Electron microscope image capture with an oscilloscope

T-shirt: www.teespring.com/AppliedScience
11:10 - Skip directly to seeing the collected images
I show how I collect digital electron microscope images with my Tek MDO3000 oscilloscope.

[@didaloca]

You know you've made it when you can say "Take a look at my scanning electron microscope collection."

[@NGC6144]

Chicks really dig electron microscopes. "Can you scan my...?"

[@-danR]

I was the rare individual who was intrigued by junk lying around for collection, outside my university's science departments, a proclivity not shared by my friend. She thought it a bit weird. Fact is, I shoulda been going between classes in a pickup.

[@brentfisher902]

Like I said kids, stay in school, don't do drugs, don't get girls knocked up and you will be able to get a job that will pay you enough to collect scanning electron microscopes. I'm a childfree supremacist myself...

[@frother]

His oscilloscopes are the really impressive collection TBH

[@TheKingofRandom]

You are incredible

[@AppliedScience]

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

[@ezcreations777]

I'm glad you've found this channel too Grant!

[@abdullahkhan8823]

The King of Random you are also incredible I am also your fan as well as I am ben fan you people are founder of real youtube

[@___xyz___]

You are crazy.

[@jonathanrabe3727]

We miss you Grant

[@ev1te759]

Great video Ben, I am glad that we managed to get it shipped from Sweden to the USA. I hope it comes to good use so that all your viewers can appreciate the vintage technology that comes with it! :) /Richard Andersson

[@Afrotechmods]

Amazing. Shirt purchased.

[@jimmysyar889]

Hey there. Add one more comment to the list.

[@w2aew]

Absolutely awesome Ben. Can never get enough of SEM photos, simply fascinating - and I love how the MDO is being used as the data acquisition engine. The HiRes sampling mode, with the amount of boxcar averaging you're getting, is giving you many more bits of vertical (video) resolution. Simply great!

[@AppliedScience]

Alan, thanks so much! I wondered if the Hi-res mode allows the scope to output more than 8-bits of vertical information. It looks like it does from the smallest deltas in the CSV file. Very handy feature!

[@w2aew]

Applied Science Yes, you'll get an extra 0.5 bits each time the # of bits averaged doubles. Thus, If Hi-Res averages 2 bits, you get 8.5 bit resolution. If it averages 4 bits, you get 9 bit resolution, and so on. The MDO3k samples at 5GS/s on a single channel. When you set the record length and horizontal scale, you effectively set the waveform sample rate (reported on the bottom right of the display). The number of samples averaged in hi-res mode is then 5GS/s divided by the indicated waveform sample rate. Thus, if the waveform sample rate says 500MS/s, then 10 samples are averaged to create each waveform sample point, giving you just over 9.5 bits. Fixed point math hardware limits the progression at some point...

[@qpae123]

If we had teachers like you in the university, things would have moved a lot faster ! :) Great video !

[@jakehenri9608]

I bought your shirt 30 seconds into the video, love your channel. Please keep making super interesting videos forever and ever.

[@AppliedScience]

Thank you!

[@wizardOfRobots]

I'm totally amazed by your technique and finesse Mr.Ben!

[@AppliedScience]

Afrotechmods Thanks, man!

[@DanFrederiksen]

Very nice. Since a SEM can seemingly be a rather simple device with low speed low cost image acquisition electronics and USB interface, I wonder if you might consider seeking venture cap funding and do a kind of makerbot SEM for the people. You could just start it up and pick some people to implement your directives so you don't actually have to do anything.

[@YousifSlaiwa]

Applied Science What is the resolution on the microscope you were shipped? I am in desperate need of a SEM. It would be very cool if you work on Dan Frederíksen's idea. Me and countless other citizen scientists would be all over that.

[@alkeryn1700]

It dont have one by default, it is analog

[@ruphusbau3721]

I did not understand the name microscope sem 80s

[@thekaiser4333]

Is an electron particle or wave?

[@franciscojuretig2963]

Every time I see one of your videos, you amaze me even more. You are certainly inspiring for the rest of us, a complete genius

[@yosisoyshi]

Ah! That was very satisfying to watch! I love it when I can actually understand what's going on in an SEM and you let us know how the to convert data into information through your thorough manipulation of the signal.

[@VictorFota]

One of the best channels on youtube. I love how dedicated you are and that you are willing to share this for free with us.

[@Piridrip]

Those images are amazing. They have such bold tonality while still being illustrative. I think a book with images of this style would be popular.

[@seanmcmunn88]

Those images are fantastic, and the processing involved is ingenious!

