Software enhances TEM imaging and data acquisition

Jeol will demonstrate a variety of new software packages for its 120kV to 300kV series of transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) at M+M 2008 Microscopy and Microanalysis in Albuquerque, 4-7 August

Exploring the frontiers of electron microscopy, scientists using Jeol TEMs accelerate research advances and boost productivity with a suite of recently available software solutions, including SerialEM, the Jeol Temography suite, the Jeol automated data acquisition system (Jadas), and the Jeol archive management system (Jams).

Additionally, Jeol will hold a special tutorial session after exhibit hours to introduce practical remote in situ microscopy (Prism).

SerialEM for tomography and montaging.

For advanced techniques requiring dual axis tomography and tiling, SerialEM (freely available for non-commercial use from the University of Colorado, Boulder) features an integrated GUI for image acquisition, and display and storage of tomographic datasets.

Among the many features, SerialEM supports montaging, enabling for instance the unattended acquisition of ~1000 CCD frames for a mosaic of a 0.25mm diameter specimen area of mouse retina microneuroma.

SerialEM controls in-column Omega or post-column energy filters and provides a robust minimum dose system.

3D reconstruction of the tilt series data is achieved through means of IMOD (also freely available from the University of Colorado, Boulder) the academic standard for tomographic reconstruction.

At M+M exhibit, Jeol will have several tomography holders for use with SerialEM for live tilt series acquisitions.

Jeol Temography Suite.

The Jeol Temography Suite is a software package that automates data acquisition, 3D reconstruction and visualisation on Jeol TEMs.

Because of the modular design of the software, application of the software package to pathology, semiconductor and life sciences research is possible.

Temography allows cross sectional and full 360deg observation at any tilt angle.

Automated alignment algorithms allow the operator to specify a reconstruction range after image acquisition.

This unique ability eliminates the need to photograph the same sample more than once.

Jeol automated data acquisition system (Jadas).

The new Jeol automated data acquisition system (Jadas) software, developed in collaboration with the NCMI, Baylor College of Medicine, automates data acquisition for cryoelectron microscopy.

Large quantities of high quality data can be acquired without operator intervention, eliminating the major bottleneck in solving high-resolution structures.

Jadas gives researchers the flexibility needed to customize imaging parameters for ice-embedded macromolecular complexes under low dose conditions.

During the data acquisition stage, Jadas sequentially moves the sample stage to create a complete grid atlas after which the software evaluates, among other parameters, ice thickness, defocus and drift before acquisition of the high-resolution data.

Jeol archive management system (Jams).

The Jams image and data management system offers a convenient way to archive, locate and share images and data, meaning no more lost images, lost time or lost research.

JAMS is a web-based image management system that allows the user to review and analyse images from any web-accessible computer, protect images, and share them as well as search useful information, including instrumentation settings, image archiving data, and other relevant details.

Remote TEM Operation.

In addition to these time-saving software capabilities, Jeol TEMs can be operated remotely using Sirius software.

Currently more than 30 Jeol TEMs are operated remotely from worldwide locations.

JEOL will hold ongoing demonstrations using Sirius software to remotely operate three TEMs at locations throughout the United States.

A special tutorial session for Practical Remote In Situ Microscopy (Prism) on Monday 4 August will be held in the booth with the participation of Oak Ridge National Laboratories and Protochips, manufacturer of a new heating holder.

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