion prior to remineralization therapy. Ninety human enamel samples with artificial WSLs were assigned to three WSL surface pre-conditioning groups (n=30): (a) air-abrasion with BAG-polyacrylic acid (PAA-BAG) powder, (b) acid-etching using 37% phosphoric acid gel (positive control) and (c) unconditioned (negative control). Each group was further divided into three subgroups according to the following remineralization therapy (n=10): (I) BAG paste (36 wt.% BAG), (II) BAG slurry (100 wt.% BAG) and (III) de-ionized water (negative control). The average surface roughness and the lesion step height compared to intra-specimen sound enamel reference points were analyzed using non-contact profilometry. Optical changes within the lesion subsurface compared to baseline scans were assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Knoop microhardness evaluated the WSLs' mechanical properties. Raman micro-spectroscopy measured the v-(CO3)(2-)/v1-(PO4)(3-) ratio. Structural changes in the lesion were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). All comparisons were considered statistically significant if p<0.05. PAA-BAG air-abrasion removed 5.1 ± 0.6 μm from the lesion surface, increasing the WSL surface roughness. Pre-conditioning WSL surfaces with PAA-BAG air-abrasion reduced subsurface light scattering, increased the Knoop microhardness and the mineral content of the remineralized lesions (p<0.05). SEM-EDX revealed mineral depositions covering the lesion surface. BAG slurry resulted in a superior remineralization outcome, when compared to BAG paste. Pre-conditioning WSL surfaces with PAA-BAG air-abrasion modified the lesion surface physically and enhanced remineralization using BAG 45S5 therapy. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thin film processing of photorefractive BaTiO3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuster, Paul R.

1993-01-01

During the period covered by this report, October 11, 1991 through October 10, 1992, the research has progressed in a number of different areas. The sol-gel technique was initially studied and experimentally evaluated for depositing films of BaTiO3. The difficulties with the precursors and the poor quality of the films deposited lead to the investigation of pulsed laser deposition as an alternative approach. The development of the pulsed laser deposition technique has resulted in continuous improvements to the quality of deposited films of BaTiO3. The initial depositions of BaTiO3 resulted in amorphous films, however, as the pulsed laser deposition technique continued to evolve, films were deposited in the polycrystalline state, then the textured polycrystalline state, and most recently heteroepitaxial films have also been successfully deposited on cubic (100) oriented SrTiO3 substrates. A technique for poling samples at room temperature and in air is also undergoing development with some very preliminary but positive results. The analytical techniques, which include x-ray diffraction, ferroelectric analysis, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy with x-ray compositional analysis, optical and polarized light microscopy, and surface profilometry have been enhanced to allow for more detailed evaluation of the samples. In the area of optical characterization, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been incorporated into the experimental configuration. Now data can also be acquired within various temporal domains resulting in more detailed information on the optical response of the samples and on their photorefractive sensitivity. The recent establishment of collaborative efforts with two departments at Johns Hopkins University and the Army Research Lab at Fort Belvoir has also produced preliminary results using the metallo-organic decomposition technique as an alternative method for thin film processing of BaTiO3. RF and DC sputtering is another film deposition approach that should be initiated in the near future. Other techniques for optical characterization, which may even allow for intragrannular (within single grains) investigations, are also being considered.

Optimized two-frequency phase-measuring-profilometry light-sensor temporal-noise sensitivity.

PubMed

Li, Jielin; Hassebrook, Laurence G; Guan, Chun

2003-01-01

Temporal frame-to-frame noise in multipattern structured light projection can significantly corrupt depth measurement repeatability. We present a rigorous stochastic analysis of phase-measuring-profilometry temporal noise as a function of the pattern parameters and the reconstruction coefficients. The analysis is used to optimize the two-frequency phase measurement technique. In phase-measuring profilometry, a sequence of phase-shifted sine-wave patterns is projected onto a surface. In two-frequency phase measurement, two sets of pattern sequences are used. The first, low-frequency set establishes a nonambiguous depth estimate, and the second, high-frequency set is unwrapped, based on the low-frequency estimate, to obtain an accurate depth estimate. If the second frequency is too low, then depth error is caused directly by temporal noise in the phase measurement. If the second frequency is too high, temporal noise triggers ambiguous unwrapping, resulting in depth measurement error. We present a solution for finding the second frequency, where intensity noise variance is at its minimum.

Introducing bio- and micro-technology into undergraduate thermal-fluids courses: investigating pipe pressure loss via atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Müller, Marcus; Traum, Matthew J

2012-01-01

To introduce bio- and micro-technologies into general undergraduate thermal-fluids classes, a hands-on interdisciplinary in-class demonstration is described that juxtaposes classical pressure loss pipe flow experiments against a modern micro-characterization technique, AFM profilometry. Both approaches measure surface roughness and can segue into classroom discussions related to material selection and design of bio-medical devices to handle biological fluids such as blood. Appealing to the range of engineering students populating a general thermal-fluids course, a variety of pipe/hose/tube materials representing a spectrum of disciplines can be tested using both techniques. This in-class demonstration relies on technical content already available in standard thermal-fluids textbooks, provides experimental juxtaposition between classical and micro-technology-enabled approaches to the same experiment, and can be taught by personnel with no specialized micro- or bio-technology expertise.

Magnetic core/shell nanoparticle thin films deposited by MAPLE: Investigation by chemical, morphological and in vitro biological assays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cristescu, R.; Popescu, C.; Socol, G.; Iordache, I.; Mihailescu, I. N.; Mihaiescu, D. E.; Grumezescu, A. M.; Balan, A.; Stamatin, I.; Chifiriuc, C.; Bleotu, C.; Saviuc, C.; Popa, M.; Chrisey, D. B.

2012-09-01

We report on thin film deposition of nanostructured Fe3O4/oleic acid/ceftriaxone and Fe3O4/oleic acid/cefepime nanoparticles (core/shell/adsorption-shell) were fabricated by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) onto inert substrates. The thin films were characterized by profilometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and investigated by in vitro biological assays. The biological properties tested included the investigation of the microbial viability and the microbial adherence to the glass coverslip nanoparticle film, using Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains with known antibiotic susceptibility behavior, the microbial adherence to the HeLa cells monolayer grown on the nanoparticle pellicle, and the cytotoxicity on eukaryotic cells. The proposed system, based on MAPLE, could be used for the development of novel anti-microbial materials or strategies for fighting pathogenic biofilms frequently implicated in the etiology of biofilm associated chronic infections.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of human dental enamel after bracket debonding: a noncontact three-dimensional optical profilometry analysis.

PubMed

Ferreira, Fabiano G; Nouer, Darcy F; Silva, Nelson P; Garbui, Ivana U; Correr-Sobrinho, Lourenço; Nouer, Paulo R A

2014-09-01

The aim of this study was to undertake a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of changes on enamel surfaces after debonding of brackets followed by finishing procedures, using a high-resolution three-dimensional optical profiler and to investigate the accuracy of the technique. The labial surfaces of 36 extracted upper central incisors were examined. Before bonding, the enamel surfaces were subjected to profilometry, recording four amplitude parameters. Brackets were then bonded using two types of light-cured orthodontic adhesive: composite resin and resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Finishing was performed by three different methods: pumice on a rubber cup, fine and ultrafine aluminum oxide discs, and microfine diamond cups followed by silicon carbide brushes. The samples were subsequently re-analyzed by profilometry. Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05) and a posteriori Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0167) revealed a significant reduction of enamel roughness when diamond cups followed by silicon carbide brushes were used to finish surfaces that had remnants of resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive and when pumice was used to finish surfaces that had traces of composite resin. Enamel loss was minimal. The 3D optical profilometry technique was able to provide accurate qualitative and quantitative assessment of changes on the enamel surface after debonding. Morphological changes in the topography of dental surfaces, especially if related to enamel loss and roughness, are of considerable clinical importance. The quantitative evaluation method used herein enables a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of orthodontic bonding on teeth.

Development of a low-cost, 11 µm spectral domain optical coherence tomography surface profilometry prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suliali, Nyasha J.; Baricholo, Peter; Neethling, Pieter H.; Rohwer, Erich G.

2017-06-01

A spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) surface profilometry prototype has been developed for the purpose of surface metrology of optical elements. The prototype consists of a light source, spectral interferometer, sample fixture and software currently running on Microsoft® Windows platforms. In this system, a broadband light emitting diode beam is focused into a Michelson interferometer with a plane mirror as its sample fixture. At the interferometer output, spectral interferograms of broadband sources were measured using a Czerny-Turner mount monochromator with a 2048-element complementary metal oxide semiconductor linear array as the detector. The software performs importation and interpolation of interferometer spectra to pre-condition the data for image computation. One dimensional axial OCT images were computed by Fourier transformation of the measured spectra. A first reflection surface profilometry (FRSP) algorithm was then formulated to perform imaging of step-function-surfaced samples. The algorithm re-constructs two dimensional colour-scaled slice images by concatenation of 21 and 13 axial scans to form a 10 mm and 3.0 mm slice respectively. Measured spectral interferograms, computed interference fringe signals and depth reflectivity profiles were comparable to simulations and correlated to displacements of a single reflector linearly translated about the arm null-mismatch point. Surface profile images of a double-step-function-surfaced sample, embedded with inclination and crack detail were plotted with an axial resolution of 11 μm. The surface shape, defects and misalignment relative to the incident beam were detected to the order of a micron, confirming high resolution of the developed system as compared to electro-mechanical surface profilometry techniques.

New developments in electron microscopy for serial image acquisition of neuronal profiles.

PubMed

Kubota, Yoshiyuki

2015-02-01

Recent developments in electron microscopy largely automate the continuous acquisition of serial electron micrographs (EMGs), previously achieved by laborious manual serial ultrathin sectioning using an ultramicrotome and ultrastructural image capture process with transmission electron microscopy. The new systems cut thin sections and capture serial EMGs automatically, allowing for acquisition of large data sets in a reasonably short time. The new methods are focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy, ultramicrotome/serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, automated tape-collection ultramicrotome/scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope camera array. In this review, their positive and negative aspects are discussed. © 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.

Two-Wavelength Multi-Gigahertz Frequency Comb-Based Interferometry for Full-Field Profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Samuel; Kashiwagi, Ken; Kojima, Shuto; Kasuya, Yosuke; Kurokawa, Takashi

2013-10-01

The multi-gigahertz frequency comb-based interferometer exhibits only the interference amplitude peak without the phase fringes, which can produce a rapid axial scan for full-field profilometry and tomography. Despite huge technical advantages, there remain problems that the interference intensity undulations occurred depending on the interference phase. To avoid such problems, we propose a compensation technique of the interference signals using two frequency combs with slightly varied center wavelengths. The compensated full-field surface profile measurements of cover glass and onion skin were demonstrated experimentally to verify the advantages of the proposed method.

Blind color isolation for color-channel-based fringe pattern profilometry using digital projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yingsong; Xi, Jiangtao; Chicharo, Joe; Yang, Zongkai

2007-08-01

We present an algorithm for estimating the color demixing matrix based on the color fringe patterns captured from the reference plane or the surface of the object. The advantage of this algorithm is that it is a blind approach to calculating the demixing matrix in the sense that no extra images are required for color calibration before performing profile measurement. Simulation and experimental results convince us that the proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the influence of the color cross talk and at the same time improve the measurement accuracy of the color-channel-based phase-shifting profilometry.

A Profilometry-Based Dentifrice Abrasion Method for V8 Brushing Machines Part III: Multi-Laboratory Validation Testing of RDA-PE.

PubMed

Schneiderman, Eva; Colón, Ellen L; White, Donald J; Schemehorn, Bruce; Ganovsky, Tara; Haider, Amir; Garcia-Godoy, Franklin; Morrow, Brian R; Srimaneepong, Viritpon; Chumprasert, Sujin

2017-09-01

We have previously reported on progress toward the refinement of profilometry-based abrasivity testing of dentifrices using a V8 brushing machine and tactile or optical measurement of dentin wear. The general application of this technique may be advanced by demonstration of successful inter-laboratory confirmation of the method. The objective of this study was to explore the capability of different laboratories in the assessment of dentifrice abrasivity using a profilometry-based evaluation technique developed in our Mason laboratories. In addition, we wanted to assess the interchangeability of human and bovine specimens. Participating laboratories were instructed in methods associated with Radioactive Dentin Abrasivity-Profilometry Equivalent (RDA-PE) evaluation, including site visits to discuss critical elements of specimen preparation, masking, profilometry scanning, and procedures. Laboratories were likewise instructed on the requirement for demonstration of proportional linearity as a key condition for validation of the technique. Laboratories were provided with four test dentifrices, blinded for testing, with a broad range of abrasivity. In each laboratory, a calibration curve was developed for varying V8 brushing strokes (0, 4,000, and 10,000 strokes) with the ISO abrasive standard. Proportional linearity was determined as the ratio of standard abrasion mean depths created with 4,000 and 10,000 strokes (2.5 fold differences). Criteria for successful calibration within the method (established in our Mason laboratory) was set at proportional linearity = 2.5 ± 0.3. RDA-PE was compared to Radiotracer RDA for the four test dentifrices, with the latter obtained by averages from three independent Radiotracer RDA sites. Individual laboratories and their results were compared by 1) proportional linearity and 2) acquired RDA-PE values for test pastes. Five sites participated in the study. One site did not pass proportional linearity objectives. Data for this site are not reported at the request of the researchers. Three of the remaining four sites reported herein tested human dentin and all three met proportional linearity objectives for human dentin. Three of four sites participated in testing bovine dentin and all three met the proportional linearity objectives for bovine dentin. RDA-PE values for test dentifrices were similar between sites. All four sites that met proportional linearity requirement successfully identified the dentifrice formulated above the industry standard 250 RDA (as RDA-PE). The profilometry method showed at least as good reproducibility and differentiation as Radiotracer assessments. It was demonstrated that human and bovine specimens could be used interchangeably. The standardized RDA-PE method was reproduced in multiple laboratories in this inter-laboratory study. Evidence supports that this method is a suitable technique for ISO method 11609 Annex B.

Performance assessment of femoral knee components made from cobalt-chromium alloy and oxidized zirconium.

PubMed

Brandt, J-M; Guenther, L; O'Brien, S; Vecherya, A; Turgeon, T R; Bohm, E R

2013-12-01

The surface characteristics of the femoral component affect polyethylene wear in modular total knee replacements. In the present retrieval study, the surface characteristics of cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy and oxidized zirconium (OxZr) femoral components were assessed and compared. Twenty-six retrieved CoCr alloy femoral components were matched with twenty-six retrieved OxZr femoral components for implantation period, body-mass index, patient gender, implant type, and polyethylene insert thickness. The surface damage on the retrieved femoral components was evaluated using a semi-quantitative assessment method, scanning electron microscopy, and contact profilometry. The retrieved CoCr alloy femoral components showed less posterior surface gouging than OxZr femoral components; however, at a higher magnification, the grooving damage features on the retrieved CoCr alloy femoral components confirmed an abrasive wear mechanism. The surface roughness values Rp, Rpm, and Rpk for the retrieved CoCr alloy femoral components were found to be significantly higher than those of the retrieved OxZr femoral components (p≤0.031). The surface roughness values were higher on the medial condyles than on the lateral condyles of the retrieved CoCr alloy femoral components; such a difference was not observed on the retrieved OxZr femoral components. The surface roughness of CoCr alloy femoral components increased while the surface roughness of the OxZr femoral components remained unchanged after in vivo service. Therefore, the OxZr femoral components' resistance to abrasive wear may enable lower polyethylene wear and ensure long-term durability in vivo. Level IV. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detached Bridgman Growth of Germanium and Germanium-Silicon Alloy Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szofran, F. R.; Volz, M. P.; Schweizer, M.; Cobb, S. D.; Motakef, S.; Croell, A.; Dold, P.; Curreri, Peter A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Earth based experiments on the science of detached crystal growth are being conducted on germanium and germanium-silicon alloys (2 at% Si average composition) in preparation for a series of experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The purpose of the microgravity experiments includes differentiating among proposed mechanisms contributing to detachment, and confirming or refining our understanding of the detachment mechanism. Because large contact angle are critical to detachment, sessile drop measurements were used to determine the contact angles as a function of temperature and composition for a large number of substrates made of potential ampoule materials. Growth experiments have used pyrolytic boron nitride (pBN) and fused silica ampoules with the majority of the detached results occurring predictably in the pBN. The contact angles were 173 deg (Ge) and 165 deg (GeSi) for pBN. For fused silica, the contact angle decreases from 150 deg to an equilibrium value of 117 deg (Ge) or from 129 deg to an equilibrium value of 100 deg (GeSi) over the duration of the experiment. The nature and extent of detachment is determined by using profilometry in conjunction with optical and electron microscopy. The stability of detachment has been analyzed, and an empirical model for the conditions necessary to achieve sufficient stability to maintain detached growth for extended periods has been developed. Results in this presentation will show that we have established the effects on detachment of ampoule material, pressure difference above and below the melt, and silicon concentration; samples that are nearly completely detached can be grown repeatedly in pBN.

Physical, mechanical, and flexural properties of 3 orthodontic wires: an in-vitro study.

PubMed

Juvvadi, Shubhaker Rao; Kailasam, Vignesh; Padmanabhan, Sridevi; Chitharanjan, Arun B

2010-11-01

Understanding the biologic requirements of orthodontic patients requires proper characterization studies of new archwire alloys. The aims of this study were to evaluate properties of wires made of 2 new materials and to compare their properties with those of stainless steel. The sample consisted of 30 straight lengths of 3 types of wires: stainless steel, titanium-molybdenum alloy, and beta-titanium alloy. Eight properties were evaluated: wire dimension, edge bevel, composition, surface characteristics, frictional characteristics, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), modulus of elasticity (E), yield strength (YS), and load deflection characteristics. A toolmaker's microscope was used to measure the edge bevel, and x-ray fluorescence was used for composition analysis. Surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used for surface evaluation. A universal testing machine was used to evaluate frictional characteristics, tensile strength, and 3-point bending. Stainless steel was the smoothest wire; it had the lowest friction and spring-back values and high values for stiffness, E, YS, and UTS. The titanium-molybdenum alloy was the roughest wire; it had high friction and intermediate spring-back, stiffness, and UTS values. The beta-titanium alloy was intermediate for smoothness, friction, and UTS but had the highest spring-back. The beta-titanium alloy with increased UTS and YS had a low E value, suggesting that it would have greater resistance to fracture, thereby overcoming a major disadvantage of titanium-molybdenum alloy wires. The beta-titanium alloy wire would also deliver gentler forces. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface treatment influences electrochemical stability of cpTi exposed to mouthwashes.

PubMed

Beline, Thamara; Garcia, Camila S; Ogawa, Erika S; Marques, Isabella S V; Matos, Adaias O; Sukotjo, Cortino; Mathew, Mathew T; Mesquita, Marcelo F; Consani, Rafael X; Barão, Valentim A R

2016-02-01

The role of surface treatment on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) exposed to mouthwashes was tested. Seventy-five disks were divided into 15 groups according to surface treatment (machined, sand blasted with Al2O3, and acid etched) and electrolyte solution (artificial saliva — control, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.2% sodium fluoride, and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide) (n = 5). Open-circuit-potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of immersion in each solution. Potentiodynamic test and total weight loss of disks were performed after 14 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry and profilometry were conducted for surface characterization before and after the electrochemical tests. Sandblasting promoted the lowest polarization resistance (Rp) (P b .0001) and the highest capacitance (CPE) (P b .006), corrosion current density (Icorr) and corrosion rate (P b .0001). In contrast, acid etching increased Rp and reduced CPE, independent to the mouthwash; while hydrogen peroxide reduced Rp (P b .008) and increased Icorr and corrosion rate (P b .0001). The highest CPE values were found for hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% sodium fluoride. Immersion for longer period improved the electrochemical stability of cpTi (P b .05). In conclusion, acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the resistance to corrosion of cpTi, independent to the surface treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride did not alter the corrosive behavior of cpTi.

Effects of nitrogen gas ratio on the structural and corrosion properties of ZrN thin films grown on biodegradable magnesium alloy by ion-beam sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiahosseini, Seyed Rahim; Mojtahedzadeh Larijani, Majid

2017-12-01

Studies on the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys, which are widely applied as biomaterials, have increased in recent years. In this work, zirconium nitride (ZrN) coatings were deposited on AZ91 magnesium alloy through ion-beam sputtering at 473 K with 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 nitrogen proportions [F(N2)] in ionized gas. X-ray diffraction, profilometry, hardness tests, scanning electron microscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization techniques were used to analyze the structure, thickness, adhesion, microstructure, and corrosion resistance of coated samples, respectively. Results showed that the (111) crystalline orientation dominated in all coatings. Williamson-Hall technique revealed that the crystallite size of ZrN films decreased from 73 to 20 nm with increasing F(N2), and compressive microstrain increased from 0.004 to 0.030. Film thicknesses were inversely correlated with N2 amount and significantly decreased from 1.7 to 0.8 µm. The maximum d P/d r ratio, a dependent factor of adhesion, was 0.04 kg/cm for the film deposited under the F(N2) value of 0.5. The corrosion potential of coated samples was not significantly different from that of uncoated AZ91. Under the F(N2) value of 0.6, corrosion current density slightly decreased from 14 to 9.7 µA/cm2 and significantly increased to 13.5 µA/cm2. Results indicated that ZrN film deposited under the F(N2) value of 0.5 showed high adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Influences of multiple firings and aging on surface roughness, strength and hardness of veneering ceramics for zirconia frameworks.

PubMed

Tang, Xuehua; Luo, Huinan; Bai, Yang; Tang, Hui; Nakamura, Takashi; Yatani, Hirofumi

2015-09-01

To evaluate the effects of multiple firings and aging on surface roughness, strength, and hardness of veneering ceramics for zirconia frameworks. Five different veneering ceramics for zirconia frameworks were used: Vintage ZR (ZR), Cerabien ZR (CZR), VitaVM9 (VM9), Cercon ceram KISS (KISS), and IPS e.max ceram (e.max). Specimens were fired 2 or 10 times in order to accelerate aging. Surface roughness was evaluated using laser profilometry. Flexural strength and Vickers hardness were also measured. Surface topography was observed using scanning electron microscopy. After accelerated aging, the surface roughness of all specimens fired 10 times was significantly lower than that of the same specimens fired 2 times (P=0.000). Except for VM9, the flexural strength of all specimens fired 10 times was greater than that of the same specimens fired 2 times, and the differences were significant for ZR and CZR (P<0.01). The flexural strength of VM9 fired 10 times was significantly lower than that of VM9 fired 2 times (P=0.034). The Vickers hardness of ZR and VM9 fired 10 times was significantly higher than that of the same specimens fired 2 times (P<0.05), but that of KISS fired 10 times was significantly lower than that of KISS fired 2 times (P=0.000). Multiple firings had a positive effect on the surface roughness of all aged veneering ceramics used for zirconia restorations and on the strength and hardness of many aged veneering ceramics used for zirconia restorations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combining 3D human in vitro methods for a 3Rs evaluation of novel titanium surfaces in orthopaedic applications

PubMed Central

Stevenson, G.; Rehman, S.; Draper, E.; Hernández‐Nava, E.; Hunt, J.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT In this study, we report on a group of complementary human osteoblast in vitro test methods for the preclinical evaluation of 3D porous titanium surfaces. The surfaces were prepared by additive manufacturing (electron beam melting [EBM]) and plasma spraying, allowing the creation of complex lattice surface geometries. Physical properties of the surfaces were characterized by SEM and profilometry and 3D in vitro cell culture using human osteoblasts. Primary human osteoblast cells were found to elicit greater differences between titanium sample surfaces than an MG63 osteoblast‐like cell line, particularly in terms of cell survival. Surface morphology was associated with higher osteoblast metabolic activity and mineralization on rougher titanium plasma spray coated surfaces than smoother surfaces. Differences in osteoblast survival and metabolic activity on titanium lattice structures were also found, despite analogous surface morphology at the cellular level. 3D confocal microscopy identified osteoblast organization within complex titanium surface geometries, adhesion, spreading, and alignment to the biomaterial strut geometries. Mineralized nodule formation throughout the lattice structures was also observed, and indicative of early markers of bone in‐growth on such materials. Testing methods such as those presented are not traditionally considered by medical device manufacturers, but we suggest have value as an increasingly vital tool in efficiently translating pre‐clinical studies, especially in balance with current regulatory practice, commercial demands, the 3Rs, and the relative merits of in vitro and in vivo studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1586–1599. © 2015 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:26702609

Neutral ion sources in precision manufacturing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fawcett, Steven C.; Drueding, Thomas W.

1994-01-01

Ion figuring of optical components is a relatively new technology that can alleviate some of the problems associated with traditional contact polishing. Because the technique is non contacting, edge distortions and rib structure print through do not occur. This initial investigation was aimed at determining the effect of ion figuring on surface roughness of previously polished or ductile ground ceramic optical samples. This is the first step in research directed toward the combination of a pre-finishing process (ductile grinding or polishing) with ion figuring to produce finished ceramic mirrors. The second phase of the project is focusing on the development of mathematical algorithms that will deconvolve the ion beam profile from the surface figure errors so that these errors can be successfully removed from the optical components. In the initial phase of the project, multiple, chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide (CVD SiC) samples were polished or ductile ground to specular or near-specular roughness. These samples were then characterized to determine topographic surface information. The surface evaluation consisted of stylus profilometry, interferometry, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. The surfaces, were ion machined to depths from 0-5 microns. The finished surfaces were characterized to evaluate the effects of the ion machining process with respect to the previous processing methods and the pre-existing subsurface damage. The development of the control algorithms for figuring optical components has been completed. These algorithms have been validated with simulations and future experiments have been planned to verify the methods. This paper will present the results of the initial surface finish experiments and the control algorithms simulations.

Au/Cr Sputter Coating for the Protection of Alumina During Sliding at High Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benoy, Patricia A.; Dellacorte, Christopher

1995-01-01

A sputter deposited bilayer coating of gold and chromium was investigated as a potential solid lubricant to protect alumina substrates in applications involving sliding at high temperature. The proposed lubricant was tested in a pin-on-disk tribometer with coated alumina disks sliding against uncoated alumina pins. Three test parameters; temperature, load, and sliding velocity were varied over a wide range in order to determine the performance envelope on the gold/chromium (Au/Cr) solid lubricant film. The tribo-tests were run in an air atmosphere at temperatures of 25 to 1000 C, under loads of 4.9 to 49.0 N and at sliding velocities from 1 to 15 m/sec. Post test analyses included surface profilometry, wear factor determination and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) examination of worn surfaces. Compared to unlubricated Al2O3 sliding, the use of the Au/Cr film reduced friction by 30 to 50 percent and wear by one to two orders of magnitude. Increases in test temperature resulted in lower friction and the Au/Cr film continued to provide low friction, about 0.3, even at 1000 C. Pin wear factors and friction were largely unaffected by increasing loads up to 29.4 N. Sliding velocity had essentially no effect on friction, however, increased velocity reduced coating life (total sliding distance). Based upon these research results, the Au/Cr film is a promising lubricant for moderately loaded, low speed applications operating at temperatures as high as 1000 C.

Platinum replica electron microscopy: Imaging the cytoskeleton globally and locally.

PubMed

Svitkina, Tatyana M

2017-05-01

Structural studies reveal how smaller components of a system work together as a whole. However, combining high resolution of details with full coverage of the whole is challenging. In cell biology, light microscopy can image many cells in their entirety, but at a lower resolution, whereas electron microscopy affords very high resolution, but usually at the expense of the sample size and coverage. Structural analyses of the cytoskeleton are especially demanding, because cytoskeletal networks are unresolvable by light microscopy due to their density and intricacy, whereas their proper preservation is a challenge for electron microscopy. Platinum replica electron microscopy can uniquely bridge the gap between the "comfort zones" of light and electron microscopy by allowing high resolution imaging of the cytoskeleton throughout the entire cell and in many cells in the population. This review describes the principles and applications of platinum replica electron microscopy for studies of the cytoskeleton. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Platinum Replica Electron Microscopy: Imaging the Cytoskeleton Globally and Locally

PubMed Central

SVITKINA, Tatyana M.

2017-01-01

Structural studies reveal how smaller components of a system work together as a whole. However, combining high resolution of details with full coverage of the whole is challenging. In cell biology, light microscopy can image many cells in their entirety, but at a lower resolution, whereas electron microscopy affords very high resolution, but usually at the expense of the sample size and coverage. Structural analyses of the cytoskeleton are especially demanding, because cytoskeletal networks are unresolvable by light microscopy due to their density and intricacy, whereas their proper preservation is a challenge for electron microscopy. Platinum replica electron microscopy can uniquely bridge the gap between the “comfort zones” of light and electron microscopy by allowing high resolution imaging of the cytoskeleton throughout the entire cell and in many cells in the population. This review describes the principles and applications of platinum replica electron microscopy for studies of the cytoskeleton. PMID:28323208

Full-field chromatic confocal surface profilometry employing digital micromirror device correspondence for minimizing lateral cross talks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang-Chia; Chang, Yi-Wei; Li, Hau-Wei

2012-08-01

Full-field chromatic confocal surface profilometry employing a digital micromirror device (DMD) for spatial correspondence is proposed to minimize lateral cross-talks between individual detection sensors. Although full-field chromatic confocal profilometry is capable of enhancing measurement efficiency by completely removing time-consuming vertical scanning operation, its vertical measurement resolution and accuracy are still severely affected by the potential sensor lateral cross-talk problem. To overcome this critical bottleneck, a DMD-based chromatic confocal method is developed by employing a specially-designed objective for chromatic light dispersion, and a DMD for lateral pixel correspondence and scanning, thereby reducing the lateral cross-talk influence. Using the chromatic objective, the incident light is dispersed according to a pre-designed detection range of several hundred micrometers, and a full-field reflected light is captured by a three-chip color camera for multi color detection. Using this method, the full width half maximum of the depth response curve can be significantly sharpened, thus improving the vertical measurement resolution and repeatability of the depth detection. From our preliminary experimental evaluation, it is verified that the ±3σ repeatability of the height measurement can be kept within 2% of the overall measurement range.

Three-dimensional surface profile intensity correction for spatially modulated imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gioux, Sylvain; Mazhar, Amaan; Cuccia, David J.; Durkin, Anthony J.; Tromberg, Bruce J.; Frangioni, John V.

2009-05-01

We describe a noncontact profile correction technique for quantitative, wide-field optical measurement of tissue absorption (μa) and reduced scattering (μs') coefficients, based on geometric correction of the sample's Lambertian (diffuse) reflectance intensity. Because the projection of structured light onto an object is the basis for both phase-shifting profilometry and modulated imaging, we were able to develop a single instrument capable of performing both techniques. In so doing, the surface of the three-dimensional object could be acquired and used to extract the object's optical properties. The optical properties of flat polydimethylsiloxane (silicone) phantoms with homogenous tissue-like optical properties were extracted, with and without profilometry correction, after vertical translation and tilting of the phantoms at various angles. Objects having a complex shape, including a hemispheric silicone phantom and human fingers, were acquired and similarly processed, with vascular constriction of a finger being readily detectable through changes in its optical properties. Using profilometry correction, the accuracy of extracted absorption and reduced scattering coefficients improved from two- to ten-fold for surfaces having height variations as much as 3 cm and tilt angles as high as 40 deg. These data lay the foundation for employing structured light for quantitative imaging during surgery.

Three-dimensional sensing methodology combining stereo vision and phase-measuring profilometry based on dynamic programming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyunki; Kim, Min Young; Moon, Jeon Il

2017-12-01

Phase measuring profilometry and moiré methodology have been widely applied to the three-dimensional shape measurement of target objects, because of their high measuring speed and accuracy. However, these methods suffer from inherent limitations called a correspondence problem, or 2π-ambiguity problem. Although a kind of sensing method to combine well-known stereo vision and phase measuring profilometry (PMP) technique simultaneously has been developed to overcome this problem, it still requires definite improvement for sensing speed and measurement accuracy. We propose a dynamic programming-based stereo PMP method to acquire more reliable depth information and in a relatively small time period. The proposed method efficiently fuses information from two stereo sensors in terms of phase and intensity simultaneously based on a newly defined cost function of dynamic programming. In addition, the important parameters are analyzed at the view point of the 2π-ambiguity problem and measurement accuracy. To analyze the influence of important hardware and software parameters related to the measurement performance and to verify its efficiency, accuracy, and sensing speed, a series of experimental tests were performed with various objects and sensor configurations.

Silver stain for electron microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corbett, R. L.

1972-01-01

Ammoniacal silver stain used for light microscopy was adapted advantageously for use with very thin biological sections required for electron microscopy. Silver stain can be performed in short time, has more contrast, and is especially useful for low power electron microscopy.

Correlated Light and Electron Microscopy/Electron Tomography of Mitochondria In Situ

PubMed Central

Perkins, Guy A.; Sun, Mei G.; Frey, Terrence G.

2009-01-01

Three-dimensional light microscopy and three-dimensional electron microscopy (electron tomography) separately provide very powerful tools to study cellular structure and physiology, including the structure and physiology of mitochondria. Fluorescence microscopy allows one to study processes in live cells with specific labels and stains that follow the movement of labeled proteins and changes within cellular compartments but does not have sufficient resolution to define the ultrastructure of intracellular organelles such as mitochondria. Electron microscopy and electron tomography provide the highest resolution currently available to study mitochondrial ultrastructure but cannot follow processes in living cells. We describe the combination of these two techniques in which fluorescence confocal microscopy is used to study structural and physiologic changes in mitochondria within apoptotic HeLa cells to define the apoptotic timeframe. Cells can then be selected at various stages of the apoptotic timeframe for examination at higher resolution by electron microscopy and electron tomography. This is a form of “virtual” 4-dimensional electron microscopy that has revealed interesting structural changes in the mitochondria of HeLa cells during apoptosis. The same techniques can be applied, with modification, to study other dynamic processes within cells in other experimental contexts. PMID:19348881

Graphene-enabled electron microscopy and correlated super-resolution microscopy of wet cells.

PubMed

Wojcik, Michal; Hauser, Margaret; Li, Wan; Moon, Seonah; Xu, Ke

2015-06-11

The application of electron microscopy to hydrated biological samples has been limited by high-vacuum operating conditions. Traditional methods utilize harsh and laborious sample dehydration procedures, often leading to structural artefacts and creating difficulties for correlating results with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Here, we utilize graphene, a single-atom-thick carbon meshwork, as the thinnest possible impermeable and conductive membrane to protect animal cells from vacuum, thus enabling high-resolution electron microscopy of wet and untreated whole cells with exceptional ease. Our approach further allows for facile correlative super-resolution and electron microscopy of wet cells directly on the culturing substrate. In particular, individual cytoskeletal actin filaments are resolved in hydrated samples through electron microscopy and well correlated with super-resolution results.

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.

Characterization of titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) thin films by microscopic and spectroscopic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skonieczny, R.; Makowiecki, J.; Bursa, B.; Krzykowski, A.; Szybowicz, M.

2018-02-01

The titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) thin film deposited on glass, silicon and gold substrate have been studied using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), absorption and profilometry measurements. The TiOPc thin layers have been deposited at room temperature by the quasi-molecular beam evaporation technique. The Raman spectra have been recorded using micro Raman system equipped with a confocal microscope. Using surface Raman mapping techni que with polarized Raman spectra the polymorphic forms of the TiOPc thin films distribution have been obtained. The AFM height and phase image were examined in order to find surface features and morphology of the thin films. Additionally to compare experimental results, structure optimization and vibrational spectra calculation of single TiOPc molecule were performed using DFT calculations. The received results showed that the parameters like polymorphic form, grain size, roughness of the surface in TiOPc thin films can well characterize the obtained organic thin films structures in terms of their use in optoelectronics and photovoltaics devices.

Pulsed laser ablation of dental calculus in the near ultraviolet.

PubMed

Schoenly, Joshua E; Seka, Wolf; Rechmann, Peter

2014-02-01

Pulsed lasers emitting wavelengths near 400 nm can selectively ablate dental calculus without damaging underlying and surrounding sound dental hard tissue. Our results indicate that calculus ablation at this wavelength relies on the absorption of porphyrins endogenous to oral bacteria commonly found in calculus. Sub- and supragingival calculus on extracted human teeth, irradiated with 400-nm, 60-ns laser pulses at ≤8  J/cm2, exhibits a photobleached surface layer. Blue-light microscopy indicates this layer highly scatters 400-nm photons, whereas fluorescence spectroscopy indicates that bacterial porphyrins are permanently photobleached. A modified blow-off model for ablation is proposed that is based upon these observations and also reproduces our calculus ablation rates measured from laser profilometry. Tissue scattering and a stratified layering of absorbers within the calculus medium explain the gradual decrease in ablation rate from successive pulses. Depending on the calculus thickness, ablation stalling may occur at <5  J/cm2 but has not been observed above this fluence.

Electropolishing effect on roughness metrics of ground stainless steel: a length scale study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakar, Doron; Harel, David; Hirsch, Baruch

2018-03-01

Electropolishing is a widely-used electrochemical surface finishing process for metals. The electropolishing of stainless steel has vast commercial application, such as improving corrosion resistance, improving cleanness, and brightening. The surface topography characterization is performed using several techniques with different lateral resolutions and length scales, from atomic force microscopy in the nano-scale (<0.1 µm) to stylus and optical profilometry in the micro- and mesoscales (0.1 µm-1 mm). This paper presents an experimental length scale study of the surface texture of ground stainless steel followed by an electropolishing process in the micro and meso lateral scales. Both stylus and optical profilometers are used, and multiple cut-off lengths of the standard Gaussian filter are adopted. While the commonly used roughness amplitude parameters (Ra, Rq and Rz) fail to characterize electropolished textures, the root mean square slope (RΔq) is found to better describe the electropolished surfaces and to be insensitive to scale.

SRF Cavity Surface Topography Characterization Using Replica Techniques

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

C. Xu, M.J. Kelley, C.E. Reece

2012-07-01

To better understand the roll of topography on SRF cavity performance, we seek to obtain detailed topographic information from the curved practical cavity surfaces. Replicas taken from a cavity interior surface provide internal surface molds for fine Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and stylus profilometry. In this study, we confirm the replica resolution both on surface local defects such as grain boundary and etching pits and compare the surface uniform roughness with the aid of Power Spectral Density (PSD) where we can statistically obtain roughness parameters at different scales. A series of sampling locations are at the same magnetic field chosenmore » at the same latitude on a single cell cavity to confirm the uniformity. Another series of sampling locations at different magnetic field amplitudes are chosen for this replica on the same cavity for later power loss calculation. We also show that application of the replica followed by rinsing does not adversely affect the cavity performance.« less

High-Resolution of Electron Microscopy of Montmorillonite and Montmorillonite/Epoxy Nanocomposites

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

AFRL-ML-WP-TP-2006-464 HIGH-RESOLUTION OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF MONTMORILLONITE AND MONTMORILLONITE /EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES Lawrence F...HIGH-RESOLUTION OF ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF MONTMORILLONITE AND MONTMORILLONITE /EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62102F 5d...transmission electron microscopy the structure and morphology of montmorillonite (MMT), a material of current interest for use in polymer nanocomposites, was

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy of quantum-dot-labeled proteins in whole cells in liquid.

