December 2005
IN THIS ISSUE
   
Happy Holidays
Tomography
Digital Streaming Video
QEM 2005
AFM-TEM holder
It's School Time

Five Pointers for Cathodoluminescence

Pointer 1: Specimen Preparation: Using ion beam or colloidal silica as the last polishing step provides the best surface quality. These also combat the problems of luminescent polishing compounds, and leave a hydrocarbon free surface. Alternatives include fracturing specimens to reveal a fresh surface. For semiconductor devices where plan view information is required, better results can be achieved by restricting the thickness of capping layers, or removal of surface metallization layers. For devices where carbon contamination has occurred and this needs removing, then a plasma cleaner will help.

Click here for CL pointers on Low Vacuum Work, Working Distance and Alignment, Injection Conditions & Multi-Signal Detection
.... Tell us about exciting developments at your facility. E-mail info @gatan.com and describe the work you are doing, equipment you are using, and why you feel it is important in the field of microscopy. Remember to include a couple of non-proprietary photos, as well. We may publish it in future editions of KnowHow!
 

Pointers on Tomography Holders

Pointer 1: Take images with a smaller angle between them at higher tilts. This makes tracking easier where the specimen is moving furthest.
Pointer 2: Take a low magnification locating image for each axis before acquiring a dual axis tomogram. This will make locating the same area or particle much easier once the specimen is rotated.
Pointer 3: Acquire tomograms from particles near to the centre of the grid if possible to ensure the highest tilt angles before shadowing.
Pointer 4: Do not tilt a recently filled cryo-transfer holder to high tilts immediately. Blow out some nitrogen before starting to avoid a shower of liquid nitrogen.

For more information click here

Digital Imaging -Tech Talk: DIGITAL STREAMING VIDEO

Digital streaming video (DSV) is widely used in webcast (webcam) applications. It is generated by computer software that controls a digital camera. Compared to an analog video signal, a DSV signal can represent a “gain normalized” image. Since Digital Micrograph controls the acquisition, any processing done to the image can be transferred to the DVCapture module as the DSV stream. This means the resulting stream is essentially free from detector cosmetic imperfections or gain variations. DSV therefore has a much higher video quality than analog video.


Click here to read more


To view a demonstration DSV clip, click here.

Quantitive Electron Microscopy 2005

Quantitative Electron Microscopy 2005 (QEM 2005): European School on Advanced TEM Measurement Techniques for Materials Science was held at “La Gaillarde,” St. Aygulf in the French Riviera during September 24 - October 7, 2005. The school was funded primarily by the Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, France) with major contributions from the French Microscopy Society, the CEA, the European Microscopy Society, and Gatan. QEM 2005 was also supported by FEI, JEOL, Zeiss and Synergie4.

Click here to read more



AFM-TEM holder: New In-situ Holder from Nanofactory Instruments and Gatan

In August 2005, Nanofactory Instruments and Gatan, Inc. introduced a new in-situ probing holder: the AFM-TEM system SA2000, the first commercial Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) system designed to operate inside the TEM. The first unit is scheduled for installation in December 2005.

Click here to read more


IT’S SCHOOL TIME!

2006 Gatan Microscopy Training Schools

Welcome to the 2006 Gatan Microscopy Training Schools. These professional training schools offer microscopists extensive and comprehensive education and laboratory training on the latest specimen preparation, imaging, and analysis techniques and technologies. The instructors are highly trained and experienced scientists and experts in their fields. Each school offers a unique, interactive curriculum combining both classroom teaching and extensive laboratory sessions. All schools are held at Gatan’s Research & Development Headquarters in Pleasanton, California, USA.

Click here to read more

 

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Gatan is a world technology leader in the field of Electron Microscopy. We employ many leading experts in a variety of applications. Visit our website at www.gatan.com for more information.
Gatan Inc. Corporate Headquarters, 5933 Coronado Lane, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Tel. (925) 463 0200 Fax. (925) 463 0204
Contact: info @gatan.com

 

 

HAPPY
HOLIDAYS

We thought you might appreciate a few end-of-year “POINTERS” from our investigators on key TEM and SEM techniques. In this issue of the Knowhow, we feature POINTERS or recommendations on Cathodoluminescence, Tomography Acquisition, and Digital Streaming Video applications. If you have any questions on these techniques or relevant Gatan products, please contact your local Sales office. We hope that you find the information useful in your investigations.

Gatan would like to wish you and your family the very best of the holiday season and a wonderful New Year. Good luck in 2006.