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PP2000 and PP2000T Cryo-SEM Preparation Systems

Cryo-SEM preparation: the advantages   Cryo-SEM overview Cryo preparation techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) have become essential for the observation of wet or "beam sensitive" samples. Using such techniques removes the need for conventional preparation techniques, such as critical point drying or freeze-drying, and allows observation of the sample in its "natural" hydrated state. Cryo-SEM is also a very rapid technique, typically only a few minutes. The advantages of cryo-SEM Library of cryo preparation images Cryo-SEM Portfolio
PP2000 on a Tescan Vega LMU	PP2000T cryo-SEM fitted to a Zeiss SMT EVO 50
PP2000T cryo preparation system attached to an FEI Quanta 3D 200 DualBeam	PP2000T cryo-SEM on Hitachi S-3500 Polaron PP2000 cryo-SEM system at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena
PP2000T cryo-SEM fitted to a Zeiss SUPRA 55VP	PP2000T cryo-SEM fitted to an FEI XL30 ESEM FEG
PP2000T cryo-SEM on a JEOL 6500F	PP2000T cryo-SEM on XL40
PP2000 cryo-SEM fitted on a JEOL 6490 SEM	FEI Nova 600 with PP2000T

Key features:

• Easy to use
• Rapid cryo transfer
• Ease to maintain
• High resolution coating system
• Fully integrated up-gradable design
• Highest levels of vibration isolation
• Comprehensive cold trapping
• Independently cooled and controlled SEM anti-contaminator
• Standard (PP2000 cryo-SEM) or high vacuum (PP2000T cryo-SEM) models
• Optional vacuum isolated SEM dewar for low vacuum work
• Compact ergonomic design
• 3 year warranty

Summary of the cryo preparation technique

The sample is rapidly cooled and transferred under vacuum to the cold stage of the preparation chamber, which is mounted on to the SEM chamber. The preparation chamber is pumped either with a rotary pump (PP2000 cryo-SEM) or by a specially designed turbomolecular pumping system (PP2000T cryo-SEM). The sample can be fractured, etched to reveal greater detail and coated with metal by sputtering or with carbon by evaporation. Finally, the sample can be loaded under vacuum into the SEM chamber where it is easily located on a cold stage specifically tailored to the SEM. At all stages of the procedure the sample is maintained at a "safe" temperature of lower than -140^oC.
The PP2000 cryo-SEM Series also embodies design features that ensure the vacuum in all three areas is optimally clean and that samples risk minimal exposure to contamination.
The PP2000 cryo-SEM series is the result of many years experience of cryo techniques and vacuum and coating technologies. The instrumentation is "logical", easy to understand, simple to use and maintain and will give high quality results from a wide range of samples.

Component parts of the PP2000 and PP2000T

Sample holders and specimen mounting

Sample freezing

Sample transfer

Preparation chamber

Pumping system

Electrical controls, vacuum controls and instrument trolley

SEM dewar and cold stage

 

Specification

Ordering information

Site requirements

Library of cryo preparation images

PP2000 / PP2000T service contact (PDF file)

Product catalogue download