Scanning electron-stimulated desorption microscopy of model-biological surfaces
Dylla, H.F.; Abrams, J.H.; Hovland, C.T.; King, J.G.
Nature 291(5814): 401-404
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-0836 PMID: 6165891 Document Number: 169804
Scanning ESD can complement scanning Auger electron microscopy in mapping the surface chemistry of biological substrates. A model biological substrate constructed from a deposited synthetic polypeptide monolayer (polymethyl-glutamate) is used as the controlled sample surface. Micrographs display a spatial variation in H+ desorption with a resolution of 10-4 cm. Limitations to resolution as dictated by signal-to-noise considerations are discussed. The contrast mechanism would be useful for studying the important biological surface problems such as membrane morphology, cell-interfacial composition, and cell-to-cell adhesion.