Life Sciences (visit the webpage)
In addition to the feature and design advantages provided by the benchtop LVEM5 system, and the multi-mode versatility, there are specific benefits achieved when using the LVEM5 in the life sciences applications.
Most notably, problems of contrast are eliminated entirely.
Contrast:
The low accelerating voltage allows the system to provide high contrast result with no addition of contrast-enhancing staining procedures. Although there are instances where staining is desirable for diagnostic purposes, the necessity to stain samples in order to generate adequate detailed contrast cannot be viewed as advantageous. The LVEM5 allows for staining as an option, yet high contrast result are acquired from samples in their inherent, natural state, without staining and the side effects often encountered )artifacts, sample crashing out by chemical reaction with heavy metals...). for life scientists, getting high contrast images of your samples is something that conventional TEM simply cannot do across biological sample types. The LVEM5 provides such quality results - at competitive resolutions down to a few nanometers.
Rapid analysis / screening / multiple mode information:
The LVEM5 system was designed to provide high quality, nanoscale results while enhancing the user experience by facilitating operations and a quick sample exchange process. The sample exchange time is approximately 3 minutes, which means that you can image dozens of samples a day. In addition, the same samples can be imaged in transmission or scanning modes, providing multiple types of information on the surface character and internal structure. this converts to the ideal tool for screening numerous samples, materials characterization and sample-based diagnosis.
Please visit our applications area for more information:
LVEM5 Applications (visit the webpage)
Like all electron microscopes, the LVEM5 can aid life science researchers by imaging tissue and cellular structure from the micron range to the nanoscale. Furthermore the LVEM5 can do so from within your lab group location, operated by your lab group members and provide results in both transmission (ultrastructure) and scanning (surface detail) modes. here for a chart comparing the LVEM5 to its classical counterparts.
Most advantageous is the fact that no staining is required to achieve highly contrasted results.
Whether you are studying proteins, cellular structures or using labels, the LVEM5 will be a powerful tool in your research.
Please visit our image gallery for more LVEM5 images.
The LVEM5 can play a critical role in drug discovery efforts focused on materials characterization and morphology.
In addition to the high contrast of most drug discovery related samples, the LVEM5 is a quick load electron microscope with a rapid time-to-vacuum-ready (2-5 minutes). When the ability to install the LVEM5 where the research is undertaken is added to this equation, the result is a significant reduction in time to results.
Please visit our image gallery for more LVEM5 images.
Research equipment generally plays a major role in education as would-be scientists are exposed to the tools that are used to produce experimental results.
When that tool can provide a breadth of results and allows for hands-on use by the students then the investment is maximized.
The LVEM5 as a research tool is valuable in providing images at the micron and nano scale in both transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM & STEM) modes. Furthermore, with some basic training, the system can be operated by students who gain a high level of experience and comfort with the a common tool of scientists – the electron microscope.
The ability to install the system in practically any location allows a set up that optimizes the learning experience with a minimal investment. In fact, the LVEM5 was selected for installation in a mobile van – The Nanoexpress at Howard University – due to the combination of its small size, easy installation and relevance to nanotechnology research.
Please visit our image gallery for more LVEM5 images.
The LVEM5 is an imaging tool that is optimal for research across a broad range of materials science applications.
Based on its versatility (TEM, SEM and STEM imaging together with electron diffraction pattern generation) as well as its ability to produce highly contrasted results of light element samples – and of highly contrasted nanoparticles in profile- the LVEM5 excels as a research tool for the material scientist.
The LVEM5 has been used extensively in polymer research, as well as in imaging biomaterials, nanoparticles, nanotubes and difficult to observe materials including silk fibers. The LVEM5 can also be used to image all matters of samples in SEM mode regardless the elemental atomic (Z) number or weight.
The LVEM5 is easy to install practically anywhere, including in clean rooms and individual research group facilities.
Please visit our image gallery for more LVEM5 images.
The LVEM5 can play an important role in Pathology – at both the research and diagnostic levels.
The high contrast of LVEM5 results, matched with its quick time-to-image converts to better images with a smaller turnaround time. Several efforts have focused on the LVEM5 as a rapid diagnostic tool to identify infectious agents and the system is as easily comfortable in its role as a tool to capture nanoscale details in pathology research.
Please visit our image gallery for more LVEM5 images.
4 Modes - ED (visit the webpage)
STEM imaging differs from TEM in that, as opposed to the entire specimen being simultaneously illuminated by the electron beam, the beam is reduced to a much smaller diameter and scans across the specimen. This technique is useful when viewing stained samples or when the samples are thicker than that required by TEM.
