ESEM/EDX

Enviromental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) uses electron beams and electrical signals rather than light to image samples. The manipulability of electrons is used to achieve high resolutions (magnifications).

Biological samples generally require the following steps in a standard preparation:

• Crushing and cleaning
• Fixing
• drying
• Mounting on sample holder
• Coating.

Equipped with a cryo-preparation and transfer system, it is possible to analyze water-moist biological samples in a deep-frozen state directly in ESEM (high vacuum). With additional equipment, a chemical elemental analysis of elements with an atomic number of 6 or higher can be determined with a minimum content of approx. 0.1 % on the sample surface or in micrometer-sized particles, regardless of their chemical bonding.

The ESEM is used for the following research areas:

• Needle and leaf surfaces and their sections, stomatum, wax structures, buds
• wood anatomy, root examinations
• cell materials
• Spread of pathogenic organisms in plants
• Visualization of mycorrhiza
• Pollen
• Deposited impurities
• Zoological preparations

REM-Bilder