Frozen Solution Sample Preparation for Ultra-High Vacuum SPM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solution characterization methods, such as X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, lack spatial resolution and cannot capture local structures and interactions due to ensemble averaging, while ultra-high vacuum techniques like SPM require a compatible method to transfer solutions without contamination.
Innovation Solution
A frozen solution sample preparation device for ultra-high vacuum systems, comprising a sample stage, compressible linear shift, sample transfer chamber, gate valve, and vacuum pump system, allows for transferring frozen solutions to maintain cleanliness and intrinsic state, using a cooling system and sample preparation system to freeze and thaw samples for high-resolution analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectroscopic methods (XRD, IR, NMR) are used to characterize solutions, then macroscopic solution properties can be measured at ambient conditions, but spatial resolution is poor and local structures cannot be characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by cooling the solution to cryogenic temperatures (using liquid nitrogen), which enables the solution to be transferred to ultra-high vacuum environment while maintaining its structural integrity. This parameter change allows the use of SPM for high spatial resolution imaging that is incompatible with ambient temperature spectroscopic methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by freezing the solution into a solid state (ice) that can withstand ultra-high vacuum conditions. This phase transition from liquid to solid enables the solution to be compatible with SPM techniques while preserving molecular structures for high-resolution imaging.
2Measurement precision
If ultra-high vacuum environment is used for SPM to minimize contamination and reduce thermal disturbance, then measurement precision improves, but solution compatibility deteriorates due to incompatibility of liquid solution with ultra-high vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cryogenic levels and the phase parameter from liquid to solid, enabling the solution to survive transfer to ultra-high vacuum environment. This allows SPM to operate in its optimal ultra-high vacuum condition while still analyzing solution samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary freezing of the solution before transferring it to the ultra-high vacuum environment. This preliminary action prepares the solution in a state (frozen) that is compatible with ultra-high vacuum, avoiding contamination and maintaining sample integrity during transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrospray ionization technology is used to transfer solution to ultra-high vacuum, then some transfer capability is achieved, but intrinsic state of solution cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses freezing (phase transition from liquid to solid) instead of electrospray ionization to transfer the solution. This phase transition method preserves the intrinsic state of the solution by avoiding the ionization process that alters molecular structures, while still enabling transfer to ultra-high vacuum environment.
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 the transfer of solution samples to ultra-high vacuum systems with maintained cleanliness and intrinsic state, facilitating high-resolution analysis and atomic-scale structure and composition information using SPM without heating or evaporation, applicable to various solution systems and multi-ion/solvent systems.
Implementation Method 1
the solution sample is frozen on the sample preparation system through the cooling system
Implementation Method 2
a top end of the sample transfer chamber is hermetically connected to a bottom end of the compressible linear shift to form a connected chamber, and the chamber is connected to the vacuum pump system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a frozen solution sample preparation device applicable to an ultra-high vacuum system. The frozen solution sample preparation device includes: a sample stage, a compressible linear shift, a sample transfer chamber, a gate valve, a solution vessel and a vacuum pump; where the sample stage includes a cooling system and a sample preparation system; an interior of the compressible linear shift has a hollowed structure; a top end of the sample transfer chamber is hermetically connected to a bottom end of the compressible linear shift, the sample transfer chamber is connected to the interior of the compressible linear shift to form a connected chamber, and the connected chamber is connected to the vacuum pump; and the solution vessel is connected to a bottom end of the sample transfer chamber through the gate valve.