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We have some expirience with imaging single crystals (NaCl and CaCO3) with
a confocal. Since we're studying dissolution of these crystals, they are
immersed in a reactive fluid which we dope with fluorescein. We tried
Rhodamin too, and opted for the fluorescein because of the laser lines we
had. I can provide more info offline if needed - have your user contact me
directly.
Kul

Zvi Kul Karcz
Corporate Strategic Research
Resource Sciences Laboratory
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co.
1545 Route 22 East
Annandale, NJ 08801
(908)730-2915 voice
(262)313-9109 fax


                                                                           
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COETZEE, S.H. (MR.) wrote:

> A user want to stain microcracks in single crystals.  The dye will need
to be a small molecule with a good wettability, high mobility.
> Sussetions?

How about something old: fluorescein (rhodamine B should work, too)?
Both dyes are water soluble and wetability could be increased by adding
detergent or alcohol.  Penetration could also be helped by first soaking
the crystal in (low) vacuum in ethanol or methanol and then placing it
in the dye solution.

Good luck!

Martin Wessendorf
--
Martin Wessendorf, Ph.D.                   office: (612) 626-0145
Assoc Prof, Dept Neuroscience                 lab: (612) 624-2991
University of Minnesota             Preferred FAX: (612) 624-8118
6-145 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE    Dept Fax: (612) 626-5009
Minneapolis, MN  55455             E-mail: martinw[at]med.umn.edu