Microscopy & Microanalysis 2009 Meeting
July 26-30, 2009
Richmond, Virginia, USA
Tutorials
 Momentum Resolved EELS in Graphite Courtesy of Nestor J. Zaluzec |
Tutorials are part of the Conference Program.
No additional fees are required to attend.
Biological Sciences Tutorials
Organizer: Elizabeth Wright
X41 Image processing and interpretation in structural electron microscopy
Bernard Heymann
Length - 1 hour
Effective image processing requires one to understand a number of basic details associated and/or embedded within image files. The interpretation of image processing results, such as docking atomic structures or analyzing segmentation outcomes, require further parameters to be correctly associated with images. These are the reasons for the current efforts on standardizing conventions in the EM community. Typical EM projects produce hundreds to thousands of micrographs, and effective handling of large amounts of information requires database-like approaches. This tutorial will cover the following topics, illustrated with examples using the package Bsoft:
- 3D image basics, including data types and image formats.
- The management of associated information and standard conventions.
- Reconstructions for single particle analysis and tomography.
- Image interpretation by modeling and segmentation.
X42 Back to the Basics: The fundamentals of cryo-electron microscopy
Terje Dokland
Length - 1 hour
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was developed to allow the detailed structural analysis of complex biological matter in its native environment, with as few distortions and artifacts as possible. However, the technique is not without its problems and challenges. This tutorial will cover the fundamental principles and early development of cryo-EM, as well as practical aspects of cryo-EM sample preparation and imaging, including contrast formation and radiation damage. Highlights from the field will be reviewed, ending with a discussion of future prospects.
Physical sciences tutorials
Organizer: Peter Sarosi
X51 Sample Preparation for Materials Scientists
Hendrik O. Colijn
Length - 1 hour
There are many methods of preparing samples to go into the TEM or SEM. All the preparation methods will have advantages and disadvantages. This tutorial will provide an overview of general sample requirements for analysis and the methods necessary to prepare the samples. There will be a greater emphasis on preparation of samples for TEM. Samples may begin either as large bulk pieces or as nanoparticles or anything in between. The challenge is to be able to answer questions about the original material. Sample damage, contamination issues and artifacts will be covered. The emphasis will be on hard materials rather than polymers.
X52 Back to the Basics: The Use of Transmission Electron Microscopy - What Are the Real Capabilities and When do I Use It?
Jan Ringnalda
Length - 1 hour
The field of electron microscopy has developed significantly within this last decade. Capabilities of instrumentation that were on wish-lists for a long time have now been realized through computerization and automation. This new technology has actually re-focused attention on the environment for the electron microscope, and last but not least, the sample. Modern microscopes do not give better results, they are better at showing the imperfections of the sample. This tutorial will deal with some of the pitfalls in sample preparation, some of the pitfalls in setting up the microscope, and some of the improvements that can be made to an installation site to make systems work better. Recent developments in SEM techniques and capabilities are actually taking some of the traditional TEM jobs back into SEM capability, some of the modern TEM capabilities will be compared with SEM capabilities in terms of imaging, and spatial resolution of analysis.
Joint tutorials
Organizers: Elizabeth Wright and Peter Sarosi
X61 Back to the Basics: FIB sample preparation of thin films and soft materials
Andrew Minor
Length - 1 hour
TBA
X62 Professional Development Tutorial: Career Development for Scientific Professionals
Lucille Giannuzzi
Length - 1 hour
At Microscopy & Microanalysis 2008, we presented tips on job hunting. Once you have a job in the sciences, how do you navigate through the organization and develop your talents? Is this the place you want to spend your working life or is it one job on your career path? This tutorial will provide guidance for finding your niche in the organization, making the right contacts and career choices, and steps needed to advance through the ranks.
