MDT: A simple tool to facilitate dropcasting on in situ TEM MEMS chips

IF 2.1 Q3 ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC

HardwareX Pub Date : 2025-06-21 DOI:10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00666

Matthias Quintelier, Joke Hadermann

引用次数: 0

Abstract

In situ transmission electron microscopy with holders based on the use of micro-electromechanical systems provides valuable insights into material kinetics, yet sample preparation remains complex due to fragile silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) windows and the risk of leaks and contamination during dropcasting. This results in failed experiments and increases experimental costs. This paper introduces the MEMS Dropcasting Tool (MDT), a cost-effective, in-house 3D-printable solution that confines the droplet to a specific area, preventing particle migration under the O-ring and reducing contamination risks at the inlet and outlet ports of closed cell chip holders.

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MDT：一种简单的工具，可以方便地在原位TEM MEMS芯片上进行投影

基于使用微机电系统的固定器的原位透射电子显微镜提供了对材料动力学的有价值的见解，但由于易碎的氮化硅（Si3N4）窗口以及在铸造过程中泄漏和污染的风险，样品制备仍然很复杂。这导致实验失败，增加了实验成本。本文介绍了MEMS投影工具（MDT），这是一种具有成本效益的内部3d打印解决方案，可将液滴限制在特定区域，防止o形环下的颗粒迁移，并降低封闭单元芯片支架进出口端口的污染风险。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

HardwareX Engineering-Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

CiteScore

4.10

自引率

18.20%

发文量

124

审稿时长

24 weeks

期刊介绍： HardwareX is an open access journal established to promote free and open source designing, building and customizing of scientific infrastructure (hardware). HardwareX aims to recognize researchers for the time and effort in developing scientific infrastructure while providing end-users with sufficient information to replicate and validate the advances presented. HardwareX is open to input from all scientific, technological and medical disciplines. Scientific infrastructure will be interpreted in the broadest sense. Including hardware modifications to existing infrastructure, sensors and tools that perform measurements and other functions outside of the traditional lab setting (such as wearables, air/water quality sensors, and low cost alternatives to existing tools), and the creation of wholly new tools for either standard or novel laboratory tasks. Authors are encouraged to submit hardware developments that address all aspects of science, not only the final measurement, for example, enhancements in sample preparation and handling, user safety, and quality control. The use of distributed digital manufacturing strategies (e.g. 3-D printing) is encouraged. All designs must be submitted under an open hardware license.