Hitachi High-Technologies, in partnership with Deben, has enhanced the TM-1000 scanning electron microscope with the introduction of cooling and heating stages.
In addition to SEM imaging, the TM-1000 already features options for EDX chemical analysis and automated 3D surface visualisation and measurement.
In standard configuration, the TM-1000 features a charge reduction mode, whereby the microscope operates in a low vacuum condition to eliminate charging in non-conductive specimens.
The addition of stage cooling to this low vacuum operation means that wet or hydrated specimens can be examined without dehydration or complex specimen preparation.
Steady-state conditions can be maintained for extended periods of time, providing the opportunity to fully investigate a hydrated specimen.
The Coolstage system is also available as an enhanced configuration with specimen heating, enabling in-situ dynamic cooling and heating experiments to be performed.
Applications include biological specimens, foods, colloids, paints, oils and micro-fluidic systems.
Coolstage is fully self-contained, and features a simple keypad which displays target and current temperatures.
No external water supply or chiller is required, and all the existing capabilities of the TM-1000 are maintained - for example, EDX analysis can be performed with the Coolstage in place.
