Scanning Electron Microscopy Unit
Introduction
The scanning electron microscopy unit provides electron microscopy services to postgraduate students, staff members and commercial research projects/consultancies. The lab currently has a Leica Leo 440 Stereoscan Scanning Electron microscope capable of high resolution images (60,000X magnification). The Leica 440 is capable of secondary (SE), backscattered (BSE) imaging, and EDS X-Ray analysis.
Services Offered
- Electron microscopy imaging of biological and geological specimens.
- EDS X-Ray analysis of geological and soil samples.
- Specimen preparation - (oven drying, freeze drying, CPD drying)
- Training in Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Equipment
Scanning Electron Microscope
Leo 440 Stereoscan Scanning Electron Microscope
Features
- SE detector
- BSE detector (4 segment)
- Cathodoluminesence detector
- EDS X-Ray Analysis detector (Be window)
- Digital Imaging - 1024 x 768 pixels
- Large specimen chamber
- Resolution: 4.5nm at 30kV
- Accelerating voltage: 300V to 30kV
Materials Preparation
All chemicals and fixatives necessary for SEM sample preparation are available from the SEM/Microscopy unit. If they are not available they can be ordered. Dissecting microscopes, appropriate safety equipment and fume hoods are also available.
- Critical Point Drying: Polaron E3100 using Liquid CO2.
- Freeze-Drying: Christ Alpha 2-4 Ice condenser temperature-55oC, -85oC.
- Etching: - Polaron PT7150 Plazma barrel Etcher.
- Balzers Sputter Coater (Au, C and Pt coating available) evaporative coating attachment (Carbon).
- Ultramicrotome: Reichert OMU3 Ultramicrotome.
Image Processing
- Digital Imaging 1024 x 768 pixels from the Leo 440.
- Software available for processing - Adobe photoshop.
- Mitsubishi Video Copy Processor - P78E.
- Mitsubishi Color Video Copy Processor CP200B.
- KR-10X Pentax - B/W film 35mm format camera.
- Rodenstock large format - 70mm ("220") roll film.
Light Microscopes
- Olympus SZX16 Research Stereo Microscope (zoom range 7x - 115x). Phase contrast, polarizingand darkfield condenser. 35mm film camera, video and DP12 digital camera available (2048 x 1536 pixels).
- Olympus CH40 Research Compound Microscope (zoom range 40x 1000x). Phase contrast, polarizing and darkfield condenser. CX-RFL Reflected Light Fluorescence attachment. 35mm film camera, video and DP12 digital camera available (2048 x 1536 pixels).
- Olympus BHSM-NL-2 Metallurgical Polarizing Microscope (zoom range 50x 1000x). Incident/transmitted light and brightfield/darkfield. BH-2 C Mount for T.V. 35mm film camera and DP12 digital camera available (2048 x 1536 pixels).
- Micropublisher 3.3RTV - High resolution digital CCD colour camera - 2080 x 1542 pixels. High speed real time viewing.
- Olympus DP10 Digital camera - 2/3 inch primary color progressive CCD with 1.41 million pixels. (1284 x 1024 pixel quality).
- BH2-DA drawing attachment allows sketching of observed images through Olympus Compound Scopes. Magnification 20x 1000x.
- Macintosh computer with Olympus and Adobe photoshop software for processing of images with CD Burner available.
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Courses
The following courses are available to postgraduate students (PhD, Hons) staff members (academic, general), and commercial research/consultancy groups. Contact us for relevant costs.
Introduction to the SEM
- This course covers Basic and Advanced SEM techniques as well as techniques in sample preparation.
Introduction to X-ray Analysis
- This course covers X-ray Anaylsis using energy dispersive (EDS) analysis.
- Please note: pre-requisite for this course is the Introduction to the SEM course.
Note: All new users will be trained on the SEM on a one-to-one basis by a technical officer.
More Information
Maxine Dawes
e: maxine.dawes@scu.edu.au
t: 02 6620 3661
m: 0408 663 188
f: 02 6621 2669
Images were taken on the Leo 440 Scanning Electron Microscope by postgraduate students at SCU.
Updated: 04 March 2013