FREEZE ETCH Meaning and
Definition
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Freeze etch is a technique used in microscopy and material science to reveal the three-dimensional internal structure of a sample by combining the processes of freezing and etching. It involves freezing a specimen, typically with liquid nitrogen or a cryogen, and then rapidly fracturing it by applying mechanical stress or thermal shock. This snap-freezing process solidifies the sample, preserving its internal features, and prevents the formation of ice crystals that could distort or damage the structure.
Once the sample is fractured, any surface contamination or excess water is removed by sublimation under vacuum conditions, a process known as etching. This etching step removes the outer layers of the fractured surface, allowing access to the inner structures and increasing the visibility of fine details. The remaining surface is then coated with a thin layer of metal, such as platinum or carbon, to enhance contrast and provide electrical conductivity.
The freeze etch technique is particularly valuable for examining biological samples, polymers, and materials with delicate or complex structures. It enables scientists to observe intricate details that may not be discernible with conventional preparation methods. By revealing the subcellular organization, internal structures, and surface morphology, freeze etch allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the ultrastructure and properties of the sample under investigation.
Overall, freeze etch is a powerful tool in microscopy and materials science that combines freezing, fracturing, etching, and metal coating to expose and analyze the three-dimensional internal structure of a specimen, providing valuable insights into its characteristics and behavior.
Common Misspellings for FREEZE ETCH
- dreeze etch
- creeze etch
- vreeze etch
- greeze etch
- treeze etch
- rreeze etch
- feeeze etch
- fdeeze etch
- ffeeze etch
- fteeze etch
- f5eeze etch
- f4eeze etch
- frweze etch
- frseze etch
- frdeze etch
- frreze etch
- fr4eze etch
- fr3eze etch
- frewze etch
- fresze etch
Etymology of FREEZE ETCH
The word "freeze etch" is a compound term derived from two different words: "freeze" and "etch".
1. Freeze: The word "freeze" originates from the Old English word "freosan" which means "to freeze" or "to become stiff with cold". It has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "freusanan".
2. Etch: The word "etch" comes from the Middle Dutch word "etsen", meaning "to eat into" or "to corrode". It later evolved into the Old French word "escher" with a similar meaning. The modern-day sense of "etching" as a chemical or artistic process was developed in the 17th century.
When combined, "freeze etch" refers to a technique used in microscopy and material science to study the surface structure of a frozen sample.
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