Device and method for cleaving a liquid sample
US11119012B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/2873
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for cleaving a liquid sample are disclosed. The apparatus includes a load lock chamber containing a cleaving module, a cryo-cooler, a vacuum chamber configured to receive the cleaving module from the load lock chamber, and a gate valve between the load lock chamber and the vacuum chamber. The cleaving module is configured to cleave a crystalline sample holder and the liquid sample. The liquid sample includes one or more liquid phase materials and is cleavable by the cleaving module when in the solid phase. The cryo-cooler is configured to cool and/or maintain a temperature of the sample holder and the sample below the melting point of each of the liquid phase materials. The gate valve has at least one opening therein configured to (i) allow the cleaving module to enter and exit the vacuum chamber and/or (ii) permit gaseous communication between the load lock chamber and the vacuum chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.