School of Life Sciences

Electron microscopy

Electron microscopy within Life Sciences comprises both transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) facilities.

The TEM is a Hitachi-7100, with an accelerating voltage range of 25-125kV (0.204nm lattice/0.45nm particle resolution), for the ultrastructural examination of thin sections and particulate (biological and materials) samples. Images are acquired digitally via an axially-mounted (2K X 2K pixel) Gatan Ultrascan 1000 CCD camera. Additionally, there is a Leica Ultracut ultramicrotome and a range of associated cryo-preparative instrumentation associated with this TEM.

The SEM is a Leo S420 stereoscan, with an accelerating voltage range of 1-30kV (c. 5nm resolution), for the ultrastructural examination of the surface features and morphology of biological and materials samples. Digital images can be acquired via the collection of both secondary and backscattered electrons from the samples. Additionally, there are associated cryo-SEM preparative and X-ray detection facilities, for the examination of frozen, hydrated samples and analysis of the elemental composition of samples, respectively.

For further information please contact: Dr Julian Thorpe j.r.thorpe@sussex.ac.uk