Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 June 2010
In this paper we present an investigation into the possible link between the pressure of the gas in the surrounding environment and the rate of ice sublimation in a VPSEM (variable pressure scanning electron microscope). Although this is mainly significant to an electron microscopist working in a variable pressure environment, it is relevant to people working at low pressures who wish to have control over the rate of sample dehydration where the input of water vapour is not a viable alternative.