Gatan Conducts First TEM Tomography Workshop in France
Gatan conducted its first tomography workshop in France on November 3-5, 2009. The workshop was held at the Centre Commun de Microscopie (CCM) of the University of Lille, at the facility of the Fédération Chevreul (CNRS). The Gatan TEM Tomography Workshop introduced all levels of TEM users to digital microscopy using Gatan’s CCD cameras and DigitalMicrograph® software. The workshop explored the parameters necessary to optimize TEM tomography acquisition and processing for biological and materials science applications.
The workshops provided students with a primer on current digital imaging principles, tomography acquisition, and hands-on training using Gatan’s imaging systems and DigitalMicrograph® software. A key focus was to provide participants with practical tips and techniques on how to obtain high quality tilt series and 3D reconstruction data using Gatan cameras and software. The event was well attended with 18 participants from both life and materials science backgrounds. The program for the workshops consisted of lectures, microscope practicals, and computer sessions using DigitalMicrograph®.
The team of Gatan instructors consisted of Mr. Vincent Richard (Application Support Engineer, France), Mr. Neil Wilkinson (Application Sales Engineer, UK), Mr. Daniel Monville (Business Manager, France).
Lectures
Participants were provided with an overview of digital imaging and the principles of CCD camera operation, including an introduction to EFTEM and STEM imaging. The overview was followed with more in-depth presentations on the practical aspects and basis for tomography acquisition and TEM, EFTEM, STEM and low dose tomography. The lecture series concluded with a review of tilt series processing: volume manipulation, reconstruction and visualization, with a special focus on simplifying reconstruction algorithms. The main objective of the lectures was to train participants on how to choose the right parameters to acquire the best tilt series and 3D reconstruction results.
Practical and Computer Sessions
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Participants were presented with practical tips and techniques on how to obtain high resolution, optimal images and data using Gatan cameras and software. Microscope alignment and sample analysis using conventional TEM and EFTEM were demonstrated live on a TECNAI G2, ORIUS® Model 832 CCD camera, and GIF® 2000 using real samples. The instructors also demonstrated specific calibration techniques and procedures to configure DigitalMicrograph® for tomography acquisition. Filtered tomography was demonstrated on both material and biological samples. The practicals concluded with a detailed demonstration of tilt series acquisition using customer samples.
The computer sessions gave participants hands-on training on DigitalMicrograph®. Participants performed 3D reconstruction and visualization on the tilt series data acquired during the practicals. They were also encouraged to analyze their own data sets with the assistance of the Gatan instructors.
Post-workshop feedback from participants was very positive and showed that the workshop met their educational and training objectives. They showed great interest in learning all facets of digital imaging and TEM tomography. For information on Gatan's CCD cameras and tomography software, please click here or contact your local Sales office.
