Remote Analytical Scanning Electron Microscopy

Over the last few months, we have all had to get used to new and different ways of working. This has particularly affected those of us who routinely use scanning electron microscopes; in many cases it has become difficult, if not impossible, to use these instruments in person as we have been used to.

Fortunately, it is possible to access these systems remotely and work effectively with them. By connecting microscopes and their analytical systems to the internet, it becomes possible to duplicate laboratory-based workstations in home offices and make use of this powerful tool.

In this tutorial, we discuss some of the approaches that we have used to allow us to keep intensively working with our instruments daily over the last few months. We also share tips and tricks for a smooth remote working experience and demonstrate a series of functionalities, available to users of the AZtec NanoAnalysis platform, which are particularly beneficial for remote working.

You will learn about:

• Connecting to SEMs and their analytical systems remotely
• Making use of live chemical imaging and image registration to manage multiple samples (reducing the need for changing samples so frequently) and navigate around them quickly, easily and safely
• Automated data acquisition and virtual samples and how they can make your analysis in the SEM more efficient by performing analyses unattended
• Offline data processing and reporting and how they fit into a remote working workflow. Understanding what elements are in your sample and finding areas of interest is not always easy. It can be a challenging step that can slow your workflow and influence your results. Oxford Instruments has developed the first real-time chemical imaging system to help you rapidly understand your sample and find what is of interest to you

Chemical imaging requires high count rate, which is made possible with the development of Ultim Max detectors, the latest generation of Silicon Drift Detectors combining the largest sensors sizes with Extreme electronics to deliver unparalleled speed and sensitivity.