Model 190 Cryo-Can

Eliminates sample contamination during Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) operation
The SEM can be used while the Cryo-Can is cooled, even on SEMs without airlocks
Contaminants condense onto a removable, cold surface
No separate vacuum or electrical interface
Can work either before or while the SEM is operating

Provides clean environment for SEM
The Cryo-Can provides a clean environment for SEM sample imaging and analysis. It helps eliminate chamber contamination resulting from sample outgassing and other sources. The Cryo-Can improves both imaging and analytical data quality. It is ideal for high beam current applications.

Uses SEM vacuum system
The Cryo-Can vacuum container is readily connected to one of the SEM chamber ports and does not need an independent vacuum system. A removable liquid nitrogen vessel is contained within the vacuum container. Once the SEM chamber and Cryo-Can are evacuated, liquid nitrogen is introduced into the vessel of the Cryo-Can. The cold surface of the vessel traps contaminants outside the SEM chamber.

Removing the condensed contamination
The liquid nitrogen vessel is typically removed after 30 minutes to 5 hours of operation. Removing the vessel while it is cold removes the condensed contamination from the SEM. Placing a lid on the vacuum container seals the SEM chamber when the Cryo-Can is not in use. When the SEM vacuum system is activated, the Cryo-Can is evacuated along with the SEM chamber.

Once the liquid nitrogen vessel is emptied and placed onto a stand, both the vessel and the stand can be baked to regenerate the surface of the liquid nitrogen vessel, allowing it to be reused without reintroducing contamination into the SEM.

Low kV, high resolution gold on carbon image from a FEI Nova NanoSEM. The vacuum system of the microscope is cleaned once per week with the Model 190 Cryo-Can, resulting in a very low contamination rate during daily operation.
Image courtesy of Ingo Gestmann, FEI Company (The Netherlands)

Mass spectrum showing the effect of the Model 190 Cryo-Can
on the partial pressure of hydrocarbons (red line). Cooling
down the Cryo-Can for less than 15 minutes dramatically
decreases hydrocarbons to below the detectable level. The
SEM chamber vacuum is also improved (black line).
Data courtesy of Ingo Gestmann, FEI Company (The Netherlands)

Download product literature for the Model 190 Cryo-Can.