I'd like to get some feedback on some new grids Dune is developing for FIB liftout applications. We have been able to etch the grids such that we end up with pointed tips for mounting samples. Would this be useful for atom probe or S/TEM applications where you don't want interference from copper or moly? Also these grids are very clean.

SMART Gold Kits Set the Standard For Nanoparticle Characterization

Dune has just released new gold standards kits. Find out more about these products at:

http://www.dunesciences.com/gold_kit.html

SMART Grids- more than a pretty TEM sample

I just joined Dune Sciences as the SMART Grids Product Line Manager. Dune sells silicon TEM grids with electron transparent silicon dioxide windows. These grids are unique because they can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees C and a wide variety of cleaning methods including oxygen plasma and acids. Their surface chemistry is taylored to the application. For instance, NIST has specified amine functionalized surfaces in the sample preparation procedure for Au nanoparticles (SRM 8011, 8012 and 8013). Dune's amine grids were used during the imaging round robin organized by NIST. In the images above you can see the improved dispersion of the Au NP's using the SMART Grids and amine functionalization. Have a look at Dune's website http://www.dunesciences.com/. Please post comments to this blog if you have questions about SMART Grids or have specific needs for functionalized sample surfaces for analysis. We think there will be applications from biotech to nanomaterials and for many techniques including AFM, XPS, AES, SIMS, SEM... as well as TEM.

Janet Teshima
Dune Sciences
Product Line Manager-SMART Grids
jteshima@dunesciences.com