Direct analysis sampler with heat sink

A sample chamber assembly for molten metal, the sample chamber assembly comprising:

• a cover plate and a housing,
• characterized in that the housing includes:
• an immersion end having a first opening for a molten metal inflow conduit and an opposing end;
• and
• a first face extending between the immersion end and the opposing end, the first face having a depression extending from proximate the immersion end toward the opposing end, the depression being in direct flow communication with the first opening and configured to receive the molten metal from the inflow conduit,
• wherein the cover plate and the housing are configured to be assembled together along a first plane to form a sample cavity including the depression, such that an analysis surface of a solidified metal sample formed within the sample cavity lies in the first plane,
• wherein the sample cavity and the first opening are aligned along a common longitudinal axis,
• wherein the first opening is spaced apart from the first plane,
• wherein a ratio of the thermal diffusivity of the solidified metal sample to the thermal diffusivity of a material forming the housing is between 0.1 and 0.5, and
• wherein the housing is configured to be inseparable from the solidified metal sample and at least a portion of the housing is directly adjacent to the solidified metal sample and lies in the first plane.