PubMed

Dukes, Madeline J; Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2010-07-27

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a state-of-the-art microscopy methodology to study cellular function, combining the functionality of light microscopy with the high resolution of electron microscopy. However, this technique involves complex sample preparation procedures due to its need for either thin sections or frozen samples for TEM imaging. Here, we introduce a novel correlative approach capable of imaging whole eukaryotic cells in liquid with fluorescence microscopy and with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); there is no additional sample preparation necessary for the electron microscopy. Quantum dots (QDs) were bound to epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors of COS7 fibroblast cells. Fixed whole cells in saline water were imaged with fluorescence microscopy and subsequently with STEM. The STEM images were correlated with fluorescence images of the same cellular regions. QDs of dimensions 7x12 nm were visible in a 5 microm thick layer of saline water, consistent with calculations. A spatial resolution of 3 nm was achieved on the QDs.

Correlative Fluorescence Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Quantum Dot Labeled Proteins in Whole Cells in Liquid

PubMed Central

Dukes, Madeline J.; Peckys, Diana B.; de Jonge, Niels

2010-01-01

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a state-of-the-art microscopy methodology to study cellular function, combining the functionality of light microscopy with the high resolution of electron microscopy. However, this technique involves complex sample preparation procedures due to its need for either thin sections or frozen samples for TEM imaging. Here, we introduce a novel correlative approach capable of imaging whole eukaryotic cells in liquid with fluorescence microscopy and with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM); there is no additional sample preparation necessary for the electron microscopy. Quantum dots (QDs) were bound to epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors of COS7 fibroblast cells. Fixed whole cells in saline water were imaged with fluorescence microscopy and subsequently with STEM. The STEM images were correlated with fluorescence images of the same cellular regions. QDs of dimensions 7 × 12 nm were visible in a 5 μm thick layer of saline water, consistent with calculations. A spatial resolution of 3 nm was achieved on the QDs. PMID:20550177

An intraoperative spectroscopic imaging system for quantification of Protoporphyrin IX during glioma surgery (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angulo-Rodríguez, Leticia M.; Laurence, Audrey; Jermyn, Michael; Sheehy, Guillaume; Sibai, Mira; Petrecca, Kevin; Roberts, David W.; Paulsen, Keith D.; Wilson, Brian C.; Leblond, Frédéric

2016-03-01

Cancer tissue often remains after brain tumor resection due to the inability to detect the full extent of cancer during surgery, particularly near tumor boundaries. Commercial systems are available for intra-operative real-time aminolevulenic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence imaging. These are standard white-light neurosurgical microscopes adapted with optical components for fluorescence excitation and detection. However, these instruments lack sensitivity and specificity, which limits the ability to detect low levels of PpIX and distinguish it from tissue auto-fluorescence. Current systems also cannot provide repeatable and un-biased quantitative fluorophore concentration values because of the unknown and highly variable light attenuation by tissue. We present a highly sensitive spectroscopic fluorescence imaging system that is seamlessly integrated onto a neurosurgical microscope. Hardware and software were developed to achieve through-microscope spatially-modulated illumination for 3D profilometry and to use this information to extract tissue optical properties to correct for the effects of tissue light attenuation. This gives pixel-by-pixel quantified fluorescence values and improves detection of low PpIX concentrations. This is achieved using a high-sensitivity Electron Multiplying Charge Coupled Device (EMCCD) with a Liquid Crystal Tunable Filter (LCTF) whereby spectral bands are acquired sequentially; and a snapshot camera system with simultaneous acquisition of all bands is used for profilometry and optical property recovery. Sensitivity and specificity to PpIX is demonstrated using brain tissue phantoms and intraoperative human data acquired in an on-going clinical study using PpIX fluorescence to guide glioma resection.

Electron Microscopy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beer, Michael

1980-01-01

Reviews technical aspects of structure determination in biological electron microscopy (EM). Discusses low dose EM, low temperature microscopy, electron energy loss spectra, determination of mass or molecular weight, and EM of labeled systems. Cites 34 references. (CS)

Imaging of endodontic biofilms by combined microscopy (FISH/cLSM - SEM).

PubMed

Schaudinn, C; Carr, G; Gorur, A; Jaramillo, D; Costerton, J W; Webster, P

2009-08-01

Scanning electron microscopy is a useful imaging approach for the visualization of bacterial biofilms in their natural environments including their medical and dental habitats, because it allows for the exploration of large surfaces with excellent resolution of topographic features. Most biofilms in nature, however, are embedded in a thick layer of extracellular matrix that prevents a clear identification of individual bacteria by scanning electron microscopy. The use of confocal laser scanning microscopy on the other hand in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization enables the visualization of matrix embedded bacteria in multi-layered biofilms. In our study, fluorescence in situ hybridization/confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were applied to visualize bacterial biofilm in endodontic root canals. The resulting fluorescence in situ hybridization /confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and pictures were subsequently combined into one single image to provide high-resolution information on the location of hidden bacteria. The combined use of scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization / confocal laser scanning microscopy has the potential to overcome the limits of each single technique.

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.

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

Serial block face scanning electron microscopy--the future of cell ultrastructure imaging.

PubMed

Hughes, Louise; Hawes, Chris; Monteith, Sandy; Vaughan, Sue

2014-03-01

One of the major drawbacks in transmission electron microscopy has been the production of three-dimensional views of cells and tissues. Currently, there is no one suitable 3D microscopy technique that answers all questions and serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fills the gap between 3D imaging using high-end fluorescence microscopy and the high resolution offered by electron tomography. In this review, we discuss the potential of the serial block face SEM technique for studying the three-dimensional organisation of animal, plant and microbial cells.

Applications of microscopy to genetic therapy of cystic fibrosis and other human diseases.

PubMed

Moninger, Thomas O; Nessler, Randy A; Moore, Kenneth C

2006-01-01

Gene therapy has become an extremely important and active field of biomedical research. Microscopy is an integral component of this effort. This chapter presents an overview of imaging techniques used in our facility in support of cystic fibrosis gene therapy research. Instrumentation used in these studies includes light and confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Techniques outlined include negative staining, cryo-electron microscopy, three-dimentional reconstruction, enzyme cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescence imaging.

Application of environmental scanning electron microscopy to determine biological surface structure.

PubMed

Kirk, S E; Skepper, J N; Donald, A M

2009-02-01

The use of environmental scanning electron microscopy in biology is growing as more becomes understood about the advantages and limitations of the technique. These are discussed and we include new evidence about the effect of environmental scanning electron microscopy imaging on the viability of mammalian cells. We show that although specimen preparation for high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy introduces some artefacts, there are also challenges in the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy, particularly at higher resolutions. This suggests the two technologies are best used in combination. We have used human monocyte-derived macrophages as a test sample, imaging their complicated and delicate membrane ruffles and protrusions. We have also explored the possibility of using environmental scanning electron microscopy for dynamic experiments, finding that mammalian cells cannot be imaged and kept alive in the environmental scanning electron microscopy. The dehydration step in which the cell surface is exposed causes irreversible damage, probably via loss of membrane integrity during liquid removal in the specimen chamber. Therefore, mammalian cells should be imaged after fixation where possible to protect against damage as a result of chamber conditions.

Surface microstructure of dental implants before and after insertion: an in vitro study by means of scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Salerno, Marco; Itri, Angelo; Frezzato, Marco; Rebaudi, Alberto

2015-06-01

The surface microstructure of dental implants affects osseointegration, which makes their accurate topographic characterization important. We defined a procedure for evaluation of implant topography before (pre-) and after (post-) in vitro implantation test in bovine bone. The apical morphology of ten implants was analyzed in pre- and post-conditions using atomic force microscopy or 3D profilometry. We extracted four topographical parameters (two amplitude, 1 spatial, and 1 hybrid) and assessed the differences by analysis of variance. The implant with coating (Spline Twist MP-1 HA) was damaged. The two implants with highest pre-amplitude parameters (Pitt Easy VTPS, TLR3815) maintained their character on testing. Pitt Easy PURETEX and OT-F1 were the only nondamaged implants whose amplitude parameters increased. The surface area underwent minor changes even when the texture changed (Tri-Vent, Pitt Easy PURETEX, Exp #1). The implants that ranked the lowest in all parameters before implantation were DT4013TI, Tri-Vent, OT-F1, and Exp #2. On testing, DT4013TI showed the highest decrease in values, whereas Tri-Vent showed the highest increase in surface area. All the experimental implants showed similar topographic properties both pre- and post-test. For most implants, no major changes occurred in surface topography on implantation. The procedure applied seems promising to evaluate the degradation of implant surface on insertion.

Fully Hydrated Yeast Cells Imaged with Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Peckys, Diana B.; Mazur, Peter; Gould, Kathleen L.; de Jonge, Niels

2011-01-01

We demonstrate electron microscopy of fully hydrated eukaryotic cells with nanometer resolution. Living Schizosaccaromyces pombe cells were loaded in a microfluidic chamber and imaged in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The native intracellular (ultra)structures of wild-type cells and three different mutants were studied without prior labeling, fixation, or staining. The STEM images revealed various intracellular components that were identified on the basis of their shape, size, location, and mass density. The maximal achieved spatial resolution in this initial study was 32 ± 8 nm, an order of magnitude better than achievable with light microscopy on pristine cells. Light-microscopy images of the same samples were correlated with the corresponding electron-microscopy images. Achieving synergy between the capabilities of light and electron microscopy, we anticipate that liquid STEM will be broadly applied to explore the ultrastructure of live cells. PMID:21575587

Fully hydrated yeast cells imaged with electron microscopy.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; Mazur, Peter; Gould, Kathleen L; de Jonge, Niels

2011-05-18

We demonstrate electron microscopy of fully hydrated eukaryotic cells with nanometer resolution. Living Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells were loaded in a microfluidic chamber and imaged in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The native intracellular (ultra)structures of wild-type cells and three different mutants were studied without prior labeling, fixation, or staining. The STEM images revealed various intracellular components that were identified on the basis of their shape, size, location, and mass density. The maximal achieved spatial resolution in this initial study was 32 ± 8 nm, an order of magnitude better than achievable with light microscopy on pristine cells. Light-microscopy images of the same samples were correlated with the corresponding electron-microscopy images. Achieving synergy between the capabilities of light and electron microscopy, we anticipate that liquid STEM will be broadly applied to explore the ultrastructure of live cells. Copyright © 2011 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A stent for co-delivering paclitaxel and nitric oxide from abluminal and luminal surfaces: Preparation, surface characterization, and in vitro drug release studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallo, Annemarie; Mani, Gopinath

2013-08-01

Most drug-eluting stents currently available are coated with anti-proliferative drugs on both abluminal (toward blood vessel wall) and luminal (toward lumen) surfaces to prevent neointimal hyperplasia. While the abluminal delivery of anti-proliferative drugs is useful for controlling neointimal hyperplasia, the luminal delivery of such drugs impairs or prevents endothelialization which causes late stent thrombosis. This research is focused on developing a bidirectional dual drug-eluting stent to co-deliver an anti-proliferative agent (paclitaxel - PAT) and an endothelial cell promoting agent (nitric oxide - NO) from abluminal and luminal surfaces of the stent, respectively. Phosphonoacetic acid, a polymer-free drug delivery platform, was initially coated on the stents. Then, the PAT and NO donor drugs were co-coated on the abluminal and luminal stent surfaces, respectively. The co-coating of drugs was collectively confirmed by the surface characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3D optical surface profilometry, and contact angle goniometry. SEM showed that the integrity of the co-coating of drugs was maintained without delamination or cracks formation occurring during the stent expansion experiments. In vitro drug release studies showed that the PAT was released from the abluminal stent surfaces in a biphasic manner, which is an initial burst followed by a slow and sustained release. The NO was burst released from the luminal stent surfaces. Thus, this study demonstrated the co-delivery of PAT and NO from abluminal and luminal stent surfaces, respectively. The stent developed in this study has potential applications in inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia as well as encouraging luminal endothelialization to prevent late stent thrombosis.

Impact of nanocrystal spray deposition on inorganic solar cells.

PubMed

Townsend, Troy K; Yoon, Woojun; Foos, Edward E; Tischler, Joseph G

2014-05-28

Solution-synthesized inorganic cadmium telluride nanocrystals (∼4 nm; 1.45 eV band gap) are attractive elements for the fabrication of thin-film-based low-cost photovoltaic (PV) devices. Their encapsulating organic ligand shell enables them to be easily dissolved in organic solvents, and the resulting solutions can be spray-cast onto indium-tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass under ambient conditions to produce photoactive thin films of CdTe. Following annealing at 380 °C in the presence of CdCl2(s) and evaporation of metal electrode contacts (glass/ITO/CdTe/Ca/Al), Schottky-junction PV devices were tested under simulated 1 sun conditions. An improved PV performance was found to be directly tied to control over the film morphology obtained by the adjustment of spray parameters such as the solution concentration, delivery pressure, substrate distance, and surface temperature. Higher spray pressures produced thinner layers (<60 nm) with lower surface roughness (<200 nm), leading to devices with improved open-circuit voltages (Voc) due to decreased surface roughness and higher short-circuit current (Jsc) as a result of enhanced annealing conditions. After process optimization, spray-cast Schottky devices rivaled those prepared by conventional spin-coating, showing Jsc = 14.6 ± 2.7 mA cm(-2), Voc = 428 ± 11 mV, FF = 42.8 ± 1.4%, and Eff. = 2.7 ± 0.5% under 1 sun illumination. This optimized condition of CdTe spray deposition was then applied to heterojunction devices (ITO/CdTe/ZnO/Al) to reach 3.0% efficiency after light soaking under forward bias. The film thickness, surface morphology, and light absorption were examined with scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, and UV/vis spectroscopy.

Machinability of lithium disilicate glass ceramic in in vitro dental diamond bur adjusting process.

PubMed

Song, Xiao-Fei; Ren, Hai-Tao; Yin, Ling

2016-01-01

Esthetic high-strength lithium disilicate glass ceramics (LDGC) are used for monolithic crowns and bridges produced in dental CAD/CAM and oral adjusting processes, which machinability affects the restorative quality. A machinability study has been made in the simulated oral clinical machining of LDGC with a dental handpiece and diamond burs, regarding the diamond tool wear and chip control, machining forces and energy, surface finish and integrity. Machining forces, speeds and energy in in vitro dental adjusting of LDGC were measured by a high-speed data acquisition and force sensor system. Machined LDGC surfaces were assessed using three-dimensional non-contact chromatic confocal optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Diamond bur morphology and LDGC chip shapes were also examined using SEM. Minimum tool wear but significant LDGC chip accumulations were found. Machining forces and energy significantly depended on machining conditions (p<0.05) and were significantly higher than other glass ceramics (p<0.05). Machining speeds dropped more rapidly with increased removal rates than other glass ceramics (p<0.05). Two material machinability indices associated with the hardness, Young's modulus and fracture toughness were derived based on the normal force-removal rate relations, which ranked LDGC the most difficult to machine among glass ceramics. Surface roughness for machined LDGC was comparable for other glass ceramics. The removal mechanisms of LDGC were dominated by penetration-induced brittle fracture and shear-induced plastic deformation. Unlike most other glass ceramics, distinct intergranular and transgranular fractures of lithium disilicate crystals were found in LDGC. This research provides the fundamental data for dental clinicians on the machinability of LDGC in intraoral adjustments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biomaterial Property Effects on Platelets and Macrophages: An in Vitro Study.

PubMed

Fernandes, Kelly R; Zhang, Yang; Magri, Angela M P; Renno, Ana C M; van den Beucken, Jeroen J J P

2017-12-11

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of surface properties of bone implants coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) on platelets and macrophages upon implant installation and compare them to grit-blasted Ti and Thermanox used as a control. Surface properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, crystallography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and coating stability. For platelets, platelet adherence and morphology were assessed. For macrophages, morphology, proliferation, and polarization were evaluated. Surface characterization showed similar roughness of ∼2.5 μm for grit-blasted Ti discs, both with and without coating. Coating stability assessment showed substantial dissolution of HA and β-TCP coatings. Platelet adherence was significantly higher for grit-blasted Ti, Ti-HA, and Ti-β-TCP coatings compared to that of cell culture control Thermanox. Macrophage cultures revealed a decreased proliferation on both HA and β-TCP coated discs compared to both Thermanox and grit-blasted Ti. In contrast, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β were marginal for grit-blasted Ti and Thermanox, while a coating-dependent increased secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed for HA and β-TCP coatings. The results demonstrated a significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion and marker gene expression of macrophages on HA and β-TCP coatings. Furthermore, HA induced an earlier M1 macrophage polarization but more M2 phenotype potency than β-TCP. In conclusion, our data showed that material surface affects the behaviors of first cell types attached to implants. Due to the demonstrated crucial roles of platelets and macrophages in bone healing and implant integration, this information will greatly aid the design of metallic implants for a higher rate of success in patients.

Functionalized Antimicrobial Composite Thin Films Printing for Stainless Steel Implant Coatings.

PubMed

Floroian, Laura; Ristoscu, Carmen; Mihailescu, Natalia; Negut, Irina; Badea, Mihaela; Ursutiu, Doru; Chifiriuc, Mariana Carmen; Urzica, Iuliana; Dyia, Hussien Mohammed; Bleotu, Coralia; Mihailescu, Ion N

2016-06-09

In this work we try to address the large interest existing nowadays in the better understanding of the interaction between microbial biofilms and metallic implants. Our aimed was to identify a new preventive strategy to control drug release, biofilm formation and contamination of medical devices with microbes. The transfer and printing of novel bioactive glass-polymer-antibiotic composites by Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation into uniform thin films onto 316 L stainless steel substrates of the type used in implants are reported. The targets were prepared by freezing in liquid nitrogen mixtures containing polymer and antibiotic reinforced with bioglass powder. The cryogenic targets were submitted to multipulse evaporation by irradiation with an UV KrF* (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≤ 25 ns) excimer laser source. The prepared structures were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and profilometry, before and after immersion in physiological fluids. The bioactivity and the release of the antibiotic have been evaluated. We showed that the incorporated antibiotic underwent a gradually dissolution in physiological fluids thus supporting a high local treatment efficiency. Electrochemical measurements including linear sweep voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy studies were carried out to investigate the corrosion resistance of the coatings in physiological environments. The in vitro biocompatibility assay using the MG63 mammalian cell line revealed that the obtained nanostructured composite films are non-cytotoxic. The antimicrobial effect of the coatings was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains, usually present in implant-associated infections. An anti-biofilm activity was evidenced, stronger against E. coli than the S. aureus strain. The results proved that the applied method allows for the fabrication of implantable biomaterials which shield metal ion release and possess increased biocompatibility and resistance to microbial colonization and biofilm growth.

Effect of air polishing with glycine powder on titanium abutment surfaces.

PubMed

Cochis, Andrea; Fini, Milena; Carrassi, Antonio; Migliario, Mario; Visai, Livia; Rimondini, Lia

2013-08-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate morphological changes induced by glycine powder air polishing on titanium surfaces and its effect on bacteria recolonization in comparison with sodium bicarbonate powder. 5 mm wide and 1 mm thick titanium grade II disks were divided into three groups of treatments: (i) no treatment; (ii) air polishing with glycine powder; (iii) air polishing with sodium bicarbonate powder. Specimens were characterized by laser profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and then installed onto removable appliances worn for 24 h by healthy volunteers. Surface contamination was evaluated using SEM and counting the number of colony forming units (CFU). SEM observation revealed an increased roughness with the formation of craters on samples treated with sodium bicarbonate powder, while not in glycine ones. Statistical analysis failed to show significant differences of both Ra and Rmax parameters in treated groups. SEM observation of specimens surfaces, after 24 h of permanence in the oral cavity, showed a higher contamination of the disks treated with sodium bicarbonate compared with those not treated (P < 0.05). Conversely, the group treated with glycine showed the lower contamination if compared with bicarbonate-treated group (P < 0.05). Air polishing with glycine powder may be considered as a better method to remove plaque from dental implant because glycine is less aggressive than sodium bicarbonate powder. Moreover, the use of glycine powder seems to have an active role on the inhibition of bacterial recolonization of implants in a short test period (24 h). Further studies are needed to demonstrate the bacteriostatic properties of glycine, envisaged on the basis of reduced contamination of the disks polished with glycine compared with those not treated. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Characterization of a Diamond Ground Y-TZP and Reversion of the Tetragonal to Monoclinic Transformation.

PubMed

Candido, L M; Fais, Lmg; Ferreira, E B; Antonio, S G; Pinelli, Lap

To characterize the surface of an yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramic after diamond grinding in terms of its crystalline phase, morphology, mean roughness (Ra), and wettability as well as to determine a thermal treatment to reverse the resulting tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m) transformation. Y-TZP specimens were distributed into different groups according to the actions (or no action) of grinding and irrigation. Grinding was accomplished using a diamond stone at a low speed. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, goniometry, and profilometry. In situ high-temperature XRD was used to determine an annealing temperature to reverse the t-m transformation. Ra was submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Dunn test (α=0.05). The volume fraction of the monoclinic phase and contact angle were submitted to one-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test (α=0.05). Monoclinic zirconia was observed on the surface of samples after dry and wet grinding with a diamond stone. The volume fraction of the monoclinic phase was smaller on the dry ground samples (3.6%±0.3%) than on the wet ground samples (5.6%±0.3%). High-temperature XRD showed reversion of the t-m phase transformation, which started at 700°C and completed at 800°C in a conventional oven. Grinding with a diamond stone partially transformed the crystalline phase on the surface of a Y-TZP ceramic from tetragonal to monoclinic zirconia while simultaneously increasing the surface roughness and wettability. The t-m transformation could be reversed by heat treatment at 800°C or 900°C for 60 minutes or 1000°C for 30 minutes.

The effect of treatment temperature on corrosion resistance and hydrophilicity of an ionic liquid coating for Mg-based stents.

PubMed

Zhang, Yafei; Forsyth, Maria; Hinton, Bruce R W

2014-01-01

Mg alloys are attractive candidate materials for biodegradable stents. However, there are few commercially available Mg-based stents in clinical use because Mg alloys generally undergo rapid localized corrosion in the body. In this study, we report a new surface coating for Mg alloy AZ31 based on a low-toxicity ionic liquid (IL), tributyl(methyl)phosphonium diphenyl phosphate (P1,4,4,4 dpp), to control its corrosion rate. Emphasis is placed on the effect of treatment temperature. We showed that enhancing the treatment temperature provided remarkable improvements in the performances of both corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Increasing treatment temperature resulted in a thicker (although still nanometer scale) and more homogeneous IL film on the surface. Scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry observations showed that there were many large, deep pits formed on the surface of bare AZ31 after 2 h of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The IL coating (particularly when formed at 100 °C for 1 h) significantly suppressed the formation of these pits on the surface, making corrosion occur more uniformly. The P1,4,4,4 dpp IL film formed at 100 °C was more hydrophilic than the bare AZ31 surface, which was believed to be beneficial for avoiding the deposition of the proteins and cells on the surface and therefore improving the biocompatibility of AZ31 in blood. The interaction mechanism between this IL and AZ31 was also investigated using ATR-FTIR, which showed that both anion and cation of this IL were present in the film, and there was a chemical interaction between dpp(-) anion and the surface of AZ31 during the film formation.

Combining 3D human in vitro methods for a 3Rs evaluation of novel titanium surfaces in orthopaedic applications.

PubMed

Stevenson, G; Rehman, S; Draper, E; Hernández-Nava, E; Hunt, J; Haycock, J W

2016-07-01

In this study, we report on a group of complementary human osteoblast in vitro test methods for the preclinical evaluation of 3D porous titanium surfaces. The surfaces were prepared by additive manufacturing (electron beam melting [EBM]) and plasma spraying, allowing the creation of complex lattice surface geometries. Physical properties of the surfaces were characterized by SEM and profilometry and 3D in vitro cell culture using human osteoblasts. Primary human osteoblast cells were found to elicit greater differences between titanium sample surfaces than an MG63 osteoblast-like cell line, particularly in terms of cell survival. Surface morphology was associated with higher osteoblast metabolic activity and mineralization on rougher titanium plasma spray coated surfaces than smoother surfaces. Differences in osteoblast survival and metabolic activity on titanium lattice structures were also found, despite analogous surface morphology at the cellular level. 3D confocal microscopy identified osteoblast organization within complex titanium surface geometries, adhesion, spreading, and alignment to the biomaterial strut geometries. Mineralized nodule formation throughout the lattice structures was also observed, and indicative of early markers of bone in-growth on such materials. Testing methods such as those presented are not traditionally considered by medical device manufacturers, but we suggest have value as an increasingly vital tool in efficiently translating pre-clinical studies, especially in balance with current regulatory practice, commercial demands, the 3Rs, and the relative merits of in vitro and in vivo studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1586-1599. © 2015 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Investigating pitting in X65 carbon steel using potentiostatic polarisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Sikiru; Hua, Yong; Barker, R.; Neville, A.

2017-11-01

Although pitting corrosion in passive materials is generally well understood, the growth of surface pits in actively-corroding materials has received much less attention to date and remains poorly understood. One of the key challenges which exists is repeatedly and reliably generating surface pits in a practical time-frame in the absence of deformation and/or residual stress so that studies on pit propagation and healing can be performed. Another pertinent issue is how to evaluate pitting while addressing general corrosion in low carbon steel. In this work, potentiostatic polarisation was employed to induce corrosion pits (free from deformation or residual stress) on actively corroding X65 carbon steel. The influence of applied potential (50 mV, 100 mV and 150 mV vs open circuit potential) was investigated over 24 h in a CO2-saturated, 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at 30 °C and pH 3.8. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilised to examine pits, while surface profilometry was conducted to measure pit depth as a function of applied potential over the range considered. Analyses of light pitting (up to 120 μm) revealed that pit depth increased linearly with increase in applied potential. This paper relates total pit volume (measured using white light interferometry) to dissipated charge or total mass loss (using the current response for potentiostatic polarisation in conjunction with Faraday's law). By controlling the potential of the surface (anodic) the extent of pitting and general corrosion could be controlled. This allowed pits to be evaluated for their ability to continue to propagate after the potentiostatic technique was employed. Linear growth from a depth of 70 μm at pH 3.8, 80 °C was demonstrated. The technique offers promise for the study of inhibition of pitting.

Cell Attachment Following Instrumentation with Titanium and Plastic Instruments, Diode Laser, and Titanium Brush on Titanium, Titanium-Zirconium, and Zirconia Surfaces.

PubMed

Lang, Melissa S; Cerutis, D Roselyn; Miyamoto, Takanari; Nunn, Martha E

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface characteristics and gingival fibroblast adhesion of disks composed of implant and abutment materials following brief and repeated instrumentation with instruments commonly used in procedures for implant maintenance, stage-two implant surgery, and periimplantitis treatment. One hundred twenty disks (40 titanium, 40 titaniumzirconium, 40 zirconia) were grouped into treatment categories of instrumentation by plastic curette, titanium curette, diode microlaser, rotary titanium brush, and no treatment. Twenty strokes were applied to half of the disks in the plastic and titanium curette treatment categories, while half of the disks received 100 strokes each to simulate implant maintenance occurring on a repetitive basis. Following analysis of the disks by optical laser profilometry, disks were cultured with human gingival fibroblasts. Cell counts were conducted from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Differences in surface roughness across all instruments tested for zirconia disks were negligible, while both titanium disks and titaniumzirconium disks showed large differences in surface roughness across the spectrum of instruments tested. The rotary titanium brush and the titanium curette yielded the greatest overall mean surface roughness, while the plastic curette yielded the lowest mean surface roughness. The greatest mean cell counts for each disk type were as follows: titanium disks with plastic curettes, titanium-zirconium disks with titanium curettes, and zirconia disks with the diode microlaser. Repeated instrumentation did not result in cumulative changes in surface roughness of implant materials made of titanium, titanium-zirconium, or zirconia. Instrumentation with plastic implant curettes on titanium and zirconia surfaces appeared to be more favorable than titanium implant curettes in terms of gingival fibroblast attachment on these surfaces.

Demonstration of transmission high energy electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Merrill, F. E.; Goett, J.; Gibbs, J. W.; ...

2018-04-06

High energy electrons have been used to investigate an extension of transmission electron microscopy. This technique, transmission high energy electron microscopy (THEEM), provides two additional capabilities to electron microscopy. First, high energy electrons are more penetrating than low energy electrons, and thus, they are able to image through thicker samples. Second, the accelerating mode of a radio-frequency linear accelerator provides fast exposures, down to 1 ps, which are ideal for flash radiography, making THEEM well suited to study the evolution of fast material processes under dynamic conditions. Lastly, initial investigations with static objects and during material processing have been performedmore » to investigate the capabilities of this technique.« less

Introduction: A Symposium in Honor of Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gai, P. L.; Saka, H.; Tomokiyo, Y.; Boyes, E. D.

2002-02-01

This issue is dedicated to Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas for his renowned contributions to electron microscopy in the chemical sciences. It is a collection of peer-reviewed leading articles in electron microscopy, based on the presentations at the Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) 2000 symposium, which was held to honor Professor Thomas's exceptional scientific leadership and wide-ranging fundamental contributions in the chemical applications of electron microscopy.The issue contains key papers by leading international researchers on the recent developments and applications of electron microscopy in the solid state and liquid state sciences. They include synthesis and characterization of silicon nitride nanorods, nanostructures of amorphous silica, electron microscopy studies of nanoscale structure and chemistry of Pt-Ru electrocatalysts of interest in direct methanol fuel cells, development of in situ wet-environmental transmission electron microscopy for the first nanoscale studies of dynamic liquid-catalyst reactions, strain analysis of silicon by finite element method and energy filtering convergent beam electron diffraction, applications of chemistry with electron microscopy, bismuth nanowires for applications in nanoelectronics technology, synthesis and characterization of quantum dots for superlattices and in situ electron microscopy at very high temperatures to study the motion of W5Si3 on [alpha][beta]-SiN3 substrates.We thank all the participants, including the invited speakers, contributors, and session chairs, who made the symposium successful. We also thank the authors and reviewers of the papers who worked assiduously towards the publication of this issue.We are very grateful to the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) for providing the opportunity to honor Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas. Organizational support from the MSA is also gratefully acknowledged.We thank Charles E. Lyman, editor in chief of Microscopy and Microanalysis for coordinating the publication of this issue and the entire journal staff for their efforts.

Optical frequency comb profilometry using a single-pixel camera composed of digital micromirror devices.

PubMed

Pham, Quang Duc; Hayasaki, Yoshio

2015-01-01

We demonstrate an optical frequency comb profilometer with a single-pixel camera to measure the position and profile of an object's surface that exceeds far beyond light wavelength without 2π phase ambiguity. The present configuration of the single-pixel camera can perform the profilometry with an axial resolution of 3.4 μm at 1 GHz operation corresponding to a wavelength of 30 cm. Therefore, the axial dynamic range was increased to 0.87×10⁵. It was found from the experiments and computer simulations that the improvement was derived from higher modulation contrast of digital micromirror devices. The frame rate was also increased to 20 Hz.

FPGA-based real-time phase measuring profilometry algorithm design and implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Guomin; Tang, Hongwei; Zhong, Kai; Li, Zhongwei; Shi, Yusheng

2016-11-01

Phase measuring profilometry (PMP) has been widely used in many fields, like Computer Aided Verification (CAV), Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) et al. High frame-rate (HFR) real-time vision-based feedback control will be a common demands in near future. However, the instruction time delay in the computer caused by numerous repetitive operations greatly limit the efficiency of data processing. FPGA has the advantages of pipeline architecture and parallel execution, and it fit for handling PMP algorithm. In this paper, we design a fully pipelined hardware architecture for PMP. The functions of hardware architecture includes rectification, phase calculation, phase shifting, and stereo matching. The experiment verified the performance of this method, and the factors that may influence the computation accuracy was analyzed.

A correlative optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy approach to locating nanoparticles in brain tumors.

PubMed

Kempen, Paul J; Kircher, Moritz F; de la Zerda, Adam; Zavaleta, Cristina L; Jokerst, Jesse V; Mellinghoff, Ingo K; Gambhir, Sanjiv S; Sinclair, Robert

2015-01-01

The growing use of nanoparticles in biomedical applications, including cancer diagnosis and treatment, demands the capability to exactly locate them within complex biological systems. In this work a correlative optical and scanning electron microscopy technique was developed to locate and observe multi-modal gold core nanoparticle accumulation in brain tumor models. Entire brain sections from mice containing orthotopic brain tumors injected intravenously with nanoparticles were imaged using both optical microscopy to identify the brain tumor, and scanning electron microscopy to identify the individual nanoparticles. Gold-based nanoparticles were readily identified in the scanning electron microscope using backscattered electron imaging as bright spots against a darker background. This information was then correlated to determine the exact location of the nanoparticles within the brain tissue. The nanoparticles were located only in areas that contained tumor cells, and not in the surrounding healthy brain tissue. This correlative technique provides a powerful method to relate the macro- and micro-scale features visible in light microscopy with the nanoscale features resolvable in scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Buck, E.C.; Dietz, N.L.; Bates, J.K.

Uranium contaminated soils from the Fernald Operation Site, Ohio, have been examined by a combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron detection (SEM/BSE), and analytical electron microscopy (AEM). A method is described for preparing of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) thin sections by ultramicrotomy. By using these thin sections, SEM and TEM images can be compared directly. Uranium was found in iron oxides, silicates (soddyite), phosphates (autunites), and fluorite. Little uranium was associated with clays. The distribution of uranium phases was found to be inhomogeneous at the microscopic level.

Electron Microscopy of Ebola Virus-Infected Cells.

PubMed

Noda, Takeshi

2017-01-01

Ebola virus (EBOV) replicates in host cells, where both viral and cellular components show morphological changes during the process of viral replication from entry to budding. These steps in the replication cycle can be studied using electron microscopy (EM), including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which is one of the most useful methods for visualizing EBOV particles and EBOV-infected cells at the ultrastructural level. This chapter describes conventional methods for EM sample preparation of cultured cells infected with EBOV.

A direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Vecchione, T.; Denes, P.; Jobe, R. K.; ...

2017-03-15

The introduction of direct electron detectors enabled the structural biology revolution of cryogenic electron microscopy. Direct electron detectors are now expected to have a similarly dramatic impact on time-resolved MeV electron microscopy, particularly by enabling both spatial and temporal jitter correction. Here in this paper, we report on the commissioning of a direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy. The direct electron detector demonstrated MeV single electron sensitivity and is capable of recording megapixel images at 180 Hz. The detector has a 15-bit dynamic range, better than 30-μm spatial resolution and less than 20 analogue-to-digital converter count RMS pixelmore » noise. The unique capabilities of the direct electron detector and the data analysis required to take advantage of these capabilities are presented. The technical challenges associated with generating and processing large amounts of data are also discussed.« less

A direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy

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

Vecchione, T.; Denes, P.; Jobe, R. K.

The introduction of direct electron detectors enabled the structural biology revolution of cryogenic electron microscopy. Direct electron detectors are now expected to have a similarly dramatic impact on time-resolved MeV electron microscopy, particularly by enabling both spatial and temporal jitter correction. Here we report on the commissioning of a direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy. The direct electron detector demonstrated MeV single electron sensitivity and is capable of recording megapixel images at 180 Hz. The detector has a 15-bit dynamic range, better than 30-μmμm spatial resolution and less than 20 analogue-to-digital converter count RMS pixel noise. The uniquemore » capabilities of the direct electron detector and the data analysis required to take advantage of these capabilities are presented. The technical challenges associated with generating and processing large amounts of data are also discussed.« less

A direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy

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

Vecchione, T.; Denes, P.; Jobe, R. K.

The introduction of direct electron detectors enabled the structural biology revolution of cryogenic electron microscopy. Direct electron detectors are now expected to have a similarly dramatic impact on time-resolved MeV electron microscopy, particularly by enabling both spatial and temporal jitter correction. Here in this paper, we report on the commissioning of a direct electron detector for time-resolved MeV electron microscopy. The direct electron detector demonstrated MeV single electron sensitivity and is capable of recording megapixel images at 180 Hz. The detector has a 15-bit dynamic range, better than 30-μm spatial resolution and less than 20 analogue-to-digital converter count RMS pixelmore » noise. The unique capabilities of the direct electron detector and the data analysis required to take advantage of these capabilities are presented. The technical challenges associated with generating and processing large amounts of data are also discussed.« less

Sensor fusion of phase measuring profilometry and stereo vision for three-dimensional inspection of electronic components assembled on printed circuit boards.

PubMed

Hong, Deokhwa; Lee, Hyunki; Kim, Min Young; Cho, Hyungsuck; Moon, Jeon Il

2009-07-20

Automatic optical inspection (AOI) for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly plays a very important role in modern electronics manufacturing industries. Well-developed inspection machines in each assembly process are required to ensure the manufacturing quality of the electronics products. However, generally almost all AOI machines are based on 2D image-analysis technology. In this paper, a 3D-measurement-method-based AOI system is proposed consisting of a phase shifting profilometer and a stereo vision system for assembled electronic components on a PCB after component mounting and the reflow process. In this system information from two visual systems is fused to extend the shape measurement range limited by 2pi phase ambiguity of the phase shifting profilometer, and finally to maintain fine measurement resolution and high accuracy of the phase shifting profilometer with the measurement range extended by the stereo vision. The main purpose is to overcome the low inspection reliability problem of 2D-based inspection machines by using 3D information of components. The 3D shape measurement results on PCB-mounted electronic components are shown and compared with results from contact and noncontact 3D measuring machines. Based on a series of experiments, the usefulness of the proposed sensor system and its fusion technique are discussed and analyzed in detail.

Correlative Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy and Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Kim, Doory; Deerinck, Thomas J.; Sigal, Yaron M.; Babcock, Hazen P.; Ellisman, Mark H.; Zhuang, Xiaowei

2015-01-01

Correlative fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy allows the imaging of spatial distributions of specific biomolecules in the context of cellular ultrastructure. Recent development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy allows the location of molecules to be determined with nanometer-scale spatial resolution. However, correlative super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy (EM) still remains challenging because the optimal specimen preparation and imaging conditions for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and EM are often not compatible. Here, we have developed several experiment protocols for correlative stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and EM methods, both for un-embedded samples by applying EM-specific sample preparations after STORM imaging and for embedded and sectioned samples by optimizing the fluorescence under EM fixation, staining and embedding conditions. We demonstrated these methods using a variety of cellular targets. PMID:25874453

High-resolution imaging by scanning electron microscopy of semithin sections in correlation with light microscopy.

PubMed

Koga, Daisuke; Kusumi, Satoshi; Shodo, Ryusuke; Dan, Yukari; Ushiki, Tatsuo

2015-12-01

In this study, we introduce scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of semithin resin sections. In this technique, semithin sections were adhered on glass slides, stained with both uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and observed with a backscattered electron detector at a low accelerating voltage. As the specimens are stained in the same manner as conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the contrast of SEM images of semithin sections was similar to TEM images of ultrathin sections. Using this technique, wide areas of semithin sections were also observed by SEM, without the obstruction of grids, which was inevitable for traditional TEM. This study also applied semithin section SEM to correlative light and electron microscopy. Correlative immunofluorescence microscopy and immune-SEM were performed in semithin sections of LR white resin-embedded specimens using a FluoroNanogold-labeled secondary antibody. Because LR white resin is hydrophilic and electron stable, this resin is suitable for immunostaining and SEM observation. Using correlative microscopy, the precise localization of the primary antibody was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and SEM. This method has great potential for studies examining the precise localization of molecules, including Golgi- and ER-associated proteins, in correlation with LM and SEM. © 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.

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.

