The European Physical Journal Applied Physics

Table of Contents - July 2010 - Volume 51, Issue 01  

Imaging, Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Investigating sublimation and the effect of an imaging gas in a VPSEM

D. Wallera1, D. J. Stokesa2 and A. M. Donalda1

Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK

FEI Company, P.O. Box 80066, 5600 KA Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Abstract

In this paper we present an investigation into the possible link between the pressure of the gas in the surrounding environment and the rate of ice sublimation in a VPSEM (variable pressure scanning electron microscope). Although this is mainly significant to an electron microscopist working in a variable pressure environment, it is relevant to people working at low pressures who wish to have control over the rate of sample dehydration where the input of water vapour is not a viable alternative.

(Received November 26 2009)

(Accepted April 7 2010)

(Online publication June 11 2010)

dw284@cam.ac.uk