Cryotransfer holder and workstation

A system for mounting, at cryogenic temperature, a specimen into a cryotransfer holder comprising:

• a cryotransfer holder comprising:
• a sample holding platform and a center axis;
• and
• a workstation comprising:
• a receiving fixture configured to receive said cryotransfer holder,
• said receiving fixture comprising:
• a stationary sample transfer vessel, and
• an elongate chamber for receiving a portion of the cryotransfer holder,
• wherein said elongate chamber comprises bearing surfaces configured to allow rotation of said cryotransfer holder about its center axis when mounted in said receiving fixture, and
• wherein said receiving fixture comprises a sample tip receiver, which is attached to an end piece, which end piece fits into a gasket, said gasket providing a seal between said stationary sample transfer vessel and said elongate chamber.

A method for mounting, at cryogenic temperature, a specimen into a cryotransfer holder comprising:

• placing a cryotransfer holder comprising a sample holding platform and a center axis into a workstation comprising a receiving fixture configured to receive said cryotransfer holder,
• wherein said receiving fixture comprises a stationary sample transfer vessel, and an elongate chamber for receiving a portion of the cryotransfer holder;
• extending the sample holding platform into the sample transfer vessel when the cryotransfer holder is mounted in said receiving fixture;
• mounting the specimen into the sample holding platform once the sample holding platform is inside the sample transfer vessel;
• rotating the cryotransfer holder about a center axis to remove the specimen.