Micro Fourier Transform Profilometry (μFTP): 3D shape measurement at 10,000 frames per second

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Chao; Tao, Tianyang; Feng, Shijie; Huang, Lei; Asundi, Anand; Chen, Qian

2018-03-01

Fringe projection profilometry is a well-established technique for optical 3D shape measurement. However, in many applications, it is desirable to make 3D measurements at very high speed, especially with fast moving or shape changing objects. In this work, we demonstrate a new 3D dynamic imaging technique, Micro Fourier Transform Profilometry (μFTP), which can realize an acquisition rate up to 10,000 3D frame per second (fps). The high measurement speed is achieved by the number of patterns reduction as well as high-speed fringe projection hardware. In order to capture 3D information in such a short period of time, we focus on the improvement of the phase recovery, phase unwrapping, and error compensation algorithms, allowing to reconstruct an accurate, unambiguous, and distortion-free 3D point cloud with every two projected patterns. We also develop a high-frame-rate fringe projection hardware by pairing a high-speed camera and a DLP projector, enabling binary pattern switching and precisely synchronized image capture at a frame rate up to 20,000 fps. Based on this system, we demonstrate high-quality textured 3D imaging of 4 transient scenes: vibrating cantilevers, rotating fan blades, flying bullet, and bursting balloon, which were previously difficult or even unable to be captured with conventional approaches.

Micro Fourier Transform Profilometry (μFTP): 3D shape measurement at 10,000 frames per second

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

Zuo, Chao; Tao, Tianyang; Feng, Shijie

We report that fringe projection profilometry is a well-established technique for optical 3D shape measurement. However, in many applications, it is desirable to make 3D measurements at very high speed, especially with fast moving or shape changing objects. In this work, we demonstrate a new 3D dynamic imaging technique, Micro Fourier Transform Profilometry (μFTP), which can realize an acquisition rate up to 10,000 3D frame per second (fps). The high measurement speed is achieved by the number of patterns reduction as well as high-speed fringe projection hardware. In order to capture 3D information in such a short period of time,more » we focus on the improvement of the phase recovery, phase unwrapping, and error compensation algorithms, allowing to reconstruct an accurate, unambiguous, and distortion-free 3D point cloud with every two projected patterns. We also develop a high-frame-rate fringe projection hardware by pairing a high-speed camera and a DLP projector, enabling binary pattern switching and precisely synchronized image capture at a frame rate up to 20,000 fps. Lastly, based on this system, we demonstrate high-quality textured 3D imaging of 4 transient scenes: vibrating cantilevers, rotating fan blades, flying bullet, and bursting balloon, which were previously difficult or even unable to be captured with conventional approaches.« less

Micro Fourier Transform Profilometry (μFTP): 3D shape measurement at 10,000 frames per second

DOE PAGES

Zuo, Chao; Tao, Tianyang; Feng, Shijie; ...

2017-11-06

We report that fringe projection profilometry is a well-established technique for optical 3D shape measurement. However, in many applications, it is desirable to make 3D measurements at very high speed, especially with fast moving or shape changing objects. In this work, we demonstrate a new 3D dynamic imaging technique, Micro Fourier Transform Profilometry (μFTP), which can realize an acquisition rate up to 10,000 3D frame per second (fps). The high measurement speed is achieved by the number of patterns reduction as well as high-speed fringe projection hardware. In order to capture 3D information in such a short period of time,more » we focus on the improvement of the phase recovery, phase unwrapping, and error compensation algorithms, allowing to reconstruct an accurate, unambiguous, and distortion-free 3D point cloud with every two projected patterns. We also develop a high-frame-rate fringe projection hardware by pairing a high-speed camera and a DLP projector, enabling binary pattern switching and precisely synchronized image capture at a frame rate up to 20,000 fps. Lastly, based on this system, we demonstrate high-quality textured 3D imaging of 4 transient scenes: vibrating cantilevers, rotating fan blades, flying bullet, and bursting balloon, which were previously difficult or even unable to be captured with conventional approaches.« less

Electron transparent graphene windows for environmental scanning electron microscopy in liquids and dense gases.

PubMed

Stoll, Joshua D; Kolmakov, Andrei

2012-12-21

Due to its ultrahigh electron transmissivity in a wide electron energy range, molecular impermeability, high electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical stiffness, suspended graphene membranes appear to be a nearly ideal window material for in situ (in vivo) environmental electron microscopy of nano- and mesoscopic objects (including bio-medical samples) immersed in liquids and/or in dense gaseous media. In this paper, taking advantage of a small modification of the graphene transfer protocol onto metallic and SiN supporting orifices, reusable environmental cells with exchangeable graphene windows have been designed. Using colloidal gold nanoparticles (50 nm) dispersed in water as model objects for scanning electron microscopy in liquids as proof of concept, different conditions for imaging through the graphene membrane were tested. Limiting factors for electron microscopy in liquids, such as electron beam induced water radiolysis and damage of the graphene membrane at high electron doses, are discussed.

Ultrafast Science Opportunities with Electron Microscopy

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

Durr, Hermann

X-rays and electrons are two of the most fundamental probes of matter. When the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world’s first x-ray free electron laser, began operation in 2009, it transformed ultrafast science with the ability to generate laser-like x-ray pulses from the manipulation of relativistic electron beams. This document describes a similar future transformation. In Transmission Electron Microscopy, ultrafast relativistic (MeV energy) electron pulses can achieve unsurpassed spatial and temporal resolution. Ultrafast temporal resolution will be the next frontier in electron microscopy and can ideally complement ultrafast x-ray science done with free electron lasers. This document describes themore » Grand Challenge science opportunities in chemistry, material science, physics and biology that arise from an MeV ultrafast electron diffraction & microscopy facility, especially when coupled with linac-based intense THz and X-ray pump capabilities.« less

Microstructure of milk

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The fat and protein in milk may be examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and any bacteria present may be viewed by light microscopy. The fat exists as globules, the bulk of the protein is in the form of casein micelles, a...

Fabrication of [001]-oriented tungsten tips for high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy

PubMed Central

Chaika, A. N.; Orlova, N. N.; Semenov, V. N.; Postnova, E. Yu.; Krasnikov, S. A.; Lazarev, M. G.; Chekmazov, S. V.; Aristov, V. Yu.; Glebovsky, V. G.; Bozhko, S. I.; Shvets, I. V.

2014-01-01

The structure of the [001]-oriented single crystalline tungsten probes sharpened in ultra-high vacuum using electron beam heating and ion sputtering has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electron microscopy data prove reproducible fabrication of the single-apex tips with nanoscale pyramids grained by the {011} planes at the apexes. These sharp, [001]-oriented tungsten tips have been successfully utilized in high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of HOPG(0001), SiC(001) and graphene/SiC(001) surfaces. The electron microscopy characterization performed before and after the high resolution STM experiments provides direct correlation between the tip structure and picoscale spatial resolution achieved in the experiments. PMID:24434734

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

An overview of state-of-the-art image restoration in electron microscopy.

PubMed

Roels, J; Aelterman, J; Luong, H Q; Lippens, S; Pižurica, A; Saeys, Y; Philips, W

2018-06-08

In Life Science research, electron microscopy (EM) is an essential tool for morphological analysis at the subcellular level as it allows for visualization at nanometer resolution. However, electron micrographs contain image degradations such as noise and blur caused by electromagnetic interference, electron counting errors, magnetic lens imperfections, electron diffraction, etc. These imperfections in raw image quality are inevitable and hamper subsequent image analysis and visualization. In an effort to mitigate these artefacts, many electron microscopy image restoration algorithms have been proposed in the last years. Most of these methods rely on generic assumptions on the image or degradations and are therefore outperformed by advanced methods that are based on more accurate models. Ideally, a method will accurately model the specific degradations that fit the physical acquisition settings. In this overview paper, we discuss different electron microscopy image degradation solutions and demonstrate that dedicated artefact regularisation results in higher quality restoration and is applicable through recently developed probabilistic methods. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.

Online phase measuring profilometry for rectilinear moving object by image correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Han; Cao, Yi-Ping; Chen, Chen; Wang, Ya-Pin

2015-11-01

In phase measuring profilometry (PMP), the object must be static for point-to-point reconstruction with the captured deformed patterns. While the object is rectilinearly moving online, the size and pixel position differences of the object in different captured deformed patterns do not meet the point-to-point requirement. We propose an online PMP based on image correction to measure the three-dimensional shape of the rectilinear moving object. In the proposed method, the deformed patterns captured by a charge-coupled diode camera are reprojected from the oblique view to an aerial view first and then translated based on the feature points of the object. This method makes the object appear stationary in the deformed patterns. Experimental results show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method.

Multi-modal Registration for Correlative Microscopy using Image Analogies

PubMed Central

Cao, Tian; Zach, Christopher; Modla, Shannon; Powell, Debbie; Czymmek, Kirk; Niethammer, Marc

2014-01-01

Correlative microscopy is a methodology combining the functionality of light microscopy with the high resolution of electron microscopy and other microscopy technologies for the same biological specimen. In this paper, we propose an image registration method for correlative microscopy, which is challenging due to the distinct appearance of biological structures when imaged with different modalities. Our method is based on image analogies and allows to transform images of a given modality into the appearance-space of another modality. Hence, the registration between two different types of microscopy images can be transformed to a mono-modality image registration. We use a sparse representation model to obtain image analogies. The method makes use of corresponding image training patches of two different imaging modalities to learn a dictionary capturing appearance relations. We test our approach on backscattered electron (BSE) scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/confocal images. We perform rigid, affine, and deformable registration via B-splines and show improvements over direct registration using both mutual information and sum of squared differences similarity measures to account for differences in image appearance. PMID:24387943

Hybrid fluorescence and electron cryo-microscopy for simultaneous electron and photon imaging.

PubMed

Iijima, Hirofumi; Fukuda, Yoshiyuki; Arai, Yoshihiro; Terakawa, Susumu; Yamamoto, Naoki; Nagayama, Kuniaki

2014-01-01

Integration of fluorescence light and transmission electron microscopy into the same device would represent an important advance in correlative microscopy, which traditionally involves two separate microscopes for imaging. To achieve such integration, the primary technical challenge that must be solved regards how to arrange two objective lenses used for light and electron microscopy in such a manner that they can properly focus on a single specimen. To address this issue, both lateral displacement of the specimen between two lenses and specimen rotation have been proposed. Such movement of the specimen allows sequential collection of two kinds of microscopic images of a single target, but prevents simultaneous imaging. This shortcoming has been made up by using a simple optical device, a reflection mirror. Here, we present an approach toward the versatile integration of fluorescence and electron microscopy for simultaneous imaging. The potential of simultaneous hybrid microscopy was demonstrated by fluorescence and electron sequential imaging of a fluorescent protein expressed in cells and cathodoluminescence imaging of fluorescent beads. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[application of the analytical transmission electron microscopy techniques for detection, identification and visualization of localization of nanoparticles of titanium and cerium oxides in mammalian cells].

PubMed

Shebanova, A S; Bogdanov, A G; Ismagulova, T T; Feofanov, A V; Semenyuk, P I; Muronets, V I; Erokhina, M V; Onishchenko, G E; Kirpichnikov, M P; Shaitan, K V

2014-01-01

This work represents the results of the study on applicability of the modern methods of analytical transmission electron microscopy for detection, identification and visualization of localization of nanoparticles of titanium and cerium oxides in A549 cell, human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. A comparative analysis of images of the nanoparticles in the cells obtained in the bright field mode of transmission electron microscopy, under dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron was performed. For identification of nanoparticles in the cells the analytical techniques, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, were compared when used in the mode of obtaining energy spectrum from different particles and element mapping. It was shown that the method for electron tomography is applicable to confirm that nanoparticles are localized in the sample but not coated by contamination. The possibilities and fields of utilizing different techniques for analytical transmission electron microscopy for detection, visualization and identification of nanoparticles in the biological samples are discussed.

Development and characterization of plasma targets for controlled injection of electrons into laser-driven wakefields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleinwaechter, Tobias; Goldberg, Lars; Palmer, Charlotte; Schaper, Lucas; Schwinkendorf, Jan-Patrick; Osterhoff, Jens

2012-10-01

Laser-driven wakefield acceleration within capillary discharge waveguides has been used to generate high-quality electron bunches with GeV-scale energies. However, owing to fluctuations in laser and plasma conditions in combination with a difficult to control self-injection mechanism in the non-linear wakefield regime these bunches are often not reproducible and can feature large energy spreads. Specialized plasma targets with tailored density profiles offer the possibility to overcome these issues by controlling the injection and acceleration processes. This requires precise manipulation of the longitudinal density profile. Therefore our target concept is based on a capillary structure with multiple gas in- and outlets. Potential target designs are simulated using the fluid code OpenFOAM and those meeting the specified criteria are fabricated using femtosecond-laser machining of structures into sapphire plates. Density profiles are measured over a range of inlet pressures utilizing gas-density profilometry via Raman scattering and pressure calibration with longitudinal interferometry. In combination these allow absolute density mapping. Here we report the preliminary results.

Characterization of PLD grown WO3 thin films for gas sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyadjiev, Stefan I.; Georgieva, Velichka; Stefan, Nicolaie; Stan, George E.; Mihailescu, Natalia; Visan, Anita; Mihailescu, Ion N.; Besleaga, Cristina; Szilágyi, Imre M.

2017-09-01

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with the aim to be applied in gas sensors. The films were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and profilometry. To study the gas sensing behavior of these WO3 films, they were deposited on quartz resonators and the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method was applied to analyze their gas sensitivity. Synthesis of tetragonal-WO3 films starting from a target with predominantly monoclinic WO3 phase was observed. The films deposited at 300 °C presented a surface topology favorable for the sorption properties, consisting of a film matrix with protruding craters/cavities. QCM prototype sensors with such films were tested for NO2 sensing. The PLD grown WO3 thin films show good sensitivity and fast reaction at room temperature, even in as-deposited state. With the presented technology, the manufacturing of QCM gas sensors is simple, fast and cost-effective, and it is also suitable for energy-effective portable equipment for on-line monitoring of environmental changes.

Detection of Anomalous Machining Damages in Inconel 718 and TI 6-4 by Eddy Current Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, C. C. H.; Shimon, M.; Nakagawa, N.

2010-02-01

This paper reports on an eddy current (EC) study aimed at detecting anomalous machining damages in Inconel 718 and Ti 6-4 samples, including (i) surface discontinuities such as re-depositing of chips onto the machined surface, and (ii) microstructural damages manifested as a white surface layer and a subsurface layer of distorted grains, typically tens of microns thick. A series of pristine and machine-damaged coupons were studied by EC scans using a differential probe operated at 2 MHz to detect discontinuous surface anomalies, and by swept high frequency EC (SHFEC) measurements from 0.5 MHz to 65.5 MHz using proprietary detection coils to detect surface microstructural damages. In general, the EC c-scan data from machine-damaged surfaces show spatial variations with larger standard deviations than those from the undamaged surfaces. In some cases, the c-scan images exhibit characteristic bipolar indications in good spatial correlation with surface anomalies revealed by optical microscopy and laser profilometry. Results of the SHFEC measurements indicate a reduced near-surface conductivity of the damaged surfaces compared to the undamaged surfaces.

Measuring UV Curing Parameters of Commercial Photopolymers used in Additive Manufacturing.

PubMed

Bennett, Joe

2017-12-01

A testing methodology was developed to expose photopolymer resins and measure the cured material to determine two key parameters related to the photopolymerization process: E c (critical energy to initiate polymerization) and D p (penetration depth of curing light). Five commercially available resins were evaluated under exposure from 365 nm and 405 nm light at varying power densities and energies. Three different methods for determining the thickness of the cured resin were evaluated. Caliper measurements, stylus profilometry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed similar results for hard materials while caliper measurement of a soft, elastomeric material proved inaccurate. Working curves for the five photopolymers showed unique behavior both within and among the resins as a function of curing light wavelength. E c and D p for the five resins showed variations as large as 10×. Variations of this magnitude, if unknown to the user and not controlled for, will clearly affect printed part quality. This points to the need for a standardized approach for determining and disseminating these, and perhaps, other key parameters.

Influence of the powder mixture composition on the deposition coefficient and the properties of NI+B4C CGDS coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosarev, V. F.; Polukhin, A. A.; Ryashin, N. S.; Fomin, V. M.; Shikalov, V. S.

2017-07-01

The cold gas dynamic spray (CGDS) method used to form composite Ni+B4C coatings from mechanical powder mixture with various content of abrasive components is investigated, and the surface and microstructure of these coatings are considered. An experimental dependence of the deposition coefficient on the abrasive content in the mechanical powder mixture is obtained. The coatings are studied by interference profilometry, optical microscopy, and microindentation methods. The dependence of the bulk and mass B4C content in the sprayed material on the abrasive content in the sprayed powder mixture is obtained. The bulk B4C content in the coating c V ≈ 0.27 is attained. The dependence of the microhardness of composite CGDS coatings on the boron carbide content in them is investigated. The results of this paper demonstrate that the powder mixture composition significantly affects the CGDS coating growth and the properties of these coatings and can be used to control the properties of the CGDS cermet materials.

Magnetic Fluid Friction and Wear Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keith, Theo G., Jr.

1998-01-01

The friction and wear properties of two groups of magnetic fluids, one developed at NASA Lewis Research Center and a commercial fluid, were evaluated for boundary lubrication. Friction and wear measurements were made using a pin-on-disk apparatus. Three different ball materials were evaluated, (1) 440C, (2) Al2O3, and (3) Si3N4 against 440C disks. The first class of magnetic fluids have a low vapor pressure hydrocarbon base oil and are suitable for space application. Four variations of this fluid were evaluated: (1) the base oil, (2) base oil with anti-wear additives, (3) a 100 Gauss strength magnetic fluid, and (4) a 400 gauss magnetic fluid. The commercial fluid base oil and four different magnetic particle concentration levels have been evaluated. A space qualified fluorinated lubricant was tested for base line comparison. Hardness, optical microscopy, surface profilometry, and surface analysis were used to characterize the test specimens. Friction was unaffected by the concentration of magnetic particles. Wear rates for magnetic fluids were slightly higher than the base oil. The low vapor pressure magnetic fluid has better wear characteristics than the space qualified fluorinated lubricant.

Chemistry Viewed through the Eyes of High-Resolution Microscopy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beer, Michael; And Others

1981-01-01

This special report, prepared by several chemists working in the field of electron microscopy, provides information regarding the most recent developments in transmission and scanning electron microscopy that have chemical significance. (CS)

Correlative scanning-transmission electron microscopy reveals that a chimeric flavivirus is released as individual particles in secretory vesicles.

PubMed

Burlaud-Gaillard, Julien; Sellin, Caroline; Georgeault, Sonia; Uzbekov, Rustem; Lebos, Claude; Guillaume, Jean-Marc; Roingeard, Philippe

2014-01-01

The intracellular morphogenesis of flaviviruses has been well described, but flavivirus release from the host cell remains poorly documented. We took advantage of the optimized production of an attenuated chimeric yellow fever/dengue virus for vaccine purposes to study this phenomenon by microscopic approaches. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the release of numerous viral particles at the cell surface through a short-lived process. For transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the intracellular ultrastructure of the small number of cells releasing viral particles at a given time, we developed a new correlative microscopy method: CSEMTEM (for correlative scanning electron microscopy - transmission electron microscopy). CSEMTEM analysis suggested that chimeric flavivirus particles were released as individual particles, in small exocytosis vesicles, via a regulated secretory pathway. Our morphological findings provide new insight into interactions between flaviviruses and cells and demonstrate that CSEMTEM is a useful new method, complementary to SEM observations of biological events by intracellular TEM investigations.

Correlative Scanning-Transmission Electron Microscopy Reveals that a Chimeric Flavivirus Is Released as Individual Particles in Secretory Vesicles

PubMed Central

Burlaud-Gaillard, Julien; Sellin, Caroline; Georgeault, Sonia; Uzbekov, Rustem; Lebos, Claude; Guillaume, Jean-Marc; Roingeard, Philippe

2014-01-01

The intracellular morphogenesis of flaviviruses has been well described, but flavivirus release from the host cell remains poorly documented. We took advantage of the optimized production of an attenuated chimeric yellow fever/dengue virus for vaccine purposes to study this phenomenon by microscopic approaches. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the release of numerous viral particles at the cell surface through a short-lived process. For transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the intracellular ultrastructure of the small number of cells releasing viral particles at a given time, we developed a new correlative microscopy method: CSEMTEM (for correlative scanning electron microscopy - transmission electron microscopy). CSEMTEM analysis suggested that chimeric flavivirus particles were released as individual particles, in small exocytosis vesicles, via a regulated secretory pathway. Our morphological findings provide new insight into interactions between flaviviruses and cells and demonstrate that CSEMTEM is a useful new method, complementary to SEM observations of biological events by intracellular TEM investigations. PMID:24681578

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

Writing silica structures in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

van de Put, Marcel W P; Carcouët, Camille C M C; Bomans, Paul H H; Friedrich, Heiner; de Jonge, Niels; Sommerdijk, Nico A J M

2015-02-04

Silica nanoparticles are imaged in solution with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using a liquid cell with silicon nitride (SiN) membrane windows. The STEM images reveal that silica structures are deposited in well-defined patches on the upper SiN membranes upon electron beam irradiation. The thickness of the deposits is linear with the applied electron dose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrate that the deposited patches are a result of the merging of the original 20 nm-diameter nanoparticles, and that the related surface roughness depends on the electron dose rate used. Using this approach, sub-micrometer scale structures are written on the SiN in liquid by controlling the electron exposure as function of the lateral position. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

X-ray microscopy as an approach to increasing accuracy and efficiency of serial block-face imaging for correlated light and electron microscopy of biological specimens.

PubMed

Bushong, Eric A; Johnson, Donald D; Kim, Keun-Young; Terada, Masako; Hatori, Megumi; Peltier, Steven T; Panda, Satchidananda; Merkle, Arno; Ellisman, Mark H

2015-02-01

The recently developed three-dimensional electron microscopic (EM) method of serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) has rapidly established itself as a powerful imaging approach. Volume EM imaging with this scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method requires intense staining of biological specimens with heavy metals to allow sufficient back-scatter electron signal and also to render specimens sufficiently conductive to control charging artifacts. These more extreme heavy metal staining protocols render specimens light opaque and make it much more difficult to track and identify regions of interest (ROIs) for the SBEM imaging process than for a typical thin section transmission electron microscopy correlative light and electron microscopy study. We present a strategy employing X-ray microscopy (XRM) both for tracking ROIs and for increasing the efficiency of the workflow used for typical projects undertaken with SBEM. XRM was found to reveal an impressive level of detail in tissue heavily stained for SBEM imaging, allowing for the identification of tissue landmarks that can be subsequently used to guide data collection in the SEM. Furthermore, specific labeling of individual cells using diaminobenzidine is detectable in XRM volumes. We demonstrate that tungsten carbide particles or upconverting nanophosphor particles can be used as fiducial markers to further increase the precision and efficiency of SBEM imaging.

X-ray Microscopy as an Approach to Increasing Accuracy and Efficiency of Serial Block-face Imaging for Correlated Light and Electron Microscopy of Biological Specimens

PubMed Central

Bushong, Eric A.; Johnson, Donald D.; Kim, Keun-Young; Terada, Masako; Hatori, Megumi; Peltier, Steven T.; Panda, Satchidananda; Merkle, Arno; Ellisman, Mark H.

2015-01-01

The recently developed three-dimensional electron microscopic (EM) method of serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) has rapidly established itself as a powerful imaging approach. Volume EM imaging with this scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method requires intense staining of biological specimens with heavy metals to allow sufficient back-scatter electron signal and also to render specimens sufficiently conductive to control charging artifacts. These more extreme heavy metal staining protocols render specimens light opaque and make it much more difficult to track and identify regions of interest (ROIs) for the SBEM imaging process than for a typical thin section transmission electron microscopy correlative light and electron microscopy study. We present a strategy employing X-ray microscopy (XRM) both for tracking ROIs and for increasing the efficiency of the workflow used for typical projects undertaken with SBEM. XRM was found to reveal an impressive level of detail in tissue heavily stained for SBEM imaging, allowing for the identification of tissue landmarks that can be subsequently used to guide data collection in the SEM. Furthermore, specific labeling of individual cells using diaminobenzidine is detectable in XRM volumes. We demonstrate that tungsten carbide particles or upconverting nanophosphor particles can be used as fiducial markers to further increase the precision and efficiency of SBEM imaging. PMID:25392009

Correlative cryo-fluorescence light microscopy and cryo-electron tomography of Streptomyces.

PubMed

Koning, Roman I; Celler, Katherine; Willemse, Joost; Bos, Erik; van Wezel, Gilles P; Koster, Abraham J

2014-01-01

Light microscopy and electron microscopy are complementary techniques that in a correlative approach enable identification and targeting of fluorescently labeled structures in situ for three-dimensional imaging at nanometer resolution. Correlative imaging allows electron microscopic images to be positioned in a broader temporal and spatial context. We employed cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), combining cryo-fluorescence light microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, on vitrified Streptomyces bacteria to study cell division. Streptomycetes are mycelial bacteria that grow as long hyphae and reproduce via sporulation. On solid media, Streptomyces subsequently form distinct aerial mycelia where cell division leads to the formation of unigenomic spores which separate and disperse to form new colonies. In liquid media, only vegetative hyphae are present divided by noncell separating crosswalls. Their multicellular life style makes them exciting model systems for the study of bacterial development and cell division. Complex intracellular structures have been visualized with transmission electron microscopy. Here, we describe the methods for cryo-CLEM that we applied for studying Streptomyces. These methods include cell growth, fluorescent labeling, cryo-fixation by vitrification, cryo-light microscopy using a Linkam cryo-stage, image overlay and relocation, cryo-electron tomography using a Titan Krios, and tomographic reconstruction. Additionally, methods for segmentation, volume rendering, and visualization of the correlative data are described. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Versatile High-Vacuum Cryo-transfer System for Cryo-microscopy and Analytics

PubMed Central

Tacke, Sebastian; Krzyzanek, Vladislav; Nüsse, Harald; Wepf, Roger Albert; Klingauf, Jürgen; Reichelt, Rudolf

2016-01-01

Cryogenic microscopy methods have gained increasing popularity, as they offer an unaltered view on the architecture of biological specimens. As a prerequisite, samples must be handled under cryogenic conditions below their recrystallization temperature, and contamination during sample transfer and handling must be prevented. We present a high-vacuum cryo-transfer system that streamlines the entire handling of frozen-hydrated samples from the vitrification process to low temperature imaging for scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A template for cryo-electron microscopy and multimodal cryo-imaging approaches with numerous sample transfer steps is presented. PMID:26910419

The New Electron Microscopy: Cells and Molecules in Three Dimensions | Poster

Cancer.gov

NCI recently announced the launch of the new National Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility (NCEF) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR). The launch comes while cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is enjoying the spotlight as a newly emerging, rapidly evolving technology with the potential to revolutionize the field of structural biology. Read more...

Crystal structure of stacking faults in InGaAs/InAlAs/InAs heterostructures

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

Trunkin, I. N.; Presniakov, M. Yu.; Vasiliev, A. L., E-mail: a.vasiliev56@gmail.com

Stacking faults and dislocations in InGaAs/InAlAs/InAs heterostructures have been studied by electron microscopy. The use of different techniques of transmission electron microscopy (primarily, highresolution dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy) has made it possible to determine the defect structure at the atomic level.

Near-infrared branding efficiently correlates light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Bishop, Derron; Nikić, Ivana; Brinkoetter, Mary; Knecht, Sharmon; Potz, Stephanie; Kerschensteiner, Martin; Misgeld, Thomas

2011-06-05

The correlation of light and electron microscopy of complex tissues remains a major challenge. Here we report near-infrared branding (NIRB), which facilitates such correlation by using a pulsed, near-infrared laser to create defined fiducial marks in three dimensions in fixed tissue. As these marks are fluorescent and can be photo-oxidized to generate electron contrast, they can guide re-identification of previously imaged structures as small as dendritic spines by electron microscopy.

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

PubMed Central

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

2018-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-01

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

Advantages of indium-tin oxide-coated glass slides in correlative scanning electron microscopy applications of uncoated cultured cells.

PubMed

Pluk, H; Stokes, D J; Lich, B; Wieringa, B; Fransen, J

2009-03-01

A method of direct visualization by correlative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence light microscopy of cell structures of tissue cultured cells grown on conductive glass slides is described. We show that by growing cells on indium-tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass slides, secondary electron (SE) and backscatter electron (BSE) images of uncoated cells can be obtained in high-vacuum SEM without charging artefacts. Interestingly, we observed that BSE imaging is influenced by both accelerating voltage and ITO coating thickness. By combining SE and BSE imaging with fluorescence light microscopy imaging, we were able to reveal detailed features of actin cytoskeletal and mitochondrial structures in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We propose that the application of ITO glass as a substrate for cell culture can easily be extended and offers new opportunities for correlative light and electron microscopy studies of adherently growing cells.

Retraction: Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60 keV to 200 keV in electron microscopy Retraction: Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60 keV to 200 keV in electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, J. A.; Plackett, R.; Shipsey, I.; dos Santos, J. M. F.

2018-01-01

The paper "Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60keV to 200keV in electron microscopy" by J.A. Mir, R. Plackett, I. Shipsey and J.M.F. dos Santos has been retracted following the authors' request on the basis of the existence of a disagreement about the ownership of the data, to prevent conflict between collaborators.

Spatial Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber.

PubMed

Nguyen, Kayla X; Holtz, Megan E; Richmond-Decker, Justin; Muller, David A

2016-08-01

A long-standing goal of electron microscopy has been the high-resolution characterization of specimens in their native environment. However, electron optics require high vacuum to maintain an unscattered and focused probe, a challenge for specimens requiring atmospheric or liquid environments. Here, we use an electron-transparent window at the base of a scanning electron microscope's objective lens to separate column vacuum from the specimen, enabling imaging under ambient conditions, without a specimen vacuum chamber. We demonstrate in-air imaging of specimens at nanoscale resolution using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (airSEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We explore resolution and contrast using Monte Carlo simulations and analytical models. We find that nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained at gas path lengths up to 400 μm, although contrast drops with increasing gas path length. As the electron-transparent window scatters considerably more than gas at our operating conditions, we observe that the densities and thicknesses of the electron-transparent window are the dominant limiting factors for image contrast at lower operating voltages. By enabling a variety of detector configurations, the airSEM is applicable to a wide range of environmental experiments including the imaging of hydrated biological specimens and in situ chemical and electrochemical processes.

Spatial Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Without a Specimen Vacuum Chamber

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

Nguyen, Kayla X.; Holtz, Megan E.; Richmond-Decker, Justin

2016-07-25

Abstract A long-standing goal of electron microscopy has been the high-resolution characterization of specimens in their native environment. However, electron optics require high vacuum to maintain an unscattered and focused probe, a challenge for specimens requiring atmospheric or liquid environments. Here, we use an electron-transparent window at the base of a scanning electron microscope’s objective lens to separate column vacuum from the specimen, enabling imaging under ambient conditions, without a specimen vacuum chamber. We demonstrate in-air imaging of specimens at nanoscale resolution using backscattered scanning electron microscopy (airSEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We explore resolution and contrast using Montemore » Carlo simulations and analytical models. We find that nanometer-scale resolution can be obtained at gas path lengths up to 400μm, although contrast drops with increasing gas path length. As the electron-transparent window scatters considerably more than gas at our operating conditions, we observe that the densities and thicknesses of the electron-transparent window are the dominant limiting factors for image contrast at lower operating voltages. By enabling a variety of detector configurations, the airSEM is applicable to a wide range of environmental experiments including the imaging of hydrated biological specimens andin situchemical and electrochemical processes.« less

The Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation in Environmental Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Whole Cells in Liquid.

PubMed

Hermannsdörfer, Justus; Tinnemann, Verena; Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2016-06-01

Whole cells can be studied in their native liquid environment using electron microscopy, and unique information about the locations and stoichiometry of individual membrane proteins can be obtained from many cells thus taking cell heterogeneity into account. Of key importance for the further development of this microscopy technology is knowledge about the effect of electron beam radiation on the samples under investigation. We used environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detection to examine the effect of radiation for whole fixed COS7 fibroblasts in liquid. The main observation was the localization of nanoparticle labels attached to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). It was found that the relative distances between the labels remained mostly unchanged (<1.5%) for electron doses ranging from the undamaged native state at 10 e-/Å2 toward 103 e-/Å2. This dose range was sufficient to determine the EGFR locations with nanometer resolution and to distinguish between monomers and dimers. Various different forms of radiation damage became visible at higher doses, including severe dislocation, and the dissolution of labels.

Chapter 14: Electron Microscopy on Thin Films for Solar Cells

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

Romero, Manuel; Abou-Ras, Daniel; Nichterwitz, Melanie

2016-07-22

This chapter overviews the various techniques applied in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and highlights their possibilities and also limitations. It gives the various imaging and analysis techniques applied on a scanning electron microscope. The chapter shows that imaging is divided into that making use of secondary electrons (SEs) and of backscattered electrons (BSEs), resulting in different contrasts in the images and thus providing information on compositions, microstructures, and surface potentials. Whenever aiming for imaging and analyses at scales of down to the angstroms range, TEM and its related techniques are appropriate tools. In many cases,more » also SEM techniques provide the access to various material properties of the individual layers, not requiring specimen preparation as time consuming as TEM techniques. Finally, the chapter dedicates to cross-sectional specimen preparation for electron microscopy. The preparation decides indeed on the quality of imaging and analyses.« less

Electron microscopy methods in studies of cultural heritage sites

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

Vasiliev, A. L., E-mail: a.vasiliev56@gmail.com; Kovalchuk, M. V.; Yatsishina, E. B.

The history of the development and application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXMA) in studies of cultural heritage sites is considered. In fact, investigations based on these methods began when electron microscopes became a commercial product. Currently, these methods, being developed and improved, help solve many historical enigmas. To date, electron microscopy combined with microanalysis makes it possible to investigate any object, from parchment and wooden articles to pigments, tools, and objects of art. Studies by these methods have revealed that some articles were made by ancient masters using ancient “nanotechnologies”; hence,more » their comprehensive analysis calls for the latest achievements in the corresponding instrumental methods and sample preparation techniques.« less

Electron microscopy methods in studies of cultural heritage sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasiliev, A. L.; Kovalchuk, M. V.; Yatsishina, E. B.

2016-11-01

The history of the development and application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXMA) in studies of cultural heritage sites is considered. In fact, investigations based on these methods began when electron microscopes became a commercial product. Currently, these methods, being developed and improved, help solve many historical enigmas. To date, electron microscopy combined with microanalysis makes it possible to investigate any object, from parchment and wooden articles to pigments, tools, and objects of art. Studies by these methods have revealed that some articles were made by ancient masters using ancient "nanotechnologies"; hence, their comprehensive analysis calls for the latest achievements in the corresponding instrumental methods and sample preparation techniques.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1989-01-01

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

Regional fringe analysis for improving depth measurement in phase-shifting fringe projection profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chien, Kuang-Che Chang; Tu, Han-Yen; Hsieh, Ching-Huang; Cheng, Chau-Jern; Chang, Chun-Yen

2018-01-01

This study proposes a regional fringe analysis (RFA) method to detect the regions of a target object in captured shifted images to improve depth measurement in phase-shifting fringe projection profilometry (PS-FPP). In the RFA method, region-based segmentation is exploited to segment the de-fringed image of a target object, and a multi-level fuzzy-based classification with five presented features is used to analyze and discriminate the regions of an object from the segmented regions, which were associated with explicit fringe information. Then, in the experiment, the performance of the proposed method is tested and evaluated on 26 test cases made of five types of materials. The qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed RFA method can effectively detect the desired regions of an object to improve depth measurement in the PS-FPP system.

Analysis of a new phase and height algorithm in phase measurement profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, Xintian; Zuo, Fen; Cheng, Ju

2018-04-01

Traditional phase measurement profilometry adopts divergent illumination to obtain the height distribution of a measured object accurately. However, the mapping relation between reference plane coordinates and phase distribution must be calculated before measurement. Data are then stored in a computer in the form of a data sheet for standby applications. This study improved the distribution of projected fringes and deducted the phase-height mapping algorithm when the two pupils of the projection and imaging systems are of unequal heights and when the projection and imaging axes are on different planes. With the algorithm, calculating the mapping relation between reference plane coordinates and phase distribution prior to measurement is unnecessary. Thus, the measurement process is simplified, and the construction of an experimental system is made easy. Computer simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the method.

Blind phase error suppression for color-encoded digital fringe projection profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, S.; Zhu, R.; Quan, C.; Li, B.; Tay, C. J.; Chen, L.

2012-04-01

Color-encoded digital fringe projection profilometry (CDFPP) has the advantage of fast speed, non-contact and full-field testing. It is one of the most important dynamic three-dimensional (3D) profile measurement techniques. However, due to factors such as color cross-talk and gamma distortion of electro-optical devices, phase errors arise when conventional phase-shifting algorithms with fixed phase shift values are utilized to retrieve phases. In this paper, a simple and effective blind phase error suppression approach based on isotropic n-dimensional fringe pattern normalization (INFPN) and carrier squeezing interferometry (CSI) is proposed. It does not require pre-calibration for the gamma and color-coupling coefficients or the phase shift values. Simulation and experimental works show that our proposed approach is able to effectively suppress phase errors and achieve accurate measurement results in CDFPP.

Surface characterization protocol for precision aspheric optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarepaka, RamaGopal V.; Sakthibalan, Siva; Doodala, Somaiah; Panwar, Rakesh S.; Kotaria, Rajendra

2017-10-01

In Advanced Optical Instrumentation, Aspherics provide an effective performance alternative. The aspheric fabrication and surface metrology, followed by aspheric design are complementary iterative processes for Precision Aspheric development. As in fabrication, a holistic approach of aspheric surface characterization is adopted to evaluate actual surface error and to aim at the deliverance of aspheric optics with desired surface quality. Precision optical surfaces are characterized by profilometry or by interferometry. Aspheric profiles are characterized by contact profilometers, through linear surface scans to analyze their Form, Figure and Finish errors. One must ensure that, the surface characterization procedure does not add to the resident profile errors (generated during the aspheric surface fabrication). This presentation examines the errors introduced post-surface generation and during profilometry of aspheric profiles. This effort is to identify sources of errors and is to optimize the metrology process. The sources of error during profilometry may be due to: profilometer settings, work-piece placement on the profilometer stage, selection of zenith/nadir points of aspheric profiles, metrology protocols, clear aperture - diameter analysis, computational limitations of the profiler and the software issues etc. At OPTICA, a PGI 1200 FTS contact profilometer (Taylor-Hobson make) is used for this study. Precision Optics of various profiles are studied, with due attention to possible sources of errors during characterization, with multi-directional scan approach for uniformity and repeatability of error estimation. This study provides an insight of aspheric surface characterization and helps in optimal aspheric surface production methodology.

Microscopy and microanalysis 1996

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

Bailey, G.W.; Corbett, J.M.; Dimlich, R.V.W.

