Cryo-CLEM Stage for Integrated Sample Analysis

The CMS196M is a cryo-CLEM instrument capable of enabling the complete workflow of CLEM. Besides maintaining the sample vitrified by means of liquid nitrogen cooling, it offers established capabilities to carefully handle and transfer cryo samples and then image them with optical microscopy while enabling them to be free of contamination at all times.

The integrated motorized, encoded stage of the most recent model, along with the new LINK software allows high resolution maps of the grid to be generated easily and quickly. This offers a straight forward method for coordinate mapping needed for locating the same sample in the fluorescence microscope and also in the EM.

Despite the fact that CMS196M was designed specifically for solving the problem of how to get vitrified EM grids from the fluorescent microscope into the cryo TEM without contamination and devitrification through condensation, the stage also had to be optically optimized enabling the use of high NA lenses.

Features/Highlights of the CMS196M

Short startup time of just 10 minutes, no mechanical connection between sample mount and Dewar, extremely good stability, good long-term stability, low drift in nm range

Integrated motorized XY stage with optical encoders for high precision movement and position readout of better than 1 µm

Self-contained cryo sample observation system keeping the sample vitrified at constant -196 °C and avoiding contamination

Automatic top-up liquid nitrogen top up of the chamber

Completely Automated XY Mapping

Mounting option for most research grade, upright microscopes from all key manufacturers

Self-aligning magnetic sample cassette system for up to three sample grids

Support for EM-grids, Membrane carriers (Leica HPM100), Bessy grids, Auto-Grids (FEI), planchettes, CryoCapsule from CryoCapCell and custom sample holders, no need to handle bare grids

Sample cassette holder for safe and contamination-free sample loading, storage and transfer

Connects to plunge-freezing and High-Pressure Freezing sample preparation protocols

Integrated sensors for sample temperature monitoring

LCD display with button control, standalone joystick operation and full software control via USB interface

Automated heating "bake-out" cycle to drive out moisture

More than 50 systems proven in the field worldwide, market leader in Cryo-CLEM

Integrated condenser optics for transmitted light brightfield and phase contrast

Fluorescence observation with NA of up to 0.9

Full day of independent operation with optional 3L autofill LN2 Dewar