Electron Microscopy

Electron microscopy (EM) is a powerful imaging technique that uses a beam of electrons instead of light to achieve extremely high-resolution images, down to the atomic scale. 

Because electrons have a much shorter wavelength than visible light, electron microscopes can resolve features up to 1 million times smaller than traditional optical microscopes

It’s widely used in materials science, biology, nanotechnology, and semiconductor research.

Applications of Electron Microscopy

1. Materials Science
   • Characterizing crystal structures, grain boundaries, and defects.
   • Studying corrosion, fracture surfaces, and thin films.
2. Biological Sciences
   • Imaging viruses, organelles, and macromolecular complexes.
   • Cryo-EM for near-atomic resolution of proteins.
3. Nanotechnology
   • Visualizing nanoparticles, nanowires, and quantum dots.
   • Measuring size, shape, and distribution at the nanoscale.
4. Semiconductor Industry
   • Failure analysis and quality control of integrated circuits.
   • Cross-sectional imaging of layers and interfaces.

 

TEM Grids (Specimen Support Grids)

Graticules has been manufacturing TEM specimen support grids for over 50 years and is unique in the breadth of materials we offer. Our grids are produced to meet the exacting standards required by today’s TEM users and are available in copper, copper/rhodium, nickel, gold, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Our standard TEM specimen support grid ranges for Electron Microscopy (EM) sciences include Maxtaform, Embra, Brandsma, and Value brands. These encompass square and hexagonal meshes, finder and index grids, holes, slots, and specialist patterns, all available in a wide selection of materials to suit specific applications. All Graticules Optics TEM grids are 100% inspected, ensuring every grid removed from the vial is fully usable. Alternative you may prefer our economically price Value grid range. Offers a low price, with sample inspection and loaded with and 20% extra grids in the vial.

Download our TEM Grids brochure for full details.

 

Cryo-EM gold grids

Graticules is particularly well known for its expertise in manufacturing Cryo-EM gold support grids, an area in which we offer specialist knowledge and manufacturing capability. High quality, ridged and flat support grids suitable for applying micro-perforated gold foil.

 

FIB Lift-out Grids

We offer a standard product range FIB Lift-Out grids. Available in copper or molybdenum. 

OEM companies and users with requirements for custom made grids and bespoke lift-out grids (FIB grids, lamella carriers) should contact us directly at [email protected]

 

SEMI E177 Grids

Both Half Moon and Full Moon version available 

 

DMC Coded grids

Individually DMC (Data Matrix Code) marked lift-out grids are advanced specimen carriers designed for fully automated traceability

 

Silicon Nitride Membrane Grids

Silicon Nitride (SiN) membrane grids are advanced specimen support platforms

 

Carbon / Formvar coated grids

Graticules supplies thin film coated grids with Carbon and Formvar,

 

OEM manufacturers and users requiring custom-designed grids or bespoke lift-out solutions—including FIB grids and lamella carriers—are encouraged to contact us directly at [email protected]. This also includes requirements for DMC-marked grids and SEMI E177 types.

In addition, Our unique in-house production facilities enable a wide range of alternative grid profiles and surface finishes beyond standard specifications.

Our TEM grids are available through specialist electron microscopy supply companies worldwide. Please contact us with your location and we will be pleased to recommend your local distributor.