3(c). Microscope Stage (SEM) & Applications
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Physical Consideration
(a) Cryogenic
(b) Environmental
3. Cryo SEM Preparation System
(a) Specimen Stub & Freezing Chamber
(b) Transfer Device & Preparation Chamber
(c) Microscope Stage (SEM) & Applications
MICROSCOPE STAGE (SEM)
The K1250X Microscope Coldstage is custom built to suit the make and model of the Electron Microscope.
The metal pallet, onto which the specimen stub is mounted, is attached to the existing SEM specimen stage (a thermal insulator is provided). This metal pallet is connected via a flexible copper rope, to the cold finger of a liquid nitrogen Dewar, which provides the cooling and is maintained at less than -160oC.
The Dewar is attached to an interface plate (custom built to suit each particular SEM), which replaces any conveniently positioned spare entry port to the SEM specimen chamber.
Figure 6a: Braid Cooling Dewar and Coldstage with SEM Entry Valve & Interface
Figure 6b: Optional Gas Coldstage with SEM Entry Valve & Interface
APPLICATIONS
These cover the range of current SEM applications and are currently being developed, typically:-
- Biological Sciences - Frozen hydrated specimens
- Microelectronics - Observing devices at low temperatures.
- Oil Exploration - Examination of core samples, tar and etc.
- X-Ray Microanalysis - Diffusible substances
- Cathodoluminescence.
Figure 7: Frozen Hydrated stigmatal surface of Alyssum coated with Gold at 15mA and 0.1Torr for 3 mins (x 750).
Figure 8: Frozen hydrated dairy cream .( x 3,000.)
Figure 9: An X-ray map indicating the distribution of potassium in a sample of ground nuts (L.T.S.E.M.).
Figure 10: A sample of frozen, fractured, carbon-coated glossy emulsion paint. X-Ray analysis indicates significant levels of titanium, and chlorine. The copper peak is derived from the microscope stage and the silicon peak from the window of the detector. (x 20,000).
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