A thermostatic scanning device for an x-ray microscope
By introducing a temperature-controlled scanning device into the X-ray microscope, the problem of sample dehydration and deformation caused by the lack of temperature control on the sample stage was solved, ensuring the temperature stability and imaging quality of biological samples during the scanning process and achieving high-precision experimental results.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522064857.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-25
AI Technical Summary
The current X-ray microscope sample stage lacks a temperature control function, which causes biological samples to lose water and deform at room temperature, affecting the imaging quality and the reliability of experimental data.
A temperature-controlled scanning device suitable for X-ray microscopy was designed, including a temperature-controlled kit, a spiral copper tube, and a shielding kit. A stable 4°C environment is provided by a refrigerator, and the temperature stability of the sample stage is ensured by the combination of a heat-conducting jacket and an insulation layer. The shielding kit also blocks X-ray leakage.
It achieves stable constant temperature of the sample during scanning, suppresses moisture evaporation, avoids sample deformation, improves imaging clarity and experimental accuracy, and ensures operational safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224681920U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of X-ray microscope scanning technology, and in particular to a constant temperature scanning device suitable for X-ray microscopes. Background Technology
[0002] X-ray microscopy is a non-invasive and non-destructive imaging technique that uses X-rays to scan samples without damaging them. It can clearly and accurately display the three-dimensional information of the sample's internal structure, volume, interfaces, and defects, offering numerous advantages such as high-resolution images and non-destructive testing. Therefore, X-ray microscopy is widely used in observing the microstructure of biological samples (such as cell tissues and microbial samples). However, biological samples typically contain a large amount of water. During long-term X-ray microscopy scanning, the internal temperature of the sample within the instrument is usually around room temperature (around 28°C), causing rapid water evaporation and deformation such as shrinkage and wrinkling. This not only damages the original microstructure of the sample but also directly interferes with image quality (such as artifacts and blurred edges), leading to distorted experimental data and seriously affecting the reliability of research conclusions.
[0003] In existing technologies, sample stage designs for X-ray microscopes are mostly focused on materials science research scenarios (such as the observation of anhydrous samples like metals and ceramics), possessing only basic load-bearing functions and completely lacking stable temperature control modules, thus failing to meet the low-temperature and humidified environment requirements of biological samples. To alleviate sample dehydration, the research field currently employs an "aqueous environment scanning" approach, which involves immersing biological samples in water for scanning to delay water evaporation. However, this approach has significant drawbacks: the density of water is very close to that of biological tissues (water density is approximately 1 g / cm³, while the density of biological soft tissues is approximately 1.02-1.06 g / cm³). During X-ray scanning, the attenuation coefficients of water and samples are very similar, affecting image quality. This results in blurred boundaries between the sample and background in the scanned images, poor contrast between groups, and difficulty in clearly distinguishing target structures. This not only significantly increases the difficulty of image interpretation for researchers but may also lead to the omission of important structural information, failing to meet the needs of high-precision research. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the technical problems of existing X-ray microscope sample stages lacking temperature control, leading to biological samples easily losing water and deforming under normal temperature instrument conditions, and relying on water environment scanning affecting imaging quality, this utility model provides the following technical solution.
[0005] This utility model discloses a constant temperature scanning device for X-ray microscopes, comprising a refrigerator connected to a constant temperature kit and a shielding kit fitted around the outer periphery of the constant temperature kit. The shielding kit is connected to the external interface of the X-ray microscope, and a spiral copper tube is formed at one end of the constant temperature kit extending into the X-ray microscope. A sample stage with a transparent cover at its upper end is connected to the inner wall of the spiral copper tube. The sample stage is connected to the sample stage of the X-ray microscope, and a temperature sensor with a temperature sensor wire connected through the sample stage is provided on the inner wall of the sample stage.
[0006] As a further technical solution, a heat-conducting sleeve is connected between the inner wall of the spiral copper tube and the outer wall of the sample stage.
[0007] As a further technical solution, the heat-conducting sleeve is provided with a fitting surface that matches the shape of the inner wall of the spiral copper tube.
[0008] As a further technical solution, the constant temperature kit includes a refrigeration copper pipe and a circulation copper pipe connected to the refrigerator, and a spiral copper pipe is formed at the connection between the refrigeration copper pipe and the circulation copper pipe.
[0009] As a further technical solution, the outer periphery of the cooling copper pipe, the circulating copper pipe, and the temperature sensor wire are all covered with a heat insulation layer.
[0010] As a further technical solution, the shielding kit includes a protective layer, a lead plate layer and a pure aluminum layer arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside, and the shielding kit has a first mounting end and a second mounting end at its front and rear ends, respectively.
