LP-TEM Holder Thermal Isolation for Stable Liquid Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LP-TEM sample holders face challenges with unsteady temperature control due to variable thermal contact and limited power rating of on-chip heaters, which hinders precise and reproducible heating, especially for sensitive samples and electrochemical measurements.
Innovation Solution
A liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) holder with an integrated temperature regulation unit, comprising a heat source and temperature measuring unit, allows for precise temperature control via thermal contact between the holder and sample receptacle, enabling rapid heating and cooling with high precision and stability, maintaining temperatures within ±0.1°C for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If on-chip heaters are used for temperature control, then temperature regulation is integrated into the sample holder, but thermal contact variability leads to unsteady temperature and varying thermal drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal interface layer or improved contact mechanism between the heater and the sample chip to ensure consistent thermal coupling. This intermediary element compensates for surface irregularities and maintains stable thermal contact throughout the heating process, eliminating the variability that causes unsteady temperature and thermal drift.
2Temperature
If electrical contacts are used for on-chip heating, then temperature control is achieved, but limited space for contacts hinders other electrical measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the heating function from the measurement functions by using distinct electrical contact regions. The heating contacts are positioned in dedicated areas that do not interfere with the three-electrode measurement contacts, allowing both temperature control and electrochemical measurements to occur simultaneously without spatial conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample chip design incorporates multiple contact regions that can serve different functions - some contacts are dedicated to heating while others are reserved for electrochemical measurements. This multi-functional contact system allows the same chip to perform both temperature regulation and various electrical measurements without requiring separate devices.
3Temperature
If on-chip heaters with limited power rating are used, then integrated heating is achieved, but heating rate is slow and temperature range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic heating system where the power delivery can be adjusted in real-time based on the required heating rate and target temperature. The system can switch between low-power precise control modes and high-power rapid heating modes, allowing both slow precise temperature adjustments and fast heating to extend the operational temperature range and improve heating productivity.
4Measurement precision
If individually calibrated chips are used for precise temperature measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but production complexity and handling uncertainty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from individual chip calibration to a standardized reference-based calibration system. By using a known reference temperature point (such as the melting point of a standard substance) and calibrating all chips against this common reference, the system achieves consistent temperature measurements across multiple chips without requiring complex individual calibration procedures for each device.
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
This solution provides reproducible and stable temperature control, allowing for optimal imaging conditions and enabling precise temperature control for both rapid heating and prolonged observations, improving imaging resolution and reducing thermal drift.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element arranged for sufficient heating of the liquid compartment
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating portion (30) positioned so as to prevent thermal energy provided from the heating element, to dissipate into the second part (20)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) holder with integrated temperature regulation for operating with an associated transmission electron microscopy instrument providing an electron beam for imaging, the LP-TEM holder comprising a liquid phase sample receptacle (LPSR, 5) which may be made from two or more layers of materials. e.g. microchips, the LPSR providing a liquid compartment. The LP-TEM holder furthermore comprises an integrated temperature regulating unit (15), capable of regulating the temperature of the LPSR and liquid in the liquid compartment by means of a temperature measuring unit (16) capable of measuring a temperature in the liquid compartment. The LPSR is thermally isolated with a thermal isolating portion (30), with respect to an external environment and associated devices. The invention is particularly advantageous for providing fast temperature regulation and accurate steady state temperatures of one or more fluids to be imaged.