Sample Carrier and Method for Processing a Sample

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This patent describes a specialized sample carrier and method for processing specimens—especially for preparing ultra-thin samples required for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and related techniques. The device uses a movable carriage that holds the sample and is coupled with a uniquely designed rotating disc whose center of gravity is offset from its rotation axis. This setup transforms rotational motion into controlled linear or oscillatory movement, enabling precise and even thinning of the sample without needing damaging ion beam or chemical etching methods.

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

• Preparation of ultra-thin samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• Preparation of samples for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or other thin-film analytical techniques
• Research and industrial laboratories handling crystalline, amorphous, or heterogeneous solid materials
• Institutes requiring localized, controlled mechanical thinning of delicate or inhomogeneous samples
• Adaptation onto existing grinding and polishing equipment like dimple grinders

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables the production of homogeneously thinned samples suitable for high-resolution electron microscopy without the need for ion beam thinning, thereby reducing damage and artifacts.
• Compatible with a wide range of sample materials, including semiconductors, metals, ceramics, and biological samples embedded in resin.
• Increases precision and control over the thinning process, allowing for targeted preparation of specific regions in a sample.
• Minimizes contamination and mechanical damage to delicate samples due to the controlled movement and protection mechanisms in the device.
• Can be retrofitted onto conventional sample preparation machinery, reducing costs and facilitating widespread adoption.
• Provides integrated optical access for in-process monitoring and quality control, ensuring optimal preparation without frequent disassembly.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a sample carrier for a sample (70). Said sample carrier comprises a support base (10), a carriage (20) having a receiving region (30) for the sample (70), the carriage (20) being supported on the support base (10), a guide (40), the carriage (20) being movably arranged along the guide (40), and a disc (60) that is rotationally movable about an axis of rotation (50), said disc being operatively connected to the carriage (20), wherein a center of gravity (65) of the disc (60) is located outside of the axis of rotation (50).