Research Applications
We take pride in developing revolutionary products using our industry-leading silicon nanomembrane technologies for a range of biomedical research and analysis applications.
Environmental & Materials Science
Electron Microscopy
We offer a large array of silicon-based TEM grids, lift-out grids, calibration specimens, and TEM grid accessories to help you perfectly characterize your samples. Explore popular applications for our TEM grids and get recommendations on which product is right for your needs.
Cryo-EM
Our Cryo-TEM grids include Silicon Nitride alone or with unique carbon coatings to provide superior bridging and maximum observable specimen sites of organic and biologic solutions and suspensions.
Our initial findings indicate that viral particles prepared on Cryo-SiN, exhibited greater contrast in comparison to those prepared on holey carbon films under the same conditions. As a result, we were able to calculate 3D reconstructions of viral particles prepared on Cryo-SiN using a fraction of the images required for samples prepared on holey carbon films.
Tanner et al. Microscopy & Microanalysis Abstract, 2013
High resolution imaging
We offer the thinnest Silicon and Silicon Nitride TEM windows on the market enabling atomic-level resolution.
- Our 5nm amorphous silicon TEM windows are less prone to elastic scattering than alternative technologies
- Long two slot 50 X 1500 micron windows enable high angle electron tomography imaging
- Microporous and nanoporous silicon nitride permit free suspension of deposited material for background-free imaging
- Plasma cleanable for removal of organic contaminants
- Our 5nm amorphous silicon TEM windows are less prone to elastic scattering than alternative technologies
- Long two slot 50 X 1500 micron windows enable high angle electron tomography imaging
- Microporous and nanoporous silicon nitride permit free suspension of deposited material for background-free imaging
- Plasma cleanable for removal of organic contaminants
Microplastic Capture & Analysis
Sample deposition
SiMPore TEM Grids can act as a robust substrate on which to deposit materials or grow nanoparticles or nanowires.
The best products for sample deposition are:
- 10, 20 & 50 nm thick Silicon Nitride TEM Grids are our most robust, flat, and plasma cleanable substrates for demanding sample preparation procedures
- 15 nm thick Pure Silicon TEM Grids are our most robust pure silicon films; these amorphous films offer plasma cleanability, tunable surface hydrophobicity, and the ability to analyze for nitrogen and carbon without background signals
- 20 & 40 nm thick Silicon Dioxide TEM windows offer an ideal surface for high-temperature nanomaterial growth of specimens
- Aperture frames with large openings allow deposition of custom films for background-free imaging
Focused ion beam sample preparation
We offer a unique, half-grid shape with a free edge silicon nitride window.
- The free edge silicon nitride window provides greater experimental flexibility and easier sample preparation
- Ready to use four-point gold contacts for lamella electrical biasing
Calibration specimens
We offer a suspended germanium layer providing a unique calibration standard to ensure optimal microscope performance.
- Our microporous silicon nitride is uniformly deposited with a germanium (Ge) film for detector energy axis and energy resolution calibration
- Since Ge is not typically found in TEM columns, our calibration samples provide a material that cannot be mistaken for instrument components’ signal peaks
