Capabilities

• Tri‑modal correlative system with three coincident beams: electron (SEM), ion (FIB), and fluorescence light microscopy (DELMIC iFLM) for targeted cryo‑lamella preparation.
• Integrated, fully rotatable cryo‑stage (< −170°C) with adjacent cryo‑hardware to protect frozen‑hydrated samples from contamination.
• Automated batch milling with AutoTEM Cryo Software for unattended, overnight lamella production.
• Optional EasyLift NanoManipulator for cryo‑lift‑out from bulk‑frozen specimens.
• Integrated retractable sputter coater for applying conductive platinum coatings.
• Auto Slice and View Software for 3D volume imaging under cryogenic conditions.
• Seamless workflow connectivity with Vitrobot systems and autoloader‑supported cryo‑TEMs including Krios.

Applications

• Preparing compression‑free cryo‑lamellas for high‑resolution cryo‑electron tomography of cells and tissues in near‑native state.
• Ion beam milling enables creation of thinner lamellas without cutting artifacts (avoids mechanical compression inherent to cryo‑ultramicrotome sectioning).
• Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) workflows with integrated support for Leica cryo‑light microscopy solutions.
• Site‑specific lamella preparation from high‑pressure frozen samples using cryo‑lift‑out technique.
• Sequential milling and imaging for 3D reconstruction of subcellular ultrastructure.
• Structural biology and in situ cellular cryo‑ET studies.

Access & Training

Available to FSU researchers, collaborators, and external users through the BSIR.

Training and consultation provided by facility staff for all levels of experience.

To schedule time or learn more, visit https://bsir.fsu.edu.