Sample Preparation
Sectioning thin slices for TEM (ultramicrotome)
Leica 125 Ultracut Microtome with cryo
For microtoming thin sections of TEM samples.
Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome with cryo FC7
From leica.com:
"The Ultramicrotome Leica UC7 provides easy preparation of semi- and ultrathin sections as well as perfect, smooth surfaces of biological and industrial samples for TEM, SEM, AFM and LM examination. Combining ergonomic design and innovative technology the Ultramicrotome Leica EM UC7 sets new standards in Ultramicrotomy. It offers a range of outstanding features and benefits of use for the ultramicrotomist, whether highly skilled or absolute beginners.
Sample vitrification for cryo-TEM (vitrobot)
FEI Vitrobot
Automated vitrifying equipment for cryo-TEM sample preparation.
FEI Vitrobot Mark IV
From FEI.com:
"The next-generation Vitrobot™ Mark IV, a fully automated vitrification device for plunge-freezing of aqueous (colloidal) suspensions, meets the demands of modern science. Its newly designed touch-screen user interface is robust and easy to use and its robotics guarantee high-quality, reproducible sample freezing and a high sample throughput."
- Fully automated, reproducible vitrification of suspensions
- High vitrification quality through controlled environment
- High sample throughput
- Easy and flexible instrument control
- Semi-automated grid transfer
Plasma cleaner
Gatan Solarus (Model 950)
A plasma cleaning system for hydrophilization of TEM carbon grids and removing contaminants from SEM samples.
From gatan.com:
"An advanced plasma cleaning system for removal of hydrocarbon contamination on TEM and SEM samples. Solarus is a new generation plasma system engineered on new concepts and the latest technology resulting in better performance, simplified use and consistent cleaning results."
TEM cross-section preparation
Gatan 691 Precision Ion Polishing System (PIPS)
For preparation of cross-sections samples of hard materials (Si, metals, etc.)
Supporting equipment:
- Diamond wire cutter
- Mechanical polishing
- Dimple grinder
- Ultrasonic cutter
SEM cross-section preparation
Gatan Ilion+ cross-section polisher
From www.gatan.com:
"The Gatan Ilion+ is a significant advance in the preparation of planar cross sections from difficult samples for microscopic imaging and microanalysis. The Ilion+ design is based on the proven Gatan PIPS (Precision Ion Polishing System). The system is easy to operate allowing users to begin making samples quickly."
Sputtering and carbon coating for SEM
Emitech K950
Carbon coating system (high vacuum).
Emitech K350X
Sputtering head for K950. Uses 60 mm targets, including Au, Au/Pd, Pt, Ag, Fe.
Emitech K100X
Glow discharge apparatus, which can also be used for sputtering. Uses the same targets as K350X.