1996-12-31

The Proceedings of this Annual Meeting contain paper of members from the three societies. These proceedings emphasizes the common research interests and attempts to eliminate some unwanted overlap. Topics covered are: microscopic analysis of animals with altered gene expression and in-situ gene and antibody localizations, high-resolution elemental mapping of nucleoprofein interactions, plant biology and pathology, quantitative HREM analysis of perfect and defected materials, computational methods for TEM image analysis, high-resolution FESM in materials research, frontiers in polymer microscopy and microanalysis, oxidation and corrosion, micro XRD and XRF, molecular microspectroscopy and spectral imaging, advances in confocal and multidimensional light microscopy, analyticalmore » electron microscopy in biology, correlative microscopy in biological sciences, grain-boundary microengineering, surfaces and interfaces, telepresence microscopy in education and research, MSA educational outreach, quantitative electron probe microanalysis, frontiers of analytical electron microscopy, critical issues in ceramic microstructures, dynamic organization of the cell, pathology, microbiology, high-resolution biological and cryo SEM, and scanning-probe microscopy.« less

Tissue and cellular localization of tannins in Tunisian dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by light and transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Hammouda, Hédi; Alvarado, Camille; Bouchet, Brigitte; Kalthoum-Chérif, Jamila; Trabelsi-Ayadi, Malika; Guyot, Sylvain

2014-07-16

A histological approach including light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to provide accurate information on the localization of condensed tannins in the edible tissues and in the stone of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Light microscopy was carried out on fresh tissues after staining by 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMACA) for a specific detection of condensed tannins. Thus, whether under light microscopy or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), results showed that tannins are not located in the epidermis but more deeply in the mesocarp in the vacuole of very large cells. Regarding the stones, tannins are found in a specific cell layer located at 50 μm from the sclereid cells of the testa.

Liquid scanning transmission electron microscopy: imaging protein complexes in their native environment in whole eukaryotic cells.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; de Jonge, Niels

2014-04-01

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of specimens in liquid, so-called Liquid STEM, is capable of imaging the individual subunits of macromolecular complexes in whole eukaryotic cells in liquid. This paper discusses this new microscopy modality within the context of state-of-the-art microscopy of cells. The principle of operation and equations for the resolution are described. The obtained images are different from those acquired with standard transmission electron microscopy showing the cellular ultrastructure. Instead, contrast is obtained on specific labels. Images can be recorded in two ways, either via STEM at 200 keV electron beam energy using a microfluidic chamber enclosing the cells, or via environmental scanning electron microscopy at 30 keV of cells in a wet environment. The first series of experiments involved the epidermal growth factor receptor labeled with gold nanoparticles. The labels were imaged in whole fixed cells with nanometer resolution. Since the cells can be kept alive in the microfluidic chamber, it is also feasible to detect the labels in unfixed, live cells. The rapid sample preparation and imaging allows studies of multiple whole cells.

Advanced Nanoscale Thin Film & Bulk Materials Towards Thermoelectric Power Conversion Efficiencies of 30%

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-27

Electron Microscopy. Detailed Kronig -Penny (K-P)) modeling of electron transport through these superlattices suggests an estimated e-h transition energy...superalttices was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Detailed Kronig -Penny (K-P)) modeling of electron transport through these superlattices

New modes of electron microscopy for materials science enabled by fast direct electron detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minor, Andrew

There is an ongoing revolution in the development of electron detector technology that has enabled modes of electron microscopy imaging that had only before been theorized. The age of electron microscopy as a tool for imaging is quickly giving way to a new frontier of multidimensional datasets to be mined. These improvements in electron detection have enabled cryo-electron microscopy to resolve the three-dimensional structures of non-crystalized proteins, revolutionizing structural biology. In the physical sciences direct electron detectors has enabled four-dimensional reciprocal space maps of materials at atomic resolution, providing all the structural information about nanoscale materials in one experiment. This talk will highlight the impact of direct electron detectors for materials science, including a new method of scanning nanobeam diffraction. With faster detectors we can take a series of 2D diffraction patterns at each position in a 2D STEM raster scan resulting in a four-dimensional data set. For thin film analysis, direct electron detectors hold the potential to enable strain, polarization, composition and electrical field mapping over relatively large fields of view, all from a single experiment.

Three-Dimensional Intercalated Porous Graphene on Si(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Trung T.; Sporken, Robert

2018-02-01

Three-dimensional intercalated porous graphene has been formed on Si(111) by electron beam evaporation under appropriate conditions and its structural and electronic properties investigated in detail by reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. The results show that the crystalline quality of the porous graphene depended not only on the substrate temperature but also on the SiC layer thickness during carbon atom deposition.

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy | Materials Science | NREL

Science.gov Websites

mode by collecting the EDS and EELS signals point-by-point as one scans the electron probe across the . Examples of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Capabilities Z-contrast image microphoto taken by

Diagnostic electron microscopy

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

Dickersin, G.R.

1988-01-01

In this book the author presents a comprehensive reference text on diagnostic electron microscopy. Throughout the book he illustrates how ultrastructural identification can be helpful for the recognition of cell type and the identification of mechanisms of pathogenesis in various diseases. In addition to electron microscopy photographs, there are also numerous light microscopy photographs for comparison. This text presents the classification of neoplasms in the order and arrangement most familiar to the pathologist. Contents: Introduction; Diagram of a Normal Cell; Normal Cell Function; Embryology; Neoplasms; Infectious Agents; Metabolic Diseases; Renal Diseases; Skeletal Muscle and Peripheral Nerve Diseases; Index.

Effects of Polishing Bur Application Force and Reuse on Sintered Zirconia Surface Topography.

PubMed

Fischer, N G; Tsujimoto, A; Baruth, A G

2018-03-16

Limited information is available on how to polish and finish zirconia surfaces following computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), specifically, how differing application forces and reuse of zirconia polishing systems affect zirconia topography. To determine the effect of differing, clinically relevant, polishing application forces and multiple usages of polishing burs on the surface topography of CAD/CAM zirconia. One hundred twenty 220-grit carbide finished zirconia disks were sintered according to manufacturer's directions and divided into two groups for the study of two coarse polishing bur types. Each group was divided into subgroups for polishing (15,000 rpm) at 15 seconds for 1.0 N, 4.5 N, or 11 N of force using a purpose-built fixture. Subgroups were further divided to study the effects of polishing for the first, fifth, 15th, and 30th bur use, simulating clinical procedures. Unpolished surfaces served as a control group. Surfaces were imaged with noncontact optical profilometry (OP) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure average roughness values (Ra). Polishing burs were optically examined for wear. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on burs and zirconia surfaces. One-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD (honest significant difference) tests (α=0.05) were used for statistical analyses. AFM and OP Ra values of all polished surfaces were significantly lower than those of the unpolished control. Different polishing forces and bur reuse showed no significant differences in AFM Ra. However, significant differences in OP Ra were found due to differing application forces and bur reuse between the first and subsequent uses. SEM and optical micrographs revealed notable bur wear, increasing with increasing reuse. SEM and AFM micrographs clearly showed polished, periodic zirconia surfaces. Nanoscale topography, as analyzed with kurtosis and average groove depth, was found dependent on the specific polishing bur type. These in vitro results suggest changes in OP Ra due to bur reuse and polishing application force. Within the parameters of this study, the resultant topography of zirconia polishing is force-dependent and the reuse of coarse polishing burs is possible without statistically significant differences in Ra values after initial use. Nanoscale and microscale topography were shown to depend on specific polishing bur type.

HALE STAIN FOR SIALIC ACID-CONTAINING MUCINS. ADAPTATION TO ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.

PubMed

GASIC, G; BERWICK, L

1963-10-01

The feasibility of using the Hale stain to identify cellular sialic acid-containing mucins by electron microscopy was investigated. Three kinds of mouse ascites tumor cells were fixed in neutral buffered formalin, exposed to fresh colloidal ferric oxide, treated with potassium ferrocyanide, imbedded in Selectron, and sectioned for electron microscopy. Additional staining with uranyl acetate and potassium permanganate was done after sectioning in order to increase contrast. Those cells known to be coated with sialomucin showed deposits of electron-opaque ferric ferrocyanide crystals in the areas where sialomucin concentrations were expected. When these cells were treated with neuraminidase beforehand, these deposits did not appear. It was concluded that, with the precautions and modifications described, the Hale stain can be successfully combined with electron microscopy to identify sialomucin.

Perspectives on in situ electron microscopy

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

Zheng, Haimei; Zhu, Yimei

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the ability to reveal materials dynamic processes with high spatial and temporal resolution has attracted significant interest. The recent advances in in situ methods, including liquid and gas sample environment, pump-probe ultrafast microscopy, nanomechanics and ferroelectric domain switching the aberration corrected electron optics as well as fast electron detector has opened new opportunities to extend the impact of in situ TEM in broad areas of research ranging from materials science to chemistry, physics and biology. Here in this paper, we highlight the development of liquid environment electron microscopy and its applications in themore » study of colloidal nanoparticle growth, electrochemical processes and others; in situ study of topological vortices in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials. At the end, perspectives of future in situ TEM are provided.« less

Perspectives on in situ electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Zheng, Haimei; Zhu, Yimei

2017-03-29

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the ability to reveal materials dynamic processes with high spatial and temporal resolution has attracted significant interest. The recent advances in in situ methods, including liquid and gas sample environment, pump-probe ultrafast microscopy, nanomechanics and ferroelectric domain switching the aberration corrected electron optics as well as fast electron detector has opened new opportunities to extend the impact of in situ TEM in broad areas of research ranging from materials science to chemistry, physics and biology. Here in this paper, we highlight the development of liquid environment electron microscopy and its applications in themore » study of colloidal nanoparticle growth, electrochemical processes and others; in situ study of topological vortices in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials. At the end, perspectives of future in situ TEM are provided.« less

Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)-in-SEM for Bio- and Organo-Mineral Interface Characterization in the Environment.

PubMed

Wille, Guillaume; Hellal, Jennifer; Ollivier, Patrick; Richard, Annie; Burel, Agnes; Jolly, Louis; Crampon, Marc; Michel, Caroline

2017-12-01

Understanding biofilm interactions with surrounding substratum and pollutants/particles can benefit from the application of existing microscopy tools. Using the example of biofilm interactions with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI), this study aims to apply various approaches in biofilm preparation and labeling for fluorescent or electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) microanalysis for accurate observations. According to the targeted microscopy method, biofilms were sampled as flocs or attached biofilm, submitted to labeling using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindol, lectins PNA and ConA coupled to fluorescent dye or gold nanoparticles, and prepared for observation (fixation, cross-section, freezing, ultramicrotomy). Fluorescent microscopy revealed that nZVI were embedded in the biofilm structure as aggregates but the resolution was insufficient to observe individual nZVI. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed nZVI aggregates close to bacteria, but it was not possible to confirm direct interactions between nZVI and cell membranes. Scanning transmission electron microscopy in the SEM (STEM-in-SEM) showed that nZVI aggregates could enter the biofilm to a depth of 7-11 µm. Bacteria were surrounded by a ring of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) preventing direct nZVI/membrane interactions. STEM/EDS mapping revealed a co-localization of nZVI aggregates with lectins suggesting a potential role of EPS in nZVI embedding. Thus, the combination of divergent microscopy approaches is a good approach to better understand and characterize biofilm/metal interactions.

Electron microscopy localization and characterization of functionalized composite organic-inorganic SERS nanoparticles on leukemia cells.

PubMed

Koh, Ai Leen; Shachaf, Catherine M; Elchuri, Sailaja; Nolan, Garry P; Sinclair, Robert

2008-12-01

We demonstrate the use of electron microscopy as a powerful characterization tool to identify and locate antibody-conjugated composite organic-inorganic nanoparticle (COINs) surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles on cells. U937 leukemia cells labeled with antibody CD54-conjugated COINs were characterized in their native, hydrated state using wet scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in their dehydrated state using high-resolution SEM. In both cases, the backscattered electron (BSE) detector was used to detect and identify the silver constituents in COINs due to its high sensitivity to atomic number variations within a specimen. The imaging and analytical capabilities in the SEM were further complemented by higher resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) data to give reliable and high-resolution information about nanoparticles and their binding to cell surface antigens.

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

PubMed

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

2011-01-01

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

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

PubMed Central

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

2011-01-01

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

Microscopic 3D measurement of dynamic scene using optimized pulse-width-modulation binary fringe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yan; Chen, Qian; Feng, Shijie; Tao, Tianyang; Li, Hui; Zuo, Chao

2017-10-01

Microscopic 3-D shape measurement can supply accurate metrology of the delicacy and complexity of MEMS components of the final devices to ensure their proper performance. Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) has the advantages of noncontactness and high accuracy, making it widely used in 3-D measurement. Recently, tremendous advance of electronics development promotes 3-D measurements to be more accurate and faster. However, research about real-time microscopic 3-D measurement is still rarely reported. In this work, we effectively combine optimized binary structured pattern with number-theoretical phase unwrapping algorithm to realize real-time 3-D shape measurement. A slight defocusing of our proposed binary patterns can considerably alleviate the measurement error based on phase-shifting FPP, making the binary patterns have the comparable performance with ideal sinusoidal patterns. Real-time 3-D measurement about 120 frames per second (FPS) is achieved, and experimental result of a vibrating earphone is presented.

Aeolian abrasion on Venus: Preliminary results from the Venus simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, J. R.; Greeley, Ronald; Tucker, D. W.; Pollack, J. B.

1987-01-01

The role of atmospheric pressure on aeolian abrasion was examined in the Venus Simulator with a constant temperature of 737 K. Both the rock target and the impactor were fine-grained basalt. The impactor was a 3 mm diameter angular particle chosen to represent a size of material that is entrainable by the dense Venusian atmosphere and potentially abrasive by virtue of its mass. It was projected at the target 10 to the 5 power times at a velocity of 0.7 m/s. The impactor showed a weight loss of approximately 1.2 x 10 to the -9 power gm per impact with the attrition occurring only at the edges. Results from scanning electron microscope analysis, profilometry, and weight measurement are summarized. It is concluded that particles can incur abrasion at Venusian temperatures even with low impact velocities expected for Venus.

Chemical mapping and quantification at the atomic scale by scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Chu, Ming-Wen; Chen, Cheng Hsuan

2013-06-25

With innovative modern material-growth methods, a broad spectrum of fascinating materials with reduced dimensions-ranging from single-atom catalysts, nanoplasmonic and nanophotonic materials to two-dimensional heterostructural interfaces-is continually emerging and extending the new frontiers of materials research. A persistent central challenge in this grand scientific context has been the detailed characterization of the individual objects in these materials with the highest spatial resolution, a problem prompting the need for experimental techniques that integrate both microscopic and spectroscopic capabilities. To date, several representative microscopy-spectroscopy combinations have become available, such as scanning tunneling microscopy, tip-enhanced scanning optical microscopy, atom probe tomography, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Among these tools, STEM boasts unique chemical and electronic sensitivity at unparalleled resolution. In this Perspective, we elucidate the advances in STEM and chemical mapping applications at the atomic scale by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy with a focus on the ultimate challenge of chemical quantification with atomic accuracy.

Neurite density from magnetic resonance diffusion measurements at ultrahigh field: Comparison with light microscopy and electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Jespersen, Sune N.; Bjarkam, Carsten R.; Nyengaard, Jens R.; Chakravarty, M. Mallar; Hansen, Brian; Vosegaard, Thomas; Østergaard, Leif; Yablonskiy, Dmitriy; Nielsen, Niels Chr.; Vestergaard-Poulsen, Peter

2010-01-01

Due to its unique sensitivity to tissue microstructure, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has found many applications in clinical and fundamental science. With few exceptions, a more precise correspondence between physiological or biophysical properties and the obtained diffusion parameters remain uncertain due to lack of specificity. In this work, we address this problem by comparing diffusion parameters of a recently introduced model for water diffusion in brain matter to light microscopy and quantitative electron microscopy. Specifically, we compare diffusion model predictions of neurite density in rats to optical myelin staining intensity and stereological estimation of neurite volume fraction using electron microscopy. We find that the diffusion model describes data better and that its parameters show stronger correlation with optical and electron microscopy, and thus reflect myelinated neurite density better than the more frequently used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cumulant expansion methods. Furthermore, the estimated neurite orientations capture dendritic architecture more faithfully than DTI diffusion ellipsoids. PMID:19732836

Application of high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy to the characterization of nanoparticles in the environment.

PubMed

Utsunomiya, Satoshi; Ewing, Rodney C

2003-02-15

A major challenge to the development of a fundamental understanding of transport and retardation mechanisms of trace metal contaminants (<10 ppm) is their identification and characterization at the nanoscale. Atomic-scale techniques, such as conventional transmission electron microscopy, although powerful, are limited by the extremely small amounts of material that are examined. However, recent advances in electron microscopy provide a number of new analytical techniques that expand its application in environmental studies, particularly those concerning heavy metals on airborne particulates or water-borne colloids. High-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), STEM-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) can be effectively used to identify and characterize nanoparticles. The image contrast in HAADF-STEM is strongly correlated to the atomic mass: heavier elements contribute to brighter contrast. Gold nanocrystals in pyrite and uranium nanocrystals in atmospheric aerosols have been identified by HAADF-STEM and STEM-EDX mapping and subsequently characterized by high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). EFTEM was used to identify U and Fe nanocrystals embedded in an aluminosilicate. A rare, As-bearing nanophase, westerveldite (FeAs), was identified by STEM-EDX and HRTEM. The combined use of these techniques greatly expands the effective application of electron microscopy in environmental studies, especially when applied to metals of very low concentrations. This paper describes examples of how these electron microbeam techniques can be used in combination to characterize a low concentration of heavy metals (a few ppm) on nanoscale particles.

Consecutive light microscopy, scanning-transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of traumatic human brain oedema and ischaemic brain damage.

PubMed

Castejon, O J; Castejon, H V; Diaz, M; Castellano, A

2001-10-01

Cortical biopsies of 11 patients with traumatic brain oedema were consecutively studied by light microscopy (LM) using thick plastic sections, scanning-transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) using semithin plastic sections and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using ultrathin sections. Samples were glutaraldehyde-osmium fixed and embedded in Araldite or Epon. Thick sections were stained with toluidine-blue for light microscopy. Semithin sections were examined unstained and uncoated for (S)TEM. Ultrathin sections were stained with uranyl and lead. Perivascular haemorrhages and perivascular extravasation of proteinaceous oedema fluid were observed in both moderate and severe oedema. Ischaemic pyramidal and non-pyramidal nerve cells appeared shrunken, electron dense and with enlargement of intracytoplasmic membrane compartment. Notably swollen astrocytes were observed in all samples examined. Glycogen-rich and glycogen-depleted astrocytes were identified in anoxic-ischaemic regions. Dark and hydropic satellite, interfascicular and perivascular oligodendrocytes were also found. The status spongiosus of severely oedematous brain parenchyma observed by LM and (S)TEM was correlated with the enlarged extracellular space and disrupted neuropil observed by TEM. The (S)TEM is recommended as a suitable technique for studying pathological processes in the central nervous system and as an informative adjunct to LM and TEM.

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.

Using optical profilometry to characterize cell membrane roughness influenced by amyloid-beta 42 aggregates and electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Huei-Jyuan; Wang, Ruei-Lin; Xiao, Jian-Long; Chang, Yu-Jen; Cheng, Ji-Yen; Chen, Yun-Ru; Lee, Chau-Hwang

2014-01-01

The membrane roughness of Neuro-2a neroblastoma cells is measured by using noninterferometric wide-field optical profilometry. The cells are treated with the fibril and oligomer conformers of amyloid-beta (Aβ) 42, which is a peptide of 42 amino acids related to the development of Alzheimer's disease. We find that both the Aβ42 fibrils and Aβ42 oligomers reduced the cell membrane roughness, but the effect of Aβ42 oligomers was faster and stronger than that of the fibrils. We also apply direct-current electric field (dcEF) stimulations on the cells. A dcEF of 300 mV/mm can increase the membrane roughness under the treatment of Aβ42. These results suggest that Aβ42 can decrease the membrane compliance of live neuroblastoma cells, and dcEFs may counteract this effect.

Fringe-projection profilometry based on two-dimensional empirical mode decomposition.

PubMed

Zheng, Suzhen; Cao, Yiping

2013-11-01

In 3D shape measurement, because deformed fringes often contain low-frequency information degraded with random noise and background intensity information, a new fringe-projection profilometry is proposed based on 2D empirical mode decomposition (2D-EMD). The fringe pattern is first decomposed into numbers of intrinsic mode functions by 2D-EMD. Because the method has partial noise reduction, the background components can be removed to obtain the fundamental components needed to perform Hilbert transformation to retrieve the phase information. The 2D-EMD can effectively extract the modulation phase of a single direction fringe and an inclined fringe pattern because it is a full 2D analysis method and considers the relationship between adjacent lines of a fringe patterns. In addition, as the method does not add noise repeatedly, as does ensemble EMD, the data processing time is shortened. Computer simulations and experiments prove the feasibility of this method.

A layered modulation method for pixel matching in online phase measuring profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongru; Feng, Guoying; Bourgade, Thomas; Yang, Peng; Zhou, Shouhuan; Asundi, Anand

2016-10-01

An online phase measuring profilometry with new layered modulation method for pixel matching is presented. In this method and in contrast with previous modulation matching methods, the captured images are enhanced by Retinex theory for better modulation distribution, and all different layer modulation masks are fully used to determine the displacement of a rectilinear moving object. High, medium and low modulation masks are obtained by performing binary segmentation with iterative Otsu method. The final shifting pixels are calculated based on centroid concept, and after that the aligned fringe patterns can be extracted from each frame. After performing Stoilov algorithm and a series of subsequent operations, the object profile on a translation stage is reconstructed. All procedures are carried out automatically, without setting specific parameters in advance. Numerical simulations are detailed and experimental results verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed approach.

Robust dynamic 3-D measurements with motion-compensated phase-shifting profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Shijie; Zuo, Chao; Tao, Tianyang; Hu, Yan; Zhang, Minliang; Chen, Qian; Gu, Guohua

2018-04-01

Phase-shifting profilometry (PSP) is a widely used approach to high-accuracy three-dimensional shape measurements. However, when it comes to moving objects, phase errors induced by the movement often result in severe artifacts even though a high-speed camera is in use. From our observations, there are three kinds of motion artifacts: motion ripples, motion-induced phase unwrapping errors, and motion outliers. We present a novel motion-compensated PSP to remove the artifacts for dynamic measurements of rigid objects. The phase error of motion ripples is analyzed for the N-step phase-shifting algorithm and is compensated using the statistical nature of the fringes. The phase unwrapping errors are corrected exploiting adjacent reliable pixels, and the outliers are removed by comparing the original phase map with a smoothed phase map. Compared with the three-step PSP, our method can improve the accuracy by more than 95% for objects in motion.

3-D surface profilometry based on modulation measurement by applying wavelet transform method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Min; Chen, Feng; Xiao, Chao; Wei, Yongchao

2017-01-01

A new analysis of 3-D surface profilometry based on modulation measurement technique by the application of Wavelet Transform method is proposed. As a tool excelling for its multi-resolution and localization in the time and frequency domains, Wavelet Transform method with good localized time-frequency analysis ability and effective de-noizing capacity can extract the modulation distribution more accurately than Fourier Transform method. Especially for the analysis of complex object, more details of the measured object can be well remained. In this paper, the theoretical derivation of Wavelet Transform method that obtains the modulation values from a captured fringe pattern is given. Both computer simulation and elementary experiment are used to show the validity of the proposed method by making a comparison with the results of Fourier Transform method. The results show that the Wavelet Transform method has a better performance than the Fourier Transform method in modulation values retrieval.

Carbon contamination in scanning transmission electron microscopy and its impact on phase-plate applications.

PubMed

Hettler, Simon; Dries, Manuel; Hermann, Peter; Obermair, Martin; Gerthsen, Dagmar; Malac, Marek

2017-05-01

We analyze electron-beam induced carbon contamination in a transmission electron microscope. The study is performed on thin films potentially suitable as phase plates for phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy and phase-plate imaging is utilized to analyze the contamination. The deposited contamination layer is identified as a graphitic carbon layer which is not prone to electrostatic charging whereas a non-conductive underlying substrate charges. Several methods that inhibit contamination are evaluated and the impact of carbon contamination on phase-plate imaging is discussed. The findings are in general interesting for scanning transmission electron microscopy applications. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of anterior lenticonus in alport syndrome using tracey wavefront aberrometry and transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Kim, Kwan Soo; Kim, Mo Sae; Kim, Joon Mo; Choi, Chul Young

2010-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of Tracey wavefront aberrometry (Tracey Technologies, Houston, TX) and transmission electron microscopy for the detection of anterior lenticonus in Alport syndrome. Tracey wavefront aberrometry was used to treat a patient with bilateral anterior lenticonus who had a history of Alport syndrome. For transmission electron microscopic examination, anterior lens capsules were obtained during clear lens phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Spherical aberrations were the predominant higher-order aberrations in the internal optics of both eyes. The Tracey wavefront aberrometer showed that most of the irregular astigmatism originated from the lenticular portion. Transmission electron microscopy of the specimens showed anterior lens capsules with decreased thickness and multiple dehiscences. Tracey wavefront aberrometry and transmission electron microscopy are effective tools for evaluation of anterior lenticonus in Alport syndrome. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

On the state of crystallography at the dawn of the electron microscopy revolution.

PubMed

Higgins, Matthew K; Lea, Susan M

2017-10-01

While protein crystallography has, for many years, been the most used method for structural analysis of macromolecular complexes, remarkable recent advances in high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy led to suggestions that 'the revolution will not be crystallised'. Here we highlight the current success rate, speed and ease of modern crystallographic structure determination and some recent triumphs of both 'classical' crystallography and the use of X-ray free electron lasers. We also outline fundamental differences between structure determination using X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. We suggest that crystallography will continue to co-exist with electron microscopy as part of an integrated array of methods, allowing structural biologists to focus on fundamental biological questions rather than being constrained by the methods available. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of ZnS nanoparticle chains on a protein template

PubMed Central

Hulleman, J.; Kim, S. M.; Tumkur, T.; Rochet, J.-C.; Stach, E.; Stanciu, L.

2011-01-01

In the present study, we have exploited the properties of a fibrillar protein for the template synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticle chains. The diameter of the ZnS nanoparticle chains was tuned in range of ~30 to ~165 nm by varying the process variables. The nanoparticle chains were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The effect of incubation temperature on the morphology of the nanoparticle chains was also studied. PMID:21804765

Correlation of live-cell imaging with volume scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Lucas, Miriam S; Günthert, Maja; Bittermann, Anne Greet; de Marco, Alex; Wepf, Roger

2017-01-01

Live-cell imaging is one of the most widely applied methods in live science. Here we describe two setups for live-cell imaging, which can easily be combined with volume SEM for correlative studies. The first procedure applies cell culture dishes with a gridded glass support, which can be used for any light microscopy modality. The second approach is a flow-chamber setup based on Ibidi μ-slides. Both live-cell imaging strategies can be followed up with serial blockface- or focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. Two types of resin embedding after heavy metal staining and dehydration are presented making best use of the particular advantages of each imaging modality: classical en-bloc embedding and thin-layer plastification. The latter can be used only for focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy, but is advantageous for studying cell-interactions with specific substrates, or when the substrate cannot be removed. En-bloc embedding has diverse applications and can be applied for both described volume scanning electron microscopy techniques. Finally, strategies for relocating the cell of interest are discussed for both embedding approaches and in respect to the applied light and scanning electron microscopy methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The importance of transmission electron microscopy analysis of spermatozoa: Diagnostic applications and basic research.

PubMed

Moretti, Elena; Sutera, Gaetano; Collodel, Giulia

2016-06-01

This review is aimed at discussing the role of ultrastructural studies on human spermatozoa and evaluating transmission electron microscopy as a diagnostic tool that can complete andrology protocols. It is clear that morphological sperm defects may explain decreased fertilizing potential and acquire particular value in the field of male infertility. Electron microscopy is the best method to identify systematic or monomorphic and non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. The systematic defects are characterized by a particular anomaly that affects the vast majority of spermatozoa in a semen sample, whereas a heterogeneous combination of head and tail defects found in variable percentages are typically non-systematic or polymorphic sperm defects. A correct diagnosis of these specific sperm alterations is important for choosing the male infertility's therapy and for deciding to turn to assisted reproduction techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also represents a valuable method to explore the in vitro effects of different compounds (for example drugs with potential spermicidal activity) on the morphology of human spermatozoa. Finally, TEM used in combination with immunohistochemical techniques, integrates structural and functional aspects that provide a wide horizon in the understanding of sperm physiology and pathology. transmission electron microscopy: TEM; World Health Organization: WHO; light microscopy: LM; motile sperm organelle morphology examination: MSOME; intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection: IMSI; intracytoplasmic sperm injection: ICSI; dysplasia of fibrous sheath: DFS; primary ciliary dyskinesia: PCD; outer dense fibers: ODF; assisted reproduction technologies: ART; scanning electron microscopy: SEM; polyvinylpirrolidone: PVP; tert-butylhydroperoxide: TBHP.

Diffraction and microscopy with attosecond electron pulse trains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morimoto, Yuya; Baum, Peter

2018-03-01

Attosecond spectroscopy1-7 can resolve electronic processes directly in time, but a movie-like space-time recording is impeded by the too long wavelength ( 100 times larger than atomic distances) or the source-sample entanglement in re-collision techniques8-11. Here we advance attosecond metrology to picometre wavelength and sub-atomic resolution by using free-space electrons instead of higher-harmonic photons1-7 or re-colliding wavepackets8-11. A beam of 70-keV electrons at 4.5-pm de Broglie wavelength is modulated by the electric field of laser cycles into a sequence of electron pulses with sub-optical-cycle duration. Time-resolved diffraction from crystalline silicon reveals a < 10-as delay of Bragg emission and demonstrates the possibility of analytic attosecond-ångström diffraction. Real-space electron microscopy visualizes with sub-light-cycle resolution how an optical wave propagates in space and time. This unification of attosecond science with electron microscopy and diffraction enables space-time imaging of light-driven processes in the entire range of sample morphologies that electron microscopy can access.

HANFORD WASTE MINERALOGY REFERENCE REPORT

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

DISSELKAMP RS

2010-06-29

This report lists the observed mineral phases present in the Hanford tanks. This task was accomplished by performing a review of numerous reports that used experimental techniques including, but not limited to: x-ray diffraction, polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and particle size distribution analyses. This report contains tables that can be used as a quick reference to identify the crystal phases observed in Hanford waste.

HANFORD WASTE MINEROLOGY REFERENCE REPORT

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

DISSELKAMP RS

2010-06-18

This report lists the observed mineral phase phases present in the Hanford tanks. This task was accomplished by performing a review of numerous reports using experimental techniques including, but not limited to: x-ray diffraction, polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and particle size distribution analyses. This report contains tables that can be used as a quick reference to identify the crystal phases present observed in Hanford waste.

Three dimensional electron microscopy and in silico tools for macromolecular structure determination

PubMed Central

Borkotoky, Subhomoi; Meena, Chetan Kumar; Khan, Mohammad Wahab; Murali, Ayaluru

2013-01-01

Recently, structural biology witnessed a major tool - electron microscopy - in solving the structures of macromolecules in addition to the conventional techniques, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Three dimensional transmission electron microscopy (3DTEM) is one of the most sophisticated techniques for structure determination of molecular machines. Known to give the 3-dimensional structures in its native form with literally no upper limit on size of the macromolecule, this tool does not need the crystallization of the protein. Combining the 3DTEM data with in silico tools, one can have better refined structure of a desired complex. In this review we are discussing about the recent advancements in three dimensional electron microscopy and tools associated with it. PMID:27092033

Tackling the Challenges of Dynamic Experiments Using Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Parent, Lucas R; Bakalis, Evangelos; Proetto, Maria; Li, Yiwen; Park, Chiwoo; Zerbetto, Francesco; Gianneschi, Nathan C

2018-01-16

Revolutions in science and engineering frequently result from the development, and wide adoption, of a new, powerful characterization or imaging technique. Beginning with the first glass lenses and telescopes in astronomy, to the development of visual-light microscopy, staining techniques, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence super-resolution microscopy in biology, and most recently aberration-corrected, cryogenic, and ultrafast (4D) electron microscopy, X-ray microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy in nanoscience. Through these developments, our perception and understanding of the physical nature of matter at length-scales beyond ordinary perception have been fundamentally transformed. Despite this progression in microscopy, techniques for observing nanoscale chemical processes and solvated/hydrated systems are limited, as the necessary spatial and temporal resolution presents significant technical challenges. However, the standard reliance on indirect or bulk phase characterization of nanoscale samples in liquids is undergoing a shift in recent times with the realization ( Williamson et al. Nat. Mater . 2003 , 2 , 532 - 536 ) of liquid-cell (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, LC(S)TEM, where picoliters of solution are hermetically sealed between electron-transparent "windows," which can be directly imaged or videoed at the nanoscale using conventional transmission electron microscopes. This Account seeks to open a discussion on the topic of standardizing strategies for conducting imaging experiments with a view to characterizing dynamics and motion of nanoscale materials. This is a challenge that could be described by critics and proponents alike, as analogous to doing chemistry in a lightning storm; where the nature of the solution, the nanomaterial, and the dynamic behaviors are all potentially subject to artifactual influence by the very act of our observation.

Protocol for measurement of enamel loss from brushing with an anti-erosive toothpaste after an acidic episode.

PubMed

Dehghan, Mojdeh; Vieira Ozorio, Jose Estevam; Chanin, Simon; Tantbirojn, Daranee; Versluis, Antheunis; Garcia-Godoy, Franklin

2017-01-01

Tooth erosion from an acidic insult may be exacerbated by toothbrushing. The purposes of this study were to develop an in vitro methodology to measure enamel loss after brushing immediately following an acidic episode and to investigate the effect of brushing with an anti-erosive toothpaste. The null hypotheses tested were that tooth erosion after brushing with the toothpaste would not be different from brushing with water and that a 1-hour delay before brushing would not reduce tooth erosion. Forty bovine enamel slabs were embedded, polished, and subjected to baseline profilometry. Specimens were bathed in hydrochloric acid for 10 minutes to simulate stomach acid exposure before post-acid profilometry. Toothbrushing was then simulated with a cross-brushing machine and followed by postbrushing profilometry. Group 1 was brushed with water; group 2 was brushed with a 50:50 toothpaste-water slurry; and groups 3 and 4 were immersed in artificial saliva for 1 hour before brushing with water or the toothpaste slurry, respectively. The depth of enamel loss was analyzed and compared using 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc testing (α = 0.05). Greater enamel loss was measured in groups brushed with toothpaste than in groups brushed with water. One-hour immersion in artificial saliva significantly reduced enamel loss when teeth were brushed with water (group 3; P < 0.05) but not with toothpaste (group 4). This study established a protocol for measuring enamel loss resulting from erosion followed by toothbrush abrasion. The results confirmed the abrasive action of toothpaste on acid-softened enamel.

Super-sensitive two-wavelength fringe projection profilometry with 2-sensitivities temporal unwrapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Servin, Manuel; Padilla, Moises; Garnica, Guillermo

2018-07-01

Since the early 1970s, optical two-wavelength phase-metrology (TWPM) has been used in a wide variety of experimental set ups. In TWPM one may compute the phase-sum and the phase-difference of two close phase measurements. Early TWPM optically computed the phase difference and phase sum by double exposure holography. However soon after, TWPM became almost synonymous to calculating the phase-difference only. The more sensitive phase-sum was largely forgotten. The standard application for phase-difference TWPM is to extend the phase measurement depth without phase-unwrapping for discontinuous phase-objects. This phase-difference, while non-wrapped, decreases however the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the estimated phase. On the other hand, the phase-sum increases the phase sensitivity, and the SNR of the estimated phase. In spite of these two great advantages, the use of the phase-sum in TWPM has been almost ignored. In this paper we review and set the stage for digital TWPM for super-sensitive phase-sum estimation. This is coupled with two-sensitivity phase-unwrapping to obtain extended-range super-sensitive fringe-projection profilometry estimations. Here we mathematically prove, and experimentally show that using the phase-sum one obtains a huge increase in SNR with respect to using the phase-difference alone. The pioneer works on double exposure TWPM holography that uses the phase-difference and phase-sum are also properly acknowledged. Finally, two experimental results from fringe-projection profilometry that clearly show the huge SNR gain of the phase-sum, with respect to the phase-difference is now mathematically well established.

Is a sequence of tests during urethral pressure profilometry correlated with symptoms assessment in women?

PubMed

Valentini, Françoise A; Robain, Gilberte; Marti, Brigitte G

2012-01-01

Our purpose was, applying a strictly defined protocol for urethral profilometry, 1) to test the repeatability of same session rest maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and 2) to search for correlation between women complaint and the changes in MUCP value (rest and dynamic tests). A population of 140 consecutive women referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract dysfunction was stratified in 4 groups according with the urinary symptoms: stress, urge, mixed incontinence and continent and in each group in 3 age groups (young, middle age and old). The sequence of tests recorded in supine position was: urethral pressure profile at rest bladder empty, after bladder filling at 250 mL (reference test), stress profile, fatigability (before (rest) and after 10 successive strong coughs), then in standing position. In all groups, there was no significant difference between the two MUCP values at rest bladder filled. In the three incontinent groups, MUCP was higher bladder empty than bladder filled (p < 0.05) except in the young sub-group. Stress incontinence led to significant decrease of MUCP during dynamic tests in the young group. MUCP was not modified after fatigability test in women with urge complaint whatever age. When recorded following a strictly defined protocol, MUCP at rest bladder filled has a good repeatability in individual. However a complex sequence of tests during urethral pressure profilometry remains discussed in middle-age and old age-groups, it allows specifying the stress component of incontinence in young women and the urgency component in all age-groups.

Nano-fEM: protein localization using photo-activated localization microscopy and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Watanabe, Shigeki; Richards, Jackson; Hollopeter, Gunther; Hobson, Robert J; Davis, Wayne M; Jorgensen, Erik M

2012-12-03

Mapping the distribution of proteins is essential for understanding the function of proteins in a cell. Fluorescence microscopy is extensively used for protein localization, but subcellular context is often absent in fluorescence images. Immuno-electron microscopy, on the other hand, can localize proteins, but the technique is limited by a lack of compatible antibodies, poor preservation of morphology and because most antigens are not exposed to the specimen surface. Correlative approaches can acquire the fluorescence image from a whole cell first, either from immuno-fluorescence or genetically tagged proteins. The sample is then fixed and embedded for electron microscopy, and the images are correlated (1-3). However, the low-resolution fluorescence image and the lack of fiducial markers preclude the precise localization of proteins. Alternatively, fluorescence imaging can be done after preserving the specimen in plastic. In this approach, the block is sectioned, and fluorescence images and electron micrographs of the same section are correlated (4-7). However, the diffraction limit of light in the correlated image obscures the locations of individual molecules, and the fluorescence often extends beyond the boundary of the cell. Nano-resolution fluorescence electron microscopy (nano-fEM) is designed to localize proteins at nano-scale by imaging the same sections using photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM) and electron microscopy. PALM overcomes the diffraction limit by imaging individual fluorescent proteins and subsequently mapping the centroid of each fluorescent spot (8-10). We outline the nano-fEM technique in five steps. First, the sample is fixed and embedded using conditions that preserve the fluorescence of tagged proteins. Second, the resin blocks are sectioned into ultrathin segments (70-80 nm) that are mounted on a cover glass. Third, fluorescence is imaged in these sections using the Zeiss PALM microscope. Fourth, electron dense structures are imaged in these same sections using a scanning electron microscope. Fifth, the fluorescence and electron micrographs are aligned using gold particles as fiducial markers. In summary, the subcellular localization of fluorescently tagged proteins can be determined at nanometer resolution in approximately one week.

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.

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.

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.

Electron microscopy approach for the visualization of the epithelial and endothelial glycocalyx.

