SEM Modernization of a LEO DSM982 and a LEO Gemini 1530 for the University Hospital Jena
Questions to Frank Steiniger, Electron Microscopy Centre at Jena University Hospital
Can you tell us about your institution?
The Electron Microscopy Centre (EMZ) is a central facility of the University Hospital Jena (UKJ).
It enables all facilities of the UKJ and numerous other institutes at the Jena site to co-operate on electron microscopy topics.
Electron microscopy offers the unique opportunity to visualise cellular structures in their functional environment in nanometre resolution. For clinical and biomedical research, electron microscopic images are in many cases a necessary and informative supplement to molecular biological and biochemical research results.
What were your reasons for modernizing?
Over the past four years, we have modernized two scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and a TEM. Essentially, these devices will be operated over a period of 15-25 years. The old systems could no longer fulfil the increased requirements in the areas of digital imaging, documentation and analysis as well as IT connection. In addition, there will soon be no spare parts for the devices and therefore no repair options. However, the technical design and the measuring principle of the devices still correspond to the current technical standard. For this reason, we have decided to upgrade the outdated digital components. This means that the devices can continue to be used. For us, the upgrade represents a more cost-effective and resource-saving alternative to a new purchase.
What is the microscope with the point electronic Modernization enabling now?
The modernization by point electronic offers the opportunity to convert a well-functioning SEM analysis system at a reasonable price so that it meets the current requirements of digital imaging and current IT requirements. The existing airlock system (cryo-SEM) can continue to be used unchanged. The modernisation ensures that all essential system components can be repaired in the coming years.
Which applications do you use with the modernized microscope?
The SEM system was used to create high-resolution SE images and BSE images.
Biological samples: Insects, animal oak cells, bacteria, tissue, eye cornea, teeth, bones, etc.
Material samples: Nanoparticles, ceramic composites, carbon nanorods, bacterial nanocellulose, etc.
We are currently planning almost identical utilisation as before the upgrade. Thanks to the modernization, we now also have the option of integrating additional detectors into the evaluation system. The installation of a HAADF detector is planned as an extension, which will enable us to use the STEM method.
Do you have experience with other point electronic systems or services?
The new DISS 6 user software differs significantly from the original SmartSEM (Zeiss) user software, so that a new familiarisation is necessary. However, it was possible to familiarise users with its operation for routine examinations without any major problems.
A significant advantage is the freely selectable image acquisition options such as format, acquisition time, overlay and integration of the scan signal. The very flexible customisation of the user software to user requirements should be mentioned as an improvement. Unfortunately, it is not easy to create user-specific functions, as this often requires undocumented commands (xml files). Better documentation would be helpful for this option!
What are your experiences with the installation of the upgrade by point electronic?
The implementation of the upgrade was coordinated with us personally in advance. All work and adjustments to the special configuration were carried out within the agreed framework.
You purchased a newly revised DSM982 from point electronic in 2023. Can you tell us something about it?
We wanted to replace an old SEM device with a tungsten cathode with a higher-resolution SEM with a field emission cathode. As we had a limited budget of around €80000, we only had the option of replacing the device with a refurbished, functioning, used SEM. Our aim was to find a field emission device with proven technology that could be maintained for several years in terms of electronic control and computer technology.
Point electronic was able to fulfil our requirements very well with their offer of a revised SEM DSM982.
The device has now been in continuous use for a wide variety of SEM samples for about a year. The system is very stable and the quality of the measurements meets our expectations. In the event of problems with the hardware or software, a solution is offered very promptly. There is currently a problem (stripes on light-coloured edges) with the SE detector system. However, this has already been analysed and a solution found by installing a new detector system.
Do you have further experience with point electronic systems or services?
A Zeiss TEM EM900 upgrade from point electronic was installed in the EMZ 4 years ago. After installation, we immediately noticed a deterioration in the resolution. The very dedicated service technician was unable to rectify the fault despite checking all the relevant assemblies on site. An internal check of the error pattern ultimately revealed a circuit-related problem that had not previously been recognised. The relevant module was then redeveloped and promptly replaced.
The company point electronic proved to be competent and solution-orientated when solving the problem and working together.
About Frank Steiniger, Electron Microscopy Centre at Jena University Hospital
Frank Steiniger has been working as a research engineer at the Electron Microscopy Centre at Jena Hospital for 25 years. His area of responsibility includes the support and further development of the REM/TEM examination equipment and the corresponding preparation methods (cryo-REM/TEM, freezing-bay techniques). He is also responsible for carrying out and analysing certain examination procedures such as cryo-TEM and cryo-SEM.