Transmission Electron Microscope Ionic Liquid Specimen Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for observing specimens in a transmission electron microscope often result in specimen deformation or inability to observe motion due to the use of solid support films and drying processes, which distort the natural shape and function of specimens like biological samples or micro-particulates.
Innovation Solution
A transmission electron microscope system utilizing a specimen-holding member with an opening to hold ionic liquid, allowing specimens to suspend and move within it, with mechanisms for introducing and controlling the ionic liquid, applying voltage, and rotating the specimen holder for multidirectional observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid support film is used to hold the specimen, then the specimen can be supported and observed, but the specimen deforms under its own weight or during drying, causing loss of natural shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solid support film with a liquid medium (ionic liquid) to hold the specimen. The liquid medium provides buoyant support that prevents specimen deformation under gravity while maintaining specimen integrity during observation. This hydraulic approach eliminates the contact-induced deformation caused by solid films.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support medium from solid to liquid (specifically ionic liquid). This parameter change allows the specimen to be supported without direct contact that causes deformation, while the liquid medium can be introduced and removed without causing drying artifacts or denaturation.
2Reliability
If a vacuum environment is used for electron microscopy, then electron beam transmission is enabled, but biological specimens must be dried which causes denaturation and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ionic liquid as a vacuum-compatible liquid medium that allows specimens to maintain their natural hydrated state during electron microscopy observation. The ionic liquid enables electron beam transmission while preventing the drying-induced denaturation that occurs with conventional vacuum drying methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ionic liquid, a composite material with unique properties combining liquid state with vacuum stability. This material allows the specimen to remain in a near-natural state while being compatible with the vacuum environment required for electron microscopy, avoiding the harmful effects of conventional drying.
3Reliability
If a specimen is embedded in solid ice for observation, then the specimen can be preserved, but the specimen cannot move or exhibit dynamic behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid ionic medium instead of solid ice to preserve and observe specimens. The liquid state allows specimens to maintain mobility and exhibit dynamic behavior while still being preserved in a stable environment suitable for electron microscopy observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the preservation medium from solid (ice) to liquid (ionic liquid). This parameter change enables specimen mobility and dynamic observation while maintaining preservation stability, allowing researchers to observe both structure and function simultaneously.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional drying and embedding methods are used, then specimen preparation is simplified, but the specimen loses its natural shape and functional characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid ionic medium for specimen preparation that maintains specimens in a near-natural state throughout the preparation and observation process. This approach preserves functional characteristics and dynamic behavior while keeping the preparation process relatively simple, avoiding complex drying and embedding steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ionic liquid that allows specimens to be observed in a hydrated, functional state without requiring conventional drying and embedding procedures. This parameter change preserves functional information while simplifying the preparation workflow by eliminating multiple processing steps.
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 observation of specimens in their natural shape and motion without deformation, allowing for the study of their function and structure in a three-dimensional context.
Implementation Method 1
an ionic liquid is held in a specimen-holding member having an opening (for example, a microgrid and a mesh) and a specimen is charged to the ionic liquid to allow a specimen to suspend
Implementation Method 2
When a voltage is applied to the electrode, the specimen moves and deforms in the ionic liquid
Implementation Method 3
an evaporation apparatus is provided to charge a specimen into the ionic liquid while evaporating
Implementation Method 4
an electron beam is applied to a specimen set in a specimen chamber and an image of the specimen is formed from the electron beam transmitted through the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is means which enables observation of the shape of a specimen as it is without deforming the specimen. Observation is made by allowing a specimen-holding member having an opening (for example, microgrid and mesh) to hold an ionic liquid and charging a specimen thereto, to allow the specimen to suspend in the ionic liquid. Furthermore, in the proximity of the specimen-holding member, a mechanism of injecting an ionic liquid (ionic liquid introduction mechanism) and/or an electrode are provided. When a voltage is applied to the electrode, the specimen moves or deforms in the ionic liquid. How the specimen moves or deforms can be observed. Furthermore, in the proximity of specimen-holding member, an evaporation apparatus is provided to enable charge of the specimen into the ionic liquid while evaporating. Furthermore, in the proximity of the specimen-holding member, a microcapillary is provided to charge a liquid-state specimen into the ionic liquid. Note that the specimen-holding member is designed to be rotatable.