Biology 3210:

Experimental Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biology

SEM Summary



  1. Turn on the TM-1000 using the switch on the front of microscope.

  2. Press the “exchange” button and wait for the solid red light (2-3 min if the TM-1000 was shutdown properly and left under vacuum).

  3. Gently roll out the stage and using the appropriate forceps, place the stub(s) with your prepared sample into a stub holder. Ensure the stub is well seated and be sure to record which stub holder(s) you used for your sample(s).

  4. Gently slide the stage back into the microscope. When doing so, be sure your sample has sufficient clearance.

  5. Press the “exchange” button and wait until the green light is lit up solidly indicating the chamber is under vacuum (2-3min).

  6. Use the “TM-1000” shortcut on the desktop of the attached computer to bring up the control software. If the computer is running the slide show, press “Esc” to cancel the slide show and close the folder of sample pictures.

  7. Under “Settings” ensure that the “Charge Reduction Mode” is selected. Do not use “standard mode” for your samples!

  8. Click on the “Start” button when you are ready to begin looking at your samples. Use the rotary dial to select appropriate stub and the joystick to move the field of view. All other aspects are controlled by the software as previously demonstrated.

  9. Save any images to the “Bio3210” folder on the desktop, feel free to create sub-folders here for better organization. Leave a copy of all images in this folder for backup and grading purposes.

  10. When you are finished press “Stop” in the control software and close the software.

  11. Shutdown of the TM-1000 is essentially the reverse of start up but ensure you leave the microscope under vacuum prior to powering down. Your samples should be stored in the holders provided, label appropriately.



If there is a malfunction of any kind, if something does not seem to be working correctly, or you are unsure about any aspect of the microscope; please stop using the SEM and contact the instructor (see contact list by the TM-1000).