[@PotatoMcWhiskey]

Perhaps you could take scan requests from us laymen and let us glimpse into the microscopic world all around us. Not everyone in the world has the opportunity to use an electron microscope so! Maybe a monthly episode dedicated to showing some of the stuff people requested to be seen? I'd love to see some pollen/plant scans :)

[@AppliedScience]

Yes, I'd be happy to receive suggestions for items to view in the SEM. Pollen is a great idea!

[@NickMoore]

Applied Science What about Diatoms? You could even try diatomacious earth (the insect killing powder) and see if there are any full shells in there.

[@PixelCortex]

Applied Science Please do a butterfly wing! pretty please?

[@Aggrop0p]

How about the grooves of a vinyl record? Or maybe just a regular sheet of paper?

[@dizzious]

Aggrop0p I wonder what kind of audio quality you could get by decoding an SEM image of a vinyl record?

[@HuskyMachining]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin. Don't stop the great videos!

[@toki4139]

Im impressed by the technique ! The way you use the oscilloscope...so cool

[@nixietubes]

Absolutely beautiful piece of equipment, looks like so much fun to play with

[@CmdrCorn]

This makes me feel like the laziest man in the world. Being able to problem solve with such practical clarity means your work will always be ahead of the rest, likely in any domain. Applied indeed! Glad I found the channel. SEM has captured my imagination since childhood. Surface opacity makes every image so much more relatable compared to light and optical microscopy. Much more "as if you were there" in the micro world.

[@MSI2k]

Dude, your methods and techniques blow my mind. You're an insane genius.

[@MrTheoryboy]

Wow, your channel has some of the most interesting things on the net, and this is one of the most impressive. Bow to you sir.

[@AssClappicus]

What a fantastic piece of equipment revived!

[@Dani128]

Great images and excellent explanation about to set up the oscilloscope to properly capture the frame. I'm glad this perfectly working piece of equipment wasn't just thrown away, unlike so many others.

[@das250250]

Once again ... brilliant stuff Ben .. Would love to see more images of interesting things

[@lis6502]

Dude, you are amazing. Not just by collecting this odd stuff and doing videos, but literally walking us through principles of functioning, caveats, physics behind certain devices and processes... Literally i was searching to "how to build microscope out of camera lenses", ended up at AS again being unable to move through whole video. Thank you :D

[@longshot789]

Wow, what an incredible job you've done.

[@snower13]

Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experiments and results; but most importantly, your knowledge.

[@tamasmihaly1]

Restoring my faith in humanity one video upload at a time. Thank you.

[@nsharief838]

Hi Ben, Another cool trick you can try with the EM is imaging the internal structure of chamber, like having a mirror inside the SEM. Mount a coin shaped disc with smooth side under the beam. Apply high kV (30kv) on the disc, let it charge up for about 5 mins. Then switch to low kV ( 3kv, or 4). You will see image of chamber, with a sort of fish eye lens effect.

[@sqol]

Your videos always impress, Ben, but this one is quite special- very exciting to see how this reasonably simple method improves the visual quality by so much.

[@eldenchang]

You show things that I thought are not possible with a 'simple' scope. Very impressive.

[@Matt-uf2nc]

you never cease to amaze with your projects. keep it up!

[@tehzimmy]

Applied Science This.... is freaking amazing. For the novice tinkerer that does not have access to an SEM, this is a good tutorial on how to perform capture on a NTSC video signal. Very nicely done! I look forward to seeing how you incorporate this with other projects... you alluded to metal sputtering (which I know you've already covered in previous videos) so maybe we'll get some of of these in the future!

[@gdfr7]

You're absolutely genius. Loved this project

[@StephenTack]

Knowledge, inspiration, and tee-shirt acquired!

[@AddyKanhere]

Amazing!! Seeing something like this just gives any engineer joy. Please do more videos on the complete physics behind the working.

[@ska24ster]

Honestly ! you are one of the most important scientific brains in the world. Keep going Sir.. and thanks for your efforts

[@Red8ify]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy watching your videos.

[@DaveYeagly]

Your genius continues to blow me away! Absolutely amazing!

[@Adamthehoff]

This is such an excellent video. I have been spoiled by new SEMs and it is so nice to see how one works without advanced computer technology. I can't wait to see more videos about your instrument!

[@RimstarOrg]

Very cool images. And I thought I ran out of drool the last time you showed us tricks with this scope. :)

[@SlickFungi420]

Man, you're awesome.. when I subscribed to your channel; long before the rename, I knew your channel had potential.. but I never anticipated all the amazing things you've done.. especially not recording digital images from an analog SEM the way you did.. you kick-ass!

[@freeelectron8261]

Really amazing work you are doing! Beautiful detailed images at the low scan rate. I really appreciate that you take the time to communicate challenging topics in a clear and concise way that allows the non specialist to get a handle on these interesting machines. Subscribed! Might even get the tee.

[@666FK]

EXCELENTE TRABAJO, me encanta ver cosas como esta!

[@Putrycz]

My new favorite channel.

[@chemicalbombgang]

man you're amazing !!!!! Im always soo desperate to see your ideas that you use !!! keep up the great work BEN !!!

[@pinkdispatcher]

That's just awesome. Thanks a lot; it all doesn't sound very complicated when you explain it, but I guess a lot of engineering has gone into this 1980's beast, I particularly imagine the electron beam focusing to be a crucial parameter.

[@Chaoddity]

That is a gorgeous piece of equipment.

[@BlackPhanth0ms]

Even though I will probably never replicate this, I still learned a ton from your video. Really interesting, I would love to see more on this. Thanks!

[@sebastian.salmhofer]

Wow, those images are awesome quality.

[@skaterzero807]

Enjoyed your vids for a while now, glad I can support and buy a shirt. I love how you teach something cool in an understandable way while also doing some pretty awesome things! It is inspiring as a maker to learn things that seem like they should be best left to the pros.

[@AppliedScience]

Thanks! I really appreciate it. It's often a good idea to learn from people that you suspect know what they are doing, however I'd be careful about assuming there is anything "best left to the pros." No one is good at doing anything when they are born -- it simply takes dedication and interest to develop skills as well as the courage to try something and fail a bunch of times.

[@skaterzero807]

Applied Science Thanks! Also, if you don't mind me asking, how difficult is it to get a job at a place like Google[x]? I am pursuing my PhD at Georgia Tech and want to have a similar job where you are given projects/problems to solve but am worried I should have gone into industry and gotten more hands-on experience as a research engineer or something more applicable. On the other hand, does a doctorate degree help when applying to such a job? Thanks again for your response.

[@AppliedScience]

skaterzero807 As you might imagine, [x] is pretty selective. However, our publicly announced projects show that there is a need for specialists. I'm not directly involved with recruiting, however in general, I'd say that candidates who have a good track record of independent contribution and strong interest in their field are most successful.

[@ThingEngineer]

I really appreciate the information and experiences you share in your videos! This one really impressed me and I can't wait to see how having a real SEM enhances your future exhibitions.

[@alggu1]

So, you just built an electron microscope ON YOUR OWN. THAT IS AWESOME!

[@sbreheny]

Really, really awesome, Ben!!!

[@fburton8]

Fascinating tech, extraordinary images.

[@manunamboo]

You are an inspirational scientist, who knows science and can use technology into.

[@jelonek55]

What you present in your videos is just amazing. Beautifill and engaging engineering. Greetings from Poland!

[@ankitk5530]

Wow! good to see those pictures. You are genius. Wish I had the level of knowledge you have.

[@zaprodk]

Absolutely amazing. Well done!

[@johnwilson3918]

Great video. My thoughts changed from 'Wow! What an amazing microscope!' - then to - 'Wow! What an amazing oscilloscope!' - finally to - 'Wow! What amazing pictures!'... Wow!

[@nomadben]

This is absolutely incredible.

[@kadenzxc]

You're a tech ninja man. Really cool work.

[@Serachja]

Amazing SEM and explanations! Thank you very much for sharing!

[@zetacon4]

Wow! Very impressive work. Love the images you captured. I miss using the SEM that we had available in 1980 at Andrews University. I was working in the electronics lab on an OP amp circuit assignment. The OpAmp failed. So, I kept it and wanted to find out why it failed. I took the metal cap off the base, put it in the SEM and found that a small aluminum trace between to parts of the circuit had suffered a current overload. Knowing that I had not caused that during my use of the circuit, I suspected that there was a defect in the trace from the manufacture of the part. Over time, as current passed through the trace, it weakened until it failed. The metal actually pooled up into a bubble, causing an open-circuit condition. As the part had worked fine for me until it failed, I wanted proof of the cause. Now I was certain I had not caused the failure. The images were so clear and in focus, I had no doubt about the cause of the failure.

[@Keith_Ward]

Awesome work here Ben. And considerable kudos to Mr. Anderson for recognizing that equipment like this needs a new home. Unbelievable that something like this could end up in the trash, but it happens every day and usually by big corporations and other wasteful institutions.

[@raguaviva]

Yet another amazing video!!! Nasssty!! I need that T-shirt now!

[@Omicron91]

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing this stuff!

[@GaryHB57]

Very nice! And informative! Excellent explanations of basic phenomena.

[@b00bsism]

Amazing! I have watched quite a few of your videos now and I always ask myself at the end of each one "How does he know all this stuff". Just amazing.

[@seanramirez4971]

amazing! i never would have thought to take the output into matlab to render the images. Great job!

[@frank-t6857]

Just mind boggling how you understand this equipment and use it to its maximum performance and beyond.

[@manla8397]

amazing! I admire your passion and being knowledgeable.

[@mitroer]

Really amazing video. I like the good insight into tech I don´t have access to. The use of a scope as a data sampling device is inspiring. And finally, amazing images!

[@rylch44]

Very awesome man! Awesome explanation and application! Thumbs up! Thanks for posting. Love your videos!

[@bishun]

Really awesome video, and very succinct explanations to go along with the process.

[@JAKOB1977]

Its a shame you have not come up with many more videos of this fascinating device here in the last 4 years..your thumbs up on this video are through the roof.

[@Flumphinator]

This left me speechless. You're a wizard.

[@satanshollowd]

I cannot express how impressed I am by this

[@madriiax]

Sweet toy, can't wait to see what comes of it!

[@jbflores01]

Genius in our mist! Amazing talent!

[@commiebobo]

Where has this channel been my whole life?

[@AmirHakimiRezaei]

Thanks for the great video Ben

[@insanegammer109]

Once again, very impressive sir.

[@Jbizzyboi]

finally a way to support Ben, totally buying a shirt!

[@heisenbergAlonso]

Amazing work !

[@darshiess]

This channel even amazes all the other KZbin science channels lmao . I've never seen so many big science channels in just one video

[@mikeselectricstuff]

How about a timelapse of something getting degraded by the electron beam. BTW how long does it take to pump down? Does it pump the whole chamber or is there an airlock for the sample chamber?

[@AppliedScience]

You may not need a timelapse to see damage caused by the beam. I was looking at strands of hair, and at 25KV with a large spot size, the beam will start to "bubble" the hair. It creates a fairly large blister in 5-10 seconds. Yikes. This SEM pumps the whole column down as one unit, and doesn't have an airlock or nitrogen purge. It only takes about 10 minutes to change samples, though. It also has two separate stages for small and large samples, which can be manipulated separately, and a few unused blank plates (I'll add electrical feedthroughs).

[@williamhayden7711]

Applied Science would love to see some video of this and whatever else fancies you. Electron microscopes are just fascinating. I could look at anything under one.

[@Alexander-ri1bp]

Applied Science Hello Ben, are you afraind of X-ray radiation when the electrons are de-accelerated? I mean, the glass bell do not protect you very well.

[@AppliedScience]

Alexander A. The DIY SEM used acceleration voltages of under 10KV, and X-rays generated by these relatively low speed electrons will be stopped by a very thin layer of glass, so the bell jar is more than sufficient. Black and White televisions did not have lead shielding for this reason. The JEOL uses acceleration voltages up to 25KV, but the chamber is relatively thick stainless steel, and this sufficient to stop the X-rays generated by the beam, which is already extremely small (50uA emission current).

[@martinstrydom736]

Your versatility is like the modern day Tesla! I dig how just do stuff keep on inspiring young minds Ben!

[@tuopeeks]

wow great find, you have all the best toys there.

[@attaoveisi8219]

I appreciate your efforts in applied science. Salut! I would be very happy to have such an instrument in my Lab.

[@CriticalDepth]

This is really incredible!

[@kisielthe1st]

Absolutely loved this vid.

[@4dirt2racer0]

I absolute love this video.. N the last one, n the one before that.. O and the one before that.....

[@azyfloof]

So using the camera to collect the final image would be like using a camera with a slow shutter speed for capturing star trails or other low light phenomena. As for the beam focusing problem, I now know exactly why I was having trouble with beam focusing when I was experimenting with CRTs many years ago. Had no idea it was because the electrons were repelling each other! I came for the science, but stayed for the knowledge. Ben, a thousand hats off to you :D

[@MetalSilvan]

Wow man! This is beautiful! I love this video!

[@mohamedqasem]

Amazing!! I can't believe that you were able to use an oscope to get the image.

[@bam1314]

When I think I am intelligent all I have to do is watch your videos to bring me back to earth. It is kind of like watching Jeapardy and wondering how do they know that? Thanks for the hard work and expenses. You are a true genius.

[@ketotrucker6262]

Crazy SMART SKILLS! THANK YOU for sharing. 😊

[@bakupcpu]

This is awesome!! I love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@evil17]

Wow, great stuff as usual! Thanks for sharing