ProjectsInFlight Converts SEM Into TEM With 14 mm Clearance, Imaging Gold Nanoparticles
Updated
Updated · Hackaday · Jun 13
ProjectsInFlight Converts SEM Into TEM With 14 mm Clearance, Imaging Gold Nanoparticles
1 articles · Updated · Hackaday · Jun 13
Summary
A DIY SEM-to-TEM conversion produced usable transmission images after [ProjectsInFlight] reworked the microscope’s sample holder and internal adapter, then captured gold nanoparticles and a mosquito wing.
The build was driven by the high cost of commercial STEM adapters; only a hair under 14 mm of chamber clearance forced a thinner aluminum sample plate and a compact electron mirror-and-shield assembly.
Testing showed secondary electrons were leaking past the shield and degrading the image, so the shield was extended higher and the mirror angle was made adjustable inside the vacuum chamber.
That fix sharply improved TEM results, with the mosquito wing images revealing internal fine structure; the next target is biological cells, which will need heavier sample preparation.