MyScope
training for advanced research

Glossary terms about Column

Column

The component of an electron microscope that houses the electron gun, electromagnetic lenses, and accessory equipment.

18 pages mention Column

Background information - What is transmission electron microscopy?

Ultimately, using a TEM we can see the columns of atoms present in crystalline samples. 

Detectors

This typically involves a large dewar for liquid nitrogen (to keep the detector cold), an arm on which the equipment sits, and a solid state detector that penetrates the column (arrow) so it is located near the sample. 

Electron column

The electron column is made up of the gun assembly at the top, a column filled with a set of electromagnetic lenses, the sample port and airlock, and a set of apertures that can be moved in and out of the path of the beam. 

Electron gun

It is usually positioned in the top of the instrument column. 

Image capture

At the base of the column is a viewing chamber with a window port and an adjustable pair of binoculars. 

Imaging mode setup

There are a number of concepts that need to be mastered when setting up the electron column for suitable imaging modalities. 

Inorganic sample/physical science specimen preparation for TEM

 

Lenses: electromagnetic lenses

The electron beam present within a TEM requires manipulation by lenses as it travels down the column and through the sample in order to examine the right areas of the sample. 

Machine operating procedures

A Gatan Orius 1000 slow scan CCD camera with 2k x 4k and video rate capture is fitted below the column. 

Machine settings

 

Magnetic lens system

Within the column the electromagnetic lenses shape the electron beam, which travels in a spiral trajectory. 

Parts of the machine

Electron gun  

Specimen/sample chamber

The holder is then inserted into the column. 

Spherical aberration

Images left of the center column are defocused toward the inside, images right are defocused towards the outside. 

The electron wavelength

 

The Eucentric Position

 

Using the JEM-1010 Transmission Electron Microscope for physical science material

To find your sample on the grid, press LOW MAG (right hand console) and move out the objective aperture by turning silver lever to the right and you will see the full grid. Using the big white wheels (left and right of column) move your sample around, find the area you want and bring it to the center of the screen. 

Using the JEM-1010 Transmission Electron Microscope for thin resin sections of biological material

To find your sample on the grid, press LOW MAG and move out the objective aperture by turning the silver lever to the right and you will see the full grid. Using the big white wheels (left and right of column) move your sample around, find the area you want and bring it to the center on the screen.