Sample Stages and Environments
Each microscope is equipped with a motorised sample stage and can accommodate samples up to approximately x×y = 10×10 cm in size. Maximum sample thickness is restricted to 10 mm by the vertical travel limits of the stage and the working distance of the objective optic. The stage is fitted with interchangeable plates which can be adapted for different sample shapes and sizes.
Typical sample sizes accommodated within these plates are:
Round 13 mm or 22 mm diameter optical windows (transmission)
25×76 mm (1”×3”) microscope slides (reflectance)
50×76 mm sample chambers (e.g. the sample compression cell)
To reduce the background variations produced by the presence of water or carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, each microscope stage is surrounded by a perspex box continuously purged by nitrogen. In addition, use of the Linkam FTIR600 sample stage also allows the immediate environment surrounding a sample to be controlled; samples are placed within a small chamber in the heating block that can be purged by either nitrogen or argon gas. This stage can be used for samples in either transmission or reflection mode.
For specific requirements relating to sample mounting, please contact the IRM beamline staff .