Overview of Sample Holders              TEM Grids           Stage Adapters             Stub Adapters            Sample Preparation 

Overview

Rave Scientific offers multiple STEM imaging holders. The EM-Tec ST1 STEM imaging holder facilitates STEM imaging of TEM samples in an SEM or FESEM. The EM-Tec ST1 STEM imaging holder uses the Everhart-Thornley SE detector in the SEM chamber. This TEM STEM holder is
constructed from vacuum grade aluminum, includes a brass TEM grid holder and platinum electron conversion plate with a  conductive plastic sleeve. Platinum is used for the conversation due to its high secondary electron signal, stability and corrosion resistance. The STEM imaging holder provides a genuine signal from the converted transmitted electrons, resulting in high contrast STEM imaging.

 Capacity of the STEM EM-Tech imaging holder:

EM-Tec TEM grid holders for surface imaging and EDX analysis with an SEM

• EM-Tec TG4 pin stub based TEM grid holder for up to four TEM grids. Numbered positions with machined pockets and side grooves for loading/unloading the TEM  grids. The TEM grids are clamped down by the top plate and a central brass screw. Through hole size is Ø2.1mm with a 60° side angle on top and base to reduce electron and X-ray scattering interference from the holder. Overall size is Ø18x3.2mm with a 15mm long standard 3.2mm pin. The longer pin creates a distance from the stage adapter to reduce electron and X-ray signals from the SEM stage.
• EM-Tec PS11 mini pin stub holder for a single TEM or FIB grid. TEM grid rim rests on a ledge; in the middle of the cavity there is dimple to provide a non-touching area for the mesh of the grid. Groove is provided for easy loading/unloading of the TEM grid with fine tweezers. The TEM grid is not clamped. This holder is used for quickly checking a TEM grid in the SEM or as a TEM grid holder for a carbon evaporator.
• EM-Tec PS14 mini pin stub holder for four TEM or FIB grids. TEM grid rim rests on a ledge; in the middle of each cavity there is dimple to provide a non-touching area for the mesh of the grid. Grooves are provided for easy loading/unloading of the TEM grids with fine tweezers. The TEM grids are not clamped. This holder is used for quickly checking  up to four TEM grids in the SEM or as a grid holder for a carbon evaporator.

Imaging TEM samples in the SEM

TEM samples are  very thin and therefore don't exhibit signal originating from bulk. This enables improved surface imaging and increased spatial resolution. These are clear advantages for SEM/EDX studies of thin films, fine dispersions, inclusions, precipitations and low-Z materials. An SEM or rather FESEM can also be used to check TEM samples or lamellas made with a FIB before inserting in a TEM.There are two methods of imaging TEM samples and they require different type of TEM grid holders:

• Surface imaging and investigation require TEM grid holders
• STEM imaging which requires a special TEM grid holder with integrated conversion plate
• EM-Tec TEM grid holders for surface imaging and EDX analysis with an SEM
  

  The EM-Tec TEM grids holders enables investigating TEM samples in the SEM. They are intended for use in table top SEMs, laboratory grade SEMs, FESEMs, Auger, SIMS and light microscopes. The EM-Tec grid holder can also be used to quickly check the sample (after FIB procedures) before investigating it with a TEM. The EM-Tec grid holders are intended for use in an SEM, Auger, SIMS and light microrcopes. They are all precision machined from vacuum grade aluminium. There are three EM-Tec TEM grid holders:

  • EM-Tec TG4 pin stub based TEM grid holder for up to four TEM grids. Numbered positions with machined pockets and side grooves for loading/unloading the TEM  grids. The TEM grids are clamped down by the top plate and a central brass screw. Through hole size is Ø2.1mm with a 60° side angle on top and base to reduce electron and X-ray scattering interference from the holder. Overall size is Ø18x3.2mm with a 15mm long standard 3.2mm pin. The longer pin creates a distance from the stage adapter to reduce electron and X-ray signals from the SEM stage.
  • EM-Tec PS11 mini pin stub holder for a single TEM or FIB grid. TEM grid rim rests on a ledge; in the middle of the cavity there is dimple to provide a non-touching area for the mesh of the grid. Groove is provided for easy loading/unloading of the TEM grid with fine tweezers. The TEM grid is not clamped. This holder is used for quickly checking a TEM grid in the SEM or as a TEM grid holder for a carbon evaporator.
  • EM-Tec PS14 mini pin stub holder for four TEM or FIB grids. TEM grid rim rests on a ledge; in the middle of each cavity there is dimple to provide a non-touching area for the mesh of the grid. Grooves are provided for easy loading/unloading of the TEM grids with fine tweezers. The TEM grids are not clamped. This holder is used for quickly checking  up to four TEM grids in the SEM or as a grid holder for a carbon evaporator.