Transmission electron microscope is an instrument that uses electron beams and electronic lenses instead of light beams and optical lenses based on the principle of electron optics, so that the fine structure of the substance can be imaged at a very high magnification.

In recent years, the research and manufacturing of electron microscopes have made great progress: on the one hand, the resolution of electron microscopes has been continuously improved. The point resolution of transmission electron microscopes has reached 0.2-0.3nm, and the lattice resolution has reached about 0.1nm. , People have been able to directly observe atomic images; on the other hand, in addition to transmission electron microscopes, a variety of electron microscopes have been developed, such as scanning electron microscopes and analytical electron microscopes.

What are the sample processing methods for electron microscopes?

Today, the editor will introduce the sample processing method for transmission electron microscope:

1. Fixation: In order to preserve the sample as much as possible, use glutaraldehyde to harden the sample and use osmium acid to stain fat.

2. Cold fixation: Quickly freeze the sample in liquid ethane, so that water will not crystallize and form amorphous ice. The sample preserved in this way is less damaged, but the contrast of the image is very low.

3. Drying: Use ethanol and acetone to replace water.

4. Insertion: The sample can be divided after being inserted.

5. Dividing: Cut the sample into thin slices with a diamond blade.

6. Dyeing: Heavier atoms such as lead or uranium have a higher ability to scatter electrons than lighter atoms, so they can be used to improve contrast.