Preparation of Cryogenic Sample for Charged-Particle Microscopy

摘要

A method of preparing a sample for a charged-particle microscope includes:
Providing a substantially plate-like sample holder having opposed first and second major surfaces substantially parallel to one another, comprising at least one aperture connecting said major surfaces and across which a membrane has been spanned upon said first major surface, which membrane comprises at least one perforation;Spanning a film of liquid across said perforation, which liquid comprises at least one study specimen suspended therein;Plunging the sample holder onto a bath of cryogen, whereby the sample holder is held with said first major surface pointing toward the cryogen and arranged substantially parallel to an exposed surface of the cryogen; andApplying a blast of cryogenic fluid to said film from a nozzle pointing toward said second major surface, immediately prior to the film making contact with said cryogen.;A corresponding apparatus is also described.

主权项

1. A method of preparing a sample for study in a charged-particle microscope, comprising the following steps:
providing a substantially plate-like sample holder having opposed first and second major surfaces substantially parallel to one another, comprising at least one aperture that connects said major surfaces and across which a membrane has been spanned upon said first major surface, which membrane comprises at least one perforation; spanning a film of aqueous liquid across said perforation, which liquid comprises at least one study specimen suspended therein; plunging the sample holder onto a bath of cryogen, whereby the sample holder is held with said first major surface pointing toward the cryogen and arranged substantially parallel to an exposed surface of the cryogen; and applying a blast of cryogenic fluid to said film from a nozzle pointing toward said second major surface, immediately prior to the film making contact with said cryogen.