Analysis of channel shapes in track membranes by scanning electron microscopy

Control over pore geometry opens the way to a number of new applications of track-etch membranes (TMs). A special method of etching was developed to produce TMs with non-cylindrical pore profile. The direct observation of channel shape on fractures of track membranes was performed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM images of the surface and cross-section of TMs with different pore morphology are shown. The channel diameter as a function of the depth below surface was measured and quantitative analysis was realized.