A simple and fast TEM preparation method utilizing the pre-orientation in plate-like, needle-shaped and tubular materials

In order to observe anisotropically grown crystalline materials perpendicul ar to a certain preferred orientation, a standard cross-sectional TEM prepa ration method has been modified. The material is embedded in an organic epo xy resin between two Si-wafers. Plates, needles and tubes lay flat inside t he resulting sandwich, which is then cut into slices perpendicular to the w afers. The slices are thinned by mechanical abrading and, finally, by ion m illing. Crystals located near the central hole are electron-transparent, an d their orientation often allows for an observation along the desired direc tion. The usefulness of this procedure is demonstrated on the examples of h igh-T-c superconductors and vanadium oxide nanotubes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.