Integration of a confocal Raman microscope in an electron microscope

摘要

In this research project a confocal Raman microspectrometer (CRM) will be designed and incorporated in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This aim is to develop new analytical instrumentation to investigate samples on their morphology, atomic composition and molecular composition. Application of the CRM-SEM is in the field of bio-material research where bio-compatibility with and bio-degradation by cells and tissues play an important role. The purposes of CRM is for using in medical, biological, chemical and other field science and technology. Raman spectroscopy provides information about the vibration states of molecules and molecular groups. The energy of these vibration states depends on the molecular structure and environmental condition like PH, temperature. Therefore, the Raman spectrum contains information about the chemical composition of a substance and the structure of molecules. With CRM we can obtain a three dimensional image of molecular distribution in living cells or composite materials. In this way it provides directly and non-invasively, unique information about the spatial distribution of molecules in inhomogeneous systems. It is important information for such molecules as DNA, protein and other, where lot of properties their molecules depends on configuration in space. Combining the capacities of the SEM and the CRM will add a powerful device for material investigation.