- Eliminates sample contamination during scanning electron microscope (SEM) operation
- SEM can be used while the Cryo-Can is cooled, even on SEMs without airlocks
- Contaminants condense onto a removable, cold surface
- Can work either before or while the SEM is operating
Provides clean environment for SEM
The Cryo-Can provides a clean environment for SEM sample imaging and analysis. It helps eliminate chamber contamination resulting from sample outgassing and other sources. The Cryo-Can improves both imaging and analytical data quality. It is ideal for high beam current applications.
Uses SEM vacuum system
The Cryo-Can vacuum container is readily connected to one of the SEM chamber ports and does not need an independent vacuum system. A removable liquid nitrogen vessel is contained within the vacuum container. Once the SEM chamber and Cryo-Can are evacuated, liquid nitrogen is introduced into the vessel of the Cryo-Can. The cold surface of the vessel traps contaminants outside the SEM chamber.
Removing the condensed contamination
The liquid nitrogen vessel is typically removed after 30 minutes to 5 hours of operation. Removing the vessel while it is cold removes the condensed contamination from the SEM. Placing a lid on the vacuum container seals the SEM chamber when the Cryo-Can is not in use. When the SEM vacuum system is activated, the Cryo-Can is evacuated along with the SEM chamber.
Once the liquid nitrogen vessel is emptied and placed onto a stand, both the vessel and the stand can be baked to regenerate the surface of the liquid nitrogen vessel, allowing it to be reused without reintroducing contamination into the SEM.