• Minimal errors and distortion compared to focus ion beam imaging or traditional serial section imaging.
• Collect large format images (32k x 24k)
• Precise stage motion – image multiple regions without losing data.
• 15 nm Z section thickness without the need to unblur multi-kV images.
• Fast imaging at low kV without compromising image quality.

 More about serial block-face imaging

Sample Preparation

Biological samples should be prepared in a similar way to a microtome protocol optimised for TEM. The sample is then fixed, stained and embedded. This method ensures that the sample’s integrity will be maintained for hours while it’s being imaged.

Simple Operation

First remove the standard stage from your FE-SEM by venting the chamber. This is then replaced by a 3View specific to that microscope. This ensures stability over long sample runs.

You’re then ready to customise your experiment:

• Cut step size can be 5 – 200 nm to isolate and collect distinct sample features.
• Diamond knife cutting speed can be 0.05 – 5.0 mm/s to prevent artefacts and accommodate different sample types.
• Number of images collected can be hundreds or thousands in a single run. This depends on how much material you want to section through. The maximum sample depth is 600 μm (Z).

Imaging

Images are acquired from the block-face, rather than the sections. They are captured using a Gatan backscatter detector specifically optimized for high signal collection at low accelerating voltage.

Sample charging is unavoidable, because the sample is embedded in a non-conductive resin or epoxy. The best way to deal with this is with a variable pressure SEM and low accelerating voltage.

Image collection can also be customised:

• Choose an image to collect after each cut
• One or several images per cut
• Capture images at various magnifications
• Create a montage from a series of images