---
title: Paper on the use of rare earth elements as imaging probes in bioimaging published in Nanoscale
description: Nanocrystals for correlative cathodoluminescence electron microscopy imaging with nanometric resolution in focused ion beam-sectioned biological samples
image: https://blog.delmic.com/hubfs/Website_pictures/News/nanocrystals-bioimaging.gif
---

###### [cathodoluminescence](https://blog.delmic.com/news/topic/cathodoluminescence), [SPARC](https://blog.delmic.com/news/topic/sparc) • 1

# Paper on the use of rare earth elements as imaging probes in bioimaging published in Nanoscale

[Kaitlin van Baarle February 10, 2017](https://blog.delmic.com/news/author/kaitlin-van-baarle)

![nanocrystals-bioimaging.gif](https://blog.delmic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website_pictures/News/nanocrystals-bioimaging.gif?width=1080&name=nanocrystals-bioimaging.gif)

A new paper, Tb3+-doped LaF3 nanocrystals for correlative cathodoluminescence electron microscopy imaging with nanometric resolution in focused ion beam-sectioned biological samples has been published in Nanoscale.

This research investigates the potential for using rare earth elements as imaging probes in bioimaging.

Rare earth elements are known for their luminescent properties. The photoemission of rare earth element-doped inorganic nanocrystals is not severely affected by electron beam exposure, which makes them useful as optical components. The researchers were able to make the luminescent nanocrystals suitable for studying biological samples and thus harmless to cells. Subsequently, they were able to capture high-resolution images of cell cultures.

The research was conducted at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology ([EMPA](https://www.empa.ch/web/empa)), using the [SPARC](https://blog.delmic.com/sparc) cathodoluminescence detection system. Traditionally, the SPARC is used for research in the materials sciences, optics, and nanophotonics. However, developments are ongoing as research facilities discover novel uses for our systems.

In related news, last month marked the publication of another paper on the luminescent properties of rare earth materials. This research was also carried out using the SPARC. You can read about it [here](https://blog.delmic.com/news/research-on-the-luminescent-efficiency-of-doped-rare-earth-oxides-published-in-nanomaterials).

#### Kaitlin van Baarle

[![](https://blog.delmic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2022_Delmic_M%26M%20Meeting%20Promo_Website.png?width=380&name=2022_Delmic_M%26M%20Meeting%20Promo_Website.png) ](https://blog.delmic.com/news/join-delmic-at-microscopy-microanalysis-mm-meeting-2022) [###### cathodoluminescence

## Join Delmic at Microscopy & MicroAnalysis (M&M) Meeting 2022

It’s official, Delmic is going to M&M 2022 in Portland, Oregon! You’ll find us at the biggest microscopy event of the year. We’ll be presenting our METEOR, ...

](https://blog.delmic.com/news/join-delmic-at-microscopy-microanalysis-mm-meeting-2022)

[![](https://blog.delmic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/News/2022_CL_OTP%20Funding_Website.png?width=380&name=2022_CL_OTP%20Funding_Website.png) ](https://blog.delmic.com/news/open-technology-programme-funding) [###### cathodoluminescence

## Open Technology Programme (OTP) funding

We are delighted to announce that Delmic - CL Solutions is a part of the Open Technology Programme, granted by NWO. The project will look into a new ...

](https://blog.delmic.com/news/open-technology-programme-funding)

[![](https://blog.delmic.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website/News/2022_CL_NWO%20Funding_Website.png?width=380&name=2022_CL_NWO%20Funding_Website.png) ](https://blog.delmic.com/news/nwo-funding-for-perovskite-solar-foil-consortium) [###### cathodoluminescence

## NWO funding for perovskite solar foil consortium

We are excited to announce that Delmic - CL Solutions will be part of the PerFoRM (Perovskite Foils by Roll-to-roll Manufacturing) consortium, funded by NWO's ...

](https://blog.delmic.com/news/nwo-funding-for-perovskite-solar-foil-consortium)