Liquid Sample Holder Structure for Electron Microscope Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electron microscopy, liquid samples are prone to leakage from small spaces between diaphragms, leading to contamination and image deterioration due to charge-up effects, as the volume of the space is insufficient to hold the sample, causing leaks to occur at unexpected locations.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder design with a guide portion that directs excess liquid away from the electron beam irradiation side, using a configuration of overlapping and non-overlapping portions to channel leaked liquid vertically downward, preventing attachment to the diaphragm surface and reducing pressure-induced diaphragm breakage or curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a small space between diaphragms is used to hold liquid sample, then the electron beam can pass through effectively, but the liquid sample leaks to unexpected locations including the diaphragm surface
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is divided into multiple functional regions: an observation region with diaphragms for electron beam passage, a liquid supply region for introducing the liquid sample, and a guide portion with groove structures to direct excess liquid. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while preventing liquid leakage to critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary structure between the observation region and the external environment. It includes groove structures that intercept and redirect excess liquid sample, serving as a mediator that prevents direct contact between leaked liquid and the diaphragm surface, thus protecting the observation area.
2Quantity of substance
If excess liquid is allowed to remain in the sample holder, then the space between diaphragms can be fully filled, but liquid leaks to the outside and attaches to the diaphragm surface causing charge-up effects
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion with groove structures is pre-configured to intercept and redirect excess liquid before it can reach the diaphragm surface. This preliminary action prevents the harmful charge-up effect from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for post-observation cleaning or correction.
3Reliability
If the space between diaphragms is made larger to accommodate more liquid, then liquid leakage is reduced, but the electron beam transmission and observation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sample holder into distinct functional regions (observation region with fixed small gap for electron beam, liquid supply region, and guide portion), the design maintains the small space needed for high-resolution electron beam observation while providing separate areas for liquid management that prevent leakage without compromising observation precision.
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
The sample holder effectively suppresses liquid sample leakage and contamination, maintaining image quality by ensuring the liquid is directed away from critical surfaces and reducing pressure-related issues, thus enhancing the reliability of electron microscopy measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a guide portion that guides a liquid having an amount exceeding an amount of liquid with which the space is fillable so as to be dropped from a side opposite to the irradiation side of the electron beam
Data Source
AI summary
The performance of a sample holder that is fillable with a liquid sample is improved. A sample holder 200 includes: an upper tip 300 that is disposed on an irradiation side of an electron beam; and a lower tip 400 that is disposed to face the upper tip 300. At this time, the sample holder 200 includes: a diaphragm 350 that is provided in the upper tip 300; a diaphragm 450 that is provided in the lower tip 400; a space 600 that is interposed between the diaphragm 350 and the diaphragm 450 and is fillable with a liquid; and a guide portion 340 that guides a liquid having an amount exceeding an amount of liquid with which the space 600 is fillable so as to be dropped from a side opposite to the irradiation side of the electron beam.