Attachment 2_Specifications_1232SA26Q1184.pdf

Specifications –

Requirement - Digital Camera for FEI Tecnai 12 Transmission Electron Microscope

(TEM)

1. Background

The current Gatan Orius SC200 CCD high resolution digital camera (SN 08100601W0830) (SC200) used on the FEI Tecnai 12 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) failed. The SC200 provided publication-quality images used in many peer-reviewed publications covering mission-critical research projects. A new digital camera is needed that will record high resolution, publication-quality images.

A transmission electron microscope has a phosphor screen that emits light when exposed to electrons used to view samples. A digital camera takes light from the phosphor screen to a sensor. The camera efficiency depends on the type of coupling (connector) used between the phosphor screen and the sensor. Coupling may be done using lenses, fiber optics or perhaps other means from the sensor to the phosphor screen. The signal from the phosphor screen to the sensor attenuates (or is reduced) by the distance squared. Lenses take up more space than fiber optics.

Therefore, with lens coupling, there is greater distance between the phosphor screen and the sensor than with fiber optics. Thus, the camera has greater efficiency using fiber optics coupling than with lens coupling.

NOTE: The USDA-owned TEM has a MegaView III, a working side-mount digital camera that is used for capturing wide-angle images at low magnification. The MegaView provides general overview of samples. Thus, an additional side-mount camera is unnecessary and will not allow another camera to be placed in the same position.

2. Required Specifications

The new camera must meet the following specifications:

a. Existing image files recorded using the SC200 need to be accessible (opened and processed) by the new camera software so that we can use the old image data on file. The backward capability of a new digital camera is essential for continuation of our mission critical research because we’ve captured images that still need to be accessed and used for image processing and data analysis. The SC200 used Digital Micrograph software to capture and process images; therefore, a new camera that also uses Digital Micrograph software would be the optimal fit for the new digital camera for the USDA-owned TEM.

b. Must be fully compatible with the USDA-owned transmission electron microscope (FEI Tecnai 12, SN D328 with a LaB6 (lanthanum hexaboride) filament. The Tecnai 12 operates at a maximum of 120 kV. A camera that operates above and below 120 kV is required for the new digital camera.

c. Must be bottom-mount digital camera to take full advantage of the highest resolution available on the USDA-owned TEM. A bottom-mounted digital camera is positioned directly below the electron beam. The bottom-mount arrangement is essential for providing high sensitivity at low voltages. Working at low voltages minimizes damage caused by the electron beam (i.e., radiation damage).

Biological and bio-based (as are used in our packaging research) samples are sensitive to radiation; the resulting damaged images are distorted and difficult or impossible to interpret. In addition, a bottom-mounted camera minimizes sample drift, optimizes the image collector properties, and is versatile for both material and biological science applications.

d. Fiber optic coupling from the phosphor screen to the camera sensor for greater camera efficiency.

e. The capability of collecting multiple images to produce image montages. Image montages are multiple images that are stitched together automatically to provide a large view of a sample at the highest resolution possible.

f. Quote is to include installation and training

3. Testing and Verification

a. Receipt of the new digital camera shall require testing to ensure compatibility with the USDA-owned TEM

i. Does it fit properly in the port.

ii. Does it tolerate the vacuum of the TEM.

iii. Does the software work seamlessly with the TEM and Camera computers

iv. Does it capture and store images in the native software and tiff format.

v. Verify that camera magnification corresponds to TEM magnification.

*Operating manuals shall be provided as digital copies. Printed copies are also appreciated.

4. Place of Delivery

USDA, ARS

800 Buchanan St.

Albany, CA 94710

5. Delivery Schedule:

90 days ARO