What Are the Best Practices for Minimizing Damage?
To minimize damage to samples, several best practices can be employed. These include:
1. Low-dose imaging: Using the minimum electron dose necessary for imaging to reduce electron beam damage. 2. Cryogenic techniques: Employing cryogenic techniques to preserve sample structure and reduce thermal damage. 3. Protective coatings: Applying protective coatings to shield the sample from mechanical and chemical damage. 4. Controlled environments: Performing analyses in controlled environments to mitigate the effects of humidity and temperature fluctuations. 5. Gentle handling: Using careful and gentle handling techniques during sample preparation and analysis.