FIB/SEM for Biological Data Mining

Abstract

Focused Ion Beams (FIBs) provide a cross-sectioning tool for submicron dissection of organs, tissues, cells and subcellular structures. In combination with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), FIB makes electron and ion microscopy available at the same time, for complementary morphological information, that moreover can be completed by EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). In a previous paper [1] we have shown that Secondary Electron Imaging (SEI) and Back Scattered Electron Imaging (BEI) allow to recognize sample morphology; these techniques can rely on preliminary FIB operations (such as FIB sectioning, smoothing and lamellae formation) that provide specific manipulation of the sample in order to enhance the out-coming results. Here we discuss X ray analysis (EDS) to check the chemical composition of FIB exposed digestive gland cells of a terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber.