Sem Specimens Being Coated With Layer Of Gold
by Pascal Goetgheluck/science Photo Library
Title
Sem Specimens Being Coated With Layer Of Gold
Artist
Pascal Goetgheluck/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Specimen preparation. Two insects being coated with gold prior to analysis with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The coating is to improve their electrical conductivity and their ability to reflect electrons and hence provide clear images. The layer of gold (5-10 nanometres thick) is deposited by a process called sputter coating. A plate (upper centre) of pure gold is positioned above the microchip within a vacuum chamber containing argon gas. An applied voltage causes ionisation of the argon with subsequent ionisation of some of the gold atoms. Gold ions stream down onto the specimen to form a uniform layer. The ion plasma causes the bright glow.
Uploaded
October 4th, 2018
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