Microtome, scanning electron microscope and method for preparing thin slices from a sample and method for analysing thin slices produced from a sample in a scanning electron microscope and use of a magnetic tape for the purpose of depositing and transporting of thin slices of samples in the field of scanning electron microscopy

A microtome, comprising a blade for cutting thin slices from a sample, a sample holder for guiding the sample onto the blade, and a means for receiving the thin slices, the means being a tape on which the thin slices are deposited, wherein the tape is unwound from a first holder and wound up together with the thin slices onto a second holder.

A scanning electron microscope having an electron detector, comprising a chamber and a sample supply means, wherein the sample supply means is formed to supply the thin slices located on the wound-up tape to the electron detector.

A method for preparing thin slices using a microtome, in a first step a sample being supplied to a blade which cuts off thin slices from the sample, and in a second step the thin slices being deposited on a tape which is unwound from a first spool and wound up together with the thin layers on a second holder.

A method for analysing thin slices in a scanning electron microscope, wherein a tape, provided with thin slices and wound-up, is unwound from a second spool and wound up onto an empty spool by means of a sample supply means, the thin slices deposited on the tape being supplied to the electron detector during the unwinding from the second spool and the winding onto the empty spool.