Tecnai Spirit

Tecna Spirit User Access

There are two types of users for the Tecnai Spirit:

1. New Users
2. Advanced/Independent Users

Depending on how a user is classified, they will have different types of access to the Spirit: 

• New users must schedule time 48 hours-in-advance, and have a facility staff member present or available. This requires reservations to be approved by facility staff. Facility staff members may be substituted with an advanced user willing to participate, at the discretion of the facility staff.
• Once a user is sufficiently advanced, the facility may classify them as an "Advanced" or "Independent" user. Advanced/independent users may schedule time on the microscope at any available point, with 48 hours notice. There is no requirement for time approval, or for the presence of facility staff.

Please note that all reservations may be subject to change by facility staff at any time many different reasons. A reservation is not a guarantee of access at a particular time/date.

Walk-up usage may be allowed, but please inquire with facility staff beforehand. While we do our best to keep the instrument calendar up-to-date, it is not always 100% accurate, or there may be other reasons the microscope is unavailable.

In addition to the requirements listed above, an index number is required prior to each usage session.

Initial State

The Tecnai Spirit is operated at 120 kV and uses LaB₆ source that is extremely sensitive to vacuum. It is important to ensure that all the necessary microscope systems are functioning properly before beginning.

Vacuum

The first setting to check is that the vacuum is operational. In the TEM UI, on the Setup tab, ensure that the status reads COL. VALVES, and that the Gun/Col pressure and Camera pressure have a green background.

The column valves should never be opened if Gun/Col pressure reads above 15.

If the status says something else, such as OFF or CRYO CYCLE, or if the Gun/Col pressure is > 15, please contact facility staff.

High Tension

High tension is required to operate the microscope.

Liquid Nitrogen

Ensure there is sufficient liquid nitrogen for microscope operation. Fill the dewar, and insert the cold-finger into it.

Prepare Sample

If you have not yet done so, prepare your sample.

Remove Sample Holder

Reset the Holder position by going to the TEM UI > Search > Select the Stage flapout > Reset > Holder

If the sample holder is in the microscope, place two fingers on the metal stage plate, and while holding the stage plate down, slowly remove the sample holder.

Do not attempt to do this until you have had in-person training with facility staff.

Insert Sample Holder

Once your grid is in the sample holder, line up the sample holder and slowly insert until you feel some resistance. You should hear a vacuum start. Leave the holder alone until the vacuum finishes pumping down. Once the airlock vacuum is pulled, you can turn the sample holder counter-clockwise until you feel the vacuum beginning to pull the sample holder the rest of the way in. Slowly guide the sample holder into the microscope until it is seated properly.