The Hitachi HD-2300 Dual EDS Cryo STEM (HD 2300) is a versatile Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope used for imaging and elemental analysis. The HD 2300 actually has three different electron detectors for different imaging modes (Transmitted Electron Detector, Annular Detector, and a Secondary Electron Detector) and features an electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy detector (EELS) and two EDS detectors (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) for elemental analysis and elemental mapping of a given sample. Overall, the HD 2300 is a multipurpose instrument for anyone who is looking to do research in material science, life science, chemistry and nanoscience.
As with many instruments in the SHyNE facilities, the HD 2300 draws many external and internal users to perform nanoscale research. In just the last year, over 200 publications included results obtained with the HD 2300. Internal users include Northwestern University’s Department of Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Molecular Bioscience, Ophthalmology, the Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging, the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP), and the International Institute for Nanotechnology. External users include FermiLab, University of Illinois-Chicago, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
With its various capabilities in examining nanostructures, the HD 2300 has been used to examine:
- The ultrastructure of cells, tissues, and bacteria
- DNA/Nano Particles
- Cancer Cells
- Metal-Organic Frameworks
- Cryo-samples such as liposomes and vesicles
STEM-EDS analysis of Au (gold) core – Ag (silver) shell Nanoparticles
Dr. Reiner Bleher is the BioCryo Manager of the NUANCE/Electron Probe Instrumentation Center (EPIC). He is a trained biologist and has a nanotechnology background in Energy Filtering Transmission Electron Microscopy and metal nanoparticles (e.g. gold, platinum, and palladium). As BioCryo Manager, Dr. Bleher trains new users, provides technical assistance for users, and maintains the instruments’ working conditions. Dr. Bleher has been with Northwestern University for seven years and is also an avid hiker and is passionate about fine arts, history, as well as archaeology.
If you are interested in using the Hitachi HD-2300 Dual EDS Cryo STEM, please contact Ben Myers at shyne@northwestern.edu or (847) 467-1081.