Sample Cell with Apertured Retaining Structure for Electron Diffraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample cells for electron diffraction are laborious to handle and unsuitable for simultaneous preparation of multiple samples, particularly for crystallization processes, due to their design requiring specialized holders and causing radiation damage to sensitive organic crystals.
Innovation Solution
A sample cell with a flat, laterally extensive sample space defined by membranes and a spacer, featuring a retaining structure with apertures for examination windows, allowing for easy handling and reduced radiation damage through distributed beam exposure, and capable of being used without a specialized holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sample cell is designed with two separate plates requiring a specialized TEM sample holder, then the sample space can be sealed, but the handling becomes laborious and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base plate, cover plate, and sample holder into a single integrated sample cell structure. The retaining structure with integrated apertures combines the functions of sealing and holding, eliminating the need for separate specialized TEM sample holders while maintaining reliable sealing through the O-ring groove design.
2Measurement precision
If electron diffraction is performed on thin samples, then the diffraction signal is strong, but radiation damage occurs to sensitive organic crystals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample cell into multiple regions defined by apertures in the retaining structure, allowing the electron beam to be distributed across multiple examination windows. This enables the total radiation dose to be spread over a larger effective area, reducing damage to sensitive organic crystals while maintaining sufficient diffraction signal through multiple measurement points.
3Reliability
If a specialized TEM sample holder is used for sealing the sample cell, then the sample space can be properly sealed, but additional holders are required for time-resolved measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sample cell with a universal retaining structure that serves multiple functions: it seals the sample space, provides examination windows for electron diffraction, and enables time-resolved measurements through its aperture configuration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized holders for different measurement modes.
4Area of stationary object
If the sample cell is designed with a flat sample space, then laterally extensive samples can be examined, but the structure becomes more complex with membranes and spacers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film membranes as the walls of the sample space, which provide the necessary containment while maintaining a flat, laterally extensive geometry. The membranes, combined with the retaining structure, create a simple planar configuration rather than a complex three-dimensional structure, facilitating easy handling and integration with TEM sample holders.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample cell including a sample space, restricted on its first side by a first inner side of a first membrane and on its second side by a second inner side of a second membrane. A spacer is arranged between the first and the second inner sides to establish a distance between the membranes. A first retaining element is arranged on a first outer side, facing away from the sample space, of the first membrane and a second retaining element is arranged on a second outer side, which faces away from the sample space, of the second membrane, the first and second retaining elements together form a retaining structure. The first and second retaining elements each have a plurality of apertures aligned with each other in a direction transverse to the flat sides, to form a plurality of examination windows, in which the outer sides of the membranes are exposed.