MolecularPrecision is the CNC machining division of Molecularspray Ltd, providing a unique range of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and surface science components, because all of our products can be purchased as standard or tailored to your specific application – anything is possible, right? We have a wide range of flag-style sample plates that you can select from covering almost all types of sample from gold-on-mica to lumps of rock, and in virtually any material. Our flag plate evaporator makes it easy to add molecular deposition capabilities to any UHV system already fitted with a heated sample manipulator, with simple changeover of molecules and without the need to add a separate evaporator. We also offer precision sample plate transfer tools for both in vacuum manipulation, and loading samples in and out of a UHV system. Our modular in-vacuum flag plate storage system will be launched later this year, configurable to a wide range of UHV instruments.
Flag-style (a.k.a Omicron-style, flag plate) sample holders
The flag-style sample plate, oftentimes referred to as an Omicron sample plate or simply ‘flag plate’ has become something of a standard across many UHV surface science instruments. These plates have an eyelet that can be grabbed by a transfer arm (see below) for manipulation from a load-lock or vacuum suitcase into the sample stage. Depending on the instrument or the process, what they are made of and their exact geometry really matters. For example, instruments such as NanoESCA or PEEM often require that the sample is elevated from the plane of the plate and with no screws on the front face. Near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) in an oxidative environment should avoid materials that form a volatile oxide such as molybdenum that could contaminate all future experiments. This is why we have a wide range of sample holders to choose from, available in 304 stainless steel, molybdenum, aluminium, copper, titanium and tantalum (other materials available on request). Click the image below, or here to see the range.
Flag plate grabbers and sample transfer tools
For in-vacuum sample transfer the grabber attachment can be fitted to a wobble stick or magnetic transfer arm. It has an M6 thread for mounting to the arm, either directly or with a thread adapter (available on request). The eyelet of the flag plate is engaged by rotating the tool 90 degrees in either direction. There is no rotation stop as this has the tendency to twist the eyelet over time (or instantly if someone turns it the wrong way). Instead, the grabber has a spring loaded resistance that securely holds the plate until transferred and released. Markings on the grabber make it visually clear when the sample is in the locked or unlocked position. £POA
For systems where a flag plate is loaded into a load-lock to mount directly to an arm fitted with a grabber, the ‘stage’ loading tool is ideal. It securely holds the plate with a light clamping pressure provided by sprung ball-bearings, with the eyelet available to engage with the grabber.
For systems where a flag plate is to be loaded directly into a manipulator stage, or ‘stage’ type transfer arm, the grabber loading tool is ideal. This is exactly the same as the in-vacuum grabber tool, just mounted to a convenient handle. £POA
