Cryo Liftout

Performing in situ cryo TEM sample liftouts of site specific TEM slices prepared in cryo FIBs is in increasing demand.

Relying on our experience in manufacturing microgrippers for standard TEM sample preparation, we've designed a cryo-compatible version of the microgrippers that can be cooled to LN2 temperatures.

The gripper is mounted to an MM3A-EM that has been enhanced for use with the cryo gripper using an insulated holder. The insulation allows the micromanipulator to remain at room temperature while the gripper is cooled by connecting it to the microscope's cryo-system.

The images shown above depict successful transfer of a frozen lamella and the subsequent TEM analysis. No ice crystals formed indicating that the sample was not heated during transfer.