Gold vs Platinum: Choosing the Right Coating for SEM Imaging
One of the most common challenges when analyzing non-conductive samples with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is the charging effect. Without a conductive path, the electrons accumulate at the surface, resulting in a distorted image with skewed grayscale values. Although, in some cases, adjusting electron beam parameters and imaging conditions can be sufficient for mitigating charge build-up, sputter coating a conductive layer remains the most effective method for reducing sample charging. Gold and platinum are the most common metals used for sputter coating SEM samples.
Infrastructure Essentials: Preparing Your Workspace for a Phenom Desktop SEM
Integrating the ability to perform high-resolution imaging and compositional analysis of materials into any laboratory becomes simplified with a desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition to the compact footprint, desktop (synonymously benchtop or tabletop) SEMs are engineered for speed, reliability, and ease of use. Consequently, numerous organizations are contemplating acquiring desktop SEMs as an in-house solution to enhance their competitiveness in manufacturing or research and development capabilities.
Cutting Costs, Not Corners: Why Phenom Desktop SEMs are a Smart Investment
When acquiring a new scanning electron microscope (SEM), it can be challenging to identify a solution that not only delivers exceptional performance but also remains financially feasible. Among the myriad of options available, Phenom Desktop SEMs have emerged as a leader in affordability without compromising on quality or functionality. Widely regarded as the best-selling desktop SEMs on the market, Phenom SEMs embody the capabilities of larger, floor-model SEMs without the barrier of a complex user interface.
How Does QCM-D Enable Research in PFAS Remediation?
Per- and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) have been widely used in a range of applications. The concern with PFAS arises from their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects. To address the concerns associated with PFAS, initiatives are being implemented to develop remediation strategies. Adsorption, where PFAS attaches to the surface of a material […]
What are the Pitfalls of Neglecting Technical Cleanliness Standards?
Precision manufacturing is a process that emphasizes exact specifications and extremely tight tolerances within fabricated components. Within this domain, the term technical cleanliness (TC) refers to the rigorous control of particulate matter clinging to the surface of parts and products. Though microscopic, these unwanted particles lead to detrimental effects on performance and quality and stand as a formidable challenge in ensuring every component – every finished product – meets the exact standards of cleanliness.
Electrospinning Applications in Medical Devices
Electrospinning is an emerging technology in the medical device industry, offering precise control over material properties and structure at the nanoscale. Its ability to produce intricately designed scaffolds and functional materials has impacted areas such as wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems. By leveraging electrospinning, medical device manufacturers can tailor materials to meet specific biological and mechanical requirements, resulting in enhanced performance and better patient outcomes. This versatile technique continues to drive innovation, promising new advancements in medical device design and functionality.
In-House or Core Facility SEM: Which Path is Right for You?
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is an essential tool that allows scientists to directly visualize the surface structure and composition of a variety of materials on the nanometer to micrometer scale. The decision between utilizing a core facility for SEM services or investing in in-house SEM is a critical one that researchers often grapple with. Both […]
Understanding the Difference between Magnification and Resolution in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Microscopes have revolutionized our ability to observe and analyze the microscopic world with unprecedented detail. By enlarging our view of objects, or magnifying them, microscopes allow us to visualize a greater amount of detail and distinguish (or “resolve”) features separated by very small distances. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has quickly become one of the […]
6 Applications of SEM & EDS in Pharmaceutical Sciences
In the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical research and development, the goal to understand the micro and nanoscale properties of therapeutics is vital. Central to this pursuit is the deployment of advanced imaging technologies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) – a cornerstone technique implemented across many science and engineering disciplines for morphological and topographical analysis […]
Fabricating “Active” Electrospun Films for Enhanced Food Preservation
Recent advancements in food science research represent a dynamic frontier with profound implications for our global food systems. Breakthroughs in food preservation and packaging technology will contribute to extending shelf life, reducing waste, and increasing safety. Researchers in Dr. Lamin Kassama’s Food Engineering lab at Alabama A&M University are exploring the potential of using electrospun polymers to develop “active” polymeric films for food packaging.