Electron Microscope Usage
Part 1: Preparing the sample
1. Get a clean stub and carefully apply a fresh layer of carbon tape.
2. Using forceps, scratch 3 sets of fiduciary marks onto the carbon tape for sample indication while inside the SEM.
3. Take a small brush and gently tap a small sample of pollen in between each section of fiduciary marks. DO NOT USE THE SAME BRUSH FOR EACH SAMPLE. This can cause cross-contamination of the samples.
4. Using a can of compressed air, spray the sample in a swirling motion starting at about a foot away, and moving in to almost two inches. This is to blow off any pollen that is not properly adhered to the carbon tape.
5. Place the stub into the cup, pushing until it is seated tightly. then turn the dial on the cup until the stub is flush with the top of the cup. then turn four more times to the right.
6. Load the cup into the holder on the SEM and push all the way. Finally, lower the door on the SEM until it locks. The sample is ready for scanning.
Part 2: Viewing the Sample on the Leica Microscope
1. Select a sample of pollen and place it in a clean petri dish.
2. Place the petri dish on the light circle on the Leica.
3. Adjust the lighting using the buttons on the corner of the microscope.
4. Focus your image using the adjustment knobs on the side.
5. Click the capture button on the computer
Part 3: Viewing the Sample on the Compound Light Microscope
1. Create a wet mount by adding a drop of growth media to the pollen on the slide.
2. Place the slide on the stage of the microscope and focus on 400x power.
3. Check the pollen every 5 minutes to see if the growth media has spurred any pollen tube growth.
4. Draw your pollen grains in your lab packet.
Part 2: Viewing the Sample on the Leica Microscope
1. Select a sample of pollen and place it in a clean petri dish.
2. Place the petri dish on the light circle on the Leica.
3. Adjust the lighting using the buttons on the corner of the microscope.
4. Focus your image using the adjustment knobs on the side.
5. Click the capture button on the computer
Part 3: Viewing the Sample on the Compound Light Microscope
1. Create a wet mount by adding a drop of growth media to the pollen on the slide.
2. Place the slide on the stage of the microscope and focus on 400x power.
3. Check the pollen every 5 minutes to see if the growth media has spurred any pollen tube growth.
4. Draw your pollen grains in your lab packet.
Part 4: Viewing the Sample on the SEM
1. Map the sample on the SEM to load the entire sample into the SEM's field of view.
2. Tap on any desired area on the main viewing window to navigate to it.
3. Turn the zoom knob to zoom in to the desired magnification indicated by a number below the main window. Auto Focus/Auto Contrast regularly.
4. Capture an image with the photo button and save it in the archive to a USB stick.
1. Map the sample on the SEM to load the entire sample into the SEM's field of view.
2. Tap on any desired area on the main viewing window to navigate to it.
3. Turn the zoom knob to zoom in to the desired magnification indicated by a number below the main window. Auto Focus/Auto Contrast regularly.
4. Capture an image with the photo button and save it in the archive to a USB stick.
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