The relief in ultrathin sections is interpreted as one of the reasons for t
he image contrast observed in low-voltage transmission electron microscopy.
In order to clarify this, processes taking place in the course of ultrathi
n sectioning were monitored using a polymeric material composed of hard mat
rix and soft particles (high-impact polystyrene). Volume changes leading to
a surface relief were observed both on cut surfaces and in ultrathin secti
ons. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.