Electron radiation damage in thin specimens prepared for X-ray microanalysis by cryoultramicrotomy, freeze substitution and normal resin embedding.

Analysis of biological tissue is ultimately limited by the transformation of elemental composition under the influence of the electron beam. Specimen erosion depends on elemental composition and molecular structure, analytical conditions and specimen temperature. Studies reported here indicate a variability in elemental and mass loss for various preparations of thin sections. With careful choice of specimen preparation techniques and analytical operating conditions, mass and element losses from the specimen can be minimised.