Device for Holding a Sample, System and Manufacturing Method

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a device for holding and illuminating a sample inside an optical appliance such as an electron microscope. The device includes a built-in light source (typically an LED), a sample area, electrical contacts for powering the light source, and often features like electron-transparent windows and environmental sealing. The design allows for direct, efficient illumination of samples during high-resolution imaging or analysis without the need for specialized sample holders or external optics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• In-situ photochemical or photoexcitation studies within electron or optical microscopes
• Material science research, enabling real-time observation of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale
• Development and study of solar cells and photoactive materials under controlled environments
• Observation of biological or chemical samples under varying gas or liquid environments and illumination
• Electrochemical experiments, such as studying photoelectrocatalysis or solar cell mechanisms
• High-resolution correlative studies combining illumination with electron microscopy techniques like TEM, SEM, EELS, or EDX

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables simultaneous illumination and electron/optical imaging with standard microscopy sample holders, eliminating need for custom holders
• Improves illumination efficiency and minimizes space requirements by integrating a grown (on-wafer) LED near the sample area
• Allows controlled environmental conditions (gas, liquid, vacuum) around the sample for diverse experiments
• Facilitates studies across a range of scientific fields: materials science, chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology
• Supports advanced experiments like heating/cooling or biasing during in-situ imaging
• Direct sample illumination (without light guides or mirrors) increases data quality and reproducibility, and allows for straightforward experiment setup

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding a sample for use with an optical appliance, a system, a method for manufacturing a device and a method for holding a sample in an optical appliance. A device (10) for holding a sample for use with an optical appliance, in particular an electron microscope, comprises a sample area (12) for arranging a sample, a light source (14) for illuminating the sample arranged in the sample area (12), a holding section (16) which enables the device (10) to be held by a sample holder of the optical appliance, and a contact section (18). The contact section (18) has at least two electrical contacts (20) for establishing an electrical connection with the sample holder to power the light source (14).