Modelling and analysis of 3-D arrangements of particles by point processes with examples of application to biological data obtained by confocal scanning light microscopy

Within the concept of point processes, a review is presented of quantities which can be used in studies of three-dimensional (3-D) aggregates of particles. Suitable characteristics and estimators are given for both unmarked and marked point processes. To demonstrate the feasibility of such quantitative approaches, an application in histology, dealing with 3-D arrangements of cell nuclei in rat liver, is described. Using a confocal scanning light microscope, 3-D images are recorded and image analysis used to obtain the coordinates of the centroid, together with the volume and DNA content, of each cell nucleus. Examples of results are given, using both unmarked and marked point processes. In the latter case, cell type, nuclear volume and ploidy group are suitable marks.     

Measurement of specimen charging in scanning electron microscopy with a kelvin probe

A vibrating Kelvin probe in form of a platinum wire loop is used to measure the surface potential U_s on electron-irradiated free-floating metal and insulator specimens as a function of electron energy E. This allows an accurate measurement of the critical electron energy E₂ for no charging. At energies below E₂, the positive charging increases with decreasing energy to U_s=2–5 eV at E=0.5 keV and switching off the collector bias of the Everhart-Thornley detector. A two-to threefold increase of U_s is observed when the bias is switched on. For E > E₂, the strong increase of a negative surface potential can be measured. Insulating films free-supported on a conductive substrate show a steep decrease to small positive and negative U_s when the film thickness becomes lower than the electron range at a critical energy E₃ > E₂. At insulating specimen the temporal decrease of charging can be measured when the electron beam is switched off.     

A portable cryo-storage system for low-temperature scanning electron microscopy,suitable for international transport of cryo-specimens

A cryo-specimen storage system for low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) specimens is described, which: liberates multi-specimen experiments from sampling restrictions imposed by the rate at which LTSEM specimens can be examined in the SEM; provides security against experiment loss resulting from breakdown of the SEM or cryo-system; enables collection of specimens in the field or in laboratories remote from the SEM laboratory; and facilitates international air transport of LTSEM specimens. The components of the system, which has a capacity of 98 stub-mounted specimens, are readily made in a laboratory workshop. The details of the design may be altered to suit particular specimen types or experimental approaches.     

Preparation of polyimide-epoxy composites

The formation of a three dimensional network of crosslinked epoxy leads all unmodified epoxies to have inherent brittleness and relatively low degradation temperatures. Polyimides, on the other hand, are widely used for applications that require high degrees of flexibility and thermal resistance. Here, we have focused on the preparation of epoxy systems cured with polyamic acids instead of traditional amino-group-containing hardening agents. The cure behavior and potential reaction mechanisms of EPON 828 resin and polyamic acid mixtures were evaluated by DSC and TGA. Thermal analysis showed a complex reaction sequence taking place in the mixture and also determined the extent of reaction of the polyamic acid with itself and the competitive reaction of the polyamic acid with the epoxy. The compositions of the mixtures were varied to see the dependence of the cure behavior on component concentrations. Solutions of the two components did not phase separate and also phase separation was not apparent either optically or microscopically in the cured samples. This phase behavior was attributed to a unique in situ reaction. A novel solvent system for the polyamic acid precursor was also used.     

On the applied stress dependence of the subgrain size

The present work studies the collection of experimental data from which Raj and Pharr (Mater. Sci. Eng., 81 (1986) 217) deduced a universal empirical dependence of the subgrain size on the applied stress. In accord with their result and some theoretical predictions the normalized subgrain size d_s/b was ssumed to be proportional to G/σ (G is the shear modulus, b the Burgers vector length, σ the applied stress). The evaluated factor of proportionality K₁, having the value within the interval from 0.76 to 180 in the inspected data sets, was discussed from the point of view of various factors which can influence the experimental data.     

A simple modification to the LKB 7800 series Knifemaker and a balanced-break method to prepare glass knives for cryosectioning

A novel method of using the LKB 7800 series Knifemaker to produce glass knives using a balanced break is described. The method produces knives of sufficient quality to section aldehyde-fixed, sucrose-cryoprotected, frozen biological material in a cooled cryochamber of an ultramicrotome. The modifications to the Knifemaker are minimal and, if required, the machine can be returned easily to its normal state after use.     

The effect of particle distribution on damage formation in particulate reinforced metal matrix composites deformed in compression

Image analysis results are reported on the generation of damage in particulate reinforced metal matrix composites during compressive deformation. The technique allows the automated collection of data on the incidence of particle fracture and void formation in the matrix as a function of important microstructural parameters such as local particle volume fraction and particle size. There is a strong relationship between damage and the local volume fraction of the reinforcement proving that damage formation is accentuated in regions of particle clustering. With the SiC reinforced materials examined, there was observed to be a change in dominance of damage mechanism from particle fracture at low local volume fractions to void formation in the matrix within strongly clustered regions. The results are compared with finite element (FE) modelling of the compressive deformation of clustered particles using a simple cluster of equi-spaced particles. The FE results suggest that plastic flow is generally inhibited in clustered regions. In certain highly clustered configurations shielding is such that flow does not occur in the heart of the cluster even at high levels of average plastic strain. The modelling suggests that the change in dominance of damage mechanism is related to the dramatic increase in tensile hydrostatic stresses in the matrix with higher levels of particle clustering.     

激光扫描共焦荧光显微镜的电子控制系统研究

介绍了激光扫描共焦荧光显微镜的电子控制系统，为了提高激光扫描器的定位精度，在系统中提出采用基于闭环象素时钟发生器的检流计振镜所固有的扫描非线性失真补偿方案，减少输出图象的枕形畸变，实现行扫描空间位置的均匀性。在以细分梯形波电流驱动反应式步进电机情况下，根据实测θｉ曲线，用反插法求得与步进电机运行非均匀性相补偿的相电流波，从而获得在小电流情况下高角度均匀的步进电机细分运行特性。     

Minimizing sample evaporation in the environmental scanning electron microscope

The ElectroScan environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) enables wet samples to be observed by eliminating air but allowing water vapour into the sample chamber. However, evaporation from, and condensation on, the sample may occur during the pumpdown sequence used to reach this state, which means that the sample may not be in its natural state when viewed if due care is not taken. In this paper, the pumping system of the ESEM is described mathematically and expressions are derived for the evaporation and condensation. This treatment is then used to calculate the optimum pumpdown sequence. The importance of using the optimized procedure is illustrated by micrographs of fat emulsions.     

方块电阻测试中的有限元理论

介绍了用有限元方法计算半导体方块电阻四探针测试中二维点电流势场的模型并且证明了其正确性。由于有限元方法对边界没有限制，该方法为方块电阻测试中精确确定边界修正系数，更重要的是为微样品测试结构确定提供直接明了的理论依据。