PubMed

Chevalier, L; Selim, J; Genty, D; Baste, J M; Piton, N; Boukhalfa, I; Hamzaoui, M; Pareige, P; Richard, V

2017-06-01

This study presents a methodological approach for the visualization of the glycocalyx by electron microscopy. The glycocalyx is a three dimensional network mainly composed of glycolipids, glycoproteins and proteoglycans associated with the plasma membrane. Since less than a decade, the epithelial and endothelial glycocalyx proved to play an important role in physiology and pathology, increasing its research interest especially in vascular functions. Therefore, visualization of the glycocalyx requires reliable techniques and its preservation remains challenging due to its fragile and dynamic organization, which is highly sensitive to the different process steps for electron microscopy sampling. In this study, chemical fixation was performed by perfusion as a good alternative to conventional fixation. Additional lanthanum nitrate in the fixative enhances staining of the glycocalyx in transmission electron microscopy bright field and improves its visualization by detecting the elastic scattered electrons, thus providing a chemical contrast. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Scanning electron microscopy of cells and tissues under fully hydrated conditions

PubMed Central

Thiberge, Stephan; Nechushtan, Amotz; Sprinzak, David; Gileadi, Opher; Behar, Vered; Zik, Ory; Chowers, Yehuda; Michaeli, Shulamit; Schlessinger, Joseph; Moses, Elisha

2004-01-01

A capability for scanning electron microscopy of wet biological specimens is presented. A membrane that is transparent to electrons protects the fully hydrated sample from the vacuum. The result is a hybrid technique combining the ease of use and ability to see into cells of optical microscopy with the higher resolution of electron microscopy. The resolution of low-contrast materials is ≈100 nm, whereas in high-contrast materials the resolution can reach 10 nm. Standard immunogold techniques and heavy-metal stains can be applied and viewed in the fluid to improve the contrast. Images present a striking combination of whole-cell morphology with a wealth of internal details. A possibility for direct inspection of tissue slices transpires, imaging only the external layer of cells. Simultaneous imaging with photons excited by the electrons incorporates data on material distribution, indicating a potential for multilabeling and specific scintillating markers. PMID:14988502

Attosecond electron pulse trains and quantum state reconstruction in ultrafast transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priebe, Katharina E.; Rathje, Christopher; Yalunin, Sergey V.; Hohage, Thorsten; Feist, Armin; Schäfer, Sascha; Ropers, Claus

2017-12-01

Ultrafast electron and X-ray imaging and spectroscopy are the basis for an ongoing revolution in the understanding of dynamical atomic-scale processes in matter. The underlying technology relies heavily on laser science for the generation and characterization of ever shorter pulses. Recent findings suggest that ultrafast electron microscopy with attosecond-structured wavefunctions may be feasible. However, such future technologies call for means to both prepare and fully analyse the corresponding free-electron quantum states. Here, we introduce a framework for the preparation, coherent manipulation and characterization of free-electron quantum states, experimentally demonstrating attosecond electron pulse trains. Phase-locked optical fields coherently control the electron wavefunction along the beam direction. We establish a new variant of quantum state tomography—`SQUIRRELS'—for free-electron ensembles. The ability to tailor and quantitatively map electron quantum states will promote the nanoscale study of electron-matter entanglement and new forms of ultrafast electron microscopy down to the attosecond regime.

Nanowire growth kinetics in aberration corrected environmental transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Chou, Yi -Chia; Panciera, Federico; Reuter, Mark C.; ...

2016-03-15

Here, we visualize atomic level dynamics during Si nanowire growth using aberration corrected environmental transmission electron microscopy, and compare with lower pressure results from ultra-high vacuum microscopy. We discuss the importance of higher pressure observations for understanding growth mechanisms and describe protocols to minimize effects of the higher pressure background gas.

Electronic Blending in Virtual Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maybury, Terrence S.; Farah, Camile S.

2010-01-01

Virtual microscopy (VM) is a relatively new technology that transforms the computer into a microscope. In essence, VM allows for the scanning and transfer of glass slides from light microscopy technology to the digital environment of the computer. This transition is also a function of the change from print knowledge to electronic knowledge, or as…

Structural and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Bone-Tendon Junction of the Calcaneal Tendon of Adult and Elderly Wistar Rats

PubMed Central

Cury, Diego Pulzatto; Dias, Fernando José; Miglino, Maria Angélica; Watanabe, Ii-sei

2016-01-01

Tendons are transition tissues that transfer the contractile forces generated by the muscles to the bones, allowing movement. The region where the tendon attaches to the bone is called bone-tendon junction or enthesis and may be classified as fibrous or fibrocartilaginous. This study aims to analyze the collagen fibers and the cells present in the bone-tendon junction using light microscopy and ultrastructural techniques as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Forty male Wistar rats were used in the experiment, being 20 adult rats at 4 months-old and 20 elderly rats at 20 months-old. The hind limbs of the rats were removed, dissected and prepared to light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The aging process showed changes in the collagen fibrils, with a predominance of type III fibers in the elderly group, in addition to a decrease in the amount of the fibrocartilage cells, fewer and shorter cytoplasmic processes and a decreased synthetic capacity due to degradation of the organelles involved in synthesis. PMID:27078690

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

PubMed Central

HÖHN, K.; FUCHS, J.; FRÖBER, A.; KIRMSE, R.; GLASS, B.; ANDERS‐ÖSSWEIN, M.; WALTHER, P.; KRÄUSSLICH, H.‐G.

2015-01-01

Summary 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. PMID:25786567

Structural and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Bone-Tendon Junction of the Calcaneal Tendon of Adult and Elderly Wistar Rats.

PubMed

Cury, Diego Pulzatto; Dias, Fernando José; Miglino, Maria Angélica; Watanabe, Ii-sei

2016-01-01

Tendons are transition tissues that transfer the contractile forces generated by the muscles to the bones, allowing movement. The region where the tendon attaches to the bone is called bone-tendon junction or enthesis and may be classified as fibrous or fibrocartilaginous. This study aims to analyze the collagen fibers and the cells present in the bone-tendon junction using light microscopy and ultrastructural techniques as scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Forty male Wistar rats were used in the experiment, being 20 adult rats at 4 months-old and 20 elderly rats at 20 months-old. The hind limbs of the rats were removed, dissected and prepared to light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The aging process showed changes in the collagen fibrils, with a predominance of type III fibers in the elderly group, in addition to a decrease in the amount of the fibrocartilage cells, fewer and shorter cytoplasmic processes and a decreased synthetic capacity due to degradation of the organelles involved in synthesis.

Biological applications of phase-contrast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Nagayama, Kuniaki

2014-01-01

Here, I review the principles and applications of phase-contrast electron microscopy using phase plates. First, I develop the principle of phase contrast based on a minimal model of microscopy, introducing a double Fourier-transform process to mathematically formulate the image formation. Next, I explain four phase-contrast (PC) schemes, defocus PC, Zernike PC, Hilbert differential contrast, and schlieren optics, as image-filtering processes in the context of the minimal model, with particular emphases on the Zernike PC and corresponding Zernike phase plates. Finally, I review applications of Zernike PC cryo-electron microscopy to biological systems such as protein molecules, virus particles, and cells, including single-particle analysis to delineate three-dimensional (3D) structures of protein and virus particles and cryo-electron tomography to reconstruct 3D images of complex protein systems and cells.

Fast electron microscopy via compressive sensing

DOEpatents

Larson, Kurt W; Anderson, Hyrum S; Wheeler, Jason W

2014-12-09

Various technologies described herein pertain to compressive sensing electron microscopy. A compressive sensing electron microscope includes a multi-beam generator and a detector. The multi-beam generator emits a sequence of electron patterns over time. Each of the electron patterns can include a plurality of electron beams, where the plurality of electron beams is configured to impart a spatially varying electron density on a sample. Further, the spatially varying electron density varies between each of the electron patterns in the sequence. Moreover, the detector collects signals respectively corresponding to interactions between the sample and each of the electron patterns in the sequence.

Characterization of QCM sensor surfaces coated with molecularly imprinted nanoparticles.

PubMed

Reimhult, Kristina; Yoshimatsu, Keiichi; Risveden, Klas; Chen, Si; Ye, Lei; Krozer, Anatol

2008-07-15

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are gaining great interest as tailor-made recognition materials for the development of biomimetic sensors. Various approaches have been adopted to interface MIPs with different transducers, including the use of pre-made imprinted particles and the in situ preparation of thin polymer layers directly on transducer surfaces. In this work we functionalized quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor crystals by coating the sensing surfaces with pre-made molecularly imprinted nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were immobilized on the QCM transducers by physical entrapment in a thin poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) layer that was spin-coated on the transducer surface. By controlling the deposition conditions, it was possible to gain a high nanoparticle loading in a stable PET layer, allowing the recognition sites in nanoparticles to be easily accessed by the test analytes. In this work, different sensor surfaces were studied by micro-profilometry and atomic force microscopy and the functionality was evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The molecular recognition capability of the sensors were also confirmed using radioligand binding analysis by testing their response to the presence of the test compounds, (R)- and (S)-propranolol in aqueous buffer.

Fourier Transform-Plasmon Waveguide Spectroscopy: A Nondestructive Multifrequency Method for Simultaneously Determining Polymer Thickness and Apparent Index of Refraction

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

Bobbitt, Jonathan M; Weibel, Stephen C; Elshobaki, Moneim

2014-12-16

Fourier transform (FT)-plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy measures light reflectivity at a waveguide interface as the incident frequency and angle are scanned. Under conditions of total internal reflection, the reflected light intensity is attenuated when the incident frequency and angle satisfy conditions for exciting surface plasmon modes in the metal as well as guided modes within the waveguide. Expanding upon the concept of two-frequency surface plasmon resonance developed by Peterlinz and Georgiadis [ Opt. Commun. 1996, 130, 260], the apparent index of refraction and the thickness of a waveguide can be measured precisely and simultaneously by FT-PWR with an averagemore » percent relative error of 0.4%. Measuring reflectivity for a range of frequencies extends the analysis to a wide variety of sample compositions and thicknesses since frequencies with the maximum attenuation can be selected to optimize the analysis. Additionally, the ability to measure reflectivity curves with both p- and s-polarized light provides anisotropic indices of refraction. FT-PWR is demonstrated using polystyrene waveguides of varying thickness, and the validity of FT-PWR measurements are verified by comparing the results to data from profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM).« less

Plasma Radiofrequency Discharges as Cleaning Technique for the Removal of C-W Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cremona, A.; Vassallo, E.; Caniello, R.; Ghezzi, F.; Grosso, G.; Laguardia, L.

2013-06-01

Erosion of materials by chemical and physical sputtering is one of the most concern of plasma wall interaction in tokamaks. In divertor ITER-like tokamaks, where carbon and tungsten are planned to be used, hydrogenated C-W mixed compounds are expected to form by erosion, transport and re-deposition processes. The selection of these materials as divertor components involves lifetime and safety issues due to tritium retention in carbon co-deposits. In this paper a cleaning technique based on RF (13.56 MHz) capacitively coupled H2/Ar plasmas has been used to remove C-W mixed materials from test specimens. The dependence of the removal rate on the H2/Ar ratio and on the plasma pressure has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, profilometry as regards the solid phase and by Langmuir probe and optical emission spectroscopy as regards the plasma phase. The best result has been obtained with a H2/Ar ratio of 10/90 at a pressure of 1 Pa. An explanation based on a synergistic effect between physical sputtering due to energetic ions and chemical etching due to radicals, together with the pressure dependence of the ion energy distribution function, is given.

Experimental Investigation of Friction and Wear Behavior of 304L Stainless Steel Sliding Against Different Counterface in Dry Contact

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

Olofinjana, Bolutife; Ajayi, Oyelayo O.; Lorenzo-Martin, Cinta

In this study, friction and wear behavior of 304L stainless steel sliding against different ball counterface under dry contact was investigated. Tests were conducted using a ball-on-flat contact configuration in reciprocating sliding with 440C stainless steel, Al alloy (2017) and bronze ball counterfaces under different loads. Detailed surface analysis was also done using 3-D profilometry technique and optical microscopy in order to determine wear mechanism and dimension. All the pairs exhibited initial rapid increase in coefficient of friction after which a variety of friction behavior, depending on the ball counterface, was observed. The flat and the ball counterface in 304Lmore » stainless steel-440C stainless steel pair showed wear that was proportional to applied load. In both 304L stainless steel-Al alloy (2017) and 304L stainless steel-bronze pairs, ball samples showed severe wear that was proportional to the applied load while material transfer from the different balls occurred in the flat. The study concluded that friction and wear were not material properties but a kind of responses that characterize a pair of surfaces in contact undergoing relative motion.« less

Fourier transform-plasmon waveguide spectroscopy: a nondestructive multifrequency method for simultaneously determining polymer thickness and apparent index of refraction.

PubMed

Bobbitt, Jonathan M; Weibel, Stephen C; Elshobaki, Moneim; Chaudhary, Sumit; Smith, Emily A

2014-12-16

Fourier transform (FT)-plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy measures light reflectivity at a waveguide interface as the incident frequency and angle are scanned. Under conditions of total internal reflection, the reflected light intensity is attenuated when the incident frequency and angle satisfy conditions for exciting surface plasmon modes in the metal as well as guided modes within the waveguide. Expanding upon the concept of two-frequency surface plasmon resonance developed by Peterlinz and Georgiadis [Opt. Commun. 1996, 130, 260], the apparent index of refraction and the thickness of a waveguide can be measured precisely and simultaneously by FT-PWR with an average percent relative error of 0.4%. Measuring reflectivity for a range of frequencies extends the analysis to a wide variety of sample compositions and thicknesses since frequencies with the maximum attenuation can be selected to optimize the analysis. Additionally, the ability to measure reflectivity curves with both p- and s-polarized light provides anisotropic indices of refraction. FT-PWR is demonstrated using polystyrene waveguides of varying thickness, and the validity of FT-PWR measurements are verified by comparing the results to data from profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Photon gating in four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy.

PubMed

Hassan, Mohammed T; Liu, Haihua; Baskin, John Spencer; Zewail, Ahmed H

2015-10-20

Ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) is a pivotal tool for imaging of nanoscale structural dynamics with subparticle resolution on the time scale of atomic motion. Photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), a key UEM technique, involves the detection of electrons that have gained energy from a femtosecond optical pulse via photon-electron coupling on nanostructures. PINEM has been applied in various fields of study, from materials science to biological imaging, exploiting the unique spatial, energy, and temporal characteristics of the PINEM electrons gained by interaction with a "single" light pulse. The further potential of photon-gated PINEM electrons in probing ultrafast dynamics of matter and the optical gating of electrons by invoking a "second" optical pulse has previously been proposed and examined theoretically in our group. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this photon-gating technique, and, through diffraction, visualize the phase transition dynamics in vanadium dioxide nanoparticles. With optical gating of PINEM electrons, imaging temporal resolution was improved by a factor of 3 or better, being limited only by the optical pulse widths. This work enables the combination of the high spatial resolution of electron microscopy and the ultrafast temporal response of the optical pulses, which provides a promising approach to attain the resolution of few femtoseconds and attoseconds in UEM.

Photon gating in four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Hassan, Mohammed T.; Liu, Haihua; Baskin, John Spencer; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2015-01-01

Ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) is a pivotal tool for imaging of nanoscale structural dynamics with subparticle resolution on the time scale of atomic motion. Photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), a key UEM technique, involves the detection of electrons that have gained energy from a femtosecond optical pulse via photon–electron coupling on nanostructures. PINEM has been applied in various fields of study, from materials science to biological imaging, exploiting the unique spatial, energy, and temporal characteristics of the PINEM electrons gained by interaction with a “single” light pulse. The further potential of photon-gated PINEM electrons in probing ultrafast dynamics of matter and the optical gating of electrons by invoking a “second” optical pulse has previously been proposed and examined theoretically in our group. Here, we experimentally demonstrate this photon-gating technique, and, through diffraction, visualize the phase transition dynamics in vanadium dioxide nanoparticles. With optical gating of PINEM electrons, imaging temporal resolution was improved by a factor of 3 or better, being limited only by the optical pulse widths. This work enables the combination of the high spatial resolution of electron microscopy and the ultrafast temporal response of the optical pulses, which provides a promising approach to attain the resolution of few femtoseconds and attoseconds in UEM. PMID:26438835

High yield production of long branched Au nanoparticles characterized by atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Mayoral, Alvaro; Magen, Cesar; Jose-Yacaman, Miguel

2011-01-01

Long multi-branched gold nanoparticles have been synthesized in a very high yield through a facile synthesis combining two different capping agents. The stability of these materials with the time has been tested and their characterization have been performed by diverse advanced electron microscopy techniques, paying special attention to aberration corrected transmission electron microscopy in order to unambiguously analyze the surface structure of the branches and provide insights for the formation of stellated gold nanoparticles. PMID:22125420

Friction and Wear Properties of Selected Solid Lubricating Films. Part 3; Magnetron-Sputtered and Plasma-Assisted, Chemical-Vapor-Deposited Diamondlike Carbon Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Iwaki, Masanori; Gotoh, Kenichi; Obara, Shingo; Imagawa, Kichiro

2000-01-01

To evaluate commercially developed dry solid film lubricants for aerospace bearing applications, an investigation was conducted to examine the friction and wear behavior of magnetron-sputtered diamondlike carbon (MS DLC) and plasma-assisted, chemical-vapor-deposited diamondlike carbon (PACVD DLC) films in sliding contact with 6-mm-diameter American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 440C stainless steel balls. Unidirectional sliding friction experiments were conducted with a load of 5.9 N (600 g), a mean Hertzian contact pressure of 0.79 GPa (maximum Hertzian contact pressure of L-2 GPa), and a sliding velocity of 0.2 m/s. The experiments were conducted at room temperature in three environments: ultrahigh vacuum (vacuum pressure, 7x10(exp -7) Pa), humid air (relative humidity, approx.20 percent), and dry nitrogen (relative humidity, <1 percent). The resultant films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and surface profilometry. Marked differences in the friction and wear of the DLC films investigated herein resulted from the environmental conditions. The main criteria for judging the performance of the DLC films were coefficient of friction and wear rate, which had to be less than 0.3 and on the order of 10(exp -6) cu mm/N-m or less, respectively. MS DLC films and PACVD DLC films met the criteria in humid air and dry nitrogen but failed in ultrahigh vacuum, where the coefficients of friction were greater than the criterion, 0.3. In sliding contact with 440C stainless steel balls in all three environments the PACVD DLC films exhibited better tribological performance (i.e., lower friction and wear) than the MS DLC films. All sliding involved adhesive transfer of wear materials: transfer of DLC wear debris to the counterpart 440C stainless steel and transfer of 440C stainless steel wear debris to the counterpart DLC film.

Reduction of Defects in Germanium-Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Crystals grown without contact with a container have far superior quality to otherwise similar crystals grown in direct contact with a container. In addition to float-zone processing, detached- Bridgman growth is a promising tool to improve crystal quality, without the limitations of float zoning or the defects introduced by normal Bridgman growth. Goals of this project include the development of the detached Bridgman process to be reproducible and well understood and to quantitatively compare the defect and impurity levels in crystals grown by these three methods. Germanium (Ge) and germanium-silicon (Ge-Si) alloys are being used. At MSFC, we are responsible for the detached Bridgman experiments intended to differentiate among proposed mechanisms of detachment, and to confirm or refine our understanding of detachment. Because the contact angle is critical to determining the conditions for detachment, the sessile drop method was used to measure the contact angles as a function of temperature and composition for a large number of substrates made of potential ampoule materials. Growth experiments have used pyrolytic boron nitride (pBN) and fused silica ampoules with the majority of the detached results occurring predictably in the pBN. Etch pit density (EPD) measurements of normal and detached Bridgman-grown Ge samples show a two order of magnitude improvement in the detached-grown samples. The nature and extent of detachment is determined by using profilometry in conjunction with optical and electron microscopy. The stability of detachment has been analyzed, and an empirical model for the conditions necessary to achieve sufficient stability to maintain detached growth for extended periods has been developed. We have investigated the effects on detachment of ampoule material, pressure difference above and below the melt, and Si concentration; samples that are nearly completely detached can be grown repeatedly in pBN. Current work is concentrated on developing a method to make in situ pressure measurements in the growth ampoules.

The impact of hydrofluoric acid etching followed by unfilled resin on the biaxial strength of a glass-ceramic.

PubMed

Posritong, Sumana; Borges, Alexandre Luiz Souto; Chu, Tien-Min Gabriel; Eckert, George J; Bottino, Marco A; Bottino, Marco C

2013-11-01

To evaluate the null hypotheses that hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching time would neither decrease the biaxial flexural strength of a glass-based veneering ceramic nor enhance it after silane and unfilled resin (UR) applications. Disc-shaped IPS e.max ZirPress specimens were allocated into 12 groups: G1-control (no-etching), G2-30 s, G3-60 s, G4-90 s, G5-120 s, G6-60 s+60 s. Groups (G7-G12) were treated in the same fashion as G1-G6, but followed by silane and UR applications. Surface morphology and roughness (Ra and Rq) of the ceramics were assessed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry, respectively. Flexural strength was determined by biaxial testing. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and the Sidak test (α=0.05). Weibull statistics were estimated and finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out to verify the stress concentration end areas of fracture. The interaction (etching time vs. surface treatment) was significant for Ra (p=0.008) and Rq (0.0075). Resin-treated groups presented significantly lower Ra and Rq than non-treated groups, except for the 60s group (p<0.005). SEM revealed that etching affected the ceramic microstructure and that the UR was able to penetrate into the irregularities. A significant effect of etching time (p=0.029) on flexural strength was seen. G7-G12 presented higher strength than G1-G6 (p<0.0001). None of experimental groups failed to show 95% confidence intervals of σ0 and m overlapped. FEA showed lower stress concentration after resin treatment. HF acid etching time did not show a damaging effect on the ceramic flexural strength. Moreover, the flexural strength could be enhanced after UR treatment. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The relative effect of surface strontium chemistry and super-hydrophilicity on the early osseointegration of moderately rough titanium surface in the rabbit femur.

PubMed

Park, Jin-Woo; Kwon, Tae-Geon; Suh, Jo-Young

2013-06-01

It is unclear whether surface bioactive chemistry or hydrophilicity plays a more dominant role in the osseointegration of micro-structured titanium implants having the same surface topography at the micrometer and submicrometer scales. To understand their comparative effect on enhancing the early osseointegration of micro-rough-surfaced implants, this study compared the bone healing-promoting effect of surface strontium (Sr) chemistry that has been shown in numerous studies to super-hydrophilicity in the early osseointegration of moderately rough-surfaced clinical oral implants (SLA(®) implant) in rabbit cancellous bone. Hydrothermal treatment was performed to incorporate Sr ions into the surface of clinical SLA implants (SLA/Sr implant). The surface characteristics were evaluated by using field emission-scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical profilometry. Twenty screw implants (10 control and 10 experimental) were placed in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. The early osseointegration of the SLA/Sr implant was compared with a chemically modified super-hydrophilic SLA implant (SLActive(®) implant) by histomorphometric and resonance frequency analysis after 2 weeks of implantation. The SLA/Sr and SLActive implants exhibited an identical surface topography and average R(a) values at the micron and submicron scales. The SLA/Sr implant displayed a high amount of surface Sr content (15.6 at.%). There was no significant difference in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values between the two groups. However, histomorphometric analysis revealed a significantly higher bone-to-implant contact percentage in the SLA/Sr implants compared with the SLActive implants in rabbit cancellous bone (P < 0.01). The results indicate that the surface Sr chemistry surpasses the effect of super-hydrophilicity in promoting the early bone apposition of moderately rough Ti surface in cancellous bone. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Friction and Wear Properties of Selected Solid Lubricating Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Iwaki, Masanori; Gotoh, Kenichi; Obara, Shingo; Imagawa, Kichiro

1999-01-01

To evaluate commercially developed solid film lubricants for aerospace bearing applications, we investigated the friction and wear behavior of bonded molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), magnetron-sputtered MoS2 and ion-plated silver films in sliding contact with 6-mm-diameter American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 440 C stainless steel balls. Unidirectional sliding friction experiments were conducted with a load of 5.9 N (600 g), a mean Herizian contact pressure of 0.79 GPa maximum 1.19 GPa), and a sliding velocity of 0.2 m/s at room temperature in three environments: ultrahigh vacuum (7x10 (exp -7Pa)), humid air (approx. 20 percent humidity), and dry nitrogen (less than 1 percent humidity). The resultant films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and surface profilometry. Marked differences in friction and wear resulted front the environmental conditions and the film materials. The main criteria for judging the performance were coefficient of friction and wear rate, which had to be less than 0.3 and on the order of 10 (exp -6mm exp 3/Nm or less), respectively. The bonded MoS2 and magnetron-sputtered MoS2 films met the criteria in all three environments. Also, the wear rates of the counterpart AISI 440 C stainless steel balls met that criterion in all three environments. The ion-plated silver films met the criteria only in ultrahigh vacuum. In ultrahigh vacuum the bonded MoS2 films were superior. In humid air the bonded MoS2 films had higher coefficient of friction and shorter wear life than did the magnetron-sputtered MoS2 films. The ion-plated silver films had a high coefficient of friction in humid air but relatively low coefficients of friction in the nonoxidative environments. Adhesion and plastic deformation played important roles in all three environments. All sliding involved adhesive transfer of materials.

Bonding to CAD-CAM Composites: An Interfacial Fracture Toughness Approach.

PubMed

Eldafrawy, M; Ebroin, M G; Gailly, P A; Nguyen, J-F; Sadoun, M J; Mainjot, A K

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interfacial fracture toughness (IFT) of composite cement with dispersed filler (DF) versus polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite blocks after 2 different surface pretreatments using the notchless triangular prism (NTP) test. Two DFs (Cerasmart [CRT] and Lava Ultimate [LVA]), 2 PICNs (Enamic [ENA] and experimental PICN [EXP]), and e.max CAD lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (EMX, control) prism samples were bonded to their counterparts with Variolink Esthetic DC composite cement after either hydrofluoric acid etching (HF) or gritblasting (GR). Both procedures were followed by silanization. All samples ( n = 30 per group) were thermocycled (10,000 cycles) and tested for their IFT in a water bath at 36°C. Moreover, representative samples from each group were subjected to a developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) measurement by profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization. EXP-HF gave the highest IFT (1.85 ± 0.39 MPa·m 1/2 ), followed by EMX-HF and ENA-HF, while CRT-HF gave the lowest (0.15 ± 0.22 MPa·m 1/2 ). PICNs gave significantly better results with HF, and DF showed better results with GR. A 2-way analysis of variance indicated that there were significantly higher IFT and Sdr for PICNs than for DF. A positive correlation ( r² = 0.872) was found between IFT and Sdr. SEM characterization showed the specific microstructure of the surface of etched PICNs, indicating the presence of a retentive polymer-based honeycomb structure. Etching of the typical double-network microstructure of PICNs causes an important increase in the Sdr and IFT, while DF should be gritblasted. DF exhibited significantly lower Sdr and IFT values than PICNs. The present results show the important influence of the material class and surface texture, and consequently the micromechanical bond, on the adhesive interface performance of CAD-CAM composites.

Fluoride Varnishes against Dental Erosion Caused by Soft Drink Combined with Pediatric Liquid Medicine.

PubMed

Alexandria, Adílis Kalina; Valença, Ana Maria Gondim; Cabral, Lúcio Mendes; Maia, Lucianne Cople

2017-01-01

The present study evaluated the effect of NaF and CPP-ACP/NaF varnishes to reduce erosion produced by soft drink (SD) combined or not with pediatric liquid medicine. Enamel specimens were pre-treated with fluoride varnish, according to the following groups: NaF varnish (Duraphat®) or CPP-ACP/NaF varnish (MI varnishTM). Two types of erosive cycles were made: by soft drink erosion (SDE) or by pediatric liquid medicine plus soft drink erosion (PLM/SDE). Bovine enamel specimens were randomly assigned in six groups (n=10): G1=NaF + SDE; G2=CPP-ACP/NaF + SDE; G3=Distilled and deionized (DD) water + SDE; G4=NaF + PLM/SDE; G5=CPP-ACP/NaF + PLM/SDE and G6=DD water + PLM/SDE. Before treatments, the sample surface was divided in two areas (unexposed area-UA and exposed area-EA). The specimens were evaluated by 3D non-contact profilometry technique to determinate tooth structure loss (TSL) and surface roughness (Sa). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was also performed. After SDE, G2 presented the lowest TSL values compared to G3 (p=0.008). G1 and G2 did not differ between them (p=0.203) and no groups differed among them despite Sa. Regarding TSL and Sa, G4 and G5 differed from G6 (p=0.0001), but not between them (p=1.00). Examining 3D and SEM images, the greatest differences between UA and EA were observed for G3 and G6. CPP-ACP/NaF varnish seems to be a promising treatment to reduce enamel loss from the erosion produced by a soft drink. Both varnishes also showed capacity to reduce TSL and Sa after erosion by soft drink combined to pediatric liquid medicine.

Friction and Wear Properties of Selected Solid Lubricating Films. Part 2; Ion-Plated Lead Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Iwaki, Masanori; Gotoh, Kenichi; Obara, Shingo; Imagawa, Kichiro

2000-01-01

To evaluate commercially developed dry solid film lubricants for aerospace bearing applications, an investigation was conducted to examine the friction and wear behavior of ion-plated lead films in sliding contact with 6-mm-diameter American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 440C stainless steel balls. Unidirectional sliding friction experiments were conducted with a load of 5.9 N (600 g), a mean Hertzian contact pressure of 0.79 GPa (maximum Hertzian contact pressure of 1.2 GPa), and a sliding velocity of 0.2 m/s. The experiments were conducted at room temperature in three environments: ultrahigh vacuum (vacuum pressure, 7 x 10(exp -7 Pa), humid air (relative humidity, approx. 20 percent), and dry nitrogen (relative humidity, less then 1 percent). The resultant films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and surface profilometry. Marked differences in the friction and wear of the ion-plated lead films investigated herein resulted from the environmental conditions. The main criteria for judging the performance of the ion-plated lead films were coefficient of friction and wear rate, which had to be less than 0.3 and on the order of 1(exp -6) cu mm/N.m or less, respectively. The ion-plated lead films met both criteria only in ultrahigh vacuum but failed in humid air and in dry nitrogen, where the coefficient of friction was higher than the criterion. Both the lead film wear rate and the ball wear rate met that criterion in all three environments. Adhesion and plastic deformation played important roles in the friction and wear of the ion-plated lead films in contact with 440C stainless steel balls in the three environments. All sliding involved adhesive transfer of materials: transfer of lead wear debris to the counterpart 440C stainless steel and transfer of 440C stainless steel wear debris to the counterpart lead.

Electrically Conductive Photopatternable Silver Paste for High-Frequency Ring Resonator and Band-Pass Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umarji, Govind; Qureshi, Nilam; Gosavi, Suresh; Mulik, Uttam; Kulkarni, Atul; Kim, Taesung; Amalnerkar, Dinesh

2017-02-01

In conventional thick-film technology, there are often problems associated with poor edges, rough surfaces, and reproducibility due to process limitations, especially for high-frequency applications. These difficulties can be circumvented by using thin-film technology, but process cost and complexity remain major concerns. In this context, photopatternable thick-film technology can offer a viable alternative due to its Newtonian rheology, which can facilitate formation of the required sharp edges. We present herein a unique attempt to formulate a photopatternable silver paste with organic (photosensitive polymer) to inorganic (silver and glass) ratio of 30:70, developed in-house by us for fabrication of thick-film-based ring resonator and band-pass filter components. The ring resonator and band-pass component structures were realized by exposing screen-printed film to ultraviolet light at wavelength of 315 nm to 400 nm for 30 s to crosslink the photosensitive polymer. The pattern was subsequently developed using 1% sodium carbonate aqueous solution. For comparison, conventional silver and silver-palladium thick films were produced using in-house formulations. The surface topology and microstructural features were examined by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The smoothness and edge definition of the film were assessed by profilometry. The resistivity of the samples was observed and remained in the range from 3.4 μΩ cm to 3.6 μΩ cm. The electrical properties were compared by measuring the insertion loss characteristics. The results revealed that the ring resonator fabricated using the photopatternable silver paste exhibited better high-frequency properties compared with components based on conventional silver or silver-palladium paste, especially in terms of the resonant frequency of 10.1 GHz (versus 10 GHz designed) with bandwidth of 80 MHz. Additionally, the band-pass filter fabricated using the photopatternable silver paste displayed better center frequency ( f 0 = 10.588 GHz) and comparable ripple and attenuation bandwidth performance on par with Cu thin film.

Use of scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis to determine chloride content of concrete and raw materials.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

Standard sample sets of cement and mortar formulations with known levels of Cl as well as concrete samples subject to Cl diffusion were all prepared for and analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe (EPMA). Using x-ray ...

Comparative morphology of zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena bugensis) mussel sperm: Light and electron microscopy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, G.K.; Black, M.G.; Edwards, C.A.

1996-01-01

Adult zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena bugensis) mussels were induced to release large quantities of live spermatozoa by the administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Sperm were photographed alive using phase-contrast microscopy and were fixed subsequently with glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide for eventual examination by transmission or scanning electron microscopy. The sperm of both genera are of the ect-aquasperm type. Their overall dimensions and shape allow for easy discrimination at the light and scanning electron microscopy level. Transmission electron microscopy of the cells reveals a barrel-shaped nucleus in zebra mussel sperm and an elongated nucleus in quagga mussel sperm. In both species, an acrosome is cradled in a nuclear fossa. The ultrastructure of the acrosome and axial body, however, is distinctive for each species. The structures of the midpiece are shown, including a unique mitochondrial "skirt" that includes densely packed parallel cristae and extends in a narrow sheet from the mitochondria.

Advances in high-resolution imaging--techniques for three-dimensional imaging of cellular structures.

PubMed

Lidke, Diane S; Lidke, Keith A

2012-06-01

A fundamental goal in biology is to determine how cellular organization is coupled to function. To achieve this goal, a better understanding of organelle composition and structure is needed. Although visualization of cellular organelles using fluorescence or electron microscopy (EM) has become a common tool for the cell biologist, recent advances are providing a clearer picture of the cell than ever before. In particular, advanced light-microscopy techniques are achieving resolutions below the diffraction limit and EM tomography provides high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of cellular structures. The ability to perform both fluorescence and electron microscopy on the same sample (correlative light and electron microscopy, CLEM) makes it possible to identify where a fluorescently labeled protein is located with respect to organelle structures visualized by EM. Here, we review the current state of the art in 3D biological imaging techniques with a focus on recent advances in electron microscopy and fluorescence super-resolution techniques.

Microchemical Analysis Of Space Operation Debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cummings, Virginia J.; Kim, Hae Soo

1995-01-01

Report discusses techniques used in analyzing debris relative to space shuttle operations. Debris collected from space shuttle, expendable launch vehicles, payloads carried by space shuttle, and payloads carried by expendable launch vehicles. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, analytical electron microscopy with wavelength-dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction chosen as techniques used in examining samples of debris.

Publications - GMC 357 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

DGGS GMC 357 Publication Details Title: Thin Section and Scanning Electron Microscopy summary Laboratories, Inc., 2008, Thin Section and Scanning Electron Microscopy summary photographs from plugs taken

Electron microscopy of electromagnetic waveforms.

PubMed

Ryabov, A; Baum, P

2016-07-22

Rapidly changing electromagnetic fields are the basis of almost any photonic or electronic device operation. We report how electron microscopy can measure collective carrier motion and fields with subcycle and subwavelength resolution. A collimated beam of femtosecond electron pulses passes through a metamaterial resonator that is previously excited with a single-cycle electromagnetic pulse. If the probing electrons are shorter in duration than half a field cycle, then time-frozen Lorentz forces distort the images quasi-classically and with subcycle time resolution. A pump-probe sequence reveals in a movie the sample's oscillating electromagnetic field vectors with time, phase, amplitude, and polarization information. This waveform electron microscopy can be used to visualize electrodynamic phenomena in devices as small and fast as available. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Murphy's law-if anything can go wrong, it will: Problems in phage electron microscopy.

PubMed

Ackermann, Hans-W; Tiekotter, Kenneth L

2012-04-01

The quality of bacteriophage electron microscopy appears to be on a downward course since the 1980s. This coincides with the introduction of digital electron microscopes and a general lowering of standards, possibly due to the disappearance of several world-class electron microscopists The most important problem seems to be poor contrast. Positive staining is frequently not recognized as an undesirable artifact. Phage parts, bacterial debris, and aberrant or damaged phage particles may be misdiagnosed as bacterial viruses. Digital electron microscopes often seem to be operated without magnification control because this is difficult and inconvenient. In summary, most phage electron microscopy problems may be attributed to human failure. Journals are a last-ditch defense and have a heavy responsibility in selecting competent reviewers and rejecting, or not, unsatisfactory articles.

75 FR 34096 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-16

... dynamin, using negative stain nad cryo-electron microscopy methods. Justification for Duty-Free Entry..., using negative stain nad cryo-electron microscopy methods. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: There are...

Understanding materials challenges for rechargeable ion batteries with in situ transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yifei; Amine, Khalil; Lu, Jun; Shahbazian-Yassar, Reza

2017-08-01

An in-depth understanding of material behaviours under complex electrochemical environment is critical for the development of advanced materials for the next-generation rechargeable ion batteries. The dynamic conditions inside a working battery had not been intensively explored until the advent of various in situ characterization techniques. Real-time transmission electron microscopy of electrochemical reactions is one of the most significant breakthroughs poised to enable radical shift in our knowledge on how materials behave in the electrochemical environment. This review, therefore, summarizes the scientific discoveries enabled by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and specifically emphasizes the applicability of this technique to address the critical challenges in the rechargeable ion battery electrodes, electrolyte and their interfaces. New electrochemical systems such as lithium-oxygen, lithium-sulfur and sodium ion batteries are included, considering the rapidly increasing application of in situ transmission electron microscopy in these areas. A systematic comparison between lithium ion-based electrochemistry and sodium ion-based electrochemistry is also given in terms of their thermodynamic and kinetic differences. The effect of the electron beam on the validity of in situ observation is also covered. This review concludes by providing a renewed perspective for the future directions of in situ transmission electron microscopy in rechargeable ion batteries.

Understanding materials challenges for rechargeable ion batteries with in situ transmission electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Yuan, Yifei; Amine, Khalil; Lu, Jun; Shahbazian-Yassar, Reza

2017-01-01

An in-depth understanding of material behaviours under complex electrochemical environment is critical for the development of advanced materials for the next-generation rechargeable ion batteries. The dynamic conditions inside a working battery had not been intensively explored until the advent of various in situ characterization techniques. Real-time transmission electron microscopy of electrochemical reactions is one of the most significant breakthroughs poised to enable radical shift in our knowledge on how materials behave in the electrochemical environment. This review, therefore, summarizes the scientific discoveries enabled by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and specifically emphasizes the applicability of this technique to address the critical challenges in the rechargeable ion battery electrodes, electrolyte and their interfaces. New electrochemical systems such as lithium–oxygen, lithium–sulfur and sodium ion batteries are included, considering the rapidly increasing application of in situ transmission electron microscopy in these areas. A systematic comparison between lithium ion-based electrochemistry and sodium ion-based electrochemistry is also given in terms of their thermodynamic and kinetic differences. The effect of the electron beam on the validity of in situ observation is also covered. This review concludes by providing a renewed perspective for the future directions of in situ transmission electron microscopy in rechargeable ion batteries.

The Electron Microscopy Outreach Program: A Web-based resource for research and education.

