Wedge-Rotation Sample Holder for Precise Microscope Tilt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample holder systems for particle beam microscopy lack flexibility and precision in adjusting the tilt angle of samples, especially in systems without a tilt axis, making it difficult to achieve precise and stable alignment across all solid angles.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder system utilizing two wedge-shaped rotation elements connected in an open kinematic chain, allowing for continuous adjustment of the tilt angle by rotating the elements, which can replace the tilt and rotation axes of conventional sample stages, providing independent control over tilting and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a five-axis sample stage with a tilt axis is used, then the sample can be tilted to specific spatial orientations, but the alignment of the tilt axis in relation to the other movement axes is fixed and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is divided into multiple independent rotation elements (first rotation element, second rotation element, third rotation element) that can be rotated independently about different rotation axes. This segmentation allows each element to contribute a specific degree of freedom, collectively achieving versatile sample orientation without requiring a complex fixed tilt axis system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed tilt axis configuration to a dynamic multi-axis rotation system where the orientation of rotation axes relative to the optical axis can be changed by rotating the elements. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility in sample orientation while keeping the base structure simpler.
2Manufacturing precision
If a pre-tilted sample holder with a fixed tilt angle is used, then the tilt angle can be set, but the tilt angle cannot be changed and the alignment precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder implements dynamic adjustability by allowing independent rotation of multiple rotation elements about their respective axes. This enables continuous adjustment of the effective tilt angle and orientation, transforming a static fixed-tilt design into a dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom system that can achieve precise alignment while providing a wide range of adjustable angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-axis rotation system serves multiple functions: it can achieve various tilt angles, adjust the orientation of rotation axes relative to the optical axis, and provide precise alignment capability. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized holders with different fixed angles.
3Measurement precision
If the tilt angle of a small sample holder is set precisely and reproducibly, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the difficulty of setting the tilt angle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overall tilt angle adjustment is segmented into multiple independent rotation operations. Each rotation element can be adjusted independently about its own axis, breaking down the complex single-step tilt angle setting into multiple simpler, more controllable rotational steps. This segmentation improves measurement precision while easing the operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder system for holding a microscopic sample in a microscope system comprises a first and a second rotation element, which are rotatably connected to one another. The side surfaces of the two rotation elements in each case enclose an angle α, with the result that the rotation elements have a wedge-shaped cross section. The second rotation element is configured to receive a sample, while the first rotation element can be rotatably connected to a holder receiving surface. The rotation elements are each rotatable by an angle β about a rotation axis. The inclination of the third side surface on which the sample can be received is settable by combining all of the involved angles α and β.