Methodology: General Introduction - Sample Preparation Topic for Transmission Electron Microscopy - page 1

Chapter 1
Methodology: General Introduction
This topic is aimed at the entire scientific community (solid state physics,
chemistry, earth sciences, and live sciences), to those who use transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) to analyze structure in relation to the properties and specific
functions of materials. This work is essentially dedicated to the recommended
methodology for beginning the preparation of a sample for the TEM. In particular it
stresses the approach to take in selecting the best technique by taking into account
the material problem presented, the type of material, its structure, and its properties.
It proposes the tools for the most appropriate preparation of samples for observing
the true structure of the material. In this work, you will find general information on
the classification of different types of materials, their physical properties, and their
microstructures. The presentation of the different types of analysis and observation
methods used in microscopy is a reminder to everyone about the possibilities pre-
sented by TEM microscopy. The analysis of the physical and chemical mechanisms
involved in the various types of preparation techniques makes it possible to better
understand the artifacts that may be left behind by them. The illustrations of the arti-
facts observed under the TEM created by the different preparation techniques will
enable beginners to easily identify them. The comparison of results and analyses
obtained from one single material, prepared using different techniques, will guide
the user's selections leading to the final decision. Finally, we propose the combi-
nation of several techniques in order to solve complex preparation problems and
obtain thin slices that can be analyzed under the TEM.
Part of this work is gathered together in the form of a methodological guide on
the web site http://temsamprep.in2p3.fr . This interactive web site uses theoretical
data to help the user directly in making their choice of technique, using detailed
decision-making criteria for each technique. Using an interactive guide, the user can,
starting with data on the physical properties of their material and the analyses to be
conducted, then figure out which preparation technique or techniques are best suited.
The gradual determination is made based on the information gathered: limitations,
advantages, drawbacks, and artifacts induced by each technique. The interactive web
site and this work complement each other, with the topic providing a great deal of
additional information on both techniques and their processes of use.
You will find in detail the approach and the underlying material approach to the
methodological guide on the site, with all of the different theoretical supplements