MeV-energy probe SIMS imaging of major components in animal cells etched using large gas cluster ions

Molecular imaging of animal cells was successfully obtained by using the technique of MeV-energy probe secondary ion mass spectrometry (MeV-SIMS) and sample etching with Ar cluster ion beam. In order to indicate benefits of using Ar cluster beam for etching biomaterials, cholesterol and phospholipids were etched with Ar cluster ions and SIMS measurements for the before and after etching samples were performed. Moreover, secondary ion images of the animal cells etched with Ar cluster ions were acquired by using MeV-energy ion beam as a probe.