Helium Ion Microscopy and Sectioning of Spider Silk

Figure 2

HIM images of a MiS fiber with continuous milling performed with a He⁺ dose of 0.5nC/μm² between each successive image. A tear beginning at the bottom of the cut develops upon increasing milling. Fibral structures are seen to become stretched, while faults/cavities in the sample are seen to form and grow. The fiber is seen to elongate as the milled region stretches. Necking is also observed in the fiber where the tear is forming.

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