[0011] As a further technical solution, both the first mounting end and the second mounting end are provided with through holes for the thermostatic kit to pass through.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: A sample stage is installed at the sample stage of an X-ray microscope, and an external refrigerator and thermostatic kit maintain the sample stage at a constant temperature. The installation of the spiral copper tube and heat-conducting sleeve ensures that the sample stage receives uniform and stable cooling, achieving a stable and constant temperature environment for the sample during scanning to suppress moisture evaporation, avoid damage to the original microstructure of the sample, and prevent interference from the water environment on imaging, thus ensuring image quality. Simultaneously, the shielding kit prevents X-ray leakage, ensuring the experimental accuracy, imaging clarity, and operational safety of long-term scanning of biological samples. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the constant temperature scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to this utility model; Figure 2 This is another perspective schematic diagram of the isothermal scanning device of this utility model applicable to X-ray microscopes; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sample stage connection for the isothermal scanning device of this utility model applicable to X-ray microscope; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the shielding kit of the constant temperature scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to this utility model; In the diagram: 1-Refrigeration unit; 2-Thermostatic kit; 201-Refrigeration copper pipe; 202-Circulation copper pipe; 203-Insulation sleeve; 3-Shielding kit; 301-Protective layer; 302-Lead plate layer; 303-Pure aluminum layer; 304-First mounting end; 305-Second mounting end; 306-Through hole; 4-Fixing sleeve; 5-Temperature sensor wire; 6-Sample stage; 7-Spiral copper pipe; 8-Transparent cover; 9-Heat-conducting sleeve; 901-Mating surface. Detailed Implementation
[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.
[0015] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a temperature-controlled scanning device suitable for X-ray microscopes, including a refrigerator 1 connected to a temperature-controlled kit 2. The refrigerator 1 uses a compressor-based cooling method to provide a stable cold source for the X-ray microscope. The output of the refrigerator 1 transfers temperature through copper tubing. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 provides a constant temperature environment of 4°C for the sample stage of the X-ray microscope, maintaining a stable constant temperature of 4°C during scanning to suppress moisture evaporation, avoid damaging the original microstructure of the sample, and prevent interference from the water environment on imaging, thus ensuring image quality.
[0017] At this point, a spiral copper tube 7 is formed at one end of the thermostatic kit 2 extending into the X-ray microscope. The inner wall of the spiral copper tube 7 is connected to the sample stage 6, and the inner wall of the spiral copper tube 7 is in close contact with the outer wall of the sample stage 6. The spiral copper tube 7 is used to cool the sample stage 6, maintaining a stable constant temperature of 4°C in its inner cavity. The sample stage 6 is connected to the sample stage of the X-ray microscope, ensuring that the sample on the sample stage is in a constant temperature environment of 4°C, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of subsequent X-ray scanning imaging. The main body of the sample stage 6 is made of stainless steel, specifically 304 stainless steel in this embodiment, which has high strength and good corrosion resistance. The sample stage 6 has a hollow cylindrical structure and can be placed on the sample stage of an existing X-ray microscope. A transparent cover 8 is provided at the upper end of the sample stage 6. After the transparent cover 8 is placed over the upper end of the sample stage 6, it can achieve a heat preservation function, preventing temperature changes in the inner cavity of the sample stage 6.
[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the temperature control kit 2 includes a cooling copper pipe 201 and a circulating copper pipe 202 connected to the output end of the refrigerator 1. A spiral copper pipe 7 is formed at the connection between the cooling copper pipe 201 and the circulating copper pipe 202 at the sample stage 6. The spiral copper pipe 7 is used to provide a constant temperature environment for the sample stage 6. A temperature sensor is provided on the inner wall of the sample stage 6 to continuously monitor the temperature index inside the sample stage 6. At this time, the temperature sensor wire 5 passes through the sample stage 6 and is connected to an external temperature control module through the temperature control kit 2. Multiple temperature sensors can also be set on the side of the cooling copper pipe 201 away from the spiral copper pipe 7 to monitor the temperature of multiple nodes of the cooling copper pipe 201 and ensure temperature stability.
[0019] Meanwhile, the outer periphery of the refrigeration copper pipe 201, the circulation copper pipe 202, and the temperature sensor wire 5 is all covered with an insulation layer 203. The insulation layer 203 is a relatively thick polyurethane insulation layer, which wraps the outer layers of the refrigeration copper pipe 201 and the circulation copper pipe 202 by 5-8mm to reduce cold loss. It can be seen that multiple protective sleeves 4 are provided on the outer side of the insulation layer 203. The protective sleeves 4 can prevent the insulation layer 203 from breaking upon contact. Moreover, the insulation layer 203 not only wraps the refrigeration copper pipe 201 and the circulation copper pipe 202, but also wraps the spiral copper pipe 7, further reducing cold loss.
