Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) provides information on the structure and elemental composition of samples down to the nano and atomic scales. Capable of analysing samples from the physical, biological, and geo- sciences, TEMs find widespread applications in fields as diverse as cell biology, semiconductor materials, and minerals/mining. Using CryoTEM it is possible to image frozen, hydrated samples, opening up exciting possibilities in protein crystallography, virology, soft matter, and other areas.
Our services
Training and Access
We provide introductory and advanced training for students and researchers wanting to access the electron microscopy facilities for their research. Our training programs are tailored to the needs of the researcher and use a blended learning approach combining self-paced online and face-to-face components.
Expert Advice and Service
The electron microscopy team are available to provide expert advice and support for all aspects of your project including: project design, sample preparation, data acquisition, data processing, and publishing your results.
Research Collaboration
Our expert staff have significant research experience and are actively engaged in research collaborations with university researchers and industry partners in the physical sciences, biosciences, and geosciences. They participate as Chief and Partner Investigators on research grants and as supervisory team members for research students.
Samples
The samples for TEM are typically about 100 nm thick and must be stable within the high vacuum environment inside the microscope. Our facility is equipped with an array of sample preparation equipment designed to prepare suitable samples from both physical and biological samples.
Our techniques
Microstructural imaging
TEM images provide information on the size and shape of features from the micro to the nano and atomic scales.
In the physical and geo- sciences, these images can provide information on particle size/shape, grain sizes, layer thicknesses, and feature sizes in devices. In nanotechnology and materials processing, this can be used for quality control or to monitor the performance and reproducibility of manufacturing processes.
Ultrastructural imaging
In the biosciences, TEM can provide ultrastructural information on particulate, cell, and tissue samples including exosomes, viruses, bacteria, cell organelles, cell inclusions, membrane components, and tissue organisation. Immuno-gold labelling can also be used to target and locate antigens (e.g. enzymes, transporters) of interest.
Crystal structure analysis
TEM can provide images of the atomic structure of a material, determining whether it is crystalline or amorphous and allowing measurement of atomic planar spacings in crystalline materials. Similar information can also be obtained by electron diffraction, where the major advantage over other diffraction techniques, e.g. XRD, is that information can be obtained from very small volumes of material.
Element analysis
Both the elemental composition and chemistry of a sample can be analysed at the nanoscale. Two of our TEMs are equipped with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometers (EDS) capable of point analysis and mapping the distribution of elements, including light element detection (down to B). We can also determine the oxidation state or valence of an element using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS).
3D imaging
Traditional TEM images show a two-dimensional projection of the sample. By tilting the sample and acquiring images from different angles (a technique called electron tomography), it is possible to determine the three-dimensional structure of the sample at the nanoscale. This can provide important information for researchers working with nanoparticles and other nanomaterials.
CryoTEM
The ability to freeze samples for analysis in the TEM enables the visualisation of sensitive samples such as lipids, proteins, macromolecular complexes, viruses, nanoparticles, and soft matter for 2D and 3D microstructural imaging, and crystal structure analysis. Imaging under cryo conditions maintains the sample close to it’s native state without the need for chemical processing. In addition to cryo imaging, single particle analysis (SPA) and micro electron diffraction (MicroED) are also available.
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Our instruments
- FEI Titan TEM/STEM
- JEOL F200-HR TEM
- JEOL F200-CR TEM
Our team
Martin Saunders
Physical Sciences Electron Microscopy Platform Leader, Centre for Microscopy, Characterising and Analysis
Peta Clode
Biosciences Electron Microscopy Platform Leader, Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
Crystal Cooper
CryoTEM Specialist, Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
Alexandra Suvorova
Physical Sciences Electron Microscopy Specialist, Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis
Minakshi Das
Biosciences Electron Microscopy Specialist, Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis