Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "FEI Adds Dual-Axis Automation to Leading Electron Tomography Solution for Life Science Research"

Home > Press > FEI Adds Dual-Axis Automation to Leading Electron Tomography Solution for Life Science Research

Abstract:
Xplore3D now offers automated dual-axis acquisition and reconstruction—extending the capability and accuracy of electron tomography for 3D biological ultrastructure

FEI Adds Dual-Axis Automation to Leading Electron Tomography Solution for Life Science Research

Hillsboro, OR | Posted on November 3rd, 2008

FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC), a leading provider of high-resolution imaging and analysis solutions, today released its Xplore3D software package, updated to include data acquisition and reconstruction for dual-axis electron tomography. The new capability provides more complete information for the reconstruction of complex biological ultrastructure from high-resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM).

Xplore3D's sophisticated automation and precise specimen positioning capabilities allow users to automatically acquire tomography tilt series images from an initial tilt axis and a second tilt axis, after a sample rotation. Acquiring tilt series from two axis enables users to gain more information from the sample, thereby minimizing the "missing wedge" problem common to all single tilt series tomography. After automated dual-axis acquisition, Xplore3D also now enables automated dual-axis tomogram reconstruction. Its dual-axis capability enables users to generate highly accurate tomograms as simply as possible. Xplore3D is available now and integrated with FEI Tecnai™ and Titan Krios™ TEMs.

"We are committed to providing the best, easy-to-use solutions for high-resolution imaging and analysis of biological ultrastructure," said Matthew Harris, vice president and general manager of FEI's Life Science Division. "Xplore3D with dual-axis tomography improves the quality of the tomographic analysis by providing additional information for reconstructions. It is part of FEI's commitment to provide wide-ranging imaging solutions for life scientists. Our hardware and software solutions give researchers a complete cryo-TEM tomography package that allows them to focus on making ground-breaking discoveries."

Single-axis S/TEM tomography data suffers from the existence of a "missing wedge" due to the geometry of samples and stage, images can usually only be acquired for tilt angles in a range of ±70º. In 3D-reconstruction, this gives rise to artifacts and directional dependencies in resolution and contrast. To reduce these shortcomings, samples are often rotated by about 90º in the holder and a second tilt series is acquired (dual-axis tomography). The "missing wedge" is thus reduced to a "missing pyramid." Extreme precision in the compucentric stage is required to maintain the point of interest at the same location within the field of view as the sample tilts during the imaging sequences. FEI's Xplore3D adds automated dual-axis acquisition and reconstruction capabilities to minimize the missing wedge problem and optimize the accuracy of any tomographic reconstruction.

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About FEI Company
FEI (Nasdaq: FEIC) is the world leader in pioneering technologies and applications that deliver imaging solutions for 3D characterization, analysis and modification/prototyping with resolutions down to the sub-Ångström level. Our customers, working in advanced research and manufacturing, are supported by field-experienced applications specialists. They have open access to FEI’s prestigious global user network so they can succeed in accelerating nanoscale discovery and contribute to better living through new product commercialization. FEI’s NanoPorts in North America, Europe and Asia provide centers of technical excellence where our world-class community of customers and specialists collaborate on the ongoing development of new ideas and innovative solutions. FEI has sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world.

FEI Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements about the introduction of the Xplore3D software package. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the failure of the general release to replicate beta results for the product, the failure of the product or technology to perform as expected and achieve anticipated results, and unexpected technical problems. Please also refer to the company's Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update any forward- looking statements.

The FEI logo, Tecnai and Titan Krios are trademarks of FEI Company.

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Contacts:
FEI Company
Fletcher Chamberlin
(investors and analysts)
Investor Relations
+1 503 726 7710

Media Contact:
Sandy Fewkes, Principal
MindWrite Communications, Inc
+1 408 224 4024

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