Leaf Hopper SEM

houstontx · Post by **houstontx** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:22 pm

My first attempt at bug sample prep . This "Glassy-winged sharpshooter" was found in the garden last year, been in the deep freeze since (my wife just loves my freezer collections...), gone through 2 thaw cycles (power outages), crudely dried with methanol, ethanol, & acetone, and carbon coated for your viewing pleasure. The results...eh

(scale bars not correct)

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:39 pm

How did you coat it with carbon?

houstontx · Post by **houstontx** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:48 pm

Hi lou,

I used an SPI supplies carbon coater and carbon thread, heres a link to the operation video. I also have the carbon rod type head as well. The thread is much cheaper, but the carbon rods give a better coat (I think). I also have the sputter coater head as well and a gold target, but I'm saving that until i've refined the sample prep bit more. That should give better resolultion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyIe08rjSP0

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:17 pm

Thank you for this info and link.

WalterD · Post by **WalterD** » Tue Apr 21, 2020 9:54 pm

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Curious what your SEM installation looks like.

Regards,

Walter