Water without windows: Evaluating the performance of open cell transmission electron microscopy under saturated water vapor conditions, and assessing its potential for microscopy of hydrated biological specimens

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186899
• Publication Date: 2017-11-03T17:36:22Z
• Authors: Cathal Cassidy; Masao Yamashita; Martin Cheung; Chola Kalale; Hidehito Adaniya; Ryusuke Kuwahara; Tsumoru Shintake
• Keywords: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Science; Q; R; Medicine; Water; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; Research Article

We have performed open cell transmission electron microscopy experiments through pure water vapor in the saturation pressure regime (>0.6 kPa), a modern microscope capable of sub-Å resolution. systematically studied achievable levels, stability and gas purity, effective thickness column associated scattering processes, effect on optical resolution image contrast. For example, for 1.3 kPa 300kV electrons, we report ± 20 Pa over tens minutes, 0.57 inelastic mean free paths, lattice 0.14 nm reference Au specimen, no significant degradation contrast or biological specimen (M13 virus, with 6 body diameter). also done some brief to confirm feasibility loading specimens into an situ ambient without exposure intermediate desiccating conditions. Finally, checked if had any discernible impact performance, pertinent vacuum data, purposes.