The LVEM5 is a product very unique to its industry. Although the electron microscope has gone through decades of improvement and change - and continues to do so – no single development has changed the face of electron microscopy more than the introduction of the LVEM5. The LVEM5’s benchtop footprint is more than 90% smaller than its closest cousin. And the fact that the LVEM5 has TEM, SEM, STEM, Electron Diffraction and digital imaging makes it a technology to be taken seriously. Click here for a chart comparing the LVEM5 to its classical counterparts.
In broad terms the LVEM5 can be analyzed from an architectural or functional perspective.
Architecturally, the smallest electron microscope in the world draws on years of research and design, all focused on the elusive challenge that all electron microscope manufacturers have tackled ; “how can we dramatically reduce the size of electron microscopes without compromising function?” The engineers at Delong (formerly of Tesla – for a historical perspective please click here) utilized out-of-the-box thinking and have designed a TEM no bigger than a desktop PC. More remarkable still is that the LVEM5 not only maintains competitive specifications including nanometer resolution, but actually adds valuable contrast improvements over classical EM imaging. More on the LVEM5 Architecture
Functionally, the LVEM5 is a full-fledged, multi-mode electron microscope with a user friendly interface. The LVEM5 includes TEM, SEM, STEM and Electron Diffraction modes so that multiple imaging data can be accumulated for any single given sample at the microscale and the nanoscale; TEM and STEM modes provide internal structure detail, SEM provides surface structure detail and electron diffraction provides detailed information on molecular and atomic orientation. Transitioning between the modes is quick and seamless as are the sample exchange procedures. More on the LVEM5 Functionality
The LVEM5 comes complete with software solution for LVEM5 control and imaging. The control software allows the user to manipulate the microscope’s column components for a wide range of functions including column alignment and optimal focusing. The imaging software allows the user to optimize image results by adjusting lighting and digital camera parameters, and also has a comprehensive set of tools for image archiving and analysis. More on the LVEM5 Software and digital imaging.
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LVEM5 Technology (visit the webpage)
The technology behind the LVEM5 enables the power of nanometer electron imaging – both ultra structural detail (TEM) and surface detail (SEM) – to be delivered in a very small footprint. |
Furthermore, the low 5 kV accelerating voltage permits the unique advantage of ultra high contrasted results.
Accomplishing these technological innovations required a focused objective of completely redefining how the electron microscope would appear and act. Many years of development and design were invested to achieve the result we are able to deliver to the user today. The LVEM5 encompasses a completely new approach to electron optics. Employing small uncooled lenses eliminates the need for cooling water and significant size of the device while the FEG has been designed to deliver a bright cohesive beam that detects subtle contrast differences undetectable by conventional TEM without staining.
The implementation of a small YAG screen as the scintillator further reduces the size and complexity of the microscope. The optical image that forms on the YAG screen is small but well big enough to be captured by classical light objectives which are smaller and much more stable than electron optical lenses used in conventional TEM.
Adding a BSED (Back Scattered Electron Detector) into the column enables SEM imaging of the same sample and the same ROI (Region if Interest) within the sample in both transmission and scanning modes. The operator can effortlessly switch between these modes – right from the software interface –and no re-alignment is required between observation in TEM and SEM modes.
All in all the LVEM5 represents a new era in nanometer scale electron microscopy characterized by accessibility, versatility and convenience.
LVEM5 Architecture (visit the webpage)
The LVEM5 has an architecture that departs from traditional models.
The technology – developed solely by Delong – is a result of years of development and design efforts by a group of mechanical, engineering and electron optical experts. The result is a product that is characterized by high quality hardware and software features, dependable manufacturing and strong after-sales support.
The engineering supremacy of the Czech Republic is legendary and Brno is the heart of engineering in the Czech Republic. All LVEM5 engineering, assembly and quality control is done in Brno, and our service department is trained in there to be able to address whatever issue you may encounter, no matter where you are.
Each LVEM5 is tested extensively to ensure that all aspects of the microscope – from vacuum components to the complex electronics – are in perfect working condition.
All this is done so that you can rest assured that the research equipment you are investing in meets all your expectations.
Proper specimen preparation is an essential factor in achieving quality electron microscopy results.
As such, specimen preparation is an important consideration for LVEM5 imaging as well.
Typically, the preparation steps are the same for traditional TEM and low voltage TEM, with 2 notable exceptions:
Staining:
Many samples lack the inherent density differences necessary to provide adequate contrast using traditional TEM. Stains (most often heavy metals such as uranyl acetate or osmium tetroxide are used) are added to the samples in order to enhance the contrast. The benefit of staining is increased density gradients to the extent that traditional TEM can provide contrasted images. The drawbacks, aside from the additional preparation step and the fact that stains are toxic, are staining artifacts (features that are not inherent to the sample but caused by stains), sample distortion (when staining leads to undesired changes in the sample) and may ruin the sample entirely.
