Scanning electron microscope for high resolution imaging

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Researchers at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus require a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for high magnification, high resolution imaging. The campus does not have one and its research facilities are independent from those at its Toronto campus (about 30 km distant) so it is not practical to use SEMs there for our research. We are seeking to purchase a table top scanning electron microscope (SEM) that is convenient, simple and low-cost to operate. The proposed unit permits up to 20,000 times magnification and measurements in nanometers, but also allows for large depth of focus imaging for biologists, paleontologists, and archaeologists at UTM. Standard SEMs require a special installation with technician support. However, the proposed table top SEM requires a very short learning curve and does not require a technician, is remarkably easy to use and maintain. Thus, individual researchers can use the instrument as the need arises. The SEM is controlled by software on a linked computer and images may be captured at a variety of resolutions. The tabletop SEM is particularly well suited for the examination of fossils, plant tissue, insects, animal cells, and industrial products for which elemental analysis is not required. We currently have facilities for the study of these materials at the photographic, macroscopic, and microscopic levels, but not at the magnification provided by the proposed SEM. Thus, the proposed instrument fills a much needed gap in our range of image analysis, and is ideally suited for multidisciplinary use. In addition, the proposed instrument will serve as an excellent research bridge between various disciplines with shared interests in studying ultrastructure at high magnification.