Transmission Electron Microscopy

Transmission Electron Microscopy
 

FEI Titan Krios 300 keV Cryo-STEM

Room B/32 – Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building

The FEI Titan Krios is one of the world’s most advanced cryogenic transmission electron microscopes, engineered for high‑resolution structural biology, cryo‑electron tomography, and cryo‑STEM applications. Operating at 300 keV, the Titan Krios delivers exceptional stability, automation, and imaging performance, enabling researchers to visualize macromolecular complexes, cellular architectures, and materials at near‑atomic resolution.

Key Features & Capabilities

High‑Stability 300 keV Cryo‑TEM Platform

The Titan Krios provides:

• Exceptional optical and mechanical stability

• Automated cryogenic workflows

• High‑throughput data collection for large‑scale projects

Its design minimizes drift and vibration, ensuring consistent, high‑quality imaging across long acquisition sessions.

FEI Volta Phase Plate

The integrated phase plate enhances contrast for weak‑phase biological specimens. Benefits include:

• Improved visibility of low‑contrast features

• Enhanced performance for tomography and small complexes

• Reduced need for defocus‑based contrast methods

Falcon 2 Direct Electron Detector (16 MP)

A reliable, high‑DQE detector ideal for routine cryo‑EM data collection.

• Fast movie acquisition

• Improved signal‑to‑noise ratio

• Suitable for single‑particle analysis and tomography

Gatan GIF BioQuantum LS Energy Filter

The BioQuantum LS provides advanced energy filtering for cleaner, higher‑contrast images.

• Zero‑loss filtering for improved resolution

• Enhanced signal‑to‑noise ratio

• Essential for high‑resolution SPA and tomography workflows

Gatan K3 Direct Detection Camera (24 MP)

The K3 is one of the most advanced detectors available for cryo‑EM.

• Super‑resolution imaging

• High frame rates for low‑dose acquisition

• Ideal for high‑resolution single‑particle analysis

Together, the K3 and BioQuantum LS form a powerful combination for pushing reconstructions toward atomic resolution.

Why the Titan Krios Matters

• Enables near‑atomic‑resolution structural biology

• Supports cryo‑ET, SPA, and cryo‑STEM workflows

• Provides high throughput for large‑scale projects

• Offers multiple detector options for flexible experimental design

• Serves as a cornerstone instrument for advanced cryo‑EM research

 

Thermo Scientific Glacios 2 Cryo-TEM

Room B/31, Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building

The Thermo Scientific Glacios 2 Cryo‑Transmission Electron Microscope is a next‑generation, 200 kV cryo‑TEM designed to deliver high‑resolution structural biology data with exceptional stability, automation, and throughput. Equipped with advanced optics, energy filtering, and state‑of‑the‑art direct detection, the Glacios 2 brings near‑atomic‑resolution cryo‑EM within reach for a broad range of research groups—from novice users to expert microscopists.

This system significantly expands the FEMR’s cryo‑EM capabilities, enabling high‑quality single‑particle analysis, tomography, and MicroED workflows.

E‑CFEG: Low‑Energy‑Spread Cold Field Emission Gun

The enhanced Cold Field Emission Gun (E‑CFEG) provides:

• Extremely low energy spread

• Higher beam coherence

• Improved contrast and resolution

• Increased throughput for demanding cryo‑EM applications

This results in cleaner micrographs and more efficient data collection.

Selectris Energy Filter

The Selectris Energy Filter enhances image quality by removing inelastically scattered electrons. Benefits include:

• Sharper contrast

• Improved signal‑to‑noise ratio

• Higher‑resolution reconstructions

• Optimized performance for both SPA and tomography

Falcon 4i Direct Electron Detector

A high‑speed, high‑DQE detector designed for modern cryo‑EM workflows:

• Fast, low‑noise movie acquisition

• Electron‑event representation (EER) support

• Ideal for high‑throughput SPA and tomography

Fringe‑Free Imaging (FFI)

FFI enables large‑area data collection without image distortion.

• Maximizes usable detector area

• Improves throughput for multi‑grid and multi‑hole acquisition

• Reduces the need for manual adjustments

Aberration‑Free Image Shift (AFIS)

AFIS allows rapid data collection across multiple holes and grids while maintaining optical alignment.

