page_title: Microtome
section_title: Knives
hierarchical_section_title: Microtome / Knives
caption_attribution_description: Русский: Режущая кромка одноразового лезвия для микротома под микроскопом. Дифференциально-интерференционный контраст English: The cutting edge of a disposable blade for a microtome under a microscope. Differential interference contrastEnglish: The cutting edge of a disposable blade for a microtome under a microscope. Differential interference contrast
context_page_description: A microtome is a tool used to cut extremely thin slices of material, known as sections. Important in science, microtomes are used in microscopy, allowing for the preparation of samples for observation under transmitted light or electron radiation.
  Microtomes use steel, glass, or diamond blades depending upon the specimen being sliced and the desired thickness of the sections being cut. Steel blades are used to prepare sections of animal or plant tissues for light microscopy histology. Glass knives are used to slice sections for light microscopy and to slice very thin sections for electron microscopy. Industrial grade diamond knives are used to slice hard materials such as bone, teeth and plant matter for both light microscopy and for electron microscopy. Gem quality diamond knives are used for slicing thin sections for electron microscopy.
  Microtomy is a method for the preparation of thin sections for materials such as bones, minerals and teeth, and an alternative to electropolishing and ion milling. Microtome sections can be made thin enough to section a human hair across its breadth, with section thickness between 50 nm and 100 μm.
context_section_description: The selection of microtome knife blade profile depends upon the material and preparation of the samples, as well as the final sample requirements (e.g. cut thickness and quality).
caption: The cutting edge of a disposable blade for a microtome under a microscope.
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