Thin-sectioning:
The penetration ability of a 5 kV beam is less than that of a higher kV beam. To facilitate the passage of the beam through the specimen we encourage the thinnest sectioning possible. Many ultramicrotomists (an ultramicrotome is a equipment that cuts ultra thin sections of samples) are comfortable sectioning at 100 nm or thicker, but the LVEM5 demands sections in the range of 20 to 50 nm. The specific ideal level – to achieve the best resolution – is dependant on the sample material. For certain, not all materials can be sectioned at this level but in our experience most can be. If you question the ability to cut your sections at this level, please contact us so we can share our experiences with your sample types and if there is any remaining doubt we would be happy to receive a block from you so that we may test the sectioning and imaging of your samples.
TEM Grid support coatings:
In order to keep the overall penetration volume to a minimum, we encourage the use of unsupported grids (sample is laid on a bare grid) or, where support is essential, it is provided by a thin carbon layer (not Formvar which is less electron transparent than carbon).
SEM:
Like conventional SEM, the LVEM5’s SEM mode provides the best results from conductive samples or samples that have been coated with a very thin conductive layer.
Evaluating your options is an important step in any equipment acquisition process. We’ve tried to make it easy for you here to see that the LVEM5 hold it’s own – and then some – when compared to classical electron microscopes.
Compare the specs, size, mode availability, cost and more right here….and if you need any more information you can contact us directly.
Comparison Table
| LVEM 5 | Conventional TEM | |
| Operating Modes | TEM, STEM, SEM, ED | TEM |
| (modes can be added) | ||
| Size | 2 ft by 2 ft | 7 ft by 8 ft |
| Installation space | ||
| location | desktop, lab bench | dedicated room |
| electrical | standard plug | dedicated HV source |
| cooling water | no cooling water used | water required : 0.2-0.6 Mpa |
| compressed air | no compressed air used | compressed air required: '4-6 Atm |
| Weight | 154 lbs | 1,609 lbs |
| Operations | Straightforward | Complex |
| whole-group use | dedicated operator | |
| Cost | 5 -10 times < than a conventional EM | $500,000 - 2,000,000+ |
| Section thickness | 20 - 30 nm. TEM | 80+ nm TEM |
| 60 - 80 nm. TEM | 80+ nm. STEM | |
| Sample in vacuum? | yes | yes |
| Natural/Inherent Contrast
(unstained samples) |
High | Low |
| Service Contract costs | mean cost ~ $5,000 | mean cost ~ $30,000 |
Compare SIZE:
Much smaller than any other electron microscope.
Compare CONTRAST:
These two composite images compare classical TEM results on the left with LVEM5 results on the right.
In the malaria schizont image on the left, the nuclei membranes (yellow arrow) are weakly contrasted but very clearly defined in the LVEM5 image on the right. Furthermore, developing merozites (red arrow) are also clearly seen in the LVEM5 image but are barely discernable under classical TEM imaging. The LVEM5 results are unstained.
In these images results of imaging of microtubules are compared. The classical TEM samples on the left are stained, whereas the LVEM5 results are unstained. The LVEM5 results provide a true image of the electron density or mass-thickness of the microtubules.
| Accelerating voltage: | 5kV |
|
Specimen: |
|
| grids: | 3 mm TEM grids |
| specimen exchange time: | ~ 3 minutes |
| motorized stage movement: | 3 mm |
|
Electron optics: |
|
| condenser lens | permanent magnets |
| focal length | |
| the smallest illuminated area | 100 nm |
| condenser apertures | f 50, 30 µm |
| objective lens | permanent magnets |
| focal length | 1.26 mm |
| CS | 0.64 mm |
| CC | 0.89 mm |
| δtheoretical | 1.1 nm |
| δtheoretical | 10-2 rad |
| Objective (contrast) aperture | f 50, 30 µm |
| projection lenses (TEM) | electrostatic |
| mag. on YAG screen | 36 – 360x |
|
Electron gun (FEG): |
|
|
Schottky cathode W(100) - ZrO |
|
| current density | 0,5 mA sr-1 |
| lifetime | > 2,000 hours |
|
Light optics: |
|
| objectives Olympus M 4x | NA 0.16 |
| objectives Olympus M 40x | NA 0.95 |
| binocular M 10x | |
|
dimension of virtual image; |
|
|
widefield - |
205 mm |
|
superwidefield - |
265 mm |
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Image Capture: |
|
|
1K Camera |
|
| camera: | Retiga 2000R CCD |
| 1,600 x 1,200 pixels | |
| Digitization | 12-bit |
| software | QCapture Pro |
| pixel size | 7.4 x 7.4 µm |
| cooling | optional Peltier cooling available |
|
2K Camera |
|
| camera: | Retiga 4000R CCD |
| 2,048 x 2,048 pixels | |
| Digitization | 12-bit |
| software | QCapture Pro |
| pixel size | 7.4 x 7.4 µm |
| cooling | optional Peltier cooling available |
| Imaging modes: | TEM, ED, STEM, SEM |
|
TEM |
|
| resolving power | 2.5 nm |
|
magnification |
|
