Electron Microscope Sample Holder with Integrated LED Light Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron microscope sample holders face challenges in performing in-situ observation of photocatalysts under light irradiation, particularly when trying to irradiate samples with white or ultraviolet light of sunlight intensity, as this requires significant remodeling of the equipment and compromises the resolution due to the need for optical fiber holders and collection optics within the objective lens gap.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder design that incorporates a light irradiation unit with a semiconductor light emitting element, such as a LED, integrated into the sample holder's lid, allowing for light irradiation without altering the thickness or reducing the electron microscope's resolution, using a combination of silicon chips to form an environment cell that can be sealed and positioned to align with the electron beam's optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an optical fiber holder and collection optics are incorporated into the electron microscope to irradiate the sample with white light or ultraviolet light, then the sample can be observed under light irradiation, but the resolution of the electron microscope is reduced due to the larger gap required for optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light irradiation function from the electron microscope body and relocates it to the sample holder. By placing the light source and optical components on the sample holder rather than incorporating them into the microscope's objective lens gap, the resolution is preserved while still enabling light irradiation for photocatalyst observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component that bridges the light source and the sample. The light guide efficiently transmits light from the LED source to the sample surface, enabling effective light irradiation without requiring direct placement of optical components in the electron microscope's objective lens gap.
2Illumination intensity
If an optical fiber holder is attached to the electron microscope to introduce an optical fiber for light irradiation, then the sample can be illuminated, but large-scale remodeling of the equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light irradiation function with the sample holder by integrating the LED light source and light guide directly into the sample holder structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate optical fiber holders and extensive equipment remodeling, as the sample holder itself becomes the light delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical fiber holder system with a more integrated design where the light guide is directly coupled to the LED source on the sample holder. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure and reduces the complexity of equipment assembly and alignment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables in-situ observation of photocatalysts with high luminous light intensity without compromising the electron microscope's resolution, allowing for detailed analysis of catalysts and electrodes at the atomic level, suitable for applications in fuel cells and CO2 conversion catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
the light irradiation unit includes a light emitting element is placed at a position where the opening of the first silicon chip or the opening of the second silicon chip is allowed to be irradiated with light
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a sample holder that allows in-situ observation of a sample such as a gas or liquid under light irradiation and an electron microscope. An environment cell is formed in combination of two silicon chips, each including a membrane and a frame supporting the membrane, the frame being provided on the opening. The environment cell is accommodated in a main body of the sample holder, and fixed by a lid. The openings of the lid, the two silicon chips, and the main body are placed so as to overlap with each other along the optical axis of an electron beam of an electron microscope. A light emitting element is placed at a position where any one of the openings of the two silicon chips is allowed to be irradiated with light.