EQUIPOS DE PREPARACIÓN DE MUESTRAS:
Cryogenic Preparation (SEM) 
FEDELCO,
S.L.
CRYOGENIC
PREPARATION (SEM):
Conventional preparation techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM) necessarily involve dehydration, which in turn, usually
necessitates chemical treatment. The main advantage of low temperature
methods is that it offers the opportunity of observation and
microanalysis of biological specimens under conditions that are closely
related to the natural state.
This can be important for structural investigation and may be imperative
for analytical research. In addition to allowing the observation of
specimens, which may collapse or distort, it is possible to view
specimens such as emulsions and suspensions not previously a practical
application for S.E.M.
While differing aspects of Low Temperature Techniques may apply in other
areas of microscopy, we are primarily concerned with Frozen Hydrated
Bulk Specimens, which we want to investigate to a similar level as
conventional dehydrated specimens. Fundamentally, we want to freeze it
and maintain it frozen, this apparently simplistic requirement involves
a range of criteria that should be given consideration, in the
development of a suitable system.
To enable ‘workers’ from a broad spectrum of ‘disciplines’ to
utilise the cryo-preparation technique, the K1250X system is highly
adaptable. It can be used in conjunction with all makes of Scanning
Electron Microscope (SEM) without modification work.
If required, the SEM can be reverted to ambient temperature use by
simply unplugging the coldstage.
The K1250X is a non-dedicated system where all specimen preparation
procedures are performed in apparatus totally separate from the SEM.
The preparation unit has vacuum facilities independen of the SEM.