| with light objective M4x | 1,500 - 19,500x |
| with light objective M40x | 15,000 - 195,000x |
|
ED (electron diffraction) |
|
| minimum probe size | 100 nm |
| diffraction lens | magnification 3.5 |
|
STEM |
|
| resolving power | 2 nm |
| min. magnification (25 x 25 µm) | 6,000x |
|
SEM (BSE detector) |
|
| resolving power | 2 nm |
| min. magnification (200 x 200 µm) | 800x |
|
Vacuum: |
|
|
airlock system (for sample exchange) |
|
|
diaphragm and |
|
| turbomolecular pump | 10-5 mbar |
|
object space |
|
| ion getter pump (10 lsec-1) | 10-8 mbar |
|
electron gun |
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| ion getter pump (3 lsec-1) | 10-9 mbar |
|
Electrical requirements (Consumption): |
|
| Standby (ion getter pumps only) | 11 W |
| Power Supply | 120 W |
| Airlock vacuum pumping system | 250 W |
|
Click here for statement of electrical conformity |
PDF HTML (in new window) |
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Dimensions: |
||
| weight | size (l x w x h) | |
| Electron and Light optics system | 25 kg | 300 x 210 x 300 mm |
| (Microscope proper and housing) | 55 lbs | 12 x 8 x 12 inches |
| Airlock pumping system | 20 kg | 420 x 220 x 290 mm |
| (Floor-based turbo-molecular pump) | 44 lbs | 16 x 9 x 11 inches |
| Power Supply | 25 kg | 420 x 220 x 290 mm |
| (Electronics unit) | 55 lbs | 16 x 9 x 11 inches |
|
No cooling water is required |
The LVEM5 is controlled through our intuitive user software interface. From the monitor the user is able to change operating parameters as well as easily switch between imaging modes to capture comparative TEM (ultrastructure) and SEM (surface) images.
TEM images are acquired through the camera software which is integrated with the LVEM5 operating software.
The software also enables one-touch image capture in a host of formats and live FFT analysis (for expert users and to use as a tool for alignment).
Digital Imaging:
In TEM mode, the final electron-optical step in the formation of an image is when the beam incidents the YAG screen and excites the scintillator to emit photons at which point the image has transitioned from an electron mage to a light image.
Scientific grade digital cameras are required to capture the YAG screen image and convert it into a digital image with enough brightness and resolution to be useful for the naked eye or for printing.
Our partner of choice in this important interface is QImaging (www.qimaging.com), and more specifically the Retiga 4000R.
The Retiga 4000R is a sensitive 4.19 Mega pixel camera (2,048 x 2,048 array) with high speed and low noise. The QCapture software suite allows users to adjust contrast and brightness levels on the fly so real time imaging is easily executed.
Here are some of the research facilities using the LVEM5 as well as a brief description of what they are using it for:
2 LVEM5 are in operation at
Dr. Gary Harris had this enthusiastic idea – why not make a lab that showcases nanotechnology research, and put it on a mobile van that can be taken right to where people can be educated about the advances and promises of nanotechnology.
Crazy? We are pleased to introduce you to the Nanoexpress, the mobile lab that includes an AFM, a chemical handling section, a furnace and, of course an electron microscope. Well, which electron microscope – TEM and SEM - would you think fits in a mobile van? Right, there’s a fully functional LEVM5 right inside the Nanoexpress.
At the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (http://www.ml.afrl.af.mil/). the LVEM5 is used to image a variety of materials and biological samples. Some milestones achieved at AFRL include silk imaging and imaging of composite materials.
- Thermally Induced alpha-Helix to beta-Sheet Transition in Regenerated Silk Fibers and Films
- High-Resolution Electron Microscopy of Montmorillonite and Montmorillonite/Epoxy Nanocomposites
- Low-voltage electron microscopy of polymer and organic molecular thin films
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI),
The
The LVEM5 in the Emory/Georgia Tech Biomedical Technology Center is used by a number of research groups for bith TEM and SEM capabilities. Stay tuned for more results from this ambitious group of researchers.
A second unit is installed in Professor David Bucknall’s lab. Professor Bucknall’s areas of specialization are: Polymer interfaces and surfaces, functionalised polymers, polymer molecular architecture, polyrotaxanes, self-assembling structures, neutron scattering and reflectivity, thin films, polymer soft lithography and nanopatterning, field effects on polymers, polymer-plasticiser diffusion and other diffusion processes, biomolecular layers at surfaces, industrial inkjet (digital) printing, fluid wetting behaviour, microfluidics
http://www.mse.gatech.edu/FacultyStaff/MSE_Faculty_researchbios/Bucknall/bucknall.html
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
The