Workshop: October 29, 2025

Cryo Plasma FIB and SEM Imaging of Soft Materials

TIME: 
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: 
3rd Floor Commons
Millennium Science Complex
University Park, PA 16802

REGISTER HERE

WORKSHOP DETAILS:
This workshop explores advanced electron microscopy techniques specifically designed for characterizing beam-sensitive and soft materials, along with new possibilities enabled by multi-ion species plasma FIB milling. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on demonstrations, participants will gain insight into the unique advantages of using various ion species—Xe, Ar, O, and N—in combination with cryo-imaging. This integrated approach allows for optimized visualization of challenging samples with minimal damage, ultimately driving more accurate and reliable results.  

Participants will explore:

  • SEM for high-resolution surface imaging and analysis
  • Selection of proper ion species for various materials and applications (TEM preparation, 3D volumes, etc.)
  • Cryo workflows for preserving delicate beam sensitive samples
  • Avizo software for 3D reconstruction and image processing

While the emphasis will be on materials science applications, those in the life sciences and biomedical engineering fields can benefit from practical insights into modern imaging workflows that apply to a wide variety of sample types.  
Lunch and light breakfast will be provided thanks to the generous support of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

AGENDA:

8:30 a.m.   Registration and Light Breakfast
9:00 a.m.   Opening Remarks
Dr. Josh Stapleton – Director, The Penn State Materials Characterization Laboratory 
9:10 a.m.   From LMIS to Multi-Ion Plasma FIB
Ga vs Xe/Ar/O/N, Throughput vs Resolution, Damage Considerations, Automation, 3D, TEM Preparation, Scripting, and ML
Rick Passey – FIB-SEM Scientist & Sr. Manager, Product Specialists, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
 
10:00 a.m.   Integrated Analytics for Comprehensive SEM Materials Characterization
Dr. Kate Vanderburgh – Sr. Product Specialist, SEM & Analytics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
10:50 a.m.   BREAK
11:00 a.m.   Advanced Applications in FIB-SEM: Cryo & Inert Gas Handling
Rick Passey – FIB-SEM Scientist & Sr. Manager, Product Specialists, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.   LUNCH
1:00 p.m.  

Rotating 60-minute Hands-on Sessions (Optional)

  1. FIB-SEM
    Standard FIB Site Prep & Milling, TEM Lamella Prep: Planar vs. Inverted lamella strategies, AutoTEM automation review, APT prep highlights, 3D site-prep preview and raw-data capture
  2. Avizo
    Avizo Software is a powerful tool designed for electron microscopy and correlative microscopy workflows, offering advanced 3D imaging and analysis capabilities. It supports various applications such as materials characterization, quality control, and defect analysis across multiple industries. The software integrates with multiple data acquisition systems and provides automated workflows, image processing, and simulation modules to enhance research and industrial processes.)
  3. SEM
    Unlocking SEM Secrets: Hands-On integrated analytics with Apreo 2 for advanced materials characterization
     
4:00 p.m.   FIB-SEM + Avizo + SEM Analytics Q&A / Roundtable Discussion




Laminated polymer matrix with ceramic particle inclusions imaged at RT and under cryogenic conditions. 
CREDIT: ThermoFisher Scientific