Engineering the Full In-Situ Microscopy System

One of the most demanding operating environments in engineering

Specimen holders must function reliably in high-vacuum while maintaining exceptional mechanical stability, thermal and chemical compatibility, and electrical isolation. In-situ experiments bring a new set of challenges, requiring holder designs that control for all variables except for the isolated stimuli while maintaining precise alignment and minimizing artifacts from a damaging high-energy electron probe.

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Engineering across multiple length scales

Nanoscale characterization and analysis experiments demand precision across orders of magnitude. Nanometer-scale positioning, temperature fluctuations, electrical signals, and fluid flows must be controlled and measured with extraordinary accuracy. At the nanoscale, seemingly insignificant mechanical tolerances can dramatically impede experiments. A micron-scale misalignment or burr will translate into substantial image shifts, loss of resolution, poor user experience, and reduced reproducibility.

Integrated, intuitive, and accessible software packages

Software should be an accessible platform, not an island with a moat. Our standalone software modules control holder functionality, simplifying workflows and improving user experience, all without subscriptions or limits on license duration or number of installations. Ask us about custom control software modules and routines.

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Flexible and interoperable software platforms

Our software is modulary compatibile with OEM software ecosystems, allowing for seamless platform integration and data management pipelines. We view growing support for open Python APIs amongst OEMs and specialized tool manufacturers as a positive trend that will bolster efforts to implement synchronization, automation, and AI-driven workflows.

Bespoke integration of multiscale electronics

Because our applications require specialized sample environments and stimulus controls, an array of multiscale components must be inegrated, including connectors, multi-layer circuit boards, microfabricated chips, cabling, and software. Our expertise with these bespoke electronic ensembles allows us to consider custom electronic holder configurational options.

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In-house microfabrication

We are the only sample holder maker with dedicated division for substrate microfabrication. Our in-house developed and fabricated lab-on-a-chip microelectronic configurations can heat and bias samples concurrently, in a high-vacuum or environmental cell environment. This means we can design and fabricate custom chips with novel electrode geometries and materials. Contact us to learn more about custom substrates.