[0020] like Figure 3As shown, in a preferred embodiment, since the contact area between the spiral copper tube 7 and the sample stage 6 is small, a heat-conducting sleeve 9 is connected between the inner wall of the spiral copper tube 7 and the outer wall of the sample stage 6. The heat-conducting sleeve 9 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency between the spiral copper tube 7 and the outer wall of the sample stage 6. In this embodiment, the heat-conducting sleeve 9 is made of thermally conductive silicone, and the heat-conducting sleeve 9 has a fitting surface 901 that matches the shape of the inner wall of the spiral copper tube 7. The fitting surface 901 can increase the contact area between the heat-conducting sleeve 9 and the spiral copper tube 7, thereby increasing the heat conduction area and heat conduction rate, which can enable the sample stage 6 to cool down quickly and ensure the stability of the internal temperature of the sample stage 6.
[0021] like Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, a shielding kit 3 is connected to the outer periphery of the temperature control kit 2. The shielding kit 3 is connected to the external interface of the X-ray microscope to prevent X-ray leakage and ensure the operational safety of long-term scanning of biological samples. In this case, the shielding kit 3 includes a protective layer 301, a lead plate layer 302, and a pure aluminum layer 303 arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside, for shielding X-rays. The shielding kit 3 has a first mounting end 304 and a second mounting end 305 at its front and rear ends, respectively. The first mounting end 304 is fixedly connected to the external interface of the X-ray microscope. Both the first mounting end 304 and the second mounting end 305 have through holes 306 for the temperature control kit 2 to pass through, further reducing the possibility of X-ray leakage and ensuring operational safety.
[0022] In use, firstly, the constant temperature kit 2 passes through the shielding kit 3 through the through hole 306 of the first mounting end 304 and extends out from the second mounting end 305 to connect with the refrigerator 1. The spiral copper tube 7 and the heat-conducting sleeve 9 are then stably connected to the sample stage 6. Next, the biological sample to be scanned is properly installed on the sample stage of the X-ray microscope. The sample stage 6 is placed above the microscope sample stage, ensuring that the sample is completely within the temperature control range of the sample stage 6. The transparent cover 8 is then tightened, and the X-ray microscope door is closed. After that, the refrigerator 1 is started, and the temperature of the inner cavity of the sample stage 6 is monitored in real time by the temperature sensor. Once the temperature stabilizes and drops to 4°C and remains there (fluctuation range ≤ ±0.3°C), the scanning program of the X-ray microscope is started, and long-term constant temperature scanning of the biological sample can be carried out.
[0023] The preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A temperature-controlled scanning device suitable for X-ray microscopes, characterized in that: The device includes a refrigerator (1) connected to a thermostat kit (2) and a shielding kit (3) fitted around the thermostat kit (2). The shielding kit (3) is connected to the external interface of the X-ray microscope, and a spiral copper tube (7) is formed at one end of the thermostat kit (2) extending into the X-ray microscope. A sample stage (6) with a transparent cover (8) at the upper end is connected to the inner wall of the spiral copper tube (7). The sample stage (6) is connected to the sample stage of the X-ray microscope, and a temperature sensor with a temperature sensor wire (5) connected through the sample stage (6) is provided on the inner wall of the sample stage (6).
2. The isothermal scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-conducting sleeve (9) is connected between the inner wall of the spiral copper tube (7) and the outer wall of the sample stage (6).
3. The isothermal scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat-conducting sleeve (9) is provided with a fitting surface (901) that matches the shape of the inner wall of the spiral copper tube (7).
4. The isothermal scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The constant temperature kit (2) includes a refrigeration copper pipe (201) and a circulation copper pipe (202) connected to the refrigerator (1), and a spiral copper pipe (7) is formed at the connection between the refrigeration copper pipe (201) and the circulation copper pipe (202).
5. The isothermal scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the cooling copper pipe (201), the circulating copper pipe (202), and the temperature sensor wire (5) is covered with a heat insulation layer (203).
6. The isothermal scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shielding kit (3) includes a protective layer (301), a lead plate layer (302) and a pure aluminum layer (303) arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside. The shielding kit (3) is provided with a first mounting end (304) and a second mounting end (305) at the front and rear ends, respectively.
7. The isothermal scanning device for X-ray microscopes according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both the first mounting end (304) and the second mounting end (305) are provided with through holes (306) through which the thermostatic kit (2) passes.