Title: A bio-electron microscope using DLC film which living cells can be observed in the atmosphere

Authors: T. Kozuki; N. Nawachi; K. Itoh; M. Kotera; H. Suga

Addresses: Department of Information and Communications Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Hiroshima International University, 5-1-1, Hirokoshingai, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0112, Japan ' Material Processing Research Division, West Region Industrial Research Center, Hiroshima Prefectural Technology Research Institute, 2-10-1, Agaminami, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0004, Japan ' Material Processing Research Division, West Region Industrial Research Center, Hiroshima Prefectural Technology Research Institute, 2-10-1, Agaminami, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0004, Japan ' Department of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineering, Nanomaterials Microdevices Research Center, Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1, Omiya, Asahi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka, 535-8585, Japan ' Mobile Phone University Project, 3-40-8 KuzuhaNoda Hirakata-City, Osaka, 573-1103, Japan

Abstract: We studied the high-resolution imaging of a new bio-electron microscope that uses a DLC film as a bulkhead to separate the electron beam source and the sample room. The electron beam source can be setup in a vacuum container, thus placing the sample being observed through the microscope under atmospheric pressure. In order to observe the sample, a thin film penetrable by electrons is required as the bulkhead. In addition, it needs to be strong enough to endure the atmospheric pressure, and the material must be medically safe. This investigation has shown that DLC film is the best film for this purpose, given the influence that the distance of the atmospheric layer has on image acquisition. Moreover, although the acceleration voltage of the present system is 30 kV, it is advised that observations are made at the lowest acceleration possible.

Keywords: bio-electron microscopy; high resolution imaging; DLC film; diamond like carbon; atmospheric pressure; low acceleration; thin films; living cells; body cells.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSC.2013.051973

International Journal of Space-Based and Situated Computing, 2013 Vol.3 No.1, pp.1 - 7

Received: 13 Sep 2011
Accepted: 01 Dec 2011

Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

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