04.11.2009

Fluorapatite-Gelatine Nanocomposites

Fluorapatite-gelatine nanocomposites serve as model system for mineralization steps of teeth and bone. The biomimetic composites show a hierarchical structural shape development starting from a hexagonal prismatic seed via dumbbell states and ending up with slightly notched spheres. This complex morphogenesis is caused by protein fibrils which are integrated into the nanocomposite superstructure. As evidenced by electron holography an intrinsic electric dipole field is generated by parallel alignment of nanocomposite subunits. more04.11.2009

HAADF and EELS Study of ULK Dielectrics

The ITRS requires the integration of dielectric materials with effective dielectric constant (k) lower than 2.8. This is achieved using porous SiOCH. Unfortunately during integration in the devices, damages are introduced in the low-k layer by CMP. The impact of these damages on the microstructure and the electronic properties are studied using HAADF imaging and Valence Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy in TEM environment. Results are compared to low-k capped with an etch stop layer.
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Fuel Cell Testing

Fuel cells are expected to play a major role in the future energy supply, especially polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells could become an integral part in future cars. Reduction of degradation of fuel cell performance while keeping fuel cell cost under control is the key for an introduction into mass markets.
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Clinical Electron Microscopy

The high resolution and sensitivity of electron microscopy is a valuable ancillary tool or gold standard in pathological diagnosis. The conventional sample turnaround time for processing in the lab can be significantly reduced from days to hours by the microwave technology. Microwave-assisted tissue processing, in combination with digital image acquisition, enables a "same-day" diagnosis in urgent clinical cases. Ultrastructural telepathology allows instant and live second opinion retrieval from a remote expert worldwide.

Introduction
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Low Voltage Scanning Electron Microscopy

The development of instrumentation for microscopy has advanced enormously in recent years and one of the critical advancements has been the development of low voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) that allows high-resolution imaging of delicate biological structures with minimal coating requirements. LVSEM provides resolution at levels that previously could only be achieved with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). more03.11.2009

Mesiodens

Supernumerary or extra teeth also result from disturbances during the initiation and proliferation stages of dental development. The most common supernumerary tooth appears in the maxillary midline and is called a mesiodens. The maxillary midline is the most common location for a supernumerary tooth, which can be almost any shape.

Introduction
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