Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating a transmission electron microscope are disclosed. A fiducial mark on the sample holder is used to identify known reference points so that a current collection area and a through-hole on the sample holder can be located. A plurality of beam current and beam area measurements are taken, and calibration tables are extrapolated from the measurements for a full range of microscope parameters. The calibration tables are then used to determine electron dose of a sample during an experiment at a given configuration.

Abstract: A fluid metering system for gas independent pressure and flow control through an electron microscope sample holder includes: a pressure control system that supplies gas; an inlet line providing gas from the pressure control system to the sample holder; an outlet line receiving gas from the sample holder; and a variable leak valve that controls gas flow in the outlet line. The gas flows from an upstream tank of the pressure control system through the sample holder and variable leak valve to a downstream tank of the pressure control system due to the pressure difference of the two tanks as the variable leak valve meters flow in the outlet line. Flow rates are established by monitoring pressure changes at source and collection tanks of known volumes with gas independent pressure gauges. A method of directing the gas flow to a residual gas analyzer (RGA) is also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of metadata management for reviewing data from microscopy experimental sessions. Image data from an experimental session is stored in an archive at one or more filepath locations, either locally or on a network. Metadata associated with the image data is stored in a database with a reference to the filepath where the raw image is stored, such that the metadata is associated in the database with the image data. A user can perform post-experimental filtering, sorting, and searching of the underlying image data using the metadata, which allows the image data to be analyzed without duplication of the image data and without manual review of each individual image. The filtered data is presented in an interactive timeline format.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating a transmission electron microscope are disclosed. A fiducial mark on the sample holder is used to identify known reference points so that a current collection area and a through-hole on the sample holder can be located. A plurality of beam current and beam area measurements are taken, and calibration tables are extrapolated from the measurements for a full range of microscope parameters. The calibration tables are then used to determine electron dose of a sample during an experiment at a given configuration.

Abstract: An electrical device for electrically measuring a sample during electron microscope imaging includes: a chip through which a slit is defined, the chip having at least one peripheral edge, the slit having an open end at the at least one peripheral edge; an electrically conductive first contact on the chip; and an electrically conductive second contact on the chip; wherein the slit is at least partially positioned between the first contacts and second contact. An electrically conductive first wire may extend along the chip electrically connected to the first contact; and an electrically conductive second wire may extend along the chip electrically connected to the second contact. The first wire and second wire may diverge from each other in extending along the chip away from the slit.

Abstract: Control system configured for sample tracking in an electron microscope environment registers a movement associated with a region of interest located within an active area of a sample under observation with an electron microscope. The registered movement includes at least one directional constituent. The region of interest is positioned within a field of view of the electron microscope. The control system directs an adjustment of the electron microscope control component to one or more of dynamically center and dynamically focus the view through the electron microscope of the region of interest. The adjustment comprises one or more of a magnitude element and a direction element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of metadata management for reviewing data from microscopy experimental sessions. Image data from an experimental session is stored in an archive at one or more filepath locations, either locally or on a network. Metadata associated with the image data is stored in a database with a reference to the filepath where the raw image is stored, such that the metadata is associated in the database with the image data. A user can perform post-experimental filtering, sorting, and searching of the underlying image data using the metadata, which allows the image data to be analyzed without duplication of the image data and without manual review of each individual image. The filtered data is presented in an interactive timeline format.

Abstract: Control system configured for sample tracking in an electron microscope environment registers a movement associated with a region of interest located within an active area of a sample under observation with an electron microscope. The registered movement includes at least one directional constituent. The region of interest is positioned within a field of view of the electron microscope. The control system directs an adjustment of the electron microscope control component to one or more of dynamically center and dynamically focus the view through the electron microscope of the region of interest. The adjustment comprises one or more of a magnitude element and a direction element.

Abstract: A fluid metering system for gas independent pressure and flow control through an electron microscope sample holder includes: a pressure control system that supplies gas; an inlet line providing gas from the pressure control system to the sample holder; an outlet line receiving gas from the sample holder; and a variable leak valve that controls gas flow in the outlet line. The gas flows from an upstream tank of the pressure control system through the sample holder and variable leak valve to a downstream tank of the pressure control system due to the pressure difference of the two tanks as the variable leak valve meters flow in the outlet line. Flow rates are established by monitoring pressure changes at source and collection tanks of known volumes with gas independent pressure gauges. A method of directing the gas flow to a residual gas analyzer (RGA) is also presented.

Abstract: A heating device having a heating element patterned into a robust MEMs substrate, wherein the heating element is electrically isolated from a fluid reservoir or bulk conductive sample, but close enough in proximity to an imagable window/area having the fluid or sample thereon, such that the sample is heated through conduction. The heating device can be used in a microscope sample holder, e.g., for SEM, TEM, STEM, X-ray synchrotron, scanning probe microscopy, and optical microscopy.

Abstract: Control system configured for sample tracking in an electron microscope environment registers a movement associated with a region of interest located within an active area of a sample under observation with an electron microscope. The registered movement includes at least one directional constituent. The region of interest is positioned within a field of view of the electron microscope. The control system directs an adjustment of the electron microscope control component to one or more of dynamically center and dynamically focus the view through the electron microscope of the region of interest. The adjustment comprises one or more of a magnitude element and a direction element.

Abstract: A heating device having a heating element patterned into a robust MEMs substrate, wherein the heating element is electrically isolated from a fluid reservoir or bulk conductive sample, but close enough in proximity to an imagable window/area having the fluid or sample thereon, such that the sample is heated through conduction. The heating device can be used in a microscope sample holder, e.g., for SEM, TEM, STEM, X-ray synchrotron, scanning probe microscopy, and optical microscopy.

Abstract: An electron microscope sample holder that includes at least one capillary having a sufficient inner diameter to act as a catheter pathway that allows objects that can be accommodated within the at least one capillary to be replaced or swapped with other objects. The sample holder having at least one capillary allows the user to insert and remove temporary fluidic pathways, sensors or other tools without the need to dissemble the holder.

Abstract: System and method for safely controlling the containment of gas within a manifold system and the delivery of gas to a sample holder for an electron microscope for imaging and analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring and monitoring the properties of a fluid, for example, pressure, temperature, and chemical properties, within a sample holder for an electron microscope. The apparatus includes at least one fiber optic sensor used for measuring temperature and/or pressure and/or pH positioned in proximity of the sample.

Abstract: A heating device having a heating element patterned into a robust MEMs substrate, wherein the heating element is electrically isolated from a fluid reservoir or bulk conductive sample, but close enough in proximity to an imagable window/area having the fluid or sample thereon, such that the sample is heated through conduction. The heating device can be used in a microscope sample holder, e.g., for SEM, TEM, STEM, X-ray synchrotron, scanning probe microscopy, and optical microscopy.

Abstract: A support for an electron microscope sample includes a body defining a void for receiving a first micro-electronic device, and a first gasket positioned about the first surface. The first gasket further defines an arm extending at an angle away from a horizontal extending through the first micro-electronic device. In operation, the first micro-electronic device is installed onto the first gasket and the arm engages an outer facing side of the first micro-electronic device to grip the first micro-electronic device.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use in electron microscopy sample holders. The electrical connector provides electrical contacts to the sample support devices which are positioned in the sample holders for electrical, temperature and/or electrochemical control.

Abstract: A novel specimen holder for specimen support devices for insertion in electron microscopes. The novel specimen holder of the invention provides mechanical support for specimen support devices and as well as electrical contacts to the specimens or specimen support devices.