Ultramicrotomy in the ESEM, a versatile method for materials and life sciences

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microscopy
• Botany

Background:

• Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) is a powerful tool for life sciences.
• Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) offers high-resolution 3D imaging.
• Existing SBFSEM systems are primarily designed for biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first materials science analyses using the prototype 3View system.
• To outline the setup, automated process, and specimen preparation for the 3View system.
• To demonstrate the applicability of SBFSEM in materials science and botany.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a prototype 3View system, an ultramicrotome integrated within an environmental scanning electron microscope.
• Employed a Schottky field emission gun (FEG) for high spatial resolution imaging.
• Acquired serial images of block faces after automated sectioning (50-100 nm slice thickness).

Main Results:

• Successfully applied the 3View system to analyze three technical materials and one botanical specimen.
• Achieved high-resolution imaging and 3D reconstruction of the analyzed samples.
• Demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of SBFSEM for materials science applications.

Conclusions:

• The 3View system is a valuable tool for materials science and botanical research.
• The automated SBFSEM approach provides detailed insights into material microstructures.
• This method opens new avenues for high-resolution 3D analysis in diverse scientific fields.