MicroscopyEducation
on them using JavaScript. Te simulation includes Accelerat- ing Voltage, Spot Size, Z Height Distance, Brightness, Contrast, Focus, and Magnification functions. Te Magnification func- tion is established by replacing the image with the next image in the sequence, the Focus function operates by applying a blur, to varying degrees, both above and below the focus point. Te Accelerating Voltage, Spot Size, and Z Height Distance func- tions operate based on a combination, to varying degrees, of the brightness, contrast, and blur filters. Hence, as new teaching and outreach activities arise, new specimens can be programmed into the MyScope Explore platform to benefit the microscopy community, as was done for Maratus occacus specifically for the University of Newcastle 2020 workshop. During the workshop, the students were instructed to open
MyScope Explore and load the SEM simulation for both Type I and Type II scales of the Maratus occasus specimen. Tey were then directed to optimize the SEM image quality, firstly with- out prompting, then with an increasing degree of guidance as the session progressed. Students were directed to show the activity coordinator an optimized in-focus micrograph of each scale type once achieved. Te students performed the follow- ing steps in order to complete the MyScope Explore simulation for each scale type:
1. Choose the sample. 2. Load the sample, and press the evacuate button. 3. Select accelerating voltage (options include 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30kV).
4. Select a spot size (options include 5, 10, 15, and 20nm). 5. Select a Z height distance (options include 8, 10, and 20mm).
6. Select HV ON. 7. Adjust brightness using the scroll bar. 8. Adjust contrast using the scroll bar. 9. Adjust focus using the scroll bar. 10. Adjust magnification using the scroll bar. 11. Save and/or print the resultant micrograph.
Note that upon loading a sample, the starting point for the
focus, contrast, and brightness is randomized in the MyScope Explore soſtware such that it differs each time the same sample is loaded. Tis ensures that each student must optimize these settings for each increase in magnification rather than being able to copy another student’s settings.
Teaching Scanning Electron Microscopy via Zoom Te interactive live SEM session component of the program
was performed at the EMX facility at the University of Newcas- tle, with students joining the session remotely via Zoom from a computer lab on campus with a large seating capacity. Te usual 45-minute sessions were expanded to 90-minute sessions and were scheduled four times across the 3-day workshop program (Figure 6). Tis change ensured that all students could perform the activity in manageable class sizes of 10–12 whilst maintain- ing the social distancing requirements for the computer labora- tories. Tere were two Zoom channels coming through to the students from the SEM lab. Te first was a screen-share to the SEM computer, showing the SmartSEM user interface live dur- ing imaging, whilst the second was a video link of the scientist performing the measurements so that the students could see the sample loading and operation of the keyboard controls for functions including focus, magnification, etc. A standard optical microscope was also assembled in the computer laboratory to enable students to physically load a Maratus occasus specimen and view the vibrant colors, and then match the colors to the grayscale SEM images of the nanostructured scales of a duplicate specimen loaded into the SEM instrument at the EMX facility. Te scientist operating the SEM recorded micrographs of
the Peacock spider specimen by asking a series of prompt ques- tions of the student cohort watching via Zoom and recording the accuracy, timeliness, and level of cohort agreement for the answers. Tis practical SEM session aimed to estimate how successful the students would work as “independent” opera- tors of the microscope.
Figure 6: The afternoon activity daily schedule for the University of Newcastle COE Spring School in 2020 with the Electron Microscopy sessions integrated into 90-minute blocks on a repeating basis.
2021 November •
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