Controlled sample environment for analytical devices
AssigneeSurface Measurement Systems Limited
InventorsCarl Levoguer, Daryl R Williams, Dylan H Simpson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for examining a sample by microscopy, spectroscopy or crystallography under controlled environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a sample chamber (1) which is fed by a gas stream (19) having a known vapour content, which is generated by mixing two gas streams (18 & 16), one substantially saturated in a volatile substance (18) and one substantially free of the volatile substance (16), in a controlled manner. The temperature of the apparatus, and particularly of the sample chamber (1), is accurately controlled and regulated by temperature controller (7).
Claims16
Apparatus for examining a sample by microscopy, spectroscopy or crystallography in a controlled environment comprising a vapour of a volatile substance, wherein the apparatus comprises
- a sample chamber (1);
- means for controlling the temperature of the sample chamber;
- a gas inlet (20) to the sample chamber (1) and a gas outlet (21) from the sample chamber (1);
- means for generating a first gas stream (16) substantially free of the volatile substance;
- means for generating a second gas stream (18) substantially saturated by the volatile substance;
- means for mixing the first and second gas streams in a controlled ratio to generate a third gas stream (19) having a desired content of the volatile substance;
- and means for passing the third gas stream (19) to the gas inlet (20) of the sample chamber (1), to provide the controlled environment having the said desired content of the volatile substance.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, for examining a sample by microscopy, which further comprises an optical microscope.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volatile substance is water.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gas stream (16) is dry air.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second gas stream (18) is humidified air.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample chamber (1) is located within a thermally conducting sample block (3).
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor for measuring the content of the volatile substance in the third gas stream (19).
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample chamber (1) further comprises a viewing window for the said examination.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.