Image contest

Image contest 2023

Image contest organized in 2023 again

Conductivity test across FIB-welded aluminium-copper interfaces – Ambra Celotto

It may sound weird, but all you may see in this picture – except for the miBot™ manipulators – has been fabric1ated inside a Focused Ion Beam microscope. Indeed, an effective technique to obtain sound joints of ductile materials is to apply pressure that imparts plastic deformation for bringing virgin surfaces into contact at the atomic scale. The bonding mechanism between two dissimilar metals typically involves atoms diffusion, which is facilitated by high temperatures. But what if we carry out the process at the room temperature? It seems that enough plastic deformation alone is also able of inducing atoms diffusion! Therefore, for investigating this phenomenon in situ, a downscaled version of the conventional Cold Pressure Welding technique was developed inside the FIB. This consists in a tailored configuration of the lift-out needle employed to squeeze a small copper sample within aluminium walls. Quite an unusual application for the Focused Ion Beam! The obtained joint was then milled into three bars at different depth to perform conductivity test across the bonded interfaces. By running current through miBots™ manipulators, it is possible to assess whether the electrical conductivity of the base metals is altered by the joint and thus benchmark the welding technique against the conventional ones for electronic applications.

Growth within – Florian Ströhl

Retinal ganglion cells link the eye’s sensory cells to the processing units at the far side of the brain. A bit like sunflowers turning their heads to the sun, these cells find their way by following chemical guidance cues released by the brain, which promote the formation of cytoskeletal structures from molecular building blocks. Using a method called “Fluorescence Anisotropy Imaging”, we captured the local formation of such cytoskeletal structures (red-yellow) from building blocks (blue-green) at the leading edge of the cell’s growth cones.

Ultrafast laser event: filamentation, guiding, and supercontinuum genesis in glass – Roman Zakoldaev

Сascade of events induced by ultrashort phenomena: nonlinear absorption of femtosecond laser pulses within a glass initiates filamentation and a supercontinuum. This spectrum of light is deftly guided through internal channels by total internal reflection within the confines of the glass substrate. Manifesting as a spectrum of rainbow hues, this visual phenomenon emerges vividly on the opposing side of the glass.

Microlenses coated with a layer of titanium dioxide nanoparticles – Roman Zakoldaev

This micrograph illustrates a custom-engineered array of microlenses formed on a fused silica substrate via micro-plasma processing, subsequently coated with a layer of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Captured through transmission optical microscopy (20X, NA=0.4), the image reveals the morphology of the microlenses.

The water dragon – Cornelius Quigley

A patch of thin oil on the ocean surface in the shape of a Chinese dragon, taken during an oil-on-water experiment. Image is enhanced to emphasize rainbow like colours that are a result of optical interference from thin film scattering. Image shows that optical theory is not just the domain of the lab bench.

Salmon cardiomyocyte – Antoni Malachowski

This is an image of a live salmon cardiomyocyte. Actin was stained with CellMask Deep Red, while mitochondria were stained with Mitotracker Green. Cardiomyocyte contractions were inhibited by addition of butanedione monoxime to the media.

Digestive Harmony: An Ode to Atlantic Salmon’s Gut Health – Hanna Ross D. Alipio

This microscopic, inverted image view unveils the intricate cross-section of the AB-PAS stained distal gut in Atlantic salmon, offering a unique perspective into the digestive vitality of these aquatic marvels that stand as a cornerstone of the Arctic aquaculture. The intricate balance and organisation of mucosal layers, goblet cells, villi, and crypts within the intestinal lining showcases an optimal environment for nutrient absorption and immune defense. It’s not just a glimpse into anatomy; it’s a testament to our commitment to ensuring the health and welfare of Atlantic salmon, the unsung heroes of our aquatic harvests. (Images generated from the H2Salar Project)

Guardians of the Gut Health – Hanna Ross D. Alipio

Behold the histological flash within the gut of the Atlantic salmon, a tribute to the microscopic heroes of mucosal immunity and gut health. Witness in awe the vibrant spectacle of mucus-secreting cells (in bright orange), fortifying the intestinal frontier and play a heroic role in preserving the gut’s integrity, warding off invaders, and nurturing the salmon’s immunity. This vivid histological image unveils the cosmic ballet of mucosal defense, where science meets the grandeur of a galactic saga, showcasing the vital role of these guardians in the health and resilience of these remarkable aquatic creatures. (Image is created through the H2Salar Project)

Silken Shields of Salmon’s Skin – Hanna Ross D. Alipio

In the delicate cross-section of the Atlantic salmon’s skin lies a tale untold, a chorus of fearless cells that shimmer like stars in the midnight. Their silent vigil shields the salmon’s sanctuary, this histology speaks of defenses that abound, revealing secrets of health that’ve silently thronged. Glistening like pearls amidst the skin’s story, where mucus cells are the burning red in the salmon’s glory. (Image is created through the H2Salar Project)