The Quanta250 scanning electron microscope has a thermionic source (up to 30 kV) equipped with an Everhart-Thornley secondary electron detector for morphological analysis and a backscattered electron detector for chemical contrast imaging. It is also equipped with a wide field detector and a gaseous secondary electron detector for working in low vacuum and ambient conditions to analyze non-conductive, dry or wet samples.
This microscope is a versatile instrument that can perform imaging both in high vacuum, low vacuum, and environmental (humid) conditions. The morphology of samples of any nature can be analyzed in high vacuum conditions using secondary electrons, up to a resolution of a few nanometers. In addition, the microscope can perform imaging of the morphology of samples in low vacuum conditions. This modality can be used to analyze dry samples that are not conductive, when coating might damage or alter the structure of the sample and the sample has to be preserved in its form. For example, ceramics, polymer nanocomposites, and plastics can be analyzed in low vacuum, albeit with a lower resolution than for high vacuum conditions.
The laboratory also allows sample preparation by sputtering with Gold, Chromium, or Carbon. The laboratory is also equipped with a Critical Point Dryer for dehydration of biological samples.
In charge of the instrument: Dr. Davide Porrelli (MSc in Medical Biotechnologies - Nanobiotechnologies, PhD in Nanotechnology).
Availability
Location
Interdepartmental Center for Advanced Microscopy (CIMA) of the University of Trieste
room 4, via Fleming 31/A, Trieste
Access
The instrument is available for 15 percent of machine time for network activities.
Output examples
Image on top, Morphological analysis of a porous polymeric material (A) and a polymeric-based bandage (B) acquired in Low Vacuum conditions. Image on bottom, Interactions of eukaryotic cells with biomaterials: osteoblasts on nanofibers (A), blood clot on titanium implant (B).
