What is typically required to prepare samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy?

To prepare samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), thin slicing and embedding in resin are essential steps. This method is vital because TEM requires samples to be extremely thin, often less than 100 nanometers, to allow electrons to pass through them. Resin embedding provides structural support to maintain the integrity of the sample during the slicing process. Once embedded, the sample can be sectioned into ultra-thin slices using an ultramicrotome, enabling high-resolution imaging at the nanometer scale.

While coating with gold is a common preparation technique for Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) samples to enhance surface conductivity, it is not typically used in TEM preparation. Staining with fluorescent dyes is applicable for specific biological samples but does not apply to electron microscopy techniques in the same context. Mounting samples in water for live visualization is related to different microscopy techniques, primarily light microscopy, and does not align with the requirements for preparing samples in TEM. Thus, the methodology of thin slicing and embedding in resin is specific and critical for achieving high-quality TEM images.