Electron Microscope Specimen Holder for Low-Vibration Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen holders for electron microscopes face challenges in temperature control and image resolution due to limitations in heat dissipation and vibration caused by cooling methods, particularly with Peltier type cooling holders, which hinder precise and stable observation.
Innovation Solution
A specimen holder design incorporating a thermoelectric element, such as a Peltier element, that allows for rotation and precise temperature control using a cooling unit with a solid, liquid, or gas cooling medium, minimizing vibration and enhancing heat transfer through a clamping mechanism, enabling efficient cooling and heating while maintaining biaxial tilting capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If Peltier type cooling holders are used to cool the specimen, then cooling efficiency is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient and vibration occurs reducing image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into two independent parts: a Peltier element for active cooling and a separate cooling unit with cooling medium for heat dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium (liquid or gas) is introduced as an intermediary between the Peltier element's heat radiating surface and the atmosphere. The cooling unit transfers heat from the Peltier element through the cooling medium, enabling efficient heat dissipation without causing vibration that would degrade image resolution.
2Loss of energy
If the heat radiating surface is exposed to atmosphere for natural convection, then heat dissipation is improved, but the heat dissipation side must be exposed as much as possible increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a liquid or gas cooling medium circulated through the cooling unit to transfer heat from the Peltier element. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach enables efficient heat dissipation while allowing the heat radiating surface to be covered or enclosed, reducing device complexity compared to requiring extensive atmospheric exposure.
3Temperature
If forced convection with running water is used to cool the heat radiating surface, then heat absorption is improved, but convection or pulsating current causes microscopic image to sway reducing resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system separates the heat absorption function (Peltier element) from the heat dissipation function (cooling unit with cooling medium). The cooling medium circulates in a controlled manner through the cooling unit, providing efficient heat absorption without causing the vibration and image sway associated with direct forced convection on the specimen holder.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is installed to protect the specimen holder, then protection is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling medium acts as an intermediary that enables heat dissipation even when the heat radiating surface is covered by the protective cover. The cooling unit with circulating liquid or gas medium efficiently transfers heat from the enclosed Peltier element, maintaining both protection and heat dissipation performance.
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 solution enables stable and precise temperature control, suppressing thermal drift, allowing for long-term observation and precise analysis like EDS and EELS, while maintaining high-resolution imaging without significant vibration or heat dissipation issues.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric element is a thermoelectric element that utilizes at least one effect selected from the Peltier effect and the Thomson effect
Implementation Method 2
the thermoelectric element is a thermoelectric element that utilizes at least one effect selected from the Peltier effect and the Thomson effect
Implementation Method 3
it is necessary to cool the heat of the heat radiating surface of the Peltier element using the atmosphere (air) or running water. Either natural convection or forced convection may be used
Implementation Method 4
the heat from the thermoelectric element is transferred to the specimen holder shaft unit. The heat is transferred via a clamping mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen holder includes a specimen shaft unit having a specimen and/or specimen mesh setting unit; an outer tubular unit capable of housing the specimen holder shaft unit; a cooling unit; and a thermoelectric element placed close to the cooling unit. In certain examples, the thermoelectric element may use at least one effect selected from the Peltier effect and the Thomson effect.