2004 Volume 12 Issue 4 Pages 271-275
The ultra thin films of fragile specimens for high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations can be successfully prepared by our simple preparation technique. At first, the specimens are impregnated with a diluted epoxy-resin (ethanol-soluble) to prevent their breakdown. Chips are made of the impregnated specimens, and these are polished. The polished chips and glasses are adhered together using an adhesive wax at ca. 70°C. The adhered chips are thinned and polished, and they form petrographic thin sections. Mo-grids are attached onto the selected areas in the thin sections for HRTEM observations using an epoxy adhesive. Only Mo-grids attached to the selected areas can be detached from the thin sections in hot water ca. 70°C. The ultra thin films are made by thinning the Mo-grids via argon ion milling.