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Sputter shadowing improved by using a tungsten target.

W R Colquhoun, L U Cassimeris

    Journal of Ultrastructure Research
    |May 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Sputter shadowing with a tungsten target significantly enhances TEM specimen contrast, revealing detailed DNA and ribosomal structures. This improved technique offers a gentle yet effective method for high-resolution biological imaging.

    Area of Science:

    • Materials Science
    • Electron Microscopy
    • Biophysics

    Background:

    • Previous research described a sputter shadowing device for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
    • Initial results using a gold/palladium (Au/Pd) target yielded good quality images but were suboptimal compared to electron beam evaporation.
    • A need existed for improved contrast and resolution in sputter shadowing techniques.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the efficacy of using a tungsten target for sputter shadowing in TEM.
    • To demonstrate the improved image quality and detail achievable with tungsten sputter shadowing.
    • To evaluate tungsten sputter shadowing as a gentle contrasting technique for biological specimens.

    Main Methods:

    • Construction and implementation of a tungsten target for a conventional sputter coater.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Application of tungsten sputter shadowing to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) specimens.
  • Imaging of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and 30 S ribosomal subunits.

    • Main Results:

    • Tungsten sputter shadowing produced significantly improved deposit quality compared to Au/Pd targets.
    • High-resolution images of DNA demonstrated the gentleness of the tungsten shadowing technique.
    • Detailed features of 30 S ribosomal subunits were clearly visualized, comparable to advanced evaporation methods.

    Conclusions:

    • Tungsten sputter shadowing is a superior method for enhancing contrast in TEM imaging.
    • This technique offers a gentle and effective approach for visualizing delicate biological structures like DNA and ribosomal subunits.
    • The improved grain structure from tungsten sputtering provides a rationale for its enhanced performance.