This case study shows how King’s College London used SenseAI software to significantly speed up imaging, reduce the beam dosage (and therefore sample damage), improve contrast and obviate the requirement for a data science or computer science resource.
High Speed and Low Dose Electron Microscopy for King’s College, London
“SenseAI has made a significant impact on CUI’s electron microscopy practice, and we are delighted with the results.
“The quality of the imaging is superior as well as the speeding up and automation. This has helped us to further our ambitious research, to serve our internal and external users, and move the state-of-the-art forward”
Professor Roland Fleck, Director of Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging
The Centre for Ultrastructural Imaging (“CUI”) is the central electron microscopy unit at King’s College London, one of the most advanced EM hubs in Europe. It has expertise in life science and biological samples using Cryo-FIB (Focused Ion Beam for cryogenically prepared samples). These techniques are difficult to perform and are significantly limited in scope because: the electron beam is likely to melt the frozen samples or otherwise destroy their structure; and the time to acquire datasets is a significant roadblock, with acquisition times typically taking many hours (12-24+).
The CUI was looking for ways to enhance their imaging whilst also reducing the barrier to entry from a cost and skills point of view.
Complex Materials:
Materials are complicated and difficult to image using an electron microscope. Imaging and analysis of these materials takes great care and accuracy.
Acquisition Time:
Conventional volume imaging techniques are time-consuming, limiting the pace of research.
Beam Damage:
All electron microscopy suffers from beam damage, but this effect is predominantly limiting for the imaging of cryogenically frozen biological materials; the materials are very sensitive and also likely to be melted.
- Implement an advanced electron microscopy imaging control software to improve accuracy and increase acquisition speed.
- Unlock new potential imaging options for users to fine-tune imaging to the specific materials of interest, giving much need flexibility.
- Reduce beam damage to samples.
- Provide researchers with a single platform to streamline imaging workflows.
SenseAI implemented their EM imaging platform software, which provided fast and low-dose high-resolution imaging for biomaterials using dual beam cryo focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy.
SenseAI’s team collaborated closely with the CUI’s researchers to understand their requirements and ensure the solution aligned with their research objectives. SenseAI’s software seamlessly integrated with the CUI’s existing electron microscopy equipment.
Enhanced Imaging Accuracy:
SenseAI’s control of the imaging process improved imaging accuracy and enhanced imaging contrast for biological materials.
Faster Imaging:
Researchers experienced a 5x speeding up in imaging without any loss in data quality, allowing them to accelerate research timelines and better optimise researchers own schedules.
Reduced Damage:
The software significantly reduced electron beam damage and sample devitrification (by 80%), reducing image artefacts and increasing data collection consistency.
By implementing SenseAI, CUI gained far deeper insights into their complex material structures, streamlined imaging workflows, and accelerated research progress.
