Electron Microscopy

Apreo VolumeScope™ Scanning Electron Microscope

The Apreo VolumeScope™ scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a high-resolution system which offers imaging at both high and low vacuum, as well as, acquiring large area montages using its MAPS software.   The system can be rapidly switched from conventional SEM to Serial-Block Face (SBF) imaging.

As an SBF imaging system, the VolumeScope™ uses a novel technique that combines both mechanical and optical sectioning using Thermo Scientific’s proprietary Multi-Energy Deconvolution technology.  This facilitates automated acquisition of large sample volumes at isotropic resolution. SBF allows researchers to view complex 3D architecture of cells and tissues in its natural context.

The system also has the capability to perform Cryo-SEM and Elemental Analysis (EDS).

  • The Quorum PP3010T Cryo-system prepares frozen hydrated specimens for imaging.  The system is highly automated and has a platinum target.
  • The EDAX Octane Elect elemental analysis detector (EDS) is a silicon drift detector (SDD) with a 70mm2 chip that allows for fast qualitative analysis and mapping of samples.  It has a silicon nitride window, which greatly improves collection of light elements and allows for low voltage (kV) microanalysis.

Location: APB 141D

Thermo Scientific Talos L120C Transmission Electron Microscope

The Thermo Scientific Talos L120C TEM is a 120kV instrument designed to function as a versatile workhorse for life sciences research.  It is an ideal instrument for standard room temperature imaging and entry-level cryo-TEM studies for single particle analysis sample screening.  A CETA 16M 4k x 4k bottom mount CMOS camera affords a large field-of-view with high sensitivity and high speed. The vacuum system is oil-free allowing for contamination-free imaging. The system is equipped with MAPS software, which allows for automated, unattended image acquisition over large areas. It is configured for basic cryo-TEM imaging with low dose image acquisition capabilities.  For cryo-TEM imaging, the system has a Gatan Elsa cryo-holder along with the ancillary cryo-TEM equipment including a cryo-transfer station, temperature controller, Gatan pumping station, and a Thermo Scientific Vitrobot for reliable and reproducible plunge-freezing of aqueous suspensions.  The Talos L120C is also fully loaded for electron tomography with a high tilt tomography holder for the acquisition of tilt series for downstream reconstructions of small 3D volumes.

  • Illumination source:  LaB6 filament
  • TEM Line Resolution: 0.204nm
  • Magnification Range with Camera: 35X-910kX
  • Alpha Tilt Range: +/- 90 degrees
  • Holders: Standard, Fischione High-Tilt, and Gatan Elsa Cryo-Holder
  • Camera: CETA 16M 4k x 4k bottom mount CMOS camera

Location: APB 141E

Thermo Scientific Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTWIN

The Thermo Scientific Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTWIN is the predecessor to the Talos L120C TEM and is a general-purpose instrument ideal for life science applications.  The instrument is a 120kV TEM with a BioTWIN lens configuration that affords high resolution and high contrast images.  It is suitable for room temperature imaging of thin sections and negatively stained samples.

  • Illumination source:  LaB6 filament
  • Line Resolution: 0.34nm
  • Magnification Range: 22X-300kX
  • Accelerating Voltage Range: 20-120kV
  • Holders: Standard
  • Camera: FEI Eagle 4k x 4k HS Bottom-Mount Camera and Gatan Orius SC200 2k x 2k Side-Mount Camera

Location: APB 141C