Abstract: Systems/techniques are provided for facilitating vacuum simulation for charged-particle microscopy grid receptacles. In various embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a positioning mechanism configured to be coupled to a vacuum chamber of a charged-particle microscope. In various aspects, the apparatus can comprise an adjustable force applicator coupled to the positioning mechanism and configured to simulate a vacuum for a microscopy grid receptacle located on an inner surface of a load-lock door of the vacuum chamber by mechanically pressing against an outer surface of the load-lock door.

Abstract: Systems/techniques are provided for facilitating teaching of charged-particle microscopy robotic grippers via beamsplitting. In various embodiments, a system can access a charged-particle microscope having a vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber can comprise a robotic gripper and a microscopy grid receptacle. In various aspects, the system can teach the robotic gripper to angularly or translationally align its shaft-axis with a bore-axis of the microscopy grid receptacle, based on a beamsplitter-equipped light source coupled to the robotic gripper.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for providing positional repeatability of closure of an opening of a scientific instrument and/or of alignment of samples relative to a coordinate system of the scientific instrument. A system can comprise a retaining member that receives a sample support cartridge, a first portion of a kinematic coupling that receives a second portion of a kinematic coupling, and the second portion of the kinematic coupling disposed at the retaining member, wherein at least the first portion of the kinematic coupling or the second portion of the kinematic coupling is disposed for joint movement with the sample support cartridge when coupled to the retaining member. A system can comprise a vacuum chamber body, a vacuum chamber door, and a kinematic coupling providing for adjustable alignment of a sample support cartridge at the vacuum chamber door relative to the vacuum chamber body.