PubMed

Sosinsky, G E; Baker, T S; Hand, G; Ellisman, M H

1999-01-01

We have developed a centralized World Wide Web (WWW)-based environment that serves as a resource of software tools and expertise for biological electron microscopy. A major focus is molecular electron microscopy, but the site also includes information and links on structural biology at all levels of resolution. This site serves to help integrate or link structural biology techniques in accordance with user needs. The WWW site, called the Electron Microscopy (EM) Outreach Program (URL: http://emoutreach.sdsc.edu), provides scientists with computational and educational tools for their research and edification. In particular, we have set up a centralized resource containing course notes, references, and links to image analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction software for investigators wanting to learn about EM techniques either within or outside of their fields of expertise. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

A compilation of cold cases using scanning electron microscopy at the University of Rhode Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Platek, Michael J.; Gregory, Otto J.

2015-10-01

Scanning electron microscopy combined with microchemical analysis has evolved into one of the most widely used instruments in forensic science today. In particular, the environmental scanning electron microscope (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), has created unique opportunities in forensic science in regard to the examination of trace evidence; i.e. the examination of evidence without altering the evidence with conductive coatings, thereby enabling criminalists to solve cases that were previously considered unsolvable. Two cold cases were solved at URI using a JEOL 5900 LV SEM in conjunction with EDS. A cold case murder and a cold missing person case will be presented from the viewpoint of the microscopist and will include sample preparation, as well as image and chemical analysis of the trace evidence using electron microscopy and optical microscopy.

The EIGER detector for low-energy electron microscopy and photoemission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Tinti, G; Marchetto, H; Vaz, C A F; Kleibert, A; Andrä, M; Barten, R; Bergamaschi, A; Brückner, M; Cartier, S; Dinapoli, R; Franz, T; Fröjdh, E; Greiffenberg, D; Lopez-Cuenca, C; Mezza, D; Mozzanica, A; Nolting, F; Ramilli, M; Redford, S; Ruat, M; Ruder, Ch; Schädler, L; Schmidt, Th; Schmitt, B; Schütz, F; Shi, X; Thattil, D; Vetter, S; Zhang, J

2017-09-01

EIGER is a single-photon-counting hybrid pixel detector developed at the Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland. It is designed for applications at synchrotron light sources with photon energies above 5 keV. Features of EIGER include a small pixel size (75 µm × 75 µm), a high frame rate (up to 23 kHz), a small dead-time between frames (down to 3 µs) and a dynamic range up to 32-bit. In this article, the use of EIGER as a detector for electrons in low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) is reported. It is demonstrated that, with only a minimal modification to the sensitive part of the detector, EIGER is able to detect electrons emitted or reflected by the sample and accelerated to 8-20 keV. The imaging capabilities are shown to be superior to the standard microchannel plate detector for these types of applications. This is due to the much higher signal-to-noise ratio, better homogeneity and improved dynamic range. In addition, the operation of the EIGER detector is not affected by radiation damage from electrons in the present energy range and guarantees more stable performance over time. To benchmark the detector capabilities, LEEM experiments are performed on selected surfaces and the magnetic and electronic properties of individual iron nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 8 to 22 nm are detected using the PEEM endstation at the Surface/Interface Microscopy (SIM) beamline of the Swiss Light Source.

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

PubMed

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

2010-03-01

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

Thermal Modeling and Simulation of Electron Beam Melting for Rapid Prototyping on Ti6Al4V Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neira Arce, Alderson

To be a viable solution for contemporary engineering challenges, the use of titanium alloys in a wider range of applications requires the development of new techniques and processes that are able to decrease production cost and delivery times. As a result, the use of material consolidation in a near-net-shape fashion, using dynamic techniques like additive manufacturing by electron beam selective melting EBSM represents a promising method for part manufacturing. However, a new product material development can be cost prohibitive, requiring the use of computer modeling and simulation as a way to decrease turnaround time. To ensure a proper representation of the EBSM process, a thermophysical material characterization and comparison was first performed on two Ti6Al4V powder feedstock materials prepared by plasma (PREP) and gas atomized (GA) processes. This evaluation comprises an evaluation on particle size distribution, density and powder surface area, collectively with the temperature dependence on properties such as heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity and surface emissivity. Multiple techniques were employed in this evaluation, including high temperature differential scanning calorimetry (HT-DSC), laser flash analysis (LFA), infrared remote temperature analysis (IR-Thermography), laser diffraction, liquid and gas pycnometry using mercury and krypton adsorption respectively. This study was followed by the review of complementary strategies to simulate the temperature evolution during the EBSM process, using a finite element analysis package called COMSOL Multiphysics. Two alternatives dedicated to representing a moving heat source (electron beam) and the powder bed were developed using a step-by-step approximation initiative. The first method consisted of the depiction of a powder bed discretized on an array of domains, each one representing a static melt pool, where the moving heat source was illustrated by a series of time dependant selective heating and cooling steps. The second method consisted of the solution of a prescribed domain, where each powder layer is discretized by an individual 3D element and the heat source is represented by a 1D element displaced by a temperature-coupling extrapolation routine. Two validation strategies were presented here; the first was used to confirm the accuracy of the proposed model strategy by setting up a controlled experiment; the second was used to validate the post-processing data obtained by the simulation by comparison with in-situ measured EBSM process temperature. Finally, a post-process part evaluation on surface finishing and part porosity was discussed including an assessment of the use of non-destructive inspection techniques such as 3D profilometry by axial chromatism for surface roughness, partial section analysis by serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) and micro computed tomography (CT-Scan) for pore and inclusion detection.

Room temperature chemical synthesis of lead selenide thin films with preferred orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kale, R. B.; Sartale, S. D.; Ganesan, V.; Lokhande, C. D.; Lin, Yi-Feng; Lu, Shih-Yuan

2006-11-01

Room temperature chemical synthesis of PbSe thin films was carried out from aqueous ammoniacal solution using Pb(CH3COO)2 as Pb2+ and Na2SeSO3 as Se2- ion sources. The films were characterized by a various techniques including, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and UV-vis-NIR techniques. The study revealed that the PbSe thin film consists of preferentially oriented nanocubes with energy band gap of 0.5 eV.

Imaging of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and observations of GaN-based violet laser diodes.

PubMed

Shiojiri, M; Saijo, H

2006-09-01

The first part of this paper is devoted to physics, to explain high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging and to interpret why HAADF-STEM imaging is incoherent, instructing a strict definition of interference and coherence of electron waves. Next, we present our recent investigations of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells and AlGaN/GaN strained-layer superlattice claddings in GaN-based violet laser diodes, which have been performed by HAADF-STEM and high-resolution field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy.

Application of He ion microscopy for material analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altmann, F.; Simon, M.; Klengel, R.

2009-05-01

Helium ion beam microscopy (HIM) is a new high resolution imaging technique. The use of Helium ions instead of electrons enables none destructive imaging combined with contrasts quite similar to that from Gallium ion beam imaging. The use of very low probe currents and the comfortable charge compensation using low energy electrons offer imaging of none conductive samples without conductive coating. An ongoing microelectronic sample with Gold/Aluminum interconnects and polymer electronic devices were chosen to evaluate HIM in comparison to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aim was to look for key applications of HIM in material analysis. Main focus was on complementary contrast mechanisms and imaging of none conductive samples.

Catalytic chemical vapor deposition synthesis and electron microscopy observation of coiled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Jining; Mukhopadyay, K.; Yadev, J.; Varadan, V. K.

2003-10-01

Coiled carbon nanotubes exhibit excellent mechanical and electrical properties because of the combination of coil morphology and properties of nanotubes. They could have potential novel applications in nanocomposites and nano-electronic devices as well as nano-electromechanical systems. In this work, synthesis of regularly coiled carbon nanotubes is presented. It involves pyrolysis of hydrocarbon gas over metal/support catalyst by both thermal filament and microwave catalytic chemical vapor deposition methods. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the coil morphology and nanostructure of coiled nanotubes. The growth mechanism and structural and electrical properties of coiled carbon nanotubes are also discussed.

Use of light, scanning electron microscopy and bioassays to evaluate parasitism by entomopathogenic fungi of the red scale insect of palms (Phoenicococcus marlatti Ckll., 1899).

PubMed

Asensio, L; Lopez-Llorca, L V; López-Jiménez, J A

2005-01-01

We have evaluated the parasitism of the red scale insect of the date palm (Phoenicococcus marlatti) by entomopathogenic fungi, using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM). Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium dimorphum and Lecanicillium cf. psalliotae, were inoculated directly on the scale insects or on insect infested plant material. We found that L. dimorphum and L. cf. psalliotae developed on plant material and on scale insects, making infection structures. B. bassiana was a bad colonizer of date palm leaves (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and did not parasite the scale insects.

Airborne asbestos in Colorado public schools.

PubMed

Chadwick, D A; Buchan, R M; Beaulieu, H J

1985-02-01

Levels of airborne asbestos for six Colorado public school facilities with sprayed-on asbestos materials were documented using three analytical techniques. Phase contrast microscopy showed levels up to the thousandths of a fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) up to the hundredths of a f/cc, and transmission electron microscopy coupled to selected area electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (TEM-SAED-EDXA) up to the tenths of an asbestos f/cc. Phase contrast microscopy was found to be an inadequate analytical technique for documenting the levels of airborne asbestos fibers in the schools: only large fibers which were not embedded in the filter were counted, and asbestos fibers were not distinguished from nonasbestos.

Further description of Cruzia tentaculata (Rudolphi, 1819) Travassos, 1917 (Nematoda: Cruzidae) by light and scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Adnet, F A O; Anjos, D H S; Menezes-Oliveira, A; Lanfredi, R M

2009-04-01

Species of Cruzia are parasites of the large intestine of marsupials, reptiles, amphibians, and mammalians. Cruzia tentaculata specimens were collected from the large intestine of Didelphis marsupialis (Mammalia: Didelphidae) from Colombia (new geographical record) and from Brazil and analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of males and females by light microscopy corroborated most of the previous description and the ultrastructure by scanning electron microscopy evidence: the topography of the cuticle, deirids, amphids, phasmids in both sexes, a pair of papillae near the vulva opening, and the number and location of male caudal papillae, adding new features for species identification only observed by this technique.

Magnetism of epitaxial Tb films on W(110) studied by spin-polarized low-energy electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prieto, J. E.; Chen, Gong; Schmid, A. K.; de la Figuera, J.

2016-11-01

Thin epitaxial films of Tb metal were grown on a clean W(110) substrate in ultrahigh vacuum and studied in situ by low-energy electron microscopy. Annealed films present magnetic contrast in spin-polarized low-energy electron microscopy. The energy dependence of the electron reflectivity was determined and a maximum value of its spin asymmetry of about 1% was measured. The magnetization direction of the Tb films is in-plane. Upon raising the temperature, no change in the domain distribution is observed, while the asymmetry in the electron reflectivity decreases when approaching the critical temperature, following a power law ˜(1-T /TC) β with a critical exponent β of 0.39.

Development of Thin Films as Potential Structural Cathodes to Enable Multifunctional Energy-Storage Structural Composite Batteries for the U.S. Army’s Future Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

glancing angle X - ray diffraction (GAXRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical...Emission SEM FWHM full width at half maximum GAXRD glancing angle X - ray diffraction H3COCH2CH2OH 2-methoxyethanol LiMn2O4 lithium manganese oxide...were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X - ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition,

Realistic representation of Bacillus subtilis biofilms architecture using combined microscopy (CLSM, ESEM and FESEM).

PubMed

Bridier, A; Meylheuc, T; Briandet, R

2013-05-01

In this contribution, we used a set of microscopic techniques including confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to analyze the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of cells and their surrounding matrix in Bacillus subtilis biofilm. The combination of the different techniques enabled a deeper and realistic deciphering of biofilm architecture by providing the opportunity to overcome the limits of each single technique. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fingerprint-Based Structure Retrieval Using Electron Density

PubMed Central

Yin, Shuangye; Dokholyan, Nikolay V.

2010-01-01

We present a computational approach that can quickly search a large protein structural database to identify structures that fit a given electron density, such as determined by cryo-electron microscopy. We use geometric invariants (fingerprints) constructed using 3D Zernike moments to describe the electron density, and reduce the problem of fitting of the structure to the electron density to simple fingerprint comparison. Using this approach, we are able to screen the entire Protein Data Bank and identify structures that fit two experimental electron densities determined by cryo-electron microscopy. PMID:21287628

Fingerprint-based structure retrieval using electron density.

PubMed

Yin, Shuangye; Dokholyan, Nikolay V

2011-03-01

We present a computational approach that can quickly search a large protein structural database to identify structures that fit a given electron density, such as determined by cryo-electron microscopy. We use geometric invariants (fingerprints) constructed using 3D Zernike moments to describe the electron density, and reduce the problem of fitting of the structure to the electron density to simple fingerprint comparison. Using this approach, we are able to screen the entire Protein Data Bank and identify structures that fit two experimental electron densities determined by cryo-electron microscopy. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ultra-thin resin embedding method for scanning electron microscopy of individual cells on high and low aspect ratio 3D nanostructures.

PubMed

Belu, A; Schnitker, J; Bertazzo, S; Neumann, E; Mayer, D; Offenhäusser, A; Santoro, F

2016-07-01

The preparation of biological cells for either scanning or transmission electron microscopy requires a complex process of fixation, dehydration and drying. Critical point drying is commonly used for samples investigated with a scanning electron beam, whereas resin-infiltration is typically used for transmission electron microscopy. Critical point drying may cause cracks at the cellular surface and a sponge-like morphology of nondistinguishable intracellular compartments. Resin-infiltrated biological samples result in a solid block of resin, which can be further processed by mechanical sectioning, however that does not allow a top view examination of small cell-cell and cell-surface contacts. Here, we propose a method for removing resin excess on biological samples before effective polymerization. In this way the cells result to be embedded in an ultra-thin layer of epoxy resin. This novel method highlights in contrast to standard methods the imaging of individual cells not only on nanostructured planar surfaces but also on topologically challenging substrates with high aspect ratio three-dimensional features by scanning electron microscopy. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

A national facility for biological cryo-electron microscopy

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

Saibil, Helen R., E-mail: h.saibil@mail.cryst.bbk.ac.uk; Grünewald, Kay; Stuart, David I.

2015-01-01

This review provides a brief update on the use of cryo-electron microscopy for integrated structural biology, along with an overview of the plans for the UK national facility for electron microscopy being built at the Diamond synchrotron. Three-dimensional electron microscopy is an enormously powerful tool for structural biologists. It is now able to provide an understanding of the molecular machinery of cells, disease processes and the actions of pathogenic organisms from atomic detail through to the cellular context. However, cutting-edge research in this field requires very substantial resources for equipment, infrastructure and expertise. Here, a brief overview is provided ofmore » the plans for a UK national three-dimensional electron-microscopy facility for integrated structural biology to enable internationally leading research on the machinery of life. State-of-the-art equipment operated with expert support will be provided, optimized for both atomic-level single-particle analysis of purified macromolecules and complexes and for tomography of cell sections. The access to and organization of the facility will be modelled on the highly successful macromolecular crystallography (MX) synchrotron beamlines, and will be embedded at the Diamond Light Source, facilitating the development of user-friendly workflows providing near-real-time experimental feedback.« less

Inhibitory capacity of Rhus coriaria L. extract and its major component methyl gallate on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation by optical profilometry: Potential applications for oral health.

PubMed

Kacergius, Tomas; Abu-Lafi, Saleh; Kirkliauskiene, Agne; Gabe, Vika; Adawi, Azmi; Rayan, Mahmoud; Qutob, Mutaz; Stukas, Rimantas; Utkus, Algirdas; Zeidan, Mouhammad; Rayan, Anwar

2017-07-01

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) bacterium is the most well recognized pathogen involved in pathogenesis of dental caries. Its virulence arises from its ability to produce a biofilm and acidogenicity, causing tooth decay. Discovery of natural products capable to inhibit biofilm formation is of high importance for developing health care products. To the best of our knowledge, in all previous scientific reports, a colorimetric assay was applied to test the effect of sumac and methyl gallate (MG) on S. mutans adherence. Quantitative assessment of the developed biofilm should be further performed by applying an optical profilometry assay, and by testing the effect on both surface roughness and thickness parameters of the biofilm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the effect of sumac extract and its constituent MG on biofilm formation using an optical profilometry assay. Testing antibacterial activity of the sumac extract and its fractions revealed that MG is the most bioactive component against S. mutans bacteria. It reduced S. mutans biofilm biomass on the polystyrene surface by 68‑93%, whereas 1 mg/ml MG was able to decrease the biofilm roughness and thickness on the glass surface by 99%. MG also prevented a decrease in pH level by 97%. These bioactivities of MG occurred in a dose‑dependent manner and were significant vs. untreated bacteria. The findings are important for the development of novel pharmaceuticals and formulations of natural products and extracts that possess anti‑biofilm activities with primary applications for oral health, and in a broader context, for the treatment of various bacterial infections.

Electron Energy Loss Spectral Imaging of TiC Formed by Supernovae: A Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Grain Formation and Alteration Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daulton, T. L.; Bernatowicz, T. J.; Croat, T. K.

2012-03-01

Micrometer-sized spherules of graphite formed by supernovae contain numerous TiC and Fe-Ni subgrains. These subgrains often have disordered surface rims. The mechanism(s) of rim formation on these subgrains is studied by transmission electron microscopy.

Characterization of Discontinuous Coarsening Reaction Products in INCONEL® Alloy 740H® Fusion Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bechetti, Daniel H.; Dupont, John N.; Watanabe, Masashi; de Barbadillo, John J.

2017-04-01

Characterization of γ' coarsened zones (CZs) in alloy 740H fusion welds via a variety of electron microscopy techniques was conducted. The effects of solute partitioning during nonequilibrium solidification on the amount of strengthening precipitates along the grain boundaries were evaluated via electron-probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to present evidence for the preferential growth of CZs toward regions of lower γ' content, even if growth in that direction increases grain boundary area. Scanning electron microscopy and image analysis were used to quantify the propensity for CZs to develop along certain segments of the grain boundaries, as governed by the local variations in γ' content. Scanning transmission electron microscopy with X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (XEDS) was used to assess the compositions of the matrix and precipitate phases within the CZs and to quantify the segregation of alloying components to the reaction front. Thermodynamic and kinetic modeling were used to compare calculated and experimental compositions. The work presented here provides new insight into the progression of the discontinuous coarsening (DC) reaction in a complex engineering alloy.

Characterization of Sulfur and Nanostructured Sulfur Battery Cathodes in Electron Microscopy Without Sublimation Artifacts

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

Levin, Barnaby D. A.; Zachman, Michael J.; Werner, Jörg G.

Abstract Lithium sulfur (Li–S) batteries have the potential to provide higher energy storage density at lower cost than conventional lithium ion batteries. A key challenge for Li–S batteries is the loss of sulfur to the electrolyte during cycling. This loss can be mitigated by sequestering the sulfur in nanostructured carbon–sulfur composites. The nanoscale characterization of the sulfur distribution within these complex nanostructured electrodes is normally performed by electron microscopy, but sulfur sublimates and redistributes in the high-vacuum conditions of conventional electron microscopes. The resulting sublimation artifacts render characterization of sulfur in conventional electron microscopes problematic and unreliable. Here, we demonstratemore » two techniques, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and scanning electron microscopy in air (airSEM), that enable the reliable characterization of sulfur across multiple length scales by suppressing sulfur sublimation. We use cryo-TEM and airSEM to examine carbon–sulfur composites synthesized for use as Li–S battery cathodes, noting several cases where the commonly employed sulfur melt infusion method is highly inefficient at infiltrating sulfur into porous carbon hosts.« less

Insights into radiation damage from atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging of mono-layer CuPcCl16 films on graphene.

PubMed

Mittelberger, Andreas; Kramberger, Christian; Meyer, Jannik C

2018-03-19

Atomically resolved images of monolayer organic crystals have only been obtained with scanning probe methods so far. On the one hand, they are usually prepared on surfaces of bulk materials, which are not accessible by (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. On the other hand, the critical electron dose of a monolayer organic crystal is orders of magnitudes lower than the one for bulk crystals, making (scanning) transmission electron microscopy characterization very challenging. In this work we present an atomically resolved study on the dynamics of a monolayer CuPcCl 16 crystal under the electron beam as well as an image of the undamaged molecules obtained by low-dose electron microscopy. The results show the dynamics and the radiation damage mechanisms in the 2D layer of this material, complementing what has been found for bulk crystals in earlier studies. Furthermore, being able to image the undamaged molecular crystal allows the characterization of new composites consisting of 2D materials and organic molecules.

Environmental scanning electron microscopy in cell biology.

PubMed

McGregor, J E; Staniewicz, L T L; Guthrie Neé Kirk, S E; Donald, A M

2013-01-01

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) (1) is an imaging technique which allows hydrated, insulating samples to be imaged under an electron beam. The resolution afforded by this technique is higher than conventional optical microscopy but lower than conventional scanning electron microscopy (CSEM). The major advantage of the technique is the minimal sample preparation needed, making ESEM quick to use and the images less susceptible to the artifacts that the extensive sample preparation usually required for CSEM may introduce. Careful manipulation of both the humidity in the microscope chamber and the beam energy are nevertheless essential to prevent dehydration and beam damage artifacts. In some circumstances it is possible to image live cells in the ESEM (2).In the following sections we introduce the fundamental principles of ESEM imaging before presenting imaging protocols for plant epidermis, mammalian cells, and bacteria. In the first two cases samples are imaged using the secondary electron (topographic) signal, whereas a transmission technique is employed to image bacteria.

Software electron counting for low-dose scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Mittelberger, Andreas; Kramberger, Christian; Meyer, Jannik C

2018-05-01

The performance of the detector is of key importance for low-dose imaging in transmission electron microscopy, and counting every single electron can be considered as the ultimate goal. In scanning transmission electron microscopy, low-dose imaging can be realized by very fast scanning, however, this also introduces artifacts and a loss of resolution in the scan direction. We have developed a software approach to correct for artifacts introduced by fast scans, making use of a scintillator and photomultiplier response that extends over several pixels. The parameters for this correction can be directly extracted from the raw image. Finally, the images can be converted into electron counts. This approach enables low-dose imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope via high scan speeds while retaining the image quality of artifact-free slower scans. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlative light-electron fractography for fatigue striations characterization in metallic alloys.

PubMed

Hein, Luis Rogerio de Oliveira; de Oliveira, José Alberto; de Campos, Kamila Amato

2013-09-01

The correlative light-electron fractography technique combines correlative microscopy concepts to the extended depth-from-focus reconstruction method, associating the reliable topographic information of 3-D maps from light microscopy ordered Z-stacks to the finest lateral resolution and large focus depth from scanning electron microscopy. Fatigue striations spacing analysis can be precisely measured, by correcting the mean surface tilting with the knowledge of local elevation data from elevation maps. This new technique aims to improve the accuracy of quantitative fractography in fatigue fracture investigations. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis of Skin Lesions from Sporotrichosis Epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PubMed Central

Porto Ferreira, Cassio; Oliveira de Almeida, Ana Cristina; Corte-Real, Suzana

2015-01-01

Transmission electron microscopy can yield useful information in a range of scientific fields; it is capable of imaging at a significantly higher resolution than light microscopes and has been a very useful tool in the identification of morphological changes of the dermis as well as assessment of changes in the extracellular matrix. Our aim is to characterize by electron microscopy the cellular profile of lesions caused by Sporothrix schenckii from the sporotrichosis epidemic in its zoonotic form that occurs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PMID:25653392

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

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.

Microscopy image segmentation tool: Robust image data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valmianski, Ilya; Monton, Carlos; Schuller, Ivan K.

2014-03-01

We present a software package called Microscopy Image Segmentation Tool (MIST). MIST is designed for analysis of microscopy images which contain large collections of small regions of interest (ROIs). Originally developed for analysis of porous anodic alumina scanning electron images, MIST capabilities have been expanded to allow use in a large variety of problems including analysis of biological tissue, inorganic and organic film grain structure, as well as nano- and meso-scopic structures. MIST provides a robust segmentation algorithm for the ROIs, includes many useful analysis capabilities, and is highly flexible allowing incorporation of specialized user developed analysis. We describe the unique advantages MIST has over existing analysis software. In addition, we present a number of diverse applications to scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and fluorescent confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Correlating Intravital Multi-Photon Microscopy to 3D Electron Microscopy of Invading Tumor Cells Using Anatomical Reference Points

PubMed Central

Karreman, Matthia A.; Mercier, Luc; Schieber, Nicole L.; Shibue, Tsukasa; Schwab, Yannick; Goetz, Jacky G.

2014-01-01

Correlative microscopy combines the advantages of both light and electron microscopy to enable imaging of rare and transient events at high resolution. Performing correlative microscopy in complex and bulky samples such as an entire living organism is a time-consuming and error-prone task. Here, we investigate correlative methods that rely on the use of artificial and endogenous structural features of the sample as reference points for correlating intravital fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. To investigate tumor cell behavior in vivo with ultrastructural accuracy, a reliable approach is needed to retrieve single tumor cells imaged deep within the tissue. For this purpose, fluorescently labeled tumor cells were subcutaneously injected into a mouse ear and imaged using two-photon-excitation microscopy. Using near-infrared branding, the position of the imaged area within the sample was labeled at the skin level, allowing for its precise recollection. Following sample preparation for electron microscopy, concerted usage of the artificial branding and anatomical landmarks enables targeting and approaching the cells of interest while serial sectioning through the specimen. We describe here three procedures showing how three-dimensional (3D) mapping of structural features in the tissue can be exploited to accurately correlate between the two imaging modalities, without having to rely on the use of artificially introduced markers of the region of interest. The methods employed here facilitate the link between intravital and nanoscale imaging of invasive tumor cells, enabling correlating function to structure in the study of tumor invasion and metastasis. PMID:25479106

Nonlinear gamma correction via normed bicoherence minimization in optical fringe projection metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamagara, Abel; Wang, Xiangzhao; Li, Sikun

2018-03-01

We propose a method to compensate for the projector intensity nonlinearity induced by gamma effect in three-dimensional (3-D) fringe projection metrology by extending high-order spectra analysis and bispectral norm minimization to digital sinusoidal fringe pattern analysis. The bispectrum estimate allows extraction of vital signal information features such as spectral component correlation relationships in fringe pattern images. Our approach exploits the fact that gamma introduces high-order harmonic correlations in the affected fringe pattern image. Estimation and compensation of projector nonlinearity is realized by detecting and minimizing the normed bispectral coherence of these correlations. The proposed technique does not require calibration information and technical knowledge or specification of fringe projection unit. This is promising for developing a modular and calibration-invariant model for intensity nonlinear gamma compensation in digital fringe pattern projection profilometry. Experimental and numerical simulation results demonstrate this method to be efficient and effective in improving the phase measuring accuracies with phase-shifting fringe pattern projection profilometry.

Reconstruction method for fringe projection profilometry based on light beams.

PubMed

Li, Xuexing; Zhang, Zhijiang; Yang, Chen

2016-12-01

A novel reconstruction method for fringe projection profilometry, based on light beams, is proposed and verified by experiments. Commonly used calibration techniques require the parameters of projector calibration or the reference planes placed in many known positions. Obviously, introducing the projector calibration can reduce the accuracy of the reconstruction result, and setting the reference planes to many known positions is a time-consuming process. Therefore, in this paper, a reconstruction method without projector's parameters is proposed and only two reference planes are introduced. A series of light beams determined by the subpixel point-to-point map on the two reference planes combined with their reflected light beams determined by the camera model are used to calculate the 3D coordinates of reconstruction points. Furthermore, the bundle adjustment strategy and the complementary gray-code phase-shifting method are utilized to ensure the accuracy and stability. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons as well as experimental tests demonstrate the performance of our proposed approach, and the measurement accuracy can reach about 0.0454 mm.

Novel 3-D free-form surface profilometry for reverse engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang-Chia; Huang, Zhi-Xue

2005-01-01

This article proposes an innovative 3-D surface contouring approach for automatic and accurate free-form surface reconstruction using a sensor integration concept. The study addresses a critical problem in accurate measurement of free-form surfaces by developing an automatic reconstruction approach. Unacceptable measuring accuracy issues are mainly due to the errors arising from the use of inadequate measuring strategies, ending up with inaccurate digitised data and costly post-data processing in Reverse Engineering (RE). This article is thus aimed to develop automatic digitising strategies for ensuring surface reconstruction efficiency, as well as accuracy. The developed approach consists of two main stages, namely the rapid shape identification (RSI) and the automated laser scanning (ALS) for completing 3-D surface profilometry. This developed approach effectively utilises the advantages of on-line geometric information to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of user-defined digitising accuracy under a triangular topological patch. An industrial case study was used to attest the feasibility of the approach.

The study of cyclododecane as a temporary coating for marble by NMR profilometry and FTIR reflectance spectroscopies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anselmi, C.; Presciutti, F.; Doherty, B.; Brunetti, B. G.; Sgamellotti, A.; Miliani, C.

2011-07-01

This contribution focuses on an analytical evaluation of the use of cyclododecane (CDD) (C12H24) as a temporary protective coating for non-porous stone materials of cultural heritage interest. A facile solvent spray application technique for the production of an adherent continuous film has been assessed. The criterion for monitoring the sublimation of the cyclododecane film on marble has been established through the use of non-invasive analytical techniques so as to avoid any interaction with the process under study, where results serve to integrate and enhance knowledge into the use of cyclododecane in this discipline. Research is directed towards testing the applicability of portable infrared reflectance spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance profilometry systems to follow the in-situ behavior of temporary consolidants. In particular, the coupling of two spectroscopic techniques such as IR and NMR has been possible, enabling the descriptions of both the formation of the film and its kinetics of sublimation.

Dual-sensitivity profilometry with defocused projection of binary fringes.

PubMed

Garnica, G; Padilla, M; Servin, M

2017-10-01

A dual-sensitivity profilometry technique based on defocused projection of binary fringes is presented. Here, two sets of fringe patterns with a sinusoidal profile are produced by applying the same analog low-pass filter (projector defocusing) to binary fringes with a high- and low-frequency spatial carrier. The high-frequency fringes have a binary square-wave profile, while the low-frequency binary fringes are produced with error-diffusion dithering. The binary nature of the binary fringes removes the need for calibration of the projector's nonlinear gamma. Working with high-frequency carrier fringes, we obtain a high-quality wrapped phase. On the other hand, working with low-frequency carrier fringes we found a lower-quality, nonwrapped phase map. The nonwrapped estimation is used as stepping stone for dual-sensitivity temporal phase unwrapping, extending the applicability of the technique to discontinuous (piecewise continuous) surfaces. We are proposing a single defocusing level for faster high- and low-frequency fringe data acquisition. The proposed technique is validated with experimental results.

[Application of Fourier transform profilometry in 3D-surface reconstruction].

PubMed

Shi, Bi'er; Lu, Kuan; Wang, Yingting; Li, Zhen'an; Bai, Jing

2011-08-01

With the improvement of system frame and reconstruction methods in fluorescent molecules tomography (FMT), the FMT technology has been widely used as an important experimental tool in biomedical research. It is necessary to get the 3D-surface profile of the experimental object as the boundary constraints of FMT reconstruction algorithms. We proposed a new 3D-surface reconstruction method based on Fourier transform profilometry (FTP) method under the blue-purple light condition. The slice images were reconstructed using proper image processing methods, frequency spectrum analysis and filtering. The results of experiment showed that the method properly reconstructed the 3D-surface of objects and has the mm-level accuracy. Compared to other methods, this one is simple and fast. Besides its well-reconstructed, the proposed method could help monitor the behavior of the object during the experiment to ensure the correspondence of the imaging process. Furthermore, the method chooses blue-purple light section as its light source to avoid the interference towards fluorescence imaging.

New Technology-Large-Area Three- Dimensional Surface Profiling Using Only Focused Air-Coupled Ultrasound-Given 1999 R&D 100 Award

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Kautz, Harold E.; Abel, Phillip B.; Whalen, Mike F.; Hendricks, J. Lynne; Bodis, James R.

2000-01-01

Surface topography, which significantly affects the performance of many industrial components, is normally measured with diamond-tip profilometry over small areas or with optical scattering methods over larger areas. To develop air-coupled surface profilometry, the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field initiated a Space Act Agreement with Sonix, Inc., through two Glenn programs, the Advanced High Temperature Engine Materials Program (HITEMP) and COMMTECH. The work resulted in quantitative surface topography profiles obtained using only high-frequency, focused ultrasonic pulses in air. The method is nondestructive, noninvasive, and noncontact, and it does not require light-reflective surfaces. Air surface profiling may be desirable when diamond-tip or laserbased methods are impractical, such as over large areas, when a significant depth range is required, or for curved surfaces. When the configuration is optimized, the method is reasonably rapid and all the quantitative analysis facilities are online, including two- and three-dimensional visualization, extreme value filtering (for faulty data), and leveling.

Publications - GMC 58 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

DGGS GMC 58 Publication Details Title: X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy mineral , Michael, and Core Laboratories, 1985, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy mineral analyses

Nanodiamond Landmarks for Subcellular Multimodal Optical and Electron Imaging

PubMed Central

Zurbuchen, Mark A.; Lake, Michael P.; Kohan, Sirus A.; Leung, Belinda; Bouchard, Louis-S.

2013-01-01

There is a growing need for biolabels that can be used in both optical and electron microscopies, are non-cytotoxic, and do not photobleach. Such biolabels could enable targeted nanoscale imaging of sub-cellular structures, and help to establish correlations between conjugation-delivered biomolecules and function. Here we demonstrate a sub-cellular multi-modal imaging methodology that enables localization of inert particulate probes, consisting of nanodiamonds having fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy centers. These are functionalized to target specific structures, and are observable by both optical and electron microscopies. Nanodiamonds targeted to the nuclear pore complex are rapidly localized in electron-microscopy diffraction mode to enable “zooming-in” to regions of interest for detailed structural investigations. Optical microscopies reveal nanodiamonds for in-vitro tracking or uptake-confirmation. The approach is general, works down to the single nanodiamond level, and can leverage the unique capabilities of nanodiamonds, such as biocompatibility, sensitive magnetometry, and gene and drug delivery. PMID:24036840

Correlated fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography of virus-infected or transfected mammalian cells

PubMed Central

Hampton, Cheri M; Strauss, Joshua D; Ke, Zunlong; Dillard, Rebecca S; Hammonds, Jason E; Alonas, Eric; Desai, Tanay M; Marin, Mariana; Storms, Rachel E; Leon, Fredrick; Melikyan, Gregory B; Santangelo, Philip J; Spearman, Paul W; Wright, Elizabeth R

2016-01-01

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) combines spatiotemporal information from fluorescence light microscopy (fLM) with high-resolution structural data from cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). These technologies provide opportunities to bridge knowledge gaps between cell and structural biology. Here we describe our protocol for correlated cryo-fLM, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and cryo-ET (i.e., cryo-CLEM) of virus-infected or transfected mammalian cells. Mammalian-derived cells are cultured on EM substrates, using optimized conditions that ensure that the cells are spread thinly across the substrate and are not physically disrupted. The cells are then screened by fLM and vitrified before acquisition of cryo-fLM and cryo-ET images, which is followed by data processing. A complete session from grid preparation through data collection and processing takes 5–15 d for an individual experienced in cryo-EM. PMID:27977021

In situ transmission electron microscopy of transistor operation and failure.

PubMed

Wang, Baoming; Islam, Zahabul; Haque, Aman; Chabak, Kelson; Snure, Michael; Heller, Eric; Glavin, Nicholas

2018-08-03

Microscopy is typically used as a post-mortem analytical tool in performance and reliability studies on nanoscale materials and devices. In this study, we demonstrate real time microscopy of the operation and failure of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors inside the transmission electron microscope. Loading until failure was performed on the electron transparent transistors to visualize the failure mechanisms caused by self-heating. At lower drain voltages, thermo-mechanical stresses induce irreversible microstructural deformation, mostly along the AlGaN/GaN interface, to initiate the damage process. At higher biasing, the self-heating deteriorates the gate and catastrophic failure takes place through metal/semiconductor inter-diffusion and/or buffer layer breakdown. This study indicates that the current trend of recreating the events, from damage nucleation to catastrophic failure, can be replaced by in situ microscopy for a quick and accurate account of the failure mechanisms.

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

PubMed

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

2004-06-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2015-12-01

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

Analysis of Long Bone and Vertebral Failure Patterns.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-30

processes further supported the findings of • :the scanning electron microscopy studies . In the impacted animals, the cartilage surface was eroded... cartilage matrix. In the six years post-impaction group, the articular cartilage had converted to fibrocartilage instead of normal hyaline cartilage . The...columns of four rhesus monkeys have been collected and are being processed for study with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The baboon

A simple method for maintaining relative positions of separate tissue elements during processing for electron microscopy.

PubMed

Stirling, C A

1978-09-01

Molten (328 K) 20% gelatin is used as a 'glue' to hold together separate tissue elements or tissue elements that may be separated when cutting small blocks of tissue for plastic embedding. Standard aldehyde and osmium fixation, dehydration and epoxy embedding are compatible with this as is semi-thin sectioning for light microscopy or thin sectioning for electron microscopy.

Symposium LL: Nanowires--Synthesis Properties Assembly and Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-10

dedicated hard x - ray microscopy beamline is operated in partnership with the Advanced Photon Source to provide fluorescence, diffraction, and...characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X - ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, proving it to be...Investigation of Preferred Growth Direction of GaN Nanorods by Synchrotron X - ray Reciprocal Space Mapping. Yuri Sohn1, Sanghwa Lee1, Chinkyo Kim1 and Dong

STEM VQ Method, Using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) for Accurate Virus Quantification

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-02

Corresponding Author Abstract Accurate virus quantification is sought, but a perfect method still eludes the scientific community. Electron...unlimited. UNCLASSIFIED 2 provides morphology data and counts all viral particles, including partial or noninfectious particles; however, EM methods ...consistent, reproducible virus quantification method called Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy – Virus Quantification (STEM-VQ) which simplifies

Evaluation of a hybrid pixel detector for electron microscopy.

PubMed

Faruqi, A R; Cattermole, D M; Henderson, R; Mikulec, B; Raeburn, C

2003-04-01

We describe the application of a silicon hybrid pixel detector, containing 64 by 64 pixels, each 170 microm(2), in electron microscopy. The device offers improved resolution compared to CCDs along with faster and noiseless readout. Evaluation of the detector, carried out on a 120 kV electron microscope, demonstrates the potential of the device.

Mineralogy and Microstructures of Shock-Induced Melt Veins in Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, Thomas G.

2000-01-01

The applicability of phase equilibrium data to the interpretation of shock-induced melt veins can only be tested by a detailed study of melt- vein mineralogy to see how high-pressure assemblages vary as a function of shock conditions inferred from other indicators. We have used transmission electron microscopy (TEM), analytical electron microscopy (AEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron microprobe analysis (EMA) and optical petrography to characterize the mineralogy, microstructures, and compositions of melt veins and associated high-pressure minerals in shocked chondrites and SNC meteorites. In the processes, we have gained a better understanding of what melt veining can tell us about shock conditions and we have discovered new mineral phases in chondritic and SNC meteorites.

