Scanning Electron Microscope

The newly installed International Scientific Instruments ISI-60 scanning electron microscope is particularly suited for research and documentation in the biological, zoological and geological fields of study. Many other fields could be enhanced by the use of this instrument. It was installed on July 19, 1999 and first photos were taken on July 20, 1999.

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CRS - Scanning Electron Microscope Photos

The following index is for the first set of calibration photos that were shot on July 20, 1999. While the specimens were not prepared in any sophisticated manner, they demonstrate the marvel of God’s creation. This new instrument, in the arsenal of the Van Andel Creation Research Center, at Chino Valley, will provide primary and supplemental research capabilities to the CRS community. Interested researchers should contact the Van Andel Creation Research Center to discuss future projects.

These images were not optimized for contrast and brightness, and balance to the film used to document the photo process. Color negative film was used, and then the images were commercially printed at a 1 hour photo processor. Selected prints were then scanned on a flatbed scanner as .jpg greyscale images

• Coconino sandstone - 50X — First recorded image on the ISI-60 SEM after installation at the VACRC. This low magnification image of the Coconino sandstone is characteristic of geological images taken for the purpose of surveying the rock characteristics, and determining such things as grain size and pore amounts and distribution.
• "Hairy" illite clay found in the Coconino sandstone - 2000X — The fine hair-like structure is actually crystalline mineral and is a diagenetic alteration product of other minerals in the subsurface.
• Quartz overgrowth on a substrate quartz grain - 1000X.
• Dissolution of feldspar in the Coconino sand - 1000X — Corrosion of feldspar often occurs in the subsurface, with diagenetic alterations to various types of clays. Note the "hairy" illite clay at the bottom of the photo. This clay may be the product of the feldspar alteration.
• Head of an ant - 100X
• Eye of the ant - 300X
• Swivel joint of the antenna base of the ant - 500X
• Head-on view of the fly - 50X
• The amazing hexagonal facets of the fly’s eye - 500X
• Multiple facets of the fly’s eye - 1500X
• A single facet of the fly’s eye - 3000X
• Foot of the fly - 500X — Note the claws and pad area of the fly’s foot. The pad area is normally covered with a mucous material to assist in clinging to smooth surfaces.
• Head of the fly - 30X
• Proboscis of fly - 150X