Mönch-Compatible Sample Holders
When it comes to the Mönch, not all sample holders are created equal. This page lists the range of sample holders that are currently available and compatible with the Mönch.
Why Do You Need a Special Holder?
In order to achieve its outstanding optical performance, including excellent light collection efficiency and small ultimate spot size for injection, the Mönch uses a high-numerical-aperture mirror that must fit into the tiny space between the sample holder and the pole piece, as shown in the diagram to the right.
The spacing is extremely tight, and the working distance of the mirror with respect to the sample is a fraction of a millimeter. This limits the kind of sample holder that can be used; only sample holders that are sufficiently flat and thin on their top surface may be used.
Despite these constraints, several holders have been developed and validated for use with the Mönch. This page lists the holders that are currently available.
Mönch-Compatible Holders
Mel-Build Liquid Nitrogen Cryo CL Holder
The liquid-nitrogen cryo holder from Mel-Build can be used for experiments down to 77 K, enabling enhanced luminescence from many materials compared to room temperature experiments.
Insight Chips 4-Inlet Liquid Cell CL Holder
The 4-inlet flow holder from Insight Chips opens a world of possibilities for in-situ STEM-CL and related experiments, such as photocatalysis.
CondenZero Liquid Helium Cryo CL Holder
For the most advanced cryo CL experiments, the liquid helium holder from CondenZero offers sustained and stable 5 K operation.
Thermo Fisher Caliper CL Holder
Thermo Fisher’s Caliper CL holder offers simple, reliable operation for room temperature experiments on Thermo Fisher microscopes.
Future Developments
Most major TEM sample holder companies have expressed an interest in developing Mönch-compatible holders to meet the wide and growing needs of our CL and light injection customers. If you have a particular application in mind, or a history of working with a particular holder company, feel free to contact us to see what might be possible!
There are already several developments underway, so keep an eye out here for new additions to the growing collection of Mönch-compatible holders.