To be analyzed at ID16A, a sample must:

1. Be compatible with vacuum. Most materials science samples are at room temperature, but most life science samples require prior sample preparation such as embedding in resin or paraffin. Samples can also be cryogenically prepared and analyzed, which ensures their compatibility with vacuum.
2. Fit in the beamline sample holder. Keep in mind that these are different between the room temperature or cryogenic setups.

If you are unsure on how your sample may be mounted, do not hesitate to contact beamline staff before submitting your proposal.

When writing your proposal, keep in mind that every sample change is manual and takes up to 1h at room temperature and 2h in cryogenic conditions.

Samples are mounted on specific pins. The samples can either be mounted beforehand with the pins being sent to the user, or directly at the beamline by the user.

The zone that can be imaged is restricted by the range of the motors (see sketch below, green area). The samples may be bigger (red area).

The sample is mounted and transferred using a LEICA EM VCT500 system.

Common sample holders are:

• 5mm x 5mm Si₃N₄ membranes (typically for frozen-hydrated cells)
• Short Omny pins or Huber pins.

Because the height requirements are more stringent in cryo than at room temperature, we recommend to always discuss sample mounting with the beamline staff.

Example with a Si₃N₄membrane:

Example with a Huber pin: