μCHILL: a lightweight, modular system for handling crystalline samples at low temperatures under inert conditions

Abstract

A procedure for preparing and mounting crystals under inert conditions is demonstrated, using a specialized apparatus (μCHILL) to provide a cold gas stream fed from a liquid nitrogen (LN2) reservoir or an open bath heat exchanger. A second, dry gas stream at room temperature enwraps the cold gas, protecting the sample preparation zone from ambient moisture. The technique is extremely flexible, requiring only a single operator, little practice and almost no preparation time. The device enables operation in a wide temperature range (at least 213 K to room temperature), providing temperature control and very stable conditions with no icing for extended time periods. The flexible, modular and low-cost design is based on three-dimensional-printed parts and readily available standard components, potentially making the device available to a wide range of users and applications not limited to single-crystal studies.