OCCAM utilizes various pieces of hardware to allow samples to be moved both between analytical tools, and between the characterization instruments and their production origin.
Gloveboxes
Key Functionalities
- mounting and transfer of samples to/from EscaLab XPS and ToF-SIMS5 without exposure to ambient atmosphere (transfer to other instruments is possible from these hubs via sample transfer devices – see below)
- sample preparation within high-purity Ar environment
Key Configuration Parameters
- Ar environment with <1 ppm O2 and <1 ppm moisture
- directly interfaced to EscaLab XPS system and ToF-SIMS 5 system
- rapid entry antechamber
Sample Transfer Devices
Key Functionalities
- transfer of samples under controlled conditions between analytical instruments, and between analytical tools and appropriately interfaced user hardware
- transfer of samples under vacuum, pressurized inert gas, temperature controlled conditions (for select tools)
- correlative characterization (for select tool combinations)
Key Configuration Parameters
- hardware interfaced to various sample preparation/manipulation tools (e.g. cryo-ultramicrotome, focused ion beam system) and analytical tools (e.g. XPS, TOF-SIMS5, SAM)
- transfer devices of various dimensions to allow facile movement to e.g. user glovebox
- devices designed to accommodate direct transfer of samples between select tools without dismounting the sample
- devices that are actively pumped during transfer are available
Sample Preparation and Perturbation
In addition to online sample perturbations possible with the characterization instrumentation (e.g. sample heating, cooling, light exposure, etc… – see individual instruments), the lab has numerous integrated sample treatment capabilities.
Key Functionalities
- online sample preparation via direct interfacing of preparation environments and chambers to analytical infrastructure
- integrated sample heating, sample cooling, gas-dosing, photon exposure, sample fracture
- integrated chamber ‘bolt-on’ capacity for specialty applications