TEM Micro-Grid Stabilization via Carbon Nanotube and Metal Mesh Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon nanotube structures used in transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grids are prone to floating, affecting the resolution and accuracy of electron microscopy images due to their lightweight nature.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a carrier and a protector with a carbon nanotube supporter in between, where the carbon nanotube supporter is secured between the carrier and protector using slits and clasps or welding, preventing it from floating during micro-grid movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If carbon nanotube structure is used in TEM micro-grids to reduce interference, then image quality is improved, but the lightweight nature causes the structure to float and affect resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by adding a metal mesh support structure beneath the carbon nanotube film. The metal mesh provides sufficient weight and mechanical stability to prevent the lightweight carbon nanotube structure from floating during electron microscopy observation, while maintaining the low-interference properties of the carbon nanotubes for high-resolution imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining carbon nanotubes with metal mesh support. This composite material approach integrates the advantageous properties of both materials: the carbon nanotubes provide low background interference and high electron transparency, while the metal mesh provides structural stability and prevents floating, achieving both high resolution and structural stability.
2Measurement precision
If carbon nanotube structure is used to reduce interference, then image quality is improved, but contamination from tweezers during handling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the micro-grid into distinct functional layers: a carbon nanotube film layer for low interference observation and a metal mesh support layer for structural integrity. This segmentation allows the carbon nanotube layer to be handled as a more robust composite structure, reducing the need for delicate tweezers manipulation that causes contamination, while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then production is simple, but alignment precision and production efficiency are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carbon nanotube film deposition process with the metal mesh support structure fabrication into an integrated manufacturing approach. The carbon nanotubes are deposited directly onto the metal mesh in a controlled manner, combining multiple functions (support structure, weight provision, low interference layer) into a single integrated component, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while improving alignment precision and production efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a TEM micro-grid is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carrier, a carbon nanotube structure, and a protector are provided. The carrier defines a first through opening. The protector defines a second through opening. The protector, the carbon nanotube structure and the carrier are stacked such that the carbon nanotube structure is located between the carrier and the protector. The second through opening at least partly overlaps with the first through opening. The carrier and the protector are welded with each other.