Can the liquid sample leak from the capsule and contaminate the detector of my SEM ?
The membrane of the QX capsule is vacuum-tight and impermeable to liquids and gases. Thus, when the capsule is handled correctly there is no leakage of the sample and no contamination. Correct handling relates to both physical handling during sample preparation stages and to the parameters used during imaging. All care must be taken to prevent physical contact with the membrane. Any contact (e.g. with the tip of the pipette or with the hand) can potentially tear the membrane. Imaging of capsules must begin with a low probe current (small spot size). Initial probe current should be no higher than 200 pA. If the obtained signal is not sufficiently strong, probe current can gradually be increased until the desired image is obtained. Probe current should not exceed 1nA. Initial magnification should also be low. Magnification should be increased gradually until the desired image is obtained.