• Faster automated acquisition

• Reduced stage movement

• Higher data quality across large areas

MicroED Capability with Ceta‑D Camera

The Glacios 2 supports MicroED for structural determination of micro‑ and nano‑crystals.

• Fast diffraction data collection

• High sensitivity for small crystals

• Expands the microscope’s use beyond SPA and tomography

Smart EPU Software with EPU Multigrid

The latest EPU platform provides:

• Automated data acquisition

• Intelligent targeting and ice‑quality assessment

• Multi‑grid workflows for screening and high‑throughput collection

• User‑friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experts

A Major Step Forward for Cryo‑EM at the FEMR

With its advanced optics, automation, and multi‑modal capabilities, the Glacios 2 Cryo‑TEM serves as a powerful, accessible platform for structural biology, cryo‑tomography, and MicroED research. It is designed to support both high‑volume data collection and exploratory projects, making it an essential addition to FEMR’s cryo‑EM ecosystem.

FEI Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTwin 120 keV Cryo-TEM

Room B/29, Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building

The FEI Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTwin is a highly reliable and versatile 120 keV transmission electron microscope designed for routine biological imaging, negative staining, resin‑embedded samples, and general TEM applications. With excellent stability, intuitive operation, and a modern digital camera system, it serves as an ideal platform for both new and experienced users working in structural biology, cell biology, and materials characterization.

This instrument is widely used for training, screening, and high‑contrast imaging of biological specimens prior to advanced cryo‑EM or tomography workflows.

Key Features & Capabilities

120 keV TEM Optimized for Biological and General Purpose Imaging

The Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTwin provides:

• High contrast for stained biological samples

• Excellent performance for thin sections, viruses, cells, and macromolecular assemblies

• Stable operation ideal for routine and educational use

Its BioTwin lens configuration is specifically designed to enhance contrast for life‑science applications.

AMT NanoSprint15 MK2 CMOS Camera

A modern, high‑sensitivity digital camera that delivers:

• Fast image acquisition

• High‑resolution 15‑megapixel imaging

• Low noise for improved clarity

• Large field of view for efficient screening

This camera significantly enhances workflow speed and image quality compared to older CCD systems.

Ideal Applications

Biological & Life‑Science Imaging

• Negative‑stain TEM

• Resin‑embedded thin sections

• Cellular ultrastructure

• Viruses, bacteria, and organelles

Materials & Nanoscience

• Polymers and soft materials

• Nanoparticles and nanofibers

• General morphology and size analysis

Training & Education

The Tecnai G2 Spirit is widely used for:

• Introductory TEM training

• Student courses and workshops

• Screening before high‑end cryo‑EM sessions

Its user‑friendly interface makes it an excellent teaching instrument.

Why This Instrument Matters

• Reliable, stable platform for routine TEM

• Excellent contrast for biological samples

• Fast, high‑quality digital imaging

• Ideal for training, screening, and foundational EM work

• Complements high‑end cryo‑EM instruments within the facility

 

Thermo Scientific Talos F200X G2 200 keV (S)TEM for Materials Sciences

Room B/30, Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building

High‑Resolution Analytical STEM for Materials & Nanoscience

The Talos F200X G2 is a powerful 200 kV scanning/transmission electron microscope designed for high‑resolution imaging and advanced analytical characterization. With its combination of ChemiSTEM technology, high‑brightness X‑FEG source, and state‑of‑the‑art EDS and EELS systems, the Talos F200X G2 delivers exceptional performance for elemental mapping, structural analysis, and tomography. This instrument is ideal for research in materials science, nanotechnology, catalysis, energy materials, geology, and semiconductor analysis.

Key Features & Capabilities

ChemiSTEM Technology

The Talos F200X G2 incorporates Thermo Scientific’s ChemiSTEM platform, enabling:

• High‑sensitivity elemental mapping

• Fast acquisition with low beam currents

• Improved quantification accuracy

• Reduced sample damage during analysis

This makes it especially effective for beam‑sensitive materials and nanoscale chemical analysis.

Thermo Scientific Talos 12 TEM  (Coming in 2027)

Room B/29, Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building

The Thermo Scientific Talos 12 TEM is a 120 kV Transmission Electron Microscope designed for high-resolution imaging in life sciences, pathology, and material science. It features a reduced footprint, LaB6 source, and high-stability design optimized for imaging cells, tissues, and nanoparticles, with capabilities for STEM, EDS, and 3D tomography