Aug. 01, 2008

3D-Analysis of Complex Microstructures

A precise design of complex microstructural features calls for adequate 3D characterization. For the example an automatic classification of local graphite morphologies was developed for application of advanced cast iron in high performing functional gradient materials. FIB/SEM Nanotomography was combined with a computer simulation to measure a reliable probability distribution of random 2D sections through reconstructed 3D particles. The procedure is applicable for other complex microstructures. moreAug. 01, 2008

Magnetic Force Microscopy in the GHz Regime

Scanning force microscopy has become in the last two decades the most widely applied method within the field of scanning probe microscopy. In certain cases atomic resolution can be obtained and a lot of specialised modes of application allow the local detection of a variety of probe-sample-interactions. This opens the possibility to analyse physical, chemical and even biological phenomena with an unprecedented sensitivity and resolution.

Visualising Magnetic Domains
moreJul. 01, 2008

Digital In-line Holographic Microscopy

Three-dimensional imaging with micron resolution and simultaneous tracking of many (hundreds) objects (bubbles, beads, algae, bacteria etc.) is now possible in situ not only with a benchtop microscope, but also remotely in such environments as the deep ocean with a submersible version of the instrument. The instrument is very simple in its hardware requirements and an efficient software package is available for real time reconstruction and image manipulation. moreJun. 01, 2008

Advanced Electron Microscopy in Life Sciences

In the past decades, high-throughput technologies were developed with the aim to unravel the secret of life. In the genomics project many genomes were sequenced, including the human genome. We ended up with a lot of data but no real clue if and at what point of time a certain illness will manifest, finally not the gene but the presence or absence of the responsible protein will be decisive. Therefore, proteomics came into reach and focus of research. Again we ended up with a wealth of data but still the final answer cannot be found. moreJun. 01, 2008

Microbial Biofilm Imaging ESEM vs. HVSEM

Microbial biofilm was imaged by SEM in high vacuum mode after standard preparation, and in environmental mode without any sample pre-treatment. ESEM represents an effective technique for detecting high-magnification hydrated biofilm without the introduction of dehydration artifacts, while HVSEM allows easier cell discrimination. The combination of both HVSEM and ESEM information can provide a complete description of the cellular and extracellular matrix components of the biofilm.

Introduction
moreJun. 01, 2008

Aberration-corrected TEM

A chain reaction is building in the world of nano­technology and it is rapidly approaching critical mass. New tools and capabilities are enabling new discoveries, which are creating new products, which are generating new demand, which is funding new tool development... We are on the threshold of an explosion in both our fundamental knowledge and its practical applications.

TEM Improved In Usability
moreJun. 01, 2008

Confocal and Atomic Force Microscopy

Confocal and Atomic Force Microscopy: A wide range of different forms of microscopy may be applied to the visualisation of biological specimens. Confocal microscopy can provide 3D information about fluorescently labelled cells with the added advantage that it excludes out of focus light. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides direct high resolution images of surface features of a sample. moreJun. 01, 2008

Structural Support of Hair Cell Transduction

Transduction of sound is dependent upon the organisation of the cytoskeletal structures that form and support the stereociliary bundle of cochlear hair cells. Freeze-fracture followed by deep etching reveals the organisation of the hair cell cytoskeleton and indicates how mechanical support for stereocilia is provided. This can offer explanations of why mutations in certain genes that are widely expressed in the body have effects only upon the functioning of auditory hair cells to cause non-syndromic deafness.

Introduction
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