Tomography produces complex volumetric datasets containing the entire internal structure and density of an object in three dimensions (3D). Interpreting volumetric data requires 3D visualization but needs specialized software distinguishable from more familiar tools used in animation for 3D surface data. This tutorial reviews 3D visualization techniques for volumetric data using the open-source tomviz software package. A suite of tools including two-dimensional (2D) slices, surface contours, and full volume rendering provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of volumetric information. The principles outlined here are applicable to a wide range of 3D tomography techniques and can be applied to volumetric datasets beyond materials characterization.

The DualBeam, which combines focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM), is regularly used for sample preparation in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A DualBeam enables the user to thin specific regions of a bulk material to electron transparency. While this process is often performed manually, we describe an interactive guided TEM sample preparation process. By this method, the preparation process time is shortened for expert users, compared to manual processes, and enables novice users to obtain high-quality results routinely. The method can be used on almost any material to prepare thin lamellas for most common TEM applications.

A real-time logging system (RTLS) has been developed for managing multiuser equipment such as modern electron microscopes that are operated or controlled via a computer. The RTLS is designed to log the usage of the computer and thus the usage of the equipment. The RTLS is a small-size Java program, which is easy to install and use. It has two basic interfaces, a log-in interface and a logbook interface. The first is a semi-transparent shielded layer that covers the computer monitor until a successful log-in occurs, and the second records instrument usage.

Methyl cellulose based coatings applied to food before deep-fat frying can reduce the amount of oil absorbed by the food during cooking as measured by bulk analysis techniques. However, information about the distribution of oil in the food, and how that is impacted by the coatings is lacking. A method is presented using osmium tetroxide to stain the oil and light microscopy to visualize its distribution. The method was applied to French fries and showed that the extent of oil ingress was reduced when a methyl cellulose coating was used.