EM-Tec TEM grid holders for SEM
TEM samples are very thin and therefore do not exhibit signal originating from their bulk. This enables improved surface imaging and increased spatial resolution. These are clear advantages for SEM/EDX studies of thin films, fine dispersions, inclusions, precipitations and low-Z materials. An SEM or rather FE-SEM can also be used to check TEM samples or lamellas made with a FIB before inserting into a TEM.
There are two methods for imaging TEM samples and they require different types of TEM grid holders:
- Surface imaging and investigation require TEM grid holders
- STEM imaging which requires a special TEM grid holder with integrated conversion plate
EM-Tec TEM grids holders enable investigation of TEM samples in an SEM. An EM-Tec grid holder can also be used to quickly check the specimen (after FIB procedures) before investigating it with a TEM. EM-Tec grid holders are intended for use in an SEM, Auger, SIMS and light microscopes. They are all precision machined from vacuum grade aluminium.
There are four types of EM-Tec TEM grid holder:
- EM-Tec TG4 SEM pin stub-based TEM grid for up to four TEM grids. Numbered positions with machined pockets and side grooves for loading/unloading TEM grids. The TEM grids are clamped down by the top plate and a central brass screw. Through-hole size is Ø2.1mm with a 60° side angle on top and base to reduce electron and X-ray scattering interference from the holder. Available in aluminium and copper. Overall size is Ø18×3.2mm with a 15mm long standard 3.2mm pin. The longer pin creates a distance from the stage adaptor to reduce electron and X-ray signals from the SEM stage. Additionally available with stub adaptors for Hitachi M4 thread and JEOL Ø 12.2 and Ø 25mm SEM stubs.
- EM-Tec TG6 pin stub-based TEM grid for up to six TEM grids. Numbered positions with machined pockets and side grooves for loading/unloading TEM grids. The TEM grids are clamped down by the top plate and a central brass screw. Through-hole size is Ø2.1mm with a 60° side angle on top and base to reduce electron and X-ray scattering interference from the holder. Available in aluminium and copper. Overall size is Ø25×3.2mm with a 15mm long standard 3.2mm pin. The longer pin creates a distance from the stage adaptor to reduce electron and X-ray signals from the SEM stage. Additionally available with stub adaptors for Hitachi M4 thread and JEOL Ø 12.2 and Ø 25mm stubs.
- EM-Tec PS11 mini pin stub holder for a single TEM grid or FIB grid. The TEM grid rim rests on a ledge; in the middle of the cavity there is dimple to provide a non-touching area for the mesh of the grid. A groove is provided for easy loading/unloading of the TEM grid with fine tweezers. The TEM grid is not clamped. This holder is recommended for quickly checking a TEM grid in the SEM or as a TEM grid holder for a carbon evaporator.
- EM-Tec PS14 mini pin stub holder for four TEM grids or FIB grids. The TEM grid rim rests on a ledge; in the middle of each cavity there is dimple to provide a non-touching area for the mesh of the grid. Grooves are provided for easy loading/unloading of the TEM grids with fine tweezers. The TEM grids are not clamped. This holder is used for quickly checking up to four TEM grids in the SEM or as a grid holder for a carbon evaporator.
All four types of EM-Tec TEM grid holders are only available with a standard 3.2mm pin. They can be used on other SEMs, when a suitable EM-Tec SEM stub adaptor is used.
Capacity, size and compatibility of pin based EM-TEM grid holders:
Product numbers | Name | Capacity | Dimensions w/o pin | Grid holding method | SEM stage compatibility |
12-000279 | EM-Tec TG4 | 4 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø18×3.2mm | Clamped | Standard 3.2mm pin |
12-002279 | EM-Tec TG4C | 4 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø18×3.2mm | Clamped | Standard 3.2mm pin |
12-000379 | EM-Tec TG4H | 4 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø18x27mm | Clamped | M4 thread |
12-000579 | EM-Tec TG4J | 4 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø18x22mm | Clamped | JEOL Ø12.2mm |
12-005279 | EM-Tec TG4J2 | 4 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø25x22mm | Clamped | JEOL Ø25mm |
12-002276 | EM-Tec TG6 | 6 x 3.05 TEM Grid | Ø 25 x 3.2 mm | Clamped | Standard 3.2mm pin |
12-002476 | EM-Tec TG6C | 6 x 3.05 TEM Grid | Ø 25 x 3.2mm | Clamped | Standard 3.2mm pin |
12-002376 | EM-Tec TG6H | 6 x 3.05 TEM Grid | Ø 25 x 27mm | Clamped | M4 thread |
12-005176 | EM-Tec TG6J | 6 x 3.05 TEM Grid | Ø 25 x22 mm | Clamped | JEOL Ø12.2mm |
12-005276 | EM-Tec TG6J2 | 6 x 3.05 TEM Grid | Ø 25 x 22mm | Clamped | JEOL Ø25mm |
10-002211 | EM-Tec PS11 | 1 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø12.7×3.2mm | gravity | Standard 3.2mm pin |
10-002214 | EM-Tec PS14 | 4 x 3.05 TEM grid | Ø12.7×3.2mm | gravity | Standard 3.2mm pin |
Ordering information

1- (#12-000279)EM-Tec TG4 pin stub-based TEM grid holder for up to four
TEM grids. The longer pin creates a distance from the stage
adaptor to reduce electron and X-ray signals from the SEM stage.
2-The TEM grids are clamped down by the top plate and a central brass screw.
Through hole size is Ø2.1mm with a 60° side angle on top and base to reduce
electron and X-ray scattering interference from the holder.
3-Top plate removed; numbered positions with machined pockets and
side grooves in the base to facilitate loading/unloading the TEM grids with
fine pointed tweezers.
-
TEM grid holder holds up to four TEM grids, Ø18 x 3.2mm – pin
EM-Tec TG4 TEM grid holder securely holds up to four TEM grids, Ø18 x 3.2mm – pin (each)
£67.15 Add to basket -
EM-Tec TG4H holder holds up to four TEM grids, Ø18 x 3.2mm, aluminium, with Hitachi M4 stub adaptor
EM-Tec TG4H TEM grid holder securely holds up to 4 TEM grids- Ø18×3.2mm- aluminium- with Hitachi M4 stub adaptor (each)
£84.26 Add to basket -
EM-Tec TG4C TEM grid holder securely holds up to four TEM grids, Ø18 x 3.2mm, copper – pin
EM-Tec TG4C TEM grid holder securely holds up to 4 TEM grids- Ø18×3.2mm- copper- pin (each)
£129.74 Add to basket -
EM-Tec TG4J2 holder for up to four TEM grids, Ø18 x 3.2mm, aluminium, with JEOL Ø25mm stub adaptor
EM-Tec TG4J2 TEM grid holder, securely holds up to four TEM grids Ø18 x 3.2mm, aluminium, with JEOL Ø25mm stub adaptor (each)
£84.26 Add to basket -
EM-Tec TG4J holder for up to four TEM grids, Ø18 x 3.2mm, aluminium, with JEOL Ø12.2mm stub adaptor
EM-Tec TG4J TEM grid holder securely holds up to 4 TEM grids- Ø18×3.2mm- aluminium- with JEOL Ø12.2mm stub adaptor (each)
£84.26 Add to basket