Thermal effects of the electron beam and implications of surface damage in the analysis of bone tissue

Electron beam interactions with specimens in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) can lead to increased surface temperatures and damage. These changes may have significant consequences in the analysis of bone tissue. An investigation was performed to measure the surface temperature changes associated with the electron beam on a thermocouple with systematic variations in operating conditions. Probe currents, magnifications, and accelerating voltages were incrementally adjusted to measure the temperature changes and to make assessments for determining optimal operating conditions for the SEM in future analyses of bone tissue. Results from this study suggest that thermal effects were minimal at lower accelerating voltages (< 20 kV), lower probe currents (< 10 nA), and lower magnifications, but surface damage may still occur during the analysis of bone tissue.