Cryostat Sample Support Assemblies and Methods for Supporting a Sample During Cryo Analysis

Abstract

Cryostat sample support assemblies are provided that can include: a planar sample support defining opposing surfaces bounded by an edge; insulative members extending to the edge; and a thermal link extending to one of the opposing surfaces. Methods for supporting a sample during cryo analysis are also provided. The methods can include: supporting a sample on a planar platform; and supporting the planar platform with both insulative members lateral of the platform and a thermal link below the platform.

1 . A cryostat sample support comprising:
 a planar sample support defining opposing surfaces bounded by an edge;   insulative members extending to the support; and   a thermal link extending to one of the opposing surfaces.   
     
     
         2 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 1  wherein the insulative members are each elongated extending from one end to another, one of the ends coupled to the edge. 
     
     
         3 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 1  wherein each of the insulative members provides at least some structural support of the sample support. 
     
     
         4 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 1  wherein the thermal link provides at least some structural support for the sample support. 
     
     
         5 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 1  wherein the thermal link extends to a cryo source. 
     
     
         6 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 5  wherein the cryo source is a coldhead. 
     
     
         7 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 1  further comprising support members bracketing the insulative members. 
     
     
         8 . The cryostat sample support of  claim 7  wherein the insulative members are each elongated extending from one end to another, one of the ends of each member coupled to the support and the other coupled to the support members. 
     
     
         9 . A method for supporting a sample during cryo analysis, the method comprising:
 supporting a sample on a planar platform; and   supporting the planar platform with at least one insulative member and a thermal link below the platform.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising aligning the insulative members opposing one another about the lateral edges of the platform. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising cooling the platform and the sample using the thermal link. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising placing the sample, platform, members, and link under vacuum during the cooling. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising warming the sample and platform after the cooling. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising cooling the platform using a coldhead. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising coupling the coldhead to the thermal link.