System Options: Quick Loader
7-25
C O N F I D E N T I A L
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User Manual
Revision A
Feb 2018
Quick Loader
The Quick Loader was designed for:
•
Easy Sample transfer
•
Faster sample through-put
•
Contamination free chamber environment
•
Materials applications
C a u t i o n !
Minimize Quick Loader usage with the CryoCleaner (see further)
filled with LN2!
We strongly recommend venting the specimen chamber and replacing
the Nitrogen Vessel with a clean one after completing about 20
subsequent Load cycles with the cool CryoCleaner!
This is because each Load cycle adds a small layer of gas and ice onto
the Nitrogen Vessel surface, decreasing the CryoCleaner’s efficiency
and increasing the amount of gas released into the specimen
chamber in case the LN2 dries out.
Description
The loader module can manually load and unload small samples into the SDB / SEM. The loader module is
connected to the specimen chamber of the SDB / SEM and it has its own pumping system.
The loader consists of a loading rod with set slide and parking positions and a loader chamber for loading and
unloading the sample carrier (with sample) onto a bayonet fitting located at the end of the rod. A gate valve seals
the vacuum of the SDB / SEM specimen chamber and can only be opened when the vacuum of the loader chamber
is correct. This is indicated by the
OK
labeled LED, which is prompted by an electrical and mechanical interlock.
The sample carrier can be entered into the main SDB / SEM specimen chamber by way of the rod and released by
the rotating motion of the rod at a predetermined position on the stage adapter.
Loading Rod
The loading rod has a pre-machined slot to move in to load or
unload a sample. At each end there is a side slot. There are 2 side
slots at the further end from the vacuum chamber. One is for
loading and unloading the sample carrier in the loader chamber;
the other is a parking position (prevents the rod from being sucked
in by the vacuum).
C a u t i o n !
Do not unload the sample carrier with the gate valve opened! The sample carrier can drop down from the rod.
At the end of the rod closest to the loader chamber is a large slot for coupling and de-coupling the bayonet into or
out of the sample carrier when positioned on the carrier adapter.