Thermal effects of the electron beam and implications of surface damage inthe analysis of bone tissue

Electron beam interactions with specimens in the scanning electron microsco pe (SEM) can lead to increased surface temperatures and damage. These chang es may have significant consequences in the analysis of bone tissue. An inv estigation was performed to measure the surface temperature changes associa ted with the electron beam on a thermocouple with systematic variations in operating conditions. Probe currents, magnifications, and accelerating volt ages were incrementally adjusted to measure the temperature changes and to make assessments for determining optimal operating conditions for the SEM i n future analyses of bone tissue. Results from this study suggest that ther mal effects were minimal at lower accelerating voltages (< 20 kV), lower pr obe currents (< 10 nA), and lower magnifications, but surface damage may st ill occur during the analysis of bone tissue.