Correlative fluorescence and scanning transmission electron microscopy of quantum dot-labeled proteins on whole cells in liquid.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; Bandmann, Vera; de Jonge, Niels

2014-01-01

Correlative fluorescence microscopy combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of cells fully immersed in liquid is a new methodology with many application areas. Proteins, in live cells immobilized on microchips, are labeled with fluorescent quantum dot nanoparticles. In this protocol, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is labeled. The cells are fixed after a selected labeling time, for example, 5 min as needed to form EGFR dimers. The microchip with cells is then imaged with fluorescence microscopy. Thereafter, STEM can be accomplished in two ways. The microchip with the labeled cells and one microchip with a spacer are assembled into a special microfluidic device and imaged with dedicated high-voltage STEM. Alternatively, thin edges of cells can be studied with environmental scanning electron microscopy with a STEM detector, by placing a microchip with cells in a cooled wet environment. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Schottky barrier height measurements of Cu/Si(001), Ag/Si(001), and Au/Si(001) interfaces utilizing ballistic electron emission microscopy and ballistic hole emission microscopy

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

Balsano, Robert; Matsubayashi, Akitomo; LaBella, Vincent P., E-mail: vlabella@albany.edu

2013-11-15

The Schottky barrier heights of both n and p doped Cu/Si(001), Ag/Si(001), and Au/Si(001) diodes were measured using ballistic electron emission microscopy and ballistic hole emission microscopy (BHEM), respectively. Measurements using both forward and reverse ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) and (BHEM) injection conditions were performed. The Schottky barrier heights were found by fitting to a linearization of the power law form of the Bell-Kaiser BEEM model. The sum of the n-type and p-type barrier heights are in good agreement with the band gap of silicon and independent of the metal utilized. The Schottky barrier heights are found to bemore » below the region of best fit for the power law form of the BK model, demonstrating its region of validity.« less

Grinding and polishing instead of sectioning for the tissue samples with a graft: Implications for light and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Mukhamadiyarov, Rinat A; Sevostyanova, Victoria V; Shishkova, Daria K; Nokhrin, Andrey V; Sidorova, Olga D; Kutikhin, Anton G

2016-06-01

A broad use of the graft replacement requires a detailed investigation of the host-graft interaction, including both histological examination and electron microscopy. A high quality sectioning of the host tissue with a graft seems to be complicated; in addition, it is difficult to examine the same tissue area by both of the mentioned microscopy techniques. To solve these problems, we developed a new technique of epoxy resin embedding with the further grinding, polishing, and staining. Graft-containing tissues prepared by grinding and polishing preserved their structure; however, sectioning frequently required the explantation of the graft and led to tissue disintegration. Moreover, stained samples prepared by grinding and polishing may then be assessed by both light microscopy and backscattered scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, grinding and polishing outperform sectioning when applied to the tissues with a graft. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrastructural characterization of the new NG97ht human-derived glioma cell line using two different electron microscopy technical procedures.

PubMed

Machado, Camila Maria Longo; Zorzeto, Tatiane Queiroz; Bianco, Juares E Romero; Rosa, Renata Giardini; Genari, Selma Candelaria; Joazeiro, Paulo Pinto; Verinaud, Liana

2009-04-01

On the basis of transmission electron microscopy observations in tumor cell lines, oncologists have made innumerous diagnostic and therapeutical progresses. Following this path, the UNICAMP immunopathologies laboratory established the NG97 cell line derived from a human astrocytoma grade III, which when injected to the athymic nude mouse flank developed a grade IV astrocytoma. In this study, we focused on ultrastructural characterization of the NG97 cells after being recovered from xenotransplant (NG97ht). These cells in culture were assayed by two different electron microscopy procedures to characterize ultrastructures related to grade IV astrocytomas and to observe their structures through cell subcultivation. Additionally, comparative morphological descriptions of different cell passages in these technical procedures could be a useful tool for improving electron microscopy cell lineage protocols. Results from many cell passage observations showed ultrastructural similarities, which suggest malignant and glioblastoma phenotypes. In the first procedure, NG97ht cells were harvested and then incorporated into agarose before subjecting them to electron microscopy protocols, whereas in the second one, monolayer cells grew first on cover slides. Comparison among protocols revealed that organelles, cytoplasmatic extensions, spatial conformation of filopodia, and cell attachment to substrate were more preserved in the second procedure. Furthermore, in this latter procedure, a unique ellipsoidal structure was observed, which was already described when dealing with gliosarcoma cell line elsewhere. Therefore, these analyses demonstrated a morphological characterization of a new NG97ht cell line using electron transmission microscopy. Moreover, it has been shown that the second procedure provides more detailed information compared with the first.

Aharonov-Bohm Effect in the Photodetachment Microscopy of Hydrogen Negative Ions in an Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dehua

2014-09-01

The Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect in the photodetachment microscopy of the H- ions in an electric field has been studied on the basis of the semiclassical theory. After the H- ion is irradiated by a laser light, they provide a coherent electron source. When the detached electron is accelerated by a uniform electric field, two trajectories of a detached electron which run from the source to the same point on the detector, will interfere with each other and lead to an interference pattern in the photodetachment microscopy. After the solenoid is electrified beside the H- ion, even though no Lorentz force acts on the electron outside the solenoid, the photodetachment microscopy interference pattern on the detector is changed with the variation in the magnetic flux enclosed by the solenoid. This is caused by the AB effect. Under certain conditions, the interference pattern reaches the macroscopic dimensions and could be observed in a direct AB effect experiment. Our study can provide some predictions for the future experimental study of the AB effect in the photodetachment microscopy of negative ions.

Analysis of liquid suspensions using scanning electron microscopy in transmission: estimation of the water film thickness using Monte-Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Xiao, J; Foray, G; Masenelli-Varlot, K

2018-02-01

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows the observation of liquids under specific conditions of pressure and temperature. Moreover, when working in the transmission mode, that is in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), nano-objects can be analysed inside a liquid. The contrast in the images is mass-thickness dependent as in STEM-in-TEM (transmission electron microscopy) using closed cells. However, in STEM-in-ESEM, as the liquid-vapour equilibrium is kept dynamically, the thickness of the water droplet remains unknown. In this paper, the contrasts measured in the experimental images are compared with calculations using Monte-Carlo simulations in order to estimate the thickness of water. Two examples are given. On gold nanoparticles, the thickness of a thick film can be estimated thanks to a contrast inversion. On core-shell latex particles, the grey level of the shell compared with those of the core and of the water film gives a relatively precise measurement of the water film thickness. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

3D correlative light and electron microscopy of cultured cells using serial blockface scanning electron microscopy

PubMed Central

Lerner, Thomas R.; Burden, Jemima J.; Nkwe, David O.; Pelchen-Matthews, Annegret; Domart, Marie-Charlotte; Durgan, Joanne; Weston, Anne; Jones, Martin L.; Peddie, Christopher J.; Carzaniga, Raffaella; Florey, Oliver; Marsh, Mark; Gutierrez, Maximiliano G.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The processes of life take place in multiple dimensions, but imaging these processes in even three dimensions is challenging. Here, we describe a workflow for 3D correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) of cell monolayers using fluorescence microscopy to identify and follow biological events, combined with serial blockface scanning electron microscopy to analyse the underlying ultrastructure. The workflow encompasses all steps from cell culture to sample processing, imaging strategy, and 3D image processing and analysis. We demonstrate successful application of the workflow to three studies, each aiming to better understand complex and dynamic biological processes, including bacterial and viral infections of cultured cells and formation of entotic cell-in-cell structures commonly observed in tumours. Our workflow revealed new insight into the replicative niche of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in primary human lymphatic endothelial cells, HIV-1 in human monocyte-derived macrophages, and the composition of the entotic vacuole. The broad application of this 3D CLEM technique will make it a useful addition to the correlative imaging toolbox for biomedical research. PMID:27445312

Simulated electron beam trajectories toward a field ion microscopy specimen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, D. J.; Camus, P. P.; Kelly, T. F.

1993-04-01

This article explores the conditions under which a directed electron beam originating nearly normal to the specimen axis can be made to impact the near-apex region of a field ion microscopy specimen in a high electric field. Electron trajectories were calculated using a modified Runge-Kutta numerical method. The results indicate that an electron beam can be directed to a specimen under typical field ion microscopy conditions using two methods: by varying initial beam tilt (less than 60 mrad) or by translating the initial beam position relative to the specimen apex (less than 5 mm). The net focusing effect of the high electric field on the electron beam can be treated, to first order, as an astigmatism and may be correctable by a post-lens deflection system.

Direct observation of iron-induced conformational changes of mitochondrial DNA by high-resolution field-emission in-lens scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed Central

Yaffee, M; Walter, P; Richter, C; Müller, M

1996-01-01

When respiring rat liver mitochondria are incubated in the presence of Fe(III) gluconate, their DNA (mtDNA) relaxes from the supercoiled to the open circular form dependent on the iron dose. Anaerobiosis or antioxidants fail to completely inhibit the unwinding. High-resolution field-emission in-lens scanning electron microscopy imaging, in concert with backscattered electron detection, pinpoints nanometer-range iron colloids bound to mtDNA isolated from iron-exposed mitochondria. High-resolution field-emission in-lens scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron detection imaging permits simultaneous detailed visual analysis of DNA topology, iron dose-dependent mtDNA unwinding, and assessment of iron colloid formation on mtDNA strands. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:8643576

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

PubMed

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

2010-11-01

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

[Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Born, Martin

2010-01-01

These poster boards display the United Space Alliance's (USA) systems and equipment used for Nondestructive Evaluation. These include: (1) the Robotic Inspection Facility, (2) CAT-Scan and Laminography, (3) Laser Surface Profilometry, (4) Remote Eddy Current, (5) Ultrasonic Phased Array, (7) Infrared Flash Thermography, and (8) Backscatter X-Ray (BSX)

Transmission electron microscopy of amyloid fibrils.

PubMed

Gras, Sally L; Waddington, Lynne J; Goldie, Kenneth N

2011-01-01

Transmission Electron Microscopy of negatively stained and cryo-prepared specimens allows amyloid fibrils to be visualised at high resolution in a dried or a hydrated state, and is an essential method for characterising the morphology of fibrils and pre-fibrillar species. We outline the key steps involved in the preparation and observation of samples using negative staining and cryo-electron preservation. We also discuss methods to measure fibril characteristics, such as fibril width, from electron micrographs.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-29

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

Preface: phys. stat. sol. (a) 202/12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumann, Wolfgang; Stutzmann, Martin; Hildebrandt, Stefan

2005-09-01

The present special issue contains a collection of Original Papers dedicated to Professor Johannes Heydenreich on the occasion of his 75th birthday.Johannes Heydenreich, born on 20 June 1930 in Plauen/Vogtland near Dresden, studied physics at the Pädagogische Hochschule Potsdam, where he obtained his first academic degree Dipl. Phys. in 1958. He received his doctoral degree at the Martin Luther University in Halle in 1961 and the Habilitation degree in 1969. Already during his studies in Potsdam, he showed an interest in electron microscopy due to the influence of his teacher and supervisor Prof. Picht, one of the pioneers in electron optics. His interests were strengthened when Johannes Heydenreich did the experimental work for his Diploma degree at the Institute for Experimental Physics of the University of Halle, where he met Prof. Heinz Bethge for the first time. This was the beginning of a fruitful and longstanding collaboration. In 1962 Johannes Heydenreich joined the team of the later Institute for Solid State Physics and Electron Microscopy of the Academy of Sciences of the GDR, in Halle, for which the basis was laid by Prof. Bethge in 1960.Heydenreich has been working as Assistant Director for many years and played a decisive role in introducing and organising the various techniques of electron microscopy in the institute.The research activities of Prof. Heydenreich covered a broad spectrum over the years. At the beginning of his career he made significant contributions in the field of electron mirror microscopy. After that, his main interests were focused on transmission electron microscopy, ranging from diffraction contrast analysis of crystal defects to high-resolution electron microscopy and image processing. His favourite field was studies of defect-induced phenomena in advanced materials. The so-called Bethge-Heydenreich, the book Electron Microscopy in Solid State Physics, published at first in a German edition in 1982 and later in a revised English edition by Elsevier in 1987, provides an excellent overview both of Heydenreich's work and of the spectrum of the Institute of Solid State Physics and Electron Micros-copy in Halle.The international reputation of this institute was the basis for the transformation of it, after the re-unification of Germany, into the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, the first institute of the Max Planck Society in the Eastern part of Germany. From the beginning, Prof. Heydenreich was on the Board of Directors and served as the Executive Director from 1993 until his retirement in 1995.During this year, the International Centre of Advanced Materials and Electron Microscopy celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Centre was founded in Halle in 1975 as a Centre of Electron Microscopy for the Eastern countries.A remarkable and time-consuming part of Heydenreich's work was associated with this centre. Young scientists from Eastern Europe were trained in the theoretical and practical aspects of electron microscopy during the annual spring and autumn meetings. All in all, Johannes Heydenreich conducted 35 of these schools! From the beginning, he was a member of the Scientific Council of the Centre, and from 1985 until his retirement he was the Director of the Centre. Nowadays, the Centre acts as a real bridge between East and West largely due to the efforts of Johannes Heydenreich.Furthermore, Johannes Heydenreich had been active as a leading member of various scientific boards for many years. He was a co-editor of several journals covering electron microscopy, solid state physics and crystallography. As a member of the Executive Committee of the European Society for Elec-tron Microscopy (CESEM) for many years, and as a member of the Executive board of the German Soci-ety for Electron Microscopy, Johannes Heydenreich has invested a great deal of time and effort in the welfare of the scientific community.Over the course of nearly three decades, Johannes Heydenreich worked as a Professor at the Universities of Halle and Leipzig. Generations of students have admired his excellent lectures with clear repre-sentation and rigorous scholarship.The scientific work of Johannes Heydenreich was honoured by his election to the Academy of Natural Scientists Leopoldina where he worked as a Secretary of Natural Science for many years. The Technical University of Chemnitz conferred an honory doctors degree on Prof. Heydenreich in recognition of his scientific work. The German Society for Electron Microscopy awarded him Honorary Membership.Wolfgang Neumann especially acknowledges with gratitude the time of inspiring collaboration in Halle.All his friends, colleagues, and students wish him many further years of good health. The Editors of physica status solidi join these wishes and add their gratefulness for his long-standing and continuous engagement as a member of the Advisory and Editorial Board of physica status solidi (a).

Electron Microscopy Localization and Characterization of Functionalized Composite Organic-Inorganic SERS Nanoparticles on Leukemia Cells

PubMed Central

Koh, Ai Leen; Shachaf, Catherine M.; Elchuri, Sailaja; Nolan, Garry P.; Sinclair, Robert

2008-01-01

We demonstrate the use of electron microscopy as a powerful characterization tool to identify and locate antibody-conjugated composite organic-inorganic (COINs) surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles on cells. U937 leukemia cells labeled with antibody CD54-conjugated COINs were characterized in their native, hydrated state using wet Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and in their dehydrated state using high-resolution SEM. In both cases, the backscattered electron detector (BSE) was used to detect and identify the silver constituents in COINs due to its high sensitivity to atomic number variations within a specimen. The imaging and analytical capabilities in the SEM were further complemented by higher resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images and Scanning Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) data to give reliable and high-resolution information about nanoparticles and their binding to cell surface antigens. PMID:18995965

Evaluations of carbon nanotube field emitters for electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakahara, Hitoshi; Kusano, Yoshikazu; Kono, Takumi; Saito, Yahachi

2009-11-01

Brightness of carbon nanotube (CNT) emitters was already reported elsewhere. However, brightness of electron emitter is affected by a virtual source size of the emitter, which strongly depends on electron optical configuration around the emitter. In this work, I- V characteristics and brightness of a CNT emitter are measured under a practical field emission electron gun (e-gun) configuration to investigate availability of CNT for electron microscopy. As a result, it is obtained that an emission area of MWNT is smaller than its tip surface area, and the emission area corresponds to a five-membered-ring with 2nd nearest six-membered-rings on the MWNT cap surface. Reduced brightness of MWNT is measured as at least 2.6×109 A/m 2 sr V. It is concluded that even a thick MWNT has enough brightness under a practical e-gun electrode configuration and suitable for electron microscopy.

The application of scanning electron microscopy to fractography

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

Brooks, C.R.; McGill, B.L.

1994-10-01

Many failures involve fracture, and determination of the fracture process is a key factor in understanding the failure. This is frequently accomplished by characterizing the topography of the fracture surface. Scanning electron microscopy has a prominent role in fractography due to three features of the scanning electron microscope (SEM): high resolution, great depth of field, and the ability to obtain chemical information via analysis of the X-rays generated by the electrons. A qualitative treatment is presented of the interaction of electrons with a sample and the effect of the SEM operating parameters on image formation, quality, and X-ray analysis. Fractographsmore » are presented to illustrate these features of scanning electron microscopy and to illustrate the limitations and precautions in obtaining fractographs and x-ray analyses. The review is concluded with examples of fracture surface features of metallic, ceramic, and polymeric materials.« less

The spatial coherence function in scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy.

PubMed

Nguyen, D T; Findlay, S D; Etheridge, J

2014-11-01

We investigate the implications of the form of the spatial coherence function, also referred to as the effective source distribution, for quantitative analysis in scanning transmission electron microscopy, and in particular for interpreting the spatial origin of imaging and spectroscopy signals. These questions are explored using three different source distribution models applied to a GaAs crystal case study. The shape of the effective source distribution was found to have a strong influence not only on the scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image contrast, but also on the distribution of the scattered electron wavefield and hence on the spatial origin of the detected electron intensities. The implications this has for measuring structure, composition and bonding at atomic resolution via annular dark field, X-ray and electron energy loss STEM imaging are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of cultured myogenic C2C12 cells with scanning and scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Tylko, G; Karasiński, J; Wróblewski, R; Roomans, G M; Kilarski, W M

2000-01-01

Heterogeneity of the elemental content of myogenic C2C12 cultured cells was studied by electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA) with scanning (SEM EPXMA) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM EPXMA). The best plastic substrate for growing cells was Thermanox. For STEM EPXMA, a Formvar film coated with carbon was found to be suitable substrate. The cells examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy showed great heterogeneity in their elemental content in comparison with the cells examined in the scanning electron microscope despite of an almost identical preparation procedure for EPXMA. Nevertheless the K/Na ratios obtained from both methods of EPXMA were very close (4.1 and 4.3). We conclude that the observed discrepancy in the elemental content obtained by the two methods may be due to differences in instrumentation and this must be taken into account when planning a comparative study.

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

Buck, E.C.; Cunnane, J.C.; Brown, N.R.

A combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron detection (SEM/BSE), and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) is being used to determine the nature of uranium in soils from the Fernald Environmental Management Project. The information gained from these studies is being used to develop and test remediation technologies. Investigations using SEM have shown that uranium is contained within particles that are typically 1 to 100 {mu}m in diameter. Further analysis with AEM has shown that these uranium-rich regions are made up of discrete uranium-bearing phases. The distribution of these uranium phases was found to be inhomogeneous at themore » microscopic level.« less

Transmission electron microscopy analysis of skin lesions from sporotrichosis epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Ferreira, Cassio Porto; Oliveira de Almeida, Ana Cristina; Corte-Real, Suzana

2015-02-01

Transmission electron microscopy can yield useful information in a range of scientific fields; it is capable of imaging at a significantly higher resolution than light microscopes and has been a very useful tool in the identification of morphological changes of the dermis as well as assessment of changes in the extracellular matrix. Our aim is to characterize by electron microscopy the cellular profile of lesions caused by Sporothrix schenckii from the sporotrichosis epidemic in its zoonotic form that occurs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

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

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

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

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

2016-10-01

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

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

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

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

2016-03-30

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

Symposium N: Materials and Devices for Thermal-to-Electric Energy Conversion

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-24

X - ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Thermal conductivity measurements...SEM), X - ray diffraction (XRD) measurements as well as Raman spectroscopy. The results from these techniques indicate a clear modification...was examined by using scanning electron microscope (SEM; HITACHI S-4500 model) attached with an energy dispersive x - ray spectroscopy. The electrical

Quantitative Cryo-Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy of Biological Materials.

PubMed

Elbaum, Michael

2018-05-11

Electron tomography provides a detailed view into the 3D structure of biological cells and tissues. Physical fixation by vitrification of the aqueous medium provides the most faithful preservation of biological specimens in the native, fully hydrated state. Cryo-microscopy is challenging, however, because of the sensitivity to electron irradiation and due to the weak electron scattering of organic material. Tomography is even more challenging because of the dependence on multiple exposures of the same area. Tomographic imaging is typically performed in wide-field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) mode with phase contrast generated by defocus. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is an alternative mode based on detection of scattering from a focused probe beam, without imaging optics following the specimen. While careful configuration of the illumination and detectors is required to generate useful contrast, STEM circumvents the major restrictions of phase contrast TEM to very thin specimens and provides a signal that is more simply interpreted in terms of local composition and density. STEM has gained popularity in recent years for materials science. The extension of STEM to cryomicroscopy and tomography of cells and macromolecules is summarized herein. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Environmental scanning electron microscopy gold immunolabeling in cell biology.

PubMed

Rosso, Francesco; Papale, Ferdinando; Barbarisi, Alfonso

2013-01-01

Immunogold labeling (IGL) technique has been utilized by many authors in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to obtain the identification/localization of receptors and antigens, both in cells and tissues. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) represents an important tool in biomedical research, since it does not require any severe processing of the sample, lowering the risk of generating artifacts and interfere with the IGL procedure. The absence of metal coating could yield further advantages for our purpose as the labeling detection is based on the atomic number difference between nanogold spheres and the biological material. Using the gaseous secondary electron detector, compositional contrast is easily revealed by the backscattered electron component of the signal. In spite of this fact, only few published papers present a combination of ESEM and IGL. Hereby we present our method, optimized to improve the intensity and the specificity of the labeling signal, in order to obtain a semiquantitative evaluation of the labeling signal.In particular, we used a combination of IGL and ESEM to detect the presence of a protein on the cell surface. To achieve this purpose, we chose as an experimental system 3T3 Swiss albino mouse fibroblasts and galectin-3.

Visualization of HIV T Cell Virological Synapses and Virus-Containing Compartments by Three-Dimensional Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Wang, Lili; Eng, Edward T.; Law, Kenneth; Gordon, Ronald E.; Rice, William J.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Virological synapses (VS) are adhesive structures that form between infected and uninfected cells to enhance the spread of HIV-1. During T cell VS formation, viral proteins are actively recruited to the site of cell-cell contact where the viral material is efficiently translocated to target cells into heterogeneous, protease-resistant, antibody-inaccessible compartments. Using correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), we define the membrane topography of the virus-containing compartments (VCC) where HIV is found following VS-mediated transfer. Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and serial sectioning transmission electron microscopy (SS-TEM) were used to better resolve the fluorescent Gag-containing structures within the VCC. We found that small punctate fluorescent signals correlated with single viral particles in enclosed vesicular compartments or surface-localized virus particles and that large fluorescent signals correlated with membranous Gag-containing structures with unknown pathological function. CLEM imaging revealed distinct pools of newly deposited viral proteins within endocytic and nonendocytic compartments in VS target T cells. IMPORTANCE This study directly correlates individual virus-associated objects observed in light microscopy with ultrastructural features seen by electron microscopy in the HIV-1 virological synapse. This approach elucidates which infection-associated ultrastructural features represent bona fide HIV protein complexes. We define the morphology of some HIV cell-to-cell transfer intermediates as true endocytic compartments and resolve unique synapse-associated viral structures created by transfer across virological synapses. PMID:27847357

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.

Specimen preparation by ion beam slope cutting for characterization of ductile damage by scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Besserer, Hans-Bernward; Gerstein, Gregory; Maier, Hans Jürgen; Nürnberger, Florian

2016-04-01

To investigate ductile damage in parts made by cold sheet-bulk metal forming a suited specimen preparation is required to observe the microstructure and defects such as voids by electron microscopy. By means of ion beam slope cutting both a targeted material removal can be applied and mechanical or thermal influences during preparation avoided. In combination with scanning electron microscopy this method allows to examine voids in the submicron range and thus to analyze early stages of ductile damage. In addition, a relief structure is formed by the selectivity of the ion bombardment, which depends on grain orientation and microstructural defects. The formation of these relief structures is studied using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction and the use of this side effect to interpret the microstructural mechanisms of voids formation by plastic deformation is discussed. A comprehensive investigation of the suitability of ion beam milling to analyze ductile damage is given at the examples of a ferritic deep drawing steel and a dual phase steel. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sparse imaging for fast electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Hyrum S.; Ilic-Helms, Jovana; Rohrer, Brandon; Wheeler, Jason; Larson, Kurt

2013-02-01

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are used in neuroscience and materials science to image centimeters of sample area at nanometer scales. Since imaging rates are in large part SNR-limited, large collections can lead to weeks of around-the-clock imaging time. To increase data collection speed, we propose and demonstrate on an operational SEM a fast method to sparsely sample and reconstruct smooth images. To accurately localize the electron probe position at fast scan rates, we model the dynamics of the scan coils, and use the model to rapidly and accurately visit a randomly selected subset of pixel locations. Images are reconstructed from the undersampled data by compressed sensing inversion using image smoothness as a prior. We report image fidelity as a function of acquisition speed by comparing traditional raster to sparse imaging modes. Our approach is equally applicable to other domains of nanometer microscopy in which the time to position a probe is a limiting factor (e.g., atomic force microscopy), or in which excessive electron doses might otherwise alter the sample being observed (e.g., scanning transmission electron microscopy).

Domain imaging in ferroelectric thin films via channeling-contrast backscattered electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Ihlefeld, Jon F.; Michael, Joseph R.; McKenzie, Bonnie B.; ...

2016-09-16

We report that ferroelastic domain walls provide opportunities for deterministically controlling mechanical, optical, electrical, and thermal energy. Domain wall characterization in micro- and nanoscale systems, where their spacing may be of the order of 100 nm or less is presently limited to only a few techniques, such as piezoresponse force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These respective techniques cannot, however, independently characterize domain polarization orientation and domain wall motion in technologically relevant capacitor structures or in a non-destructive manner, thus presenting a limitation of their utility. In this work, we show how backscatter scanning electron microscopy utilizing channeling contrast yieldmore » can image the ferroelastic domain structure of ferroelectric films with domain wall spacing as narrow as 10 nm.« less

TEM characterization of nanodiamond thin films.

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

Qin, L.-C.; Zhou, D.; Krauss, A. R.

The microstructure of thin films grown by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) from fullerene C{sub 60} precursors has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), bright-field electron microscopy, high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM), and parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS). The films are composed of nanosize crystallites of diamond, and no graphitic or amorphous phases were observed. The diamond crystallite size measured from lattice images shows that most grains range between 3-5 nm, reflecting a gamma distribution. SAED gave no evidence of either sp2-bonded glassy carbon or sp3-bonded diamondlike amorphous carbon. The sp2-bonded configuration found inmore » PEELS was attributed to grain boundary carbon atoms, which constitute 5-10% of the total. Occasionally observed larger diamond grains tend to be highly faulted.« less

Nanoparticle discrimination based on wavelength and lifetime-multiplexed cathodoluminescence microscopy.

PubMed

Garming, Mathijs W H; Weppelman, I Gerward C; de Boer, Pascal; Martínez, Felipe Perona; Schirhagl, Romana; Hoogenboom, Jacob P; Moerland, Robert J

2017-08-31

Nanomaterials can be identified in high-resolution electron microscopy images using spectrally-selective cathodoluminescence. Capabilities for multiplex detection can however be limited, e.g., due to spectral overlap or availability of filters. Also, the available photon flux may be limited due to degradation under electron irradiation. Here, we demonstrate single-pass cathodoluminescence-lifetime based discrimination of different nanoparticles, using a pulsed electron beam. We also show that cathodoluminescence lifetime is a robust parameter even when the nanoparticle cathodoluminescence intensity decays over an order of magnitude. We create lifetime maps, where the lifetime of the cathodoluminescence emission is correlated with the emission intensity and secondary-electron images. The consistency of lifetime-based discrimination is verified by also correlating the emission wavelength and the lifetime of nanoparticles. Our results show how cathodoluminescence lifetime provides an additional channel of information in electron microscopy.

Fundamental Technical Elements of Freeze-fracture/Freeze-etch in Biological Electron Microscopy

EPA Science Inventory

Freeze-fracture/freeze-etch describes a process whereby specimens, typically biological or nanomaterial in nature, are frozen, fractured, and replicated to generate a carbon/platinum "cast" intended for examination by transmission electron microscopy. Specimens are subjected to u...

WEATHERING DEGRADATION OF A POLYURETHANE COATING. (R828081E01)

EPA Science Inventory

The degradation of polyurethane topcoat over a chromate pigmented epoxy primer was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) after the coated pane...

EVALUATION OF COMPUTER-CONTROLLED SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY APPLIED TO AN AMBIENT URBAN AEROSOL SAMPLE

EPA Science Inventory

Concerns about the environmental and public health effects of particulate matter (PM) have stimulated interest in analytical techniques capable of measuring the size and chemical composition of individual aerosol particles. Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSE...

Direct observation of anti-phase boundaries in heteroepitaxy of GaSb thin films grown on Si(001) by transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, S. Y.; Hosseini Vajargah, S.; Ghanad-Tavakoli, S.; Kleiman, R. N.; Botton, G. A.

2012-10-01

Unambiguous identification of anti-phase boundaries (APBs) in heteroepitaxial films of GaSb grown on Si has been so far elusive. In this work, we present conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) diffraction contrast imaging using superlattice reflections, in conjunction with convergent beam electron diffraction analysis, to determine a change in polarity across APBs in order to confirm the presence of anti-phase disorder. In-depth analysis of anti-phase disorder is further supported with atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The nature of APBs in GaSb is further elucidated by a comparison to previous results for GaAs epilayers grown on Si.

A Survey of the Use of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms in Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Otón, J.; Vilas, J. L.; Kazemi, M.; Melero, R.; del Caño, L.; Cuenca, J.; Conesa, P.; Gómez-Blanco, J.; Marabini, R.; Carazo, J. M.

2017-01-01

One of the key steps in Electron Microscopy is the tomographic reconstruction of a three-dimensional (3D) map of the specimen being studied from a set of two-dimensional (2D) projections acquired at the microscope. This tomographic reconstruction may be performed with different reconstruction algorithms that can be grouped into several large families: direct Fourier inversion methods, back-projection methods, Radon methods, or iterative algorithms. In this review, we focus on the latter family of algorithms, explaining the mathematical rationale behind the different algorithms in this family as they have been introduced in the field of Electron Microscopy. We cover their use in Single Particle Analysis (SPA) as well as in Electron Tomography (ET). PMID:29312997

Reply to Comment on "Fringe projection profilometry with nonparallel illumination: a least-squares approach"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lujie; Quan, Chenggen

2006-07-01

We have confirmed that a mathematical expression in our previous Letter [Chen and Quan, Opt. Lett.30, 2101 (2005)] should be modified. The modification, however, does not affect the validity of the method reported, the results obtained and the subsequent conclusions made.

40-in. OMS Kevlar(Registered Trademark) COPV S/N 007 Stress Rupture Test NDE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saulsberry, Regor; Greene, Nate; Forth, Scott; Leifeste, Mark; Gallus, Tim; Yoder, Tommy; Keddy, Chris; Mandaras, Eric; Wincheski, Buzz; Williams, Philip;

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.

Electron microscopy of intermediate filaments: teaming up with atomic force and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

PubMed

Kreplak, Laurent; Richter, Karsten; Aebi, Ueli; Herrmann, Harald

2008-01-01

Intermediate filaments (IFs) were originally discovered and defined by electron microscopy in myoblasts. In the following it was demonstrated and confirmed that they constitute, in addition to microtubules and microfilaments, a third independent, general filament system in the cytoplasm of most metazoan cells. In contrast to the other two systems, IFs are present in cells in two principally distinct cytoskeletal forms: (i) extended and free-running filament arrays in the cytoplasm that are integrated into the cytoskeleton by associated proteins of the plakin type; and (ii) a membrane- and chromatin-bound thin 'lamina' of a more or less regular network of interconnected filaments made from nuclear IF proteins, the lamins, which differ in several important structural aspects from cytoplasmic IF proteins. In man, more than 65 genes code for distinct IF proteins that are expressed during embryogenesis in various routes of differentiation in a tightly controlled manner. IF proteins exhibit rather limited sequence identity implying that the different types of IFs have distinct biochemical properties. Hence, to characterize the structural properties of the various IFs, in vitro assembly regimes have been developed in combination with different visualization methods such as transmission electron microscopy of fixed and negatively stained samples as well as methods that do not use staining such as scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and cryoelectron microscopy as well as atomic force microscopy. Moreover, with the generation of both IF-type specific antibodies and chimeras of fluorescent proteins and IF proteins, it has become possible to investigate the subcellular organization of IFs by correlative fluorescence and electron microscopic methods. The combination of these powerful methods should help to further develop our understanding of nuclear architecture, in particular how nuclear subcompartments are organized and in which way lamins are involved.

A study of dynamic SIMS analysis of low-k dielectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mowat, Ian A.; Lin, Xue-Feng; Fister, Thomas; Kendall, Marius; Chao, Gordon; Yang, Ming Hong

2006-07-01

Dynamic SIMS is an established tool for the characterization of dielectric layers in semiconductors, both for contaminant levels and for composition. As the silicon-based semiconductor industry moves towards the use of copper rather than aluminum, there is also a need to use lower k-dielectric materials to reduce RC delays and to reduce cross-talk between closely spaced metal lines. New dielectric materials pose serious challenges for implementation into semiconductor processes and also for the analytical scientist doing measurements on them. The move from inorganic materials such as SiO 2 to organic or carbon-rich low-k materials is a large change for the SIMS analyst. Low-k dielectric films from different sources can be very different materials with different analytical issues. A SIMS challenge for these materials is dealing with their insulating nature and their also fragility, particularly for porous films. These materials can be extremely sensitive to electron beam damage during charge neutralization, leading to difficulties in determining depth scales and introducing unknown errors to secondary ion counts and their subsequent conversion to concentrations. This paper presents details regarding an investigation of the effects of electron beam exposure on a low-k material. These effects and their potential impact on SIMS data will be investigated using FT-IR, TOF-SIMS, AFM and stylus profilometry.

DESIGN NOTE: A modified Nanosurf scanning tunnelling microscope for ballistic electron emission microscopy and spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appelbaum, Ian; Thompson, Pete; van Schendel, P. J. A.

2006-04-01

We describe the design and implementation of modifications to an ambient STM with a slip stick approach mechanism to create a system capable of ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) and spectroscopy (BEES). These modifications require building a custom sample holder which operates as a high gain transimpedance preamplifier. Results of microscopy and spectroscopy using a Au/n-GaAs Schottky device demonstrate the effectiveness of our design.

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.

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

A Dose-Rate Effect in Single-Particle Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

Chen, James Z.; Sachse, Carsten; Xu, Chen; Mielke, Thorsten; Spahn, Christian M. T.; Grigorieff, Nikolaus

2008-01-01

A low beam-intensity, low electron-dose imaging method has been developed for single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). Experiments indicate that the new technique can reduce beam-induced specimen movement and secondary radiolytic effects, such as “bubbling”. The improvement in image quality, especially for multiple-exposure data collection, will help single-particle cryo-EM to reach higher resolution. PMID:17977018

Recombinant Reflectin-Based Optical Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

sili- con substrates were placed in a sealed plastic box. The RH was controlled using a Dydra electronic cigar humidifier and monitored using a Fisher...diffraction gratings to generate diffraction patterns. Nano-spheres and la- mellar microstructures of refCBA samples were observed by scanning electron ...samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Despite the reduced complexity of the refCBA protein compared to natural

Analysis of electromagnetic forces and causality in electron microscopy.

PubMed

Reyes-Coronado, Alejandro; Ortíz-Solano, Carlos Gael; Zabala, Nerea; Rivacoba, Alberto; Esquivel-Sirvent, Raúl

2018-09-01

The non-physical effects on the transverse momentum transfer from fast electrons to gold nanoparticles associated to the use of non-causal dielectric functions are studied. A direct test of the causality based on the surface Kramers-Kronig relations is presented. This test is applied to the different dielectric function used to describe gold nanostructures in electron microscopy. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, Linda L.

1992-01-01

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

Scanning electron microscopy study of adhesion in sea urchin blastulae. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crowther, Susan D.

1988-01-01

The dissociation supernatant (DS) isolated by disaggregating Strongylocentrotus purpuratus blastulae in calcium- and magnesium-free seawater specifically promotes reaggregation of S. purpuratus blastula cells. The purpose of this study was to use scanning electron microscopy to examine the gross morphology of aggregates formed in the presence of DS to see if it resembles adhesion in partially dissociated blastulae. A new reaggregation procedure developed here, using large volumes of cell suspension and a large diameter of rotation, was utilized to obtain sufficient quantities of aggregates for scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that aggregates formed in the presence of DS resemble partially dissociated intact embryos in terms of the direct cell-cell adhesion observed. DS did not cause aggregation to form as a result of the entrapment of cells in masses of extracellular material. These studies provide the groundwork for further studies using transmission electron microscopy to more precisely define the adhesive contacts made by cells in the presence of the putative adhesion molecules present in DS.

Comparison of macroscopic and microscopic (stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy) features of bone lesions due to hatchet hacking trauma.

PubMed

Nogueira, Luísa; Quatrehomme, Gérald; Bertrand, Marie-France; Rallon, Christophe; Ceinos, Romain; du Jardin, Philippe; Adalian, Pascal; Alunni, Véronique

2017-03-01

This experimental study examined the lesions produced by a hatchet on human bones (tibiae). A total of 30 lesions were produced and examined macroscopically (naked eye) and by stereomicroscopy. 13 of them were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The general shape of the lesion, both edges, both walls, the kerf floor and the extremities were described. The length and maximum width of the lesions were also recorded. The microscopic analysis of the lesions led to the description of a sharp-blunt mechanism. Specific criteria were identified (lateral pushing back, fragmentation of the upraising, fossa dug laterally to the edge and vertical striae) enabling the forensic expert to conclude that a hacking instrument was used. These criteria are easily identifiable using scanning electron microscopy, but can also be observed with stereomicroscopy. Overall, lateral pushing back and vertical striae visible using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy signal the use of a hacking tool.

Intracerebral Injections and Ultrastructural Analysis of High-Pressure Frozen Brain Tissue.

PubMed

Weil, Marie-Theres; Ruhwedel, Torben; Möbius, Wiebke; Simons, Mikael

2017-01-03

Intracerebral injections are an invasive method to bypass the blood brain barrier and are widely used to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of the central nervous system. The administered substances are injected directly at the site of interest, executing their effect locally. By combining injections in the rat brain with state-of-the-art electron microscopy, subtle changes in ultrastructure of the nervous tissue can be detected prior to overt damage or disease. The protocol presented here involves stereotactic injection into the corpus callosum of Lewis rats and the cryopreparation of freshly dissected tissue for electron microscopy. The localization of the injection site in tissue sections during the sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy is explained and possible artifacts of the method are indicated. With the help of this powerful combination of injections and electron microscopy, subtle effects of the applied substances on the biology of neural cells can be identified and monitored over time. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Crystallographic features related to a van der Waals coupling in the layered chalcogenide FePS{sub 3}

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

Murayama, Chisato; Okabe, Momoko; Fukuda, Koichiro

We investigated the crystallographic structure of FePS{sub 3} with a layered structure using transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. We found that FePS{sub 3} forms a rotational twin structure with the common axis along the c*-axis. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the twin boundaries were positioned at the van der Waals gaps between the layers. The narrow bands of dark contrast were observed in the bright-field transmission electron microscopy images below the antiferromagnetic transition temperature, T{sub N} ≈ 120 K. Low-temperature X-ray diffraction showed a lattice distortion; the a- and b-axes shortened and lengthened, respectively, as the temperature decreasedmore » below T{sub N.} We propose that the narrow bands of dark contrast observed in the bright-field transmission electron microscopy images are caused by the directional lattice distortion with respect to each micro-twin variant in the antiferromagnetic phase.« less

High-quality ultrastructural preservation using cryofixation for 3D electron microscopy of genetically labeled tissues

PubMed Central

Boassa, Daniela; Hu, Junru; Romoli, Benedetto; Phan, Sebastien; Dulcis, Davide

2018-01-01

Electron microscopy (EM) offers unparalleled power to study cell substructures at the nanoscale. Cryofixation by high-pressure freezing offers optimal morphological preservation, as it captures cellular structures instantaneously in their near-native state. However, the applicability of cryofixation is limited by its incompatibility with diaminobenzidine labeling using genetic EM tags and the high-contrast en bloc staining required for serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM). In addition, it is challenging to perform correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) with cryofixed samples. Consequently, these powerful methods cannot be applied to address questions requiring optimal morphological preservation. Here, we developed an approach that overcomes these limitations; it enables genetically labeled, cryofixed samples to be characterized with SBEM and 3D CLEM. Our approach is broadly applicable, as demonstrated in cultured cells, Drosophila olfactory organ and mouse brain. This optimization exploits the potential of cryofixation, allowing for quality ultrastructural preservation for diverse EM applications. PMID:29749931

Nanodiamonds as multi-purpose labels for microscopy.

