CSBCryoEMFacilityTF20OperatingInstructionsSEC
05/02/16
II. Roomtemperature(RT)holderinsertion:
Thecompustage:
The compustage is composed of the airlock and the stage itself. The stage is computer controlled (can move
in X, Y and Z as needed, and also tilt). The airlock separates the holder from ambient. A timer is set when
inserting samples so as to evacuate (with assistance from the Turbo pump) the airlock and ensure that the
vacuum of the microscope is maintained. The part of the holder beyond the Oring will be in contact with the
high vacuum of the scope. Do not, under any circumstances touch this area. The oil from your fingers will
contaminate the vacuum as well as your sample. This will cause the vacuum to crash or at the very least
degrade(thereadingsinIGPs1and4willnotbeoptimal).DonottouchanythingbeyondtheOring.
Schematicofthecompustage(from:http://zhanglab.net/tem_help/tem/spechand.htm)
• Alignments should be done with either a platinum iridium specimen (PtIR) or a waffle grid (with
or without latex spheres). This grid should be carefully mounted on the room temperature (RT)
holder and returned to its proper receptacle once you're done aligning the microscope. If you
can't find either grid or you lose it, notify the EM manager immediately. Do not touch anything
in the rod with your bare hands, especially beyond the Orings, or you’ll contaminate the
rod,yoursampleandthemicroscope.
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