Scanning electron microscopy SEM

The Scanning Electron Microscopy laboratory includes sample preparation to an SEM-ready specimen with the steps of sizing, fixing, sputtering with gold if necessary, or plasma etching. The samples can be examined in advance by light microscopy in the reflected light material microscope (Keyence VHX900). Thus, correlative microscopy can also be performed in combination with SEM.

A great added value is generated by material analyses via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) combined in the SEM. Elements from Z > 5 (boron) can be analyzed.

Students get an insight into the micro world with extreme depth of field. In project and thesis work, SEM images are used to gain new insights and EDX results are used to determine material compositions. In applied research and development, both internal research projects of the university and external questions and contract research for companies in the region are clarified. Here, it is extremely helpful to be involved in the analyses and image generation, since one knows one's samples best oneself.

Research topics at the SEM:

• Determination of the bacterial adhesion of individual microorganisms on surfaces (grants and publications)
• Studies on the growth of bacteria and microorganisms on implant surfaces

• FE-REM, Field Emitter Scanning Electron Microscope 
  (TESCAN company, Clara GMU)
•  STEM
   (high resolution transmission SEM option for TESCAN Clara)
•  SEM, Scanning Electron Microscope
   (Fa. FEI, Quanta 200)
• 2x EDX, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy 
  (Fa. EDAX, Octane Elect / APEX)
•  Micromanipulator
  (Fa. Kleindiek, MM3a; force measuring table, microgripper)
•  Reflected light microscope 
  (Fa. Keyence, VHX900)
• Sputtering system 
  (Fa. Cressington, Au and Pd/Pt sputtering target) 
  (extended competence)
• Ultramicrotome 
  (Leica/Reichert, Ultracut S)