Diatom valve three-dimensional representation: a new imaging method based on combined microscopies

Publication date: 1 Ott 2016

JournalSource: LEGACY

The frustule of diatoms, unicellular microalgae, shows very interesting photonic features, generally related to its complicated and quasi-periodic micro-and nano-structure. In order to simulate light propagation inside and through this natural structure, it is important to develop three-dimensional (3D) models for synthetic replica with high spatial resolution. In this paper, we present a new method that generates images of microscopic diatoms with high definition, by merging scanning electron microscopy and digital holography microscopy or atomic force microscopy data. Starting from two digital images, both acquired separately with standard characterization procedures, a high spatial resolution (Δ z= λ/20, Δ x= Δ y≅ 100 nm, at least) 3D model of the object has been generated. Then, the two sets of data have been processed by matrix formalism, using an original mathematical algorithm implemented on a commercially available software. The developed methodology could be also of broad interest in the design and fabrication of micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems. View Full-Text

Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Origin
International journal of molecular sciences
Legacy ID
3280f37e52482695f0776a19daa644c6
Biblio references
Volume: 17 Issue: 10 Pages: 1645