Pins, Bases & Pucks

SER-CAT maintains strict sample preparation to ensure optimal data collection outcomes and facility safety. All users must adhere to specified sample mounting standards, shipping procedures, and documentation requirements to facilitate smooth sample processing and experimental execution.

Pin and Base Specifications

ALS-Style Base Requirements:

• Standard: ALS-style bases with no shoulder design
• Compatibility: Compatible with SER-CAT automated mounting systems
• Installation: Micro-tubes must be firmly adhered using epoxy blue adhesive
• Critical Note: Inadequate adhesion causes sample mounting failures and experimental delays

Technical Specifications:

• Micro-tube Length: 18.0 mm (standard requirement)
• Base Installation: Full insertion to bottom of drilled cavity
• Extension Height: 11.9 mm above base surface
• Total Pin Height: 18.0 mm above base ledge

CAD Documentation: Hampton Research ALS-Base Specifications | SPINE Pin Technical Drawings | CAD Diagram

Crystal Loop Specifications

Design Requirements:

• Loop Neck: Short and sturdy construction to withstand cryogenic gas flow (100K stream)
• Size Matching: Loop diameter should approximate crystal dimensions
• Reinforcement: Epoxy reinforcement required for large loops
• Material Considerations: Polyimide, nylon fiber, or polyamide resin options available

Performance Optimization:

• Aerodynamic Design: Prevents sample displacement during cryogenic cooling
• Thermal Stability: Maintains sample position under temperature transitions
• Mechanical Integrity: Resists deformation during automated handling

SUGGESTED VENDORS:

• A CAD-diagram, as supplied by Hampton Research and listing all dimensions of the ALS-style base, is available.
• ALS-style bases can be purchased from:
  • Hampton Research (HR4-779)
  • Mitegen Research (B1A-Reusable, B1A, B3S-Reusable, B3S)
  • Fisher Scientific (all of the above; search by product name)
• Loops for freezing crystals can be purchased from:
  • Mitegen Research: Crystal Mounts and Loops (polyimide film loops)
  • Hampton Research: 18mm Mounted CryoLoops (nylon fiber loops)
  • Molecular Dimensions: Mounted LithoLoops (polyamide resin loops)
  • Fisher Scientific (all of the above; search by product name)
• Pucks for holding and shipping frozen crystals can be purchased from:
  • Molecular Dimentions: Uni-Pucks
  • Mitegen Research: ALS-Style Pucks or Universal V1-Puck (Uni-Puck)
  • Fisher Scientific (all of the above; search by product name)
• Several of these vendors have web-page sections devoted specifically to CryoCrystallography (supplies, tools, dewars, shipping containers, and useful information such as suggestions for cleaning your loops):
  • Molecular Dimensions: CryoCrystallography
  • Hampton Research: CryoCrystallography
  • Mitegen: CryoCrystallography