Ambient and Cryo-Transfer Airlocks for SEM and FIB/SEM 

Building on the success of the PP3010T cryo-SEM/FIB/SEM preparation system, Quorum have introduced two new specimen transfer products. The ‘QuickLok’ and ‘CoolLok’ provide an efficient and rapid way of transferring ambient or low temperature specimens into vacuum platforms such as an SEM, FIB/SEM or beamline.

The ambient temperature QuickLok is designed to protect specimens that are sensitive to normal environmental conditions during transfer. The compact transfer device includes a vacuum sealed chamber and can be interfaced to a glove box for inert gas transfer or to allow vacuum transfer between a wide range of platforms.

The QuickLok consists of a pumped airlock, sealed transfer device and SEM stage adaptor to accept a range of specimen holders. Interlocks are provided to ensure safe operation with the microscope.

The CoolLok uses the same movement and exchange principles as the QuickLok, but will hold specimens at cryo conditions inside the SEM or FIB/SEM. At the heart of the CoolLok is a highly efficient nitrogen gas cooling system which enables precise temperature control down to -190°C and runtimes of up to 24 hours between fills. A bespoke cold trap ensures that specimens remain frost-free during observation.

Specimen freezing can be done by contact with the microscope cold stage, or for rapid pre-freezing an optional liquid nitrogen slush freezer is available.

Like all other Quorum Technologies products the QuickLok and CoolLok come with a generous three-year warranty.

For further information please visit www.quorumtech.com.