Field Ion Microscopical Imaging of Biomolecules

Abstract

specimen molecules are protected from field desorption by embedding them in a platinum matrix, with the use of electrolytic codeposition on tungsten tips. High-resolution helium ion images are obtaind when the biomolecules are exposed during gradual removal of surface layers by controlled field evaporation. Structured images of individual molecules of coenzyme I and vitamin B(12)are seen.