Beamline Phone Numbers:
+44 (0) 1235 778820
+44 (0) 1235 778821
Principal Beamline Scientist:
Burkhard Kaulich
Tel: +44 (0) 1235 778059
E-mail: burkhard.kaulich@diamond.ac.uk
Email: chris.nicklin@diamond.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1235 778523
The I08-SXM Support Lab (Lab 52) is located in the Experimental adjacent to the beamline. The lab is equipped with basic equipment for specimen preparation, in particular tools for cryogenic specimens.
Cryogenic specimen preparation
This is where the specimen are loaded onto holders, which are then loaded into the VCT 100 transfer shuttle under cold nitrogen atmosphere.
The EM GP2 plunge freezes fluid or extremely thin samples spread on an electron microscopy grid into liquid ethane after removing excess fluid by automatic blotting. Prior to freezing the sample is maintained in a temperature and humidity controlled environmental chamber, adjustable between +4°C and +60°C and room humidity to 99 %.
The Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome is able to prepare high-quality ultrathin sections with a thickness feed from 1 nm to 15 µm, with cutting speed from 0.05 to 100 mm/s. It has a binocular, with video camera, and illumination for top, back, and transmitted light.
Contamination free cryo transfer system which cross-links preparation units with various analysis systems via a transfer shuttle connected to the load-lock of the I08-SXM.
During Cryo preparation, tools such as forceps and sample holders often ice over and cannot be immediately used for the next sample run. The special combination of heated air flow and heating plate completely dries tools, even on their difficult to access inner surfaces.
Samples mounted in the EM FC7 cryochamber allow for preparation of ultrathin cryo-sections at temperatures between -15°C and -185°C. Three different cryo-modes available for use: 1) standard, 2) high gas flow, and 3) wet cryo-sectioning, and a electrostatic charge and discharge functions for section adherence with the EM CRION ionizer.
Room temperature sample preparation tools
An anaerobic glovebox that allows the transference of samples into the Leica EM VCT system throgh the leica port is available. It provides a controlled environment to maintain an atmosphere of <2ppm of oxygen and < 2ppm of moisture.
This sturdy compact incubator is ideal for applications that require from 18° to 50°C. Features 18L capacity and operates at or below ambient. Corrosion free, molded polymer unit is complete with two stainless steel perforated shelves and an internal light and door that allows undisturbed sample observation.
The Quorum Q150R S is used to glow discharge surfaces (TEM grids, Si3N4 membranes). After treatment with glow discharge, they become hydrophilic, thus allowing an even spread of aqueous solutions.
This is vacuum drying with stainless steel inner chamber, with adjustable temperature ramp functionality via program editor, a controller with time segment and real time programming and inert gas connection. It also offers a pressure monitor for controlled heat release, over-pressure encapsulation of all live unit components, and a flame protection gasket.
The Zeiss Axio Imager M2M is a versatile light microscope with the following specifications:
Other equipment
Other equipment includes a set of visible light microscopes and stereomicroscopes, micro-manipulator, laminar flow hood, and other equipment required for specimen preparation. Please note that we do not have any incubator installed in Lab 52 at the moment.
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Copyright © 2022 Diamond Light Source
Diamond Light Source Ltd
Diamond House
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0DE
Diamond Light Source® and the Diamond logo are registered trademarks of Diamond Light Source Ltd
Registered in England and Wales at Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom. Company number: 4375679. VAT number: 287 461 957. Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number: GB287461957003.