Observations on ice layers

Abstract The behavior of ice layers is of special importance for cryo electron microscopy. After a brief discussion of the thermal conductivity at low temperature, the amount and causes of the radiation-induced mass loss of ice are studied in more detail. Particularly interesting for cryo microscopy are the two slightly different phases of amorphous solid water and the cubic ice. The transitions between these ice polymorphs have been investigated experimentally relative to their dependence on temperature and electron irradiation. Finally, radiation damage - and non-damage - in the interface between carbonaceous materials and solid water is discussed.