Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 February 2011
Samples of high Tc superconductors and metal powders have been prepared for Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy examination by a novel method. Dental amalgam, commonly used for filling cavities in teeth by dentists, has been used as a binding agent to hold the sample particulate together during sample preparation. The amalgam was pressed into a small rod 3 mmn in diameter and samples were prepared by cutting slices from the rod followed by mechanical grinding and ion milling to perforation. This technique is extremely easy and offers several advantages over other preparation methods. Experiments revealed difficulties due to preferential sputtering yield, but generally these could be overcome and good thermal and electrical properties of the amalgam partially offset the former inconveniences. It should be possible to use this technique for any number of materials, including ceramic materials and small non-spherical particulate.