Nano-Scale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry: A Paradigm Shift in Soil Science

Figure 3

Soil aggregates derived from a sandy soil enriched with and labeled pinus ponderosa fine roots and needles [44]. In (a), a NanoSIMS image displays a 15 mm field of view of an uncoated soil aggregate, dried, and pressed into an aluminium stub. (b) illustrates a NanoSIMS image of the same region, coated with gold and utilizing the electron flood gun. The image is a compilation of 50 individual 256 × 256 pixel planes (scans), with the scale on (b) indicating ratio values. Panel (c) provides information on the sample holder configuration and various sample holders.