The Oxford CT1500-HF Cryotrans system, is one of a group of instruments which allow frozen samples to be prepared for observation, using a scanned electron beam in a vacuum. The instrument allows samples to be fractured, manipulated, water to be etched from surfaces and coated with various metals, such as gold and platinum rendering them electrically conductive. Subsequently the prepared sample is shuttled from this vacuum chamber to the cooled microscope stage for observation.

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