Sample supports for cryo-electron microscopy

Abstract

Presented are sample-supporting foils and grids for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) systems, methods for making/using disclosed cryo-EM foils, grids, devices, and/or systems, and cryo-EM systems equipped with disclosed foils, grids, and/or devices. A sample-support grid assembly may include a grid body with opposing first and second grid surfaces and multiple grid holes extending through the grid body from the first grid surface to the second grid surface. A foil sheet is seated against the first surface and covers at least a subset of the grid holes in the grid body. The foil sheet includes multiple foil regions filled with foil holes and separated from each other by multiple elongated slots. These elongated slots enable the foil regions to move with respect to each other when the grid assembly is under load. The slots of the foil sheet may be arranged in an auxetic pattern.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.