Preparation of Nuclear Track Membrane Cross-Section Sample for Scanning Electron Microscopy Observation

The cross-section samples of nuclear track membrane (NTM) for scanning electron microscopy observation were successfully prepared by combination of UV illumination and liquid nitrogen freezing. The photo-induced degradation and embrittlement of polycarbonate film were observed by both UV-Vis-NIR spectra and tensile curves. The cross-section of such UV illuminated polycarbonate samples was very easily made in liquid nitrogen. The prepared cross-sections were residual-strain free and can provide pore information such as shape, size and spatial distribution by scanning electron microscopy.