Replicating The Unreplicatable

Extract

When doing replication, it is very important that all traces of the sample be removed from the replica. Adhering sample material introduces artifacts into the image and may, in extreme cases, make the replica so thick that the TEM beam cannot “see” through it. This may be a problem for both “ordinary” Pt/C replicas and freeze fracture situations. For organic samples, including both biological materials and polymers. For example, polymer latex particle fragments have a particular tendency to stick to the replica in freeze fracture preparations. Some freeze fracture samples will “wet” the replica surface if the replica is stripped by melting the substrate.