PubMed

Hemelaar, S R; de Boer, P; Chipaux, M; Zuidema, W; Hamoh, T; Martinez, F Perona; Nagl, A; Hoogenboom, J P; Giepmans, B N G; Schirhagl, R

2017-04-07

Nanodiamonds containing fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy centers are increasingly attracting interest for use as a probe in biological microscopy. This interest stems from (i) strong resistance to photobleaching allowing prolonged fluorescence observation times; (ii) the possibility to excite fluorescence using a focused electron beam (cathodoluminescence; CL) for high-resolution localization; and (iii) the potential use for nanoscale sensing. For all these schemes, the development of versatile molecular labeling using relatively small diamonds is essential. Here, we show the direct targeting of a biological molecule with nanodiamonds as small as 70 nm using a streptavidin conjugation and standard antibody labelling approach. We also show internalization of 40 nm sized nanodiamonds. The fluorescence from the nanodiamonds survives osmium-fixation and plastic embedding making them suited for correlative light and electron microscopy. We show that CL can be observed from epon-embedded nanodiamonds, while surface-exposed nanoparticles also stand out in secondary electron (SE) signal due to the exceptionally high diamond SE yield. Finally, we demonstrate the magnetic read-out using fluorescence from diamonds prior to embedding. Thus, our results firmly establish nanodiamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers as unique, versatile probes for combining and correlating different types of microscopy, from fluorescence imaging and magnetometry to ultrastructural investigation using electron microscopy.

Retracing in correlative light electron microscopy: where is my object of interest?

PubMed

Hodgson, Lorna; Nam, David; Mantell, Judith; Achim, Alin; Verkade, Paul

2014-01-01

Correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM) combines the strengths of light and electron microscopy in a single experiment. There are many ways to perform a CLEM experiment and a variety of microscopy modalities can be combined either on separate instruments or as completely integrated solutions. In general, however, a CLEM experiment can be divided into three parts: probes, processing, and analysis. Most of the existing technologies are focussed around the development and use of probes or describe processing methodologies that explain or circumvent some of the compromises that need to be made when performing both light and electron microscopy on the same sample. So far, relatively little attention has been paid to the analysis part of CLEM experiments. Although it is an essential part of each CLEM experiment, it is usually a cumbersome manual process. Here, we briefly discuss each of the three above-mentioned steps, with a focus on the analysis part. We will also introduce an automated registration algorithm that can be applied to the analysis stage to enable the accurate registration of LM and EM images. This facilitates tracing back the right cell/object seen in the light microscope in the EM. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Microcapsules on Streptococcus mutans serotypes by electron microscopy.

PubMed

Grenier, E M; Gray, R H; Loesche, W J; Eveland, W C

1977-02-01

Extracellular microcapsules have been demonstrated on cells of most serotypes of Streptococcus mutans by electron microscopy, using bacterial strains of the various serotypes and peroxidase labeled or unlabeled immune serum. A correlation was noted between the amount of capsular substance on the strains of S mutans examined and degree of antigenicity as expressed by the indirect fluorescent antibody (FA) title. A serotype d strain was shown to lose both antigenicity as determined by the FA reaction and capsular material as seen by electron microscopy with repeated in vitro passage. When 10% unheated rabbit serum was added to the medium, antigenicity and capsular material were restored.

Disorganization of cell division of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by methanolic extract from Phyllanthus columnaris stem bark

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

Adnalizawati, A. Siti Noor; Nazlina, I.; Yaacob, W. A.

The in vitro activity of methanolic extract from Phyllanthus columnaris stem bark was studied against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300 and MRSA BM1 (clinical strain) using time-kill curves in conjunction with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The extract showed more markedly bactericidal activity in MRSA BM1 clinical strain within less than 4 h by 6.25-12.5 mg/mL and within 6 h by 1.56 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy of MRSA BM1 revealed distortion of cell whilst transmission electron microscopy revealed disruption in cell wall division.

Analytical electron microscopy of Mg-SiO smokes - A comparison with infrared and XRD studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.; Nuth, J. A.; Mackinnon, I. D. R.

1986-01-01

Analytical electron microscopy conducted for Mg-SiO smokes (experimentally obtained from samples previously characterized by IR spectroscopy) indicates that the microcrystallinity content of unannealed smokes increases with increased annealing for up to 30 hr. The growth of forsterite microcrystallites in the initially nonstoichiometric smokes may give rise to the contemporaneous growth of the SiO polymorph tridymite and MgO; after 4 hr of annealing, these react to form enstatite. It is suggested that XRD analysis and IR spectroscopy should be conducted in conjunction with detailed analytical electron microscopy for the detection of emerging crystallinity in vapor-phase condensates.

Disorganization of cell division of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by methanolic extract from Phyllanthus columnaris stem bark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adnalizawati, A. Siti Noor; Nazlina, I.; Yaacob, W. A.

2013-11-01

The in vitro activity of methanolic extract from Phyllanthus columnaris stem bark was studied against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300 and MRSA BM1 (clinical strain) using time-kill curves in conjunction with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The extract showed more markedly bactericidal activity in MRSA BM1 clinical strain within less than 4 h by 6.25-12.5 mg/mL and within 6 h by 1.56 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy of MRSA BM1 revealed distortion of cell whilst transmission electron microscopy revealed disruption in cell wall division.

Advanced electron microscopy methods for the analysis of MgB2 superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birajdar, B.; Peranio, N.; Eibl, O.

2008-02-01

Advanced electron microscopy methods used for the analysis of superconducting MgB2 wires and tapes are described. The wires and tapes were prepared by the powder in tube method using different processing technologies and thoroughly characterised for their superconducting properties within the HIPERMAG project. Microstructure analysis on μm to nm length scales is necessary to understand the superconducting properties of MgB2. For the MgB2 phase analysis on μm scale an analytical SEM, and for the analysis on nm scale a energy-filtered STEM is used. Both the microscopes were equipped with EDX detector and field emission gun. Electron microscopy and spectroscopy of MgB2 is challenging because of the boron analysis, carbon and oxygen contamination, and the presence of large number of secondary phases. Advanced electron microscopy involves, combined SEM, EPMA and TEM analysis with artefact free sample preparation, elemental mapping and chemical quantification of point spectra. Details of the acquisition conditions and achieved accuracy are presented. Ex-situ wires show oxygen-free MgB2 colonies (a colony is a dense arrangement of several MgB2 grains) embedded in a porous and oxygen-rich matrix, introducing structural granularity. In comparison, in-situ wires are generally more dense, but show inhibited MgB2 phase formation with significantly higher fraction of B-rich secondary phases. SiC additives in the in-situ wires forms Mg2Si secondary phases. The advanced electron microscopy has been used to extract the microstructure parameters like colony size, B-rich secondary phase fraction, O mole fraction and MgB2 grain size, and establish a microstructure-critical current density model [1]. In summary, conventional secondary electron imaging in SEM and diffraction contrast imaging in the TEM are by far not sufficient and advanced electron microscopy methods are essential for the analysis of superconducting MgB2 wires and tapes.

Asbestos Analysis: What School Officials Should Know.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Bonnie Lee

1984-01-01

Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are used to detect asbestos by analyzing filters from air tests. The modes of operation and types of samples examined by each are explained. Circumstances that a school board should consider when deciding whether to use these methods are discussed. (MLF)

Electron Microscopy Characterization of Aerosols Collected at Mauna Loa Observatory During Asian Dust Storm Event

EPA Science Inventory

Atmospheric aerosol particles have a significant influence on global climate due to their ability to absorb and scatter incoming solar radiation. Size, composition, and morphology affect a particle’s radiative properties and these can be characterized by electron microscopy. Lo...

Keggin-type polyoxometalate nanosheets: synthesis and characterization via scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Hiyoshi, Norihito

2018-05-17

Polyoxometalate nanosheets were synthesized at the gas/liquid interface of an aqueous solution of Keggin-type silicotungstic acid, cesium chloride, and n-octylamine. The structure of the nanosheets was elucidated via aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy at the atomic and molecular levels.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of corrosion degradation on tinplate substrates.

PubMed

Zumelzu, E; Cabezas, C; Vera, A

2003-01-01

The degradation of electrolytic tinplate used in food containers was analysed and evaluated, using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements of microcorrosion and ion dissolution by atomic absorption to prevent food contamination caused by metal traces and to increase the durability of such tinplates.

EVALUATION OF COMPUTER-CONTROLLED SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY APPLIED TO AN AMBIENT URBAN AEROSOL SAMPLE

EPA Science Inventory

Recent interest in monitoring and speciation of particulate matter has led to increased application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX) to individual particle analysis. SEM/EDX provides information on the size, shape, co...

In-situ Isotopic Analysis at Nanoscale using Parallel Ion Electron Spectrometry: A Powerful New Paradigm for Correlative Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yedra, Lluís; Eswara, Santhana; Dowsett, David; Wirtz, Tom

2016-06-01

Isotopic analysis is of paramount importance across the entire gamut of scientific research. To advance the frontiers of knowledge, a technique for nanoscale isotopic analysis is indispensable. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is a well-established technique for analyzing isotopes, but its spatial-resolution is fundamentally limited. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is a well-known method for high-resolution imaging down to the atomic scale. However, isotopic analysis in TEM is not possible. Here, we introduce a powerful new paradigm for in-situ correlative microscopy called the Parallel Ion Electron Spectrometry by synergizing SIMS with TEM. We demonstrate this technique by distinguishing lithium carbonate nanoparticles according to the isotopic label of lithium, viz. 6Li and 7Li and imaging them at high-resolution by TEM, adding a new dimension to correlative microscopy.

Dynamic imaging with electron microscopy

ScienceCinema

Campbell, Geoffrey; McKeown, Joe; Santala, Melissa

2018-02-13

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

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.

Possibilities and limitations of advanced transmission electron microscopy for carbon-based nanomaterials

PubMed Central

Bittencourt, Carla; Van Tendeloo, Gustaaf

2015-01-01

Summary A major revolution for electron microscopy in the past decade is the introduction of aberration correction, which enables one to increase both the spatial resolution and the energy resolution to the optical limit. Aberration correction has contributed significantly to the imaging at low operating voltages. This is crucial for carbon-based nanomaterials which are sensitive to electron irradiation. The research of carbon nanomaterials and nanohybrids, in particular the fundamental understanding of defects and interfaces, can now be carried out in unprecedented detail by aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC-TEM). This review discusses new possibilities and limits of AC-TEM at low voltage, including the structural imaging at atomic resolution, in three dimensions and spectroscopic investigation of chemistry and bonding. In situ TEM of carbon-based nanomaterials is discussed and illustrated through recent reports with particular emphasis on the underlying physics of interactions between electrons and carbon atoms. PMID:26425406

Quantifying the cellular uptake of semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticles by analytical electron microscopy.

PubMed

Hondow, Nicole; Brown, M Rowan; Starborg, Tobias; Monteith, Alexander G; Brydson, Rik; Summers, Huw D; Rees, Paul; Brown, Andy

2016-02-01

Semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticles are in demand as optical biomarkers yet the cellular uptake process is not fully understood; quantification of numbers and the fate of internalized particles are still to be achieved. We have focussed on the characterization of cellular uptake of quantum dots using a combination of analytical electron microscopies because of the spatial resolution available to examine uptake at the nanoparticle level, using both imaging to locate particles and spectroscopy to confirm identity. In this study, commercially available quantum dots, CdSe/ZnS core/shell particles coated in peptides to target cellular uptake by endocytosis, have been investigated in terms of the agglomeration state in typical cell culture media, the traverse of particle agglomerates across U-2 OS cell membranes during endocytosis, the merging of endosomal vesicles during incubation of cells and in the correlation of imaging flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy to measure the final nanoparticle dose internalized by the U-2 OS cells. We show that a combination of analytical transmission electron microscopy and serial block face scanning electron microscopy can provide a comprehensive description of the internalization of an initial exposure dose of nanoparticles by an endocytically active cell population and how the internalized, membrane bound nanoparticle load is processed by the cells. We present a stochastic model of an endosome merging process and show that this provides a data-driven modelling framework for the prediction of cellular uptake of engineered nanoparticles in general. © 2015 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2015 Royal Microscopical Society.

Functionalization of a nanostructured hydroxyapatite with Cu(II) compounds as a pesticide: in situ transmission electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy observations of treated Vitis vinifera L. leaves.

PubMed

Battiston, Enrico; Salvatici, Maria C; Lavacchi, Alessandro; Gatti, Antonietta; Di Marco, Stefano; Mugnai, Laura

2018-02-19

The present study evaluated a biocompatible material for plant protection with the aim of reducing the amount of active substance applied. We used a synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) that has been studied extensively as a consequence of its bioactivity and biocompatibility. An aggregation between HA nanoparticles and four Cu(II) compounds applied to Vitis vinifera L. leaves as a pesticide was studied. Formulations were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy and applied in planta to verify particle aggregation and efficiency in controlling the pathogen Plasmopara viticola. The XRD patterns showed different crystalline phases dependig on the Cu(II) compound formulated with HA particles, DLS showed that nanostructured particles are stable as aggregates out of the nanometer range and, in all formulations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) microscopy showed large aggregates which were partially nanostructured and were recognized as stable in their micrometric dimensions. Such particles did not show phytotoxic effects after their application in planta. A formulation based on HA and a soluble Cu(II) compound showed promising results in the control of the fungal pathogen, confirming the potential role of HA as an innovative delivery system of Cu(II) ions. The present work indicates the possibility of improving the biological activity of a bioactive substance by modifying its structure through an achievable formulation with a biocompatible material. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The sea urchin egg jelly coat is a three-dimensional fibrous network as seen by intermediate voltage electron microscopy and deep etching analysis.

PubMed

Bonnell, B S; Larabell, C; Chandler, D E

1993-06-01

The egg jelly (EJ) coat which surrounds the unfertilized sea urchin egg undergoes extensive swelling upon contact with sea water, forming a three-dimensional network of interconnected fibers extending nearly 50 microns from the egg surface. Owing to its solubility, this coat has been difficult to visualize by light and electron microscopy. However, Lytechinus pictus EJ coats remain intact, if the fixation medium is maintained at pH 9. The addition of alcian blue during the final dehydration step of sample preparation stains the EJ for visualization of resin embedded eggs by both light and electron microscopy. Stereo pairs taken of thick sections prepared for intermediate voltage electron microscopy (IVEM) produce a three-dimensional image of the EJ network, consisting of interconnected fibers decorated along their length by globular jelly components. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we have shown that before swelling, EJ exists in a tightly bound network of jelly fibers, 50-60 nm in diameter. In contrast, swollen EJ consists of a greatly extended network whose fibrous components measure 10 to 30 nm in diameter. High resolution stereo images of hydrated jelly produced by the quick-freeze/deep-etch/rotary-shadowing technique (QF/DE/RS) show nearly identical EJ networks, suggesting that dehydration does not markedly alter the structure of this extracellular matrix.

New Insights into Mutable Collagenous Tissue: Correlations between the Microstructure and Mechanical State of a Sea-Urchin Ligament

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, Ana R.; Barbaglio, Alice; Benedetto, Cristiano D.; Ribeiro, Cristina C.; Wilkie, Iain C.; Carnevali, Maria D. C.; Barbosa, Mário A.

2011-01-01

The mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) of echinoderms has the ability to undergo rapid and reversible changes in passive mechanical properties that are initiated and modulated by the nervous system. Since the mechanism of MCT mutability is poorly understood, the aim of this work was to provide a detailed morphological analysis of a typical mutable collagenous structure in its different mechanical states. The model studied was the compass depressor ligament (CDL) of a sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), which was characterized in different functional states mimicking MCT mutability. Transmission electron microscopy, histochemistry, cryo-scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy, and field emission gun-environmental scanning electron microscopy were used to visualize CDLs at the micro- and nano-scales. This investigation has revealed previously unreported differences in both extracellular and cellular constituents, expanding the current knowledge of the relationship between the organization of the CDL and its mechanical state. Scanning electron microscopies in particular provided a three-dimensional overview of CDL architecture at the micro- and nano-scales, and clarified the micro-organization of the ECM components that are involved in mutability. Further evidence that the juxtaligamental cells are the effectors of these changes in mechanical properties was provided by a correlation between their cytology and the tensile state of the CDLs. PMID:21935473

Correlative Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy in 3D-Scanning Electron Microscope Perspective.

PubMed

Franks, Jonathan; Wallace, Callen T; Shibata, Masateru; Suga, Mitsuo; Erdman, Natasha; Stolz, Donna B; Watkins, Simon C

2017-04-03

The ability to correlate fluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM) data obtained on biological (cell and tissue) specimens is essential to bridge the resolution gap between the data obtained by these different imaging techniques. In the past such correlations were limited to either EM navigation in two dimensions to the locations previously highlighted by fluorescence markers, or subsequent high-resolution acquisition of tomographic information using a TEM. We present a novel approach whereby a sample previously investigated by FM is embedded and subjected to sequential mechanical polishing and backscatter imaging by scanning electron microscope. The resulting three dimensional EM tomogram of the sample can be directly correlated to the FM data. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Tribo-mechanical properties of thin boron coatings deposited on polished cobalt alloy surfaces for orthopedic applications

PubMed Central

Klepper, C. C.; Williams, J. M.; Truhan, J.J.; Qu, J.; Riester, L.; Hazelton, R. C.; Moschella, J.J.; Blau, P.J.; Anderson, J.P.; Popoola, O.O.; Keitz, M.D.

2008-01-01

This paper presents experimental evidence that thin (<∼200 nm) boron coatings, deposited with a (vacuum) cathodic arc technique on pre-polished Co-Cr-Mo surfaces, could potentially extend the life of metal-on-polymer orthopedic devices using cast Co-Cr-Mo alloy for the metal component. The primary tribological test used a linear, reciprocating pin-on-disc arrangement, with pins made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The disks were cast Co-Cr-Mo samples that were metallographically polished and then coated with boron at a substrate bias of 500 V and at about 100 °C. The wear tests were carried out in a saline solution to simulate the biological environment. The improvements were manifested by the absence of a detectable wear track scar on the coated metal component, while significant polymer transfer film was detected on the uncoated (control) samples tested under the same conditions. The polymer transfer track was characterized with both profilometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy. Mechanical characterization of the thin films included nano-indentation, as well as additional pin-on-disk tests with a steel ball to demonstrate adhesion, using ultra-high frequency acoustic microscopy to probe for any void occurrence at the coating-substrate interface. PMID:19340285

Quantification of in vitro produced wear sites on composite resins using contact profilometry and CCD microscopy: a methodological investigation.

PubMed

Koottathape, Natthavoot; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Finger, Wernerj; Kanehira, Masafumi; Iwasaki, Naohiko; Aoyagi, Yujin

2012-06-01

Although attritive and abrasive wear of recent composite resins has been substantially reduced, in vitro wear testing with reasonably simulating devices and quantitative determination of resulting wear is still needed. Three-dimensional scanning methods are frequently used for this purpose. The aim of this trial was to compare maximum depth of wear and volume loss of composite samples, evaluated with a contact profilometer and a non-contact CCD camera imaging system, respectively. Twenty-three random composite specimens with wear traces produced in a ball-on-disc sliding device, using poppy seed slurry and PMMA suspension as third-body media, were evaluated with the contact profilometer (TalyScan 150, Taylor Hobson LTD, Leicester, UK) and with the digital CCD microscope (VHX1000, KEYENCE, Osaka, Japan). The target parameters were maximum depth of the wear and volume loss.Results - The individual time of measurement needed with the non-contact CCD method was almost three hours less than that with the contact method. Both, maximum depth of wear and volume loss data, recorded with the two methods were linearly correlated (r(2) > 0.97; p < 0.01). The contact scanning method and the non-contact CCD method are equally suitable for determination of maximum depth of wear and volume loss of abraded composite resins.

A novel approach to characterizing the surface topography of niobium superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerator cavities

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

Hui Tian, Guilhem Ribeill, Chen Xu, Charles E. Reece, Michael J. Kelley

2011-03-01

As superconducting niobium radio-frequency (SRF) cavities approach fundamental material limits, there is increased interest in understanding the details of topographical influences on realized performance limitations. Micro- and nano-roughness are implicated in both direct geometrical field enhancements as well as complications of the composition of the 50 nm surface layer in which the super-currents typically flow. Interior surface chemical treatments such as buffered chemical polishing (BCP) and electropolishing (EP) used to remove mechanical damage leave surface topography, including pits and protrusions of varying sharpness. These may promote RF magnetic field entry, locally quenching superconductivity, so as to degrade cavity performance. Amore » more incisive analysis of surface topography than the widely used average roughness is needed. In this study, a power spectral density (PSD) approach based on Fourier analysis of surface topography data acquired by both stylus profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is introduced to distinguish the scale-dependent smoothing effects, resulting in a novel qualitative and quantitative description of Nb surface topography. The topographical evolution of the Nb surface as a function of different steps of well-controlled EP is discussed. This study will greatly help to identify optimum EP parameter sets for controlled and reproducible surface levelling of Nb for cavity production.« less

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.

The significance of Bragg's law in electron diffraction and microscopy, and Bragg's second law.

PubMed

Humphreys, C J

2013-01-01

Bragg's second law, which deserves to be more widely known, is recounted. The significance of Bragg's law in electron diffraction and microscopy is then discussed, with particular emphasis on differences between X-ray and electron diffraction. As an example of such differences, the critical voltage effect in electron diffraction is described. It is then shown that the lattice imaging of crystals in high-resolution electron microscopy directly reveals the Bragg planes used for the imaging process, exactly as visualized by Bragg in his real-space law. Finally, it is shown how in 2012, for the first time, on the centennial anniversary of Bragg's law, single atoms have been identified in an electron microscope using X-rays emitted from the specimen. Hence atomic resolution X-ray maps of a crystal in real space can be formed which give the positions and identities of the different atoms in the crystal, or of a single impurity atom in the crystal.

An inexpensive approach for bright-field and dark-field imaging by scanning transmission electron microscopy in scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Patel, Binay; Watanabe, Masashi

2014-02-01

Scanning transmission electron microscopy in scanning electron microscopy (STEM-in-SEM) is a convenient technique for soft materials characterization. Various specimen-holder geometries and detector arrangements have been used for bright-field (BF) STEM-in-SEM imaging. In this study, to further the characterization potential of STEM-IN-SEM, a new specimen holder has been developed to facilitate direct detection of BF signals and indirect detection of dark-field (DF) signals without the need for substantial instrument modification. DF imaging is conducted with the use of a gold (Au)-coated copper (Cu) plate attached to the specimen holder which directs highly scattered transmitted electrons to an off-axis yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) detector. A hole in the copper plate allows for BF imaging with a transmission electron (TE) detector. The inclusion of an Au-coated Cu plate enhanced DF signal intensity. Experiments validating the acquisition of true DF signals revealed that atomic number (Z) contrast may be achieved for materials with large lattice spacing. However, materials with small lattice spacing still exhibit diffraction contrast effects in this approach. The calculated theoretical fine probe size is 1.8 nm. At 30 kV, in this indirect approach, DF spatial resolution is limited to 3.2 nm as confirmed experimentally.

Insights into the prominent effect of mahanimbine on Acanthamoeba castellanii: Cell profiling analysis based on microscopy techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashim, Fatimah; Amin, Nakisah Mat

2017-02-01

Mahanimbine (MH), has been shown to have antiamoeba properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the growth inhibitory mechanisms of MH on Acanthamoeba castellanii, a causative agents for Acanthamoeba keratitis. The IC50 value obtained for MH against A. castellanii was 1.18 µg/ml. Light and scanning electron microscopy observation showed that most cells were in cystic appearance. While transmission electron microscopy observation revealed changes at the ultrastructural level and fluorescence microscopy observation indicated the induction of apoptosis and autophagic activity in the amoeba cytoplasms. In conclusion, MH has very potent anti-amoebic properties on A. castellanii as is shown by cytotoxicity analyses based on microscopy techniques.

Mass transfer in fuel cells. [electron microscopy of components, thermal decomposition of Teflon, water transport, and surface tension of KOH solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, R. D., Jr.

1973-01-01

Results of experiments on electron microscopy of fuel cell components, thermal decomposition of Teflon by thermogravimetry, surface area and pore size distribution measurements, water transport in fuel cells, and surface tension of KOH solutions are described.

The complete genome sequence of a second distinct betabaculovirus from the true armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The betabaculovirus Pseudaletia (Mythimna) sp. granulovirus #8 (MyspGV#8) was examined by electron microscopy, host barcoding PCR, and determination of the nucleotide sequence of its genome. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the occlusion bodies of MyspGV#8 possessed the c...

Sparse sampling and reconstruction for electron and scanning probe microscope imaging

DOEpatents

Anderson, Hyrum; Helms, Jovana; Wheeler, Jason W.; Larson, Kurt W.; Rohrer, Brandon R.

2015-07-28

Systems and methods for conducting electron or scanning probe microscopy are provided herein. In a general embodiment, the systems and methods for conducting electron or scanning probe microscopy with an undersampled data set include: driving an electron beam or probe to scan across a sample and visit a subset of pixel locations of the sample that are randomly or pseudo-randomly designated; determining actual pixel locations on the sample that are visited by the electron beam or probe; and processing data collected by detectors from the visits of the electron beam or probe at the actual pixel locations and recovering a reconstructed image of the sample.

A simple energy filter for low energy electron microscopy/photoelectron emission microscopy instruments.

PubMed

Tromp, R M; Fujikawa, Y; Hannon, J B; Ellis, A W; Berghaus, A; Schaff, O

2009-08-05

Addition of an electron energy filter to low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM) instruments greatly improves their analytical capabilities. However, such filters tend to be quite complex, both electron optically and mechanically. Here we describe a simple energy filter for the existing IBM LEEM/PEEM instrument, which is realized by adding a single scanning aperture slit to the objective transfer optics, without any further modifications to the microscope. This energy filter displays a very high energy resolution ΔE/E = 2 × 10(-5), and a non-isochromaticity of ∼0.5 eV/10 µm. The setup is capable of recording selected area electron energy spectra and angular distributions at 0.15 eV energy resolution, as well as energy filtered images with a 1.5 eV energy pass band at an estimated spatial resolution of ∼10 nm. We demonstrate the use of this energy filter in imaging and spectroscopy of surfaces using a laboratory-based He I (21.2 eV) light source, as well as imaging of Ag nanowires on Si(001) using the 4 eV energy loss Ag plasmon.

Direct observation of dopant distribution in GaAs compound semiconductors using phase-shifting electron holography and Lorentz microscopy.

PubMed

Sasaki, Hirokazu; Otomo, Shinya; Minato, Ryuichiro; Yamamoto, Kazuo; Hirayama, Tsukasa

2014-06-01

Phase-shifting electron holography and Lorentz microscopy were used to map dopant distributions in GaAs compound semiconductors with step-like dopant concentration. Transmission electron microscope specimens were prepared using a triple beam focused ion beam (FIB) system, which combines a Ga ion beam, a scanning electron microscope, and an Ar ion beam to remove the FIB damaged layers. The p-n junctions were clearly observed in both under-focused and over-focused Lorentz microscopy images. A phase image was obtained by using a phase-shifting reconstruction method to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Differences in dopant concentrations between 1 × 10(19) cm(-3) and 1 × 10(18) cm(-3) regions were clearly observed by using phase-shifting electron holography. We also interpreted phase profiles quantitatively by considering inactive layers induced by ion implantation during the FIB process. The thickness of an inactive layer at different dopant concentration area can be measured from the phase image. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Attosecond electron pulses for 4D diffraction and microscopy

PubMed Central

Baum, Peter; Zewail, Ahmed H.

2007-01-01

In this contribution, we consider the advancement of ultrafast electron diffraction and microscopy to cover the attosecond time domain. The concept is centered on the compression of femtosecond electron packets to trains of 15-attosecond pulses by the use of the ponderomotive force in synthesized gratings of optical fields. Such attosecond electron pulses are significantly shorter than those achievable with extreme UV light sources near 25 nm (≈50 eV) and have the potential for applications in the visualization of ultrafast electron dynamics, especially of atomic structures, clusters of atoms, and some materials. PMID:18000040

Surface Relief of Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Manuel F.; Almeida, Jose B.

1989-02-01

We will describe in this communication a noncont act method of measuring surface profile, it does not require any surface preparation, and it can be used with a very large range of surfaces from highly reflecting to non reflecting ones and as complex as textile surfaces. This method is reasonably immune to dispersion and diffraction, which usually make very difficult the application of non contact profilometry methods to a wide range of materials and situations, namely on quality control systems in industrial production lines. The method is based on the horizontal shift of the bright spot on a horizontal surface when this is illuminated with an oblique beam and moved vertically. in order to make the profilometry the sample is swept by an oblique light beam and the bright spot position is compared with a reference position. The bright spot must be as small as possible, particularly in very irregular surfaces; so the light beam diameter must be as small as possible and the incidence angle must not be too small. The sensivity of a system based on this method will be given, mostly, by the reception optical system.

Local blur analysis and phase error correction method for fringe projection profilometry systems.

PubMed

Rao, Li; Da, Feipeng

2018-05-20

We introduce a flexible error correction method for fringe projection profilometry (FPP) systems in the presence of local blur phenomenon. Local blur caused by global light transport such as camera defocus, projector defocus, and subsurface scattering will cause significant systematic errors in FPP systems. Previous methods, which adopt high-frequency patterns to separate the direct and global components, fail when the global light phenomenon occurs locally. In this paper, the influence of local blur on phase quality is thoroughly analyzed, and a concise error correction method is proposed to compensate the phase errors. For defocus phenomenon, this method can be directly applied. With the aid of spatially varying point spread functions and local frontal plane assumption, experiments show that the proposed method can effectively alleviate the system errors and improve the final reconstruction accuracy in various scenes. For a subsurface scattering scenario, if the translucent object is dominated by multiple scattering, the proposed method can also be applied to correct systematic errors once the bidirectional scattering-surface reflectance distribution function of the object material is measured.

Evaluation of the smoothness and accuracy of scanning photorefractive keratectomy on PMMA by optical profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manns, Fabrice; Rol, Pascal O.; Parel, Jean-Marie A.; Schmid, Armin; Shen, Jin-Hui; Matsui, Takaaki; Soederberg, Per G.

1996-05-01

The smoothness and accuracy of PMMA ablations with a prototype scanning photorefractive keratectomy (SPRK) system were evaluated by optical profilometry. A prototype frequency- quintupled Nd:YAG laser (Laser Harmonic, LaserSight, Orlando, FL) was used (wavelength: 213 nm, pulse duration: 15 ns, repetition rate: 10 Hz). The laser energy was delivered through two computer-controlled galvanometer scanners that were controlled with our own hardware and software. The system was programmed to create on a block of PMMA the ablations corresponding to the correction of 6 diopters of myopia with 60%, 70%, and 80% spot overlap. The energy was 1.25 mJ. After ablation, the topography of the samples was measured with an optical profilometer (UBM Messtechnik, Ettlingen, Germany). The ablation depth was 10 to 15 micrometer larger than expected. The surfaces created with 50% to 70% overlap exhibited large saw-tooth like variations, with a maximum peak to peak variation of approximately 20 micrometer. With 80% overlap, the rms roughness was 1.3 micrometer and the central flattening was 7 diopters. This study shows that scanning PRK can produce smooth and accurate ablations.

A frequency-based window width optimized two-dimensional S-Transform profilometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Min; Chen, Feng; Xiao, Chao

2017-11-01

A new scheme is proposed to as a frequency-based window width optimized two-dimensional S-Transform profilometry, in which parameters pu and pv are introduced to control the width of a two-dimensional Gaussian window. Unlike the standard two-dimensional S-transform using the Gaussian window with window width proportional to the reciprocal local frequency of the tested signal, the size of window width for the optimized two-dimensional S-Transform varies with the pu th (pv th) power of the reciprocal local frequency fx (fy) in x (y) direction. The paper gives a detailed theoretical analysis of optimized two-dimensional S-Transform in fringe analysis as well as the characteristics of the modified Gauss window. Simulations are applied to evaluate the proposed scheme, the results show that the new scheme has better noise reduction ability and can extract phase distribution more precise in comparison with the standard two-dimensional S-transform even though the surface of the measured object varies sharply. Finally, the proposed scheme is demonstrated on three-dimensional surface reconstruction for a complex plastic cat mask to show its effectiveness.

Shape measurement of objects with large discontinuities and surface isolations using complementary grating projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yudong; Zhao, Yang; Li, Dacheng

1999-11-01

Grating projection 3D profilometry has three major problems that have to be handled with great care. They are local shadows, phase discontinuities and surface isolations. Carrying no information, shadow areas give us no clue about the profile there. Phase discontinuities often baffle phase unwrappers because they may be generated for several reasons difficult to distinguish. Spatial phase unwrapping will inevitably fail if the object under teste have surface isolations. In this paper, a complementary grating projection profilometry is reported, which attempts to tackle the three aforementioned problems simultaneously. This technique involves projecting two grating patterns form both sides of the CCD camera. Phase unwrapping is carried out pixel by pixel using the two phase maps based on the excess fraction method, which is immune to phase discontinuities or surface isolations. Complementary projection makes sure that no area in the visible volume of CCD is devoid of fringe information, although in some cases a small area of the reconstructed profile is of low accuracy compared with others. The system calibration procedures and measurement results are presented in detail, and possible improvement is discussed.

A versatile optical profilometer based on conoscopic holography sensors for acquisition of specular and diffusive surfaces in artworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaburro, Nicola; Marchioro, Giacomo; Daffara, Claudia

2017-07-01

Surface metrology of artworks requires the design of suitable devices for in-situ non-destructive measurement together with reliable procedures for an effective analysis of such non-engineered variegate objects. To advance the state-of-the-art it has been implemented a versatile optical micro-profilometry taking advantage of the adapt- ability of conoscopic holography sensors, able to operate with irregular shapes and composite materials (diffusive, specular, and polychrome) of artworks. The scanning technique is used to obtain wide field and high spatially resolved areal profilometry. The prototype has a modular scheme based on a set of conoscopic sensors, extending the typical design based on a scanning stage and a single probe with a limited bandwidth, thus allowing the collection of heights data from surface with different scales and materials with variegate optical response. The system was optimized by characterizing the quality of the measurement with the probes triggered in continuous scanning modality. The results obtained on examples of cultural heritage objects (2D paintings, 3D height-relief) and materials (pictorial, metallic) demonstrate the versatility of the implemented device.

Fiber laser welding of dual-phase galvanized sheet steel (DP590): traditional analysis and new quality assessment techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Stephanie; Pfeif, Erik; Kazakov, Andrei; Baumann, Esther; Dowell, Marla

2016-03-01

Laser welding has many advantages over traditional joining methods, yet remains underutilized. NIST has undertaken an ambitious initiative to improve predictions of weldability, reliability, and performance of laser welds. This study investigates butt welding of galvanized and ungalvanized dual-phase automotive sheet steels (DP 590) using a 10 kW commercial fiber laser system. Parameter development work, hardness profiles, microstructural characterization, and optical profilometry results are presented. Sound welding was accomplished in a laser power range of 2.0 kW to 4.5 kW and travel speed of 2000 mm/min to 5000 mm/min. Vickers hardness ranged from approximately 2 GPa to 4 GPa across the welds, with limited evidence of heat affected zone softening. Decreased hardness across the heat affected zone directly correlated to the appearance of ferrite. A technique was developed to non-destructively evaluate weld quality based on geometrical criteria. Weld face profilometry data were compared between light optical, metallographic sample, and frequency-modulated continuous-wave laser detection and ranging (FMCW LADAR) methods.

Correlative two-photon and serial block face scanning electron microscopy in neuronal tissue using 3D near-infrared branding maps.

PubMed

Lees, Robert M; Peddie, Christopher J; Collinson, Lucy M; Ashby, Michael C; Verkade, Paul

2017-01-01

Linking cellular structure and function has always been a key goal of microscopy, but obtaining high resolution spatial and temporal information from the same specimen is a fundamental challenge. Two-photon (2P) microscopy allows imaging deep inside intact tissue, bringing great insight into the structural and functional dynamics of cells in their physiological environment. At the nanoscale, the complex ultrastructure of a cell's environment in tissue can be reconstructed in three dimensions (3D) using serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). This provides a snapshot of high resolution structural information pertaining to the shape, organization, and localization of multiple subcellular structures at the same time. The pairing of these two imaging modalities in the same specimen provides key information to relate cellular dynamics to the ultrastructural environment. Until recently, approaches to relocate a region of interest (ROI) in tissue from 2P microscopy for SBF-SEM have been inefficient or unreliable. However, near-infrared branding (NIRB) overcomes this by using the laser from a multiphoton microscope to create fiducial markers for accurate correlation of 2P and electron microscopy (EM) imaging volumes. The process is quick and can be user defined for each sample. Here, to increase the efficiency of ROI relocation, multiple NIRB marks are used in 3D to target ultramicrotomy. A workflow is described and discussed to obtain a data set for 3D correlated light and electron microscopy, using three different preparations of brain tissue as examples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electron Microscopy of Living Cells During in Situ Fluorescence Microscopy

PubMed Central

Liv, Nalan; van Oosten Slingeland, Daan S. B.; Baudoin, Jean-Pierre; Kruit, Pieter; Piston, David W.; Hoogenboom, Jacob P.

2016-01-01

We present an approach toward dynamic nanoimaging: live fluorescence of cells encapsulated in a bionanoreactor is complemented with in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on an integrated microscope. This allows us to take SEM snapshots on-demand, that is, at a specific location in time, at a desired region of interest, guided by the dynamic fluorescence imaging. We show that this approach enables direct visualization, with EM resolution, of the distribution of bioconjugated quantum dots on cellular extensions during uptake and internalization. PMID:26580231

Correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy of quantum dot labeled proteins on whole cells in liquid.

PubMed

Peckys, Diana B; Dukes, Madeline J; de Jonge, Niels

2014-01-01

Correlative fluorescence microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) of cells fully immersed in liquid is a new methodology with many application areas. Proteins, in live cells immobilized on microchips, are labeled with fluorescent quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles. In this protocol, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is labeled. The cells are fixed after a selected labeling time, for example, 5 min as needed to form EGFR dimers. The microchip with cells is then imaged with fluorescence microscopy. Thereafter, the microchip with the labeled cells and one with a spacer are assembled in a special microfluidic device and imaged with STEM.

Pitting corrosion of titanium

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

Casillas, N.; Charlebois, S.; Smyrl, W.H.

1994-03-01

The breakdown of native and anodically grown oxide films on Ti electrodes is investigated by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), video microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and voltammetry. SECM is used to demonstrated that the oxidation of Br[sup [minus