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Introduction to Low Temperature SEM Incorporating K1250X Cryogenic Preparation System

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Physical Consideration
(a) Cryogenic
(b) Environmental
3. Cryo SEM Preparation System
(a) Specimen Stub & Freezing Chamber
(b) Transfer Device & Preparation Chamber
(c) Microscope Stage (SEM) & Applications

INTRODUCTION

Conventional preparation techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) necessarily involve dehydration, which in turn, usually necessitates chemical treatment. The main advantage of low temperature methods is that it offers the opportunity of observation and microanalysis of biological specimens under conditions that are closely related to the natural state.

This can be important for structural investigation and may be imperative for analytical research. In addition to allowing the observation of specimens, which may collapse or distort, it is possible to view specimens such as emulsions and suspensions not previously a practical application for S.E.M.

While differing aspects of Low Temperature Techniques may apply in other areas of microscopy, we are primarily concerned with Frozen Hydrated Bulk Specimens, which we want to investigate to a similar level as conventional dehydrated specimens. Fundamentally, we want to freeze it and maintain it frozen, this apparently simplistic requirement involves a range of criteria that should be given consideration, in the development of a suitable system.

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