Philips CM12 manual Mounting the Sample, Inserting the Specimen Holder

Erwin Sabio Philips CM12 Alignment & Setup Manual Page 11

Sample Loading & Unloading

Mounting the Sample

Figure 13 An example of a TEM grid used to hold thin film samples

1.Samples for the CM12 are deposited as thin films on a copper mesh grid such as in Figure 13. This grid is the one loaded into the specimen holder (Figure 4) by first lifting the specimen clamp [24] using a pin-looking tool. (Note: Care must be taken to lift the clamp very gently so as not to break the fragile contraption. In addition, never touch the rod between the o-ring [23] and the specimen cavity at any point during sample mounting.)

2.Using a pair of tweezers, carefully grab one side of the sample grid and lower it into the specimen cavity. (Note: Never grab the mesh in any other way so as not to distort the mesh or scrape away the sample.)

3.Gently lower the clamp in place using the pin tool to ensure the sample is locked in place.

Inserting the Specimen Holder

1.Before inserting the specimen holder into the side entry chamber [3] (also called goniometer), check to make sure the tilt [25] is at 0 degrees and the lever [28] is in lock position.

2.Grab the end of the specimen holder nearest the black cap [22] and ensure that the slit on the cap is at the 8:00 position when inserted to the chamber. Push the holder further until a click as heard.

3.The red indicator light [26] will turn on as the chamber begins to be evacuated. Wait for this light to turn off before proceeding to the next step.

4.When the light goes off, turn the specimen holder counter clockwise until the slit is at the 3:00 position.

5.Gently support the rod as it gets sucked further into the chamber to prevent damage to the tip with the sample.

6.To “see” the sample on the large screen, spread the beam then adjust the stage controls [8] so that the viewing area is at the center of the opaque grid.