A Novel Self-Opening Transfer Shuttle for the Transfer of Air-Sensitive Sample to Scanning Electron Microscopy

A self-opening transfer shuttle has been designed and fabricated for the transfer of air-sensitive samples to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Delayed push out of an airtight sample cabin sealed inside the shuttle allows the protection of the sample from air exposure during the pumping of SEM chamber. A compressed spring is employed to automatically drive the push out of the cabin. Once the cabin is fully pushed out, the sample contained inside is revealed for SEM investigation through a hollow window created on the shuttle. The O-rings that are fixed at both ends of the sample cabin not only serve as sealing parts that make the cylinder airtight but also act as resistance elements that provide sufficient friction force to slow down the push out of the sample cabin. With the advantages of self-opening without the need for external control or force, and its reasonably small size, this low-cost and easy-to-use transfer shuttle has wide compatibility with different SEMs and holds a promising application prospect in numerous research areas.