A technique for improved focused ion beam milling of cryo-prepared life science specimens |
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| Authors: | M. F. HAYLES,D. J. STOKES&dagger ,D. PHIFER&Dagger ,& K. C. FINDLAY§ |
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| Affiliation: | FEI Company, Building AAE, 5600 KA Eindhoven, The Netherlands;Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Dept of Physics, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, U.K.;FEI Company, 5350 NE Dawson Creek Drive, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124, U.S.A.;John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UH, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | The combination of focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy with a cryo‐preparation/transfer system allows specimens to be milled at low temperatures. However, for biological specimens in particular, the quality of results is strongly dependent on correct preparation of the specimen surface. We demonstrate a method for deposition of a protective, planarizing surface layer onto a cryo‐sample, enabling high‐quality cross‐sectioning using the ion beam and investigation of structures at the nanoscale. |
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| Keywords: | Cryo FIB gas injector system (GIS) life sciences SEM |
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