The following document outlines usage and handling guidelines that will enable you to produce the highest quality images for your samples.
Care must be taken when handling grids to preserve the integrity of the SiO2 membrane windows. The windows are 100 µm x 100 µm squares with a thickness of 40 nm. The SiO2 membrane windows have been functionalized to enhance sample quality and to simplify sample preparation. Samples should be deposited on the membrane side of the grids.
To remove Smart Grids™ from sample holder box, firmly grip the sides of the grid with high precision tweezers and twist as shown below. The grids will release with minimal effort.
The grids can be damaged or destroyed if they are improperly handled. When removing grids from their storage box, do not attempt to pry-up or pull-up as this may cause the grids to break or be damaged.
|
Do not clamp onto region of grid with windows as tweezers this may break some windows The preferred methods are to clamp either the edge of the grids or the sides of the grids. |
 |
|
Do not blow air/nitrogen or other gases perpendicular to the surface of the grid. While not recommended, if it is desirable to remove dust or other debris from surface of grid using a gas, flow in the plane of the grid at low velocity only. |
 |
|
The grids can be washed, soaked or coated with a variety of
aqueous and organic solvents with no damage to the grid
surface. When submerging, do not move the grids in any
direction perpendicular to the plane of the windows, but rather
only in directions parallel to the plane of the windows.
|
 |