Transmission microscopy of unmodified biological materials. Comparative radiation dosages with electrons and ultrasoft X-ray photons

Abstract

The minimum radiation dosage in a specimen consistent with transmission microscopy at resolution d and specimen thickness t is calculated for model specimens resembling biological materials in their natural state. The calculations cover 104-107 eV electrons and 1.3 - 90 photons in a number of microscopy modes. The results indicate that over a considerable part of the (t, d)-plane transmission microscopy on such specimens can be carried out at lower dosage with photons than with electrons. Estimates of the maximum resolutions obtainable with electrons and photons, consistent with structural survival of the specimen, are obtained, as are data on optimal operating conditions for microscopy with the two particles. © 1976 North-Holland Publishing Company.