SPI Supplies^® Brand Perforated Silicon Nitride Membrane Window Grids for TEM

Try this exciting new product with numerous applications in nanotechnology

SEM view of the 2 µm perforations on 4 µm centers.
Note the outstanding flatness of these membranes.
Click photo to see enlarged view.

Low magnification SEM view of entire 3 mm diameter grid.
Click photo to see enlarged view.

View of the holey silicon nitride membrane window
grid. Membrane size is 0.5 x 0.5 mm.
Click photo to see enlarged view.

Holes are 2 µm in diameter on 4 µm.
Click image for larger view.

An Introduction:
SPI Supplies has been offering a full range of silicon nitride membrane windows for TEM grid and x-ray microscopy window applications. During this time, we have had many requests perforated membrane window grids (e.g. grids with holes, or "holey" membranes), and of course, since we could always perform a high precision drilling of some holes in the membranes, using the same technology that is used for the production of the SPI Supplies Brand of apertures for electron microscopy, individual or multiple holes could be drilled and offered to customers. However, the drilling operation is very expensive and the yield at times not very high since the membranes during the drilling have a tendency to rupture.

Using the very latest MEMs technology and processing techniques, we have been able to greatly reduce the costs for making the perforations and can now offer in essence an array of holes, 2µm in diameter on 4 µm centers. The entire area of the membrane window is in essence "holey" and the the array of holes cover the membrane area in its entirety. Quantitatively, there are 113x113 rows/columns for a total number of holes being 12,545 per membrane. There is a staggering of the rows for increased mechanical strength. The outside frame of course will fit comfortably in any TEM grid holder that has been designed for 3.05 mm diameter grids.

We can produce other hole sizes and other hole densities, however there are some large set up costs to make the first complete wafer. Just let us know your requirements and we can get back to you with firm pricing.

Note before use:
The typical TEM grid has a thickness of 30-50 µm whereas these grids are 200 µm thick. For most TEM users, this larger thickness presents no problems whatsoever. However, for the first time user, make sure you do not "force" the holder too tight. If you should be one with a holder that is just "too snug", we would suggest contacting your TEM vendor supplier since they would have information about how the holder could be modified to more comfortably "take" this thicker grid. But as mentioned earlier, most users report no difficulties whatsoever in the use of these somewhat thicker grids.

Coming products:
We are presently deciding upon other standard products with other hole sizes and densities. In addition, we are close to being able to offer a holey SiO₂ membrane grid of a similar type pictured here for the nitride membrane. Can we make smaller holes? Yes, but they are made using a different technology and one that is significantly more expensive. These smaller holes are done by mechanical drilling. If you have such an interest in smaller holes that would be mechanically drilled, remember that the thinner the membrane, the lower the cost. The drilling of a hole in a 30 nm membrane is roughly half the cost of drilling a hole in a 60 nm membrane.

Specifications of the perforated membrane window grids:
Frame thickness: 200 µm
Membrane size: 0.5 x 0.5 mm (500x500 µm)
Membrane thickness: 50 nm
Holes: 2 µm holes on 4 µm centers

Packaging:
10 grids per pack shipping in an SPI Twist-A-Grid™ grid box

What other customers order when ordering silicon nitride membrane window grids:
A substantial number of membrane grid customer order tweezers (to safely pick them up). and additional grid storage boxes for storing the prepared grids.

Holey silicon nitride membrane window grids for TEM:

SPI #	Pack of ten grids	In Stock
4108PSN-BA	$414.94	Yes

SPI #	Pack of 100 grids
4108PSN-MB	3319.48	No

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SPI Supplies® Brand Perforated Silicon Nitride Membrane Window Grids for TEM

SPI Supplies^® Brand Perforated Silicon Nitride Membrane Window Grids for TEM