Abstract: A device for preparing samples for use in a cryo-electron microscope. The device comprises a holder for holding a sample carrier, at least one jetting device that is arranged for providing a jet of cryogenic fluid to said sample carrier, and a transfer mechanism that is operably coupled to the holder for bringing the holder to a jetting position. In the jetting position the holder is located near the at least one jetting device for receiving said jet of cryogenic fluid. The device further comprises a plunging reservoir for receiving a volume of cryogenic fluid, wherein the transfer mechanism is additionally arranged for bringing the holder to a plunging position. In the plunging position the holder is positioned at least partly inside an internal volume of said plunging reservoir for bringing the sample carrier in contact with cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a cryogenic sample, whereby the sample is subjected to rapid cooling using a cryogen. A pair of conduits for transporting cryogenic fluid are provided, each of which conduits opens out into a mouthpiece, which mouthpieces are arranged to face each other across an intervening gap, wherein in the gap a sample that is provided on a substantially planar sample carrier can be received. Cryogenic fluid can be pumped through the conduits so as to concurrently flush from the mouthpieces and suddenly immerse the sample in cryogenic fluid from two opposite sides. As defined herein, at least one of the mouthpieces comprises at least two nozzle openings for evenly cooling the substantially planar sample carrier during the flushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a cryogenic sample, whereby the sample is subjected to rapid cooling using a cryogen. A pair of conduits for transporting cryogenic fluid are provided, each of which conduits opens out into a mouthpiece, which mouthpieces are arranged to face each other across an intervening gap, wherein in the gap a sample that is provided on a substantially planar sample carrier can be received. Cryogenic fluid can be pumped through the conduits so as to concurrently flush from the mouthpieces and suddenly immerse the sample in cryogenic fluid from two opposite sides. As defined herein, at least one of the mouthpieces comprises at least two nozzle openings for evenly cooling the substantially planar sample carrier during the flushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a cryogenic sample, whereby the sample is subjected to rapid cooling using a cryogen. A pair of conduits for transporting cryogenic fluid are provided, each of which conduits opens out into a mouthpiece, which mouthpieces are arranged to face each other across an intervening gap, wherein in said gap a sample that is provided on a substantially planar sample carrier can be received. Cryogenic fluid can be pumped through said conduits so as to concurrently flush from said mouthpieces and suddenly immerse the sample in cryogenic fluid from two opposite sides. As defined herein, at least one of said mouthpieces comprises at least two nozzle openings for evenly cooling said substantially planar sample carrier during said flushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a cryogenic sample, whereby the sample is subjected to rapid cooling using a cryogen. The method comprises the step of providing a sample, said sample comprising a specimen provided on a substantially planar specimen carrier. The method comprises the step of providing at least one flow device for transporting cryogenic fluid to said sample, wherein said flow device comprises a first nozzle for directing a flow of cryogenic fluid onto said sample. Then, the sample is positioned next to said first nozzle and a flow of cryogenic fluid is provided out of said first nozzle in such a way that the sample is cryogenically cooled. As defined herein, the nozzle opening of the first nozzle has a width, as measured in a first direction, and a height, as measured in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, wherein said width is larger than said height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a cryogenic sample, whereby the sample is subjected to rapid cooling using a cryogen. A pair of conduits for transporting cryogenic fluid are provided, each of which conduits opens out into a mouthpiece, which mouthpieces are arranged to face each other across an intervening gap, wherein in said gap a sample that is provided on a substantially planar sample carrier can be received. Cryogenic fluid can be pumped through said conduits so as to concurrently flush from said mouthpieces and suddenly immerse the sample in cryogenic fluid from two opposite sides. As defined herein, at least one of said mouthpieces comprises at least two nozzle openings for evenly cooling said substantially planar sample carrier during said flushing.