Cryo preparation techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) have become essential for the observation of “wet” or beam sensitive samples. Using such techniques removes the need for conventional preparation techniques, such as critical point drying or freeze-drying, and allows observation of the sample in its "natural" hydrated state.
Applications include:
- Botanical, zoological and medical
- Food stuffs
- Resins, polymers, paints and cosmetics
- Beam sensitive materials (e.g. photographic emulsions)
- Geological (muds, slurries, oil bearing rocks etc)
- Liquids, semi-liquids and foams
- Heat sensitive semiconductor material (e.g. low k material)
- FIB/SEM (DualBeam)