Electron Microscopy Equipment

Hydra Bio CX

Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM)

The Hydra Bio FIB-SEM is specifically designed for thinning biological samples, such as cells and tissues. It combines focused ion beam (FIB) milling with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, allowing for highly precise and controlled sample thinning and milling. It also has an in-chamber fluorescence system, allowing for correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) during milling.

Key Features:

• Multi-ion species: Xenon (Xe⁺), argon (Ar⁺), nitrogen (N²⁺) and oxygen (O²⁺) allow researchers to choose the optimal settings for their sample type.
• Volume SEM (vSEM): The instrument enables high-throughput automated serial sectioning with FIB milling and sequential SEM imaging. This automated serial sectioning capability enables continuous, slice-by-slice imaging for detailed 3D reconstructions and volumetric analyses at nanometer resolution, ideal for studying complex architectures in cells, tissues, and materials.
• Integrated Fluorescence Light Microscopy (iFLM): Incorporation of iFLM, which combines fluorescence light microscopy with FIB-SEM imaging, allows for pinpointing of regions of interest through fluorescence tagging prior to milling, therefore streamlining the targeting of specific areas within cells or tissues.
• EasyLift Nanomanipulator: This tool is essential for preparing tissues, enabling precise lift-out for TEM or other analyses. The EasyLift ensures efficient and accurate sample transfer, preserving structural integrity during sample preparation.
• Platinum Deposition: The integrated gas injection system and micro sputter device enables in situ platinum deposition to protect designated areas during ion milling, minimising beam-induced damage.