Jeol has introduced the Clairscope, a correlative microscopy tool that combines a high-end light microscope (LM) with a high-resolution atmospheric scanning electron microscope (ASEM).
The Jeol Clairscope uses LM and ASEM to observe samples in their native state, significantly reducing sample-preparation time and allowing dynamic observation of real-time processes.
The atmospheric SEM allows high-resolution observation of wet biological samples such as cultured cells and imaging of materials samples in liquids.
The Clairscope's specimen dish makes it possible to add reagents, drugs and other substances to the sample in order to perform experiments and observe reactions in both liquid and gas environments.
For the first time, life-science researchers can harness the powerful imaging capability of the SEM to observe biological processes such as platelet generation, distribution of sugar chains and microbe growth.
Materials scientists will be able to observe and record crystallisation, electrochemical reactions, emulsion technology, self-assemblies and dendrite growth as they occur.
Researchers can control the specimen's environment and stop processes at specific points in the experiment using the Clairscope to observe samples at atmospheric pressure in liquid or gas.
The wide-field light microscope with emersion lens is co-axially aligned with the inverted electron column, making it easy to switch between the light microscope and the electron microscope without repositioning the specimen dish.
The specimen dish features an ultrathin SiN film window that allows transmission of the electron beam for SEM imaging while the sample is open to atmospheric pressure.
Mitsuo Suga, project leader of Clairscope, said: 'The Clairscope features a high-quality wide-field microscope integrated with the ASEM.
'When we combine SEM and LM, there is no compromise in working distance and there are no issues with vacuum in the Clairscope.' The development of an atmospheric SEM offers greater opportunities to observe samples in their native state than was previously possible.
Donna Guarrera, product manager of Jeol USA, said: 'The advantage of this ASEM over an ESEM is that we can look at samples at room temperature and atmosphere and we can watch those processes dynamically.
'No lengthy drying processes, protective coating or freezing of wet samples such as cultured cells, is required.' The Clairscope is being introduced at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Chicago, where more than 30,000 scientists are involved in cutting edge research.
