McGill.CA / Facility for Electron Microscopy Research / Instrumentation

Scanning Electron Microscopy
 

Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma FIB‑SEM

Room B/27 – Strathcona Anatomy & Dentistry Building

The Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma FIB‑SEM is a next‑generation focused ion beam–scanning electron microscope designed for high‑precision sample preparation and advanced correlative imaging. With multiple ion species, integrated cryogenic workflows, and powerful automation tools, the Hydra Bio enables researchers to tackle complex biological and materials‑science challenges with exceptional speed, flexibility, and stability.

Key Features

Four Plasma Ion Sources for Fast, Flexible Milling

The Hydra Bio is equipped with four interchangeable ion species—xenon, argon, nitrogen, and oxygen—allowing users to tailor milling conditions to their sample type.

  • Xenon for rapid bulk removal

  • Argon for cleaner, more controlled milling

  • Nitrogen and oxygen for chemically assisted milling and enhanced contrast

This versatility enables efficient preparation of both biological and materials‑based samples.

Integrated Cryogenic Workflow

A fully integrated cryo‑stage and cryo‑transfer module maintain sample integrity throughout preparation and imaging.

  • Stable cryogenic temperatures

  • Reduced beam damage

  • Preservation of native ultrastructure

This makes the system ideal for vitrified biological specimens and other beam‑sensitive materials.

Cryo Lift‑Out for High‑Pressure Frozen Samples

The Easylift Cryo Lift‑Out System supports precise lamella extraction directly from bulk high‑pressure frozen (HPF) specimens.

  • Streamlined cryo‑TEM lamella preparation

  • Improved throughput

  • Reliable, contamination‑free transfers

Integrated Fluorescence Light Microscopy (iFLM)

The built‑in iFLM module enables seamless correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).

  • Locate fluorescently-labeled regions of interest

  • Correlate LM and SEM data with high accuracy

  • Reduce time spent searching for target structures

Versatile Protective Coating Options

Three in‑chamber coating materials—platinum, carbon, and tungsten—provide robust protection during milling and imaging.

  • Adaptable to a wide range of sample types

  • Improved lamella quality

  • Reduced curtaining and surface damage

Advanced Automation Software

The Hydra Bio is equipped with powerful software packages that streamline complex workflows:

  • AutoTEM Cryo – Automated cryo‑lamella preparation

  • MAPS 3 – Large‑area correlative imaging and navigation

  • Auto Slice & View – Automated 3D volume acquisition

These tools enhance reproducibility, reduce user workload, and accelerate data collection.

 

FEI Quanta 450 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-ESEM)

Room 0360, MH Wong Building

The FEI Quanta 450 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (FE‑ESEM) is a versatile, high‑performance SEM designed to accommodate a wide range of samples—from fully hydrated biological specimens to traditional conductive materials—without the need for extensive preparation. Its environmental mode, robust detectors, and advanced analytical tools make it ideal for research in materials science, engineering, geology, biology, and applied industrial applications.

Key Features

Environmental SEM (ESEM) Imaging

The Quanta 450 supports three imaging modes—high vacuum, low vacuum, and environmental mode—allowing users to examine:

  • Hydrated or outgassing samples

  • Non‑conductive materials without coating

  • Beam‑sensitive or delicate specimens

This flexibility enables imaging under near‑natural conditions while preserving sample integrity.

High‑Resolution Imaging & Versatile Detectors

The system provides excellent surface detail and contrast through multiple detector configurations, enabling:

  • Secondary electron (SE) imaging

  • Backscattered electron (BSE) imaging

  • Low‑vacuum and environmental SE detection

These options support a wide range of research needs, from microstructural analysis to compositional contrast imaging.

Advanced Chemical Analysis with EDAX EDS

Equipped with an EDAX Octane Super 60 mm² Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) and the TEAM EDS Analysis System, the Quanta 450 delivers fast, accurate elemental analysis. Capabilities include:

  • Qualitative and quantitative EDS

  • Elemental mapping and line scans

  • High‑count‑rate performance for rapid data collection

This makes the instrument a powerful tool for compositional characterization of metals, minerals, polymers, biological samples, and more.

Why Choose the Quanta 450 FE‑ESEM?

  • Ideal for non‑conductive, hydrated, or beam‑sensitive samples

  • Supports minimal‑preparation workflows

  • Combines high‑resolution imaging with robust analytical capabilities

  • Suitable for both research and industrial applications

  • User‑friendly interface for both new and experienced operators
     

Thermo Scientific Apreo Volumescope 3 - Room 0310, MH Wong Building (Coming in 2027)

The Thermo Scientific Apreo Volumescope 3 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) optimized for large-volume, 3D imaging using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). It is specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional 2D high-resolution imaging and large-scale 3D volume reconstruction for biological, material science, and polymer research.

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