Design
MicroMounts™ consist of a thin microfabricated polyimide film attached to a solid non-magnetic stainless steel pin.
- Films
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Polyimide:
Used in Kapton® tape, which is employed for X-ray transparent windows on X-ray beam lines. Has low atomic number (Z) constituents and low density, and produces less background scatter than e.g., nylon. Optically transparent with an orange-gold hue.
Film Curvature:
Obtained by wrapping polyimide film around the steel pin. Provides excellent stiffness even with very thin (7.5 micrometer) films, and a convenient, scoop-like action in retrieving and handling crystals. - Film Pattern
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Crystal aperture (A) sizes from 10 to 600 micrometers, with minimal polyimide width (B) around the aperture to minimize background scatter in all orientations.
Wicking hole (C) connected via drainage channel (D) to the crystal aperture. Hole size is compatible with size 15 or XF paper wicks. "Fountain-pen"-like design allows easier removal of excess liquid - without ever touching the crystal with the wick.
Alignment cross (E) located a fixed distance from the center of the crystal aperture. Allows easy automated alignment of the crystal aperture (A).
Crystal aperture size code (F) around the alignment cross. Allows automated recognition of mount design and of aperture and crystal size, which determines boundaries of aperture (to be avoided), required alignment tolerance, and area of crystal available to be scanned for optimum diffraction. Initial beam size can then be automatically selected. Aperture size (G) in μm can be read directly off the mount. Orientation mark (H) allows the front and back of the mount to be automatically distinguished.
- Pins
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Solid 316 non-magnetic stainless steel pins. Pins will not be pulled out or trapped by magnets in tools or in automounting hardware. Available in four standard lengths: 11 mm, 19 mm, SPINE, and 25 mm. The 11, 19 and 25 mm pin lengths give pin base-to-crystal center distances comparable to those of nylon loops mounted in 10, 18, and 24 mm pins, respectively. Custom pin lengths available on request.
Unlike competing mounts in hollow pins, our solid pins will not suck up crystals and liquid.
Beveled at film end. Allows good visibility of the crystal for wide range of pin orientations during crystal retrieval.
Can be cut using spring-steel-compatible pliers/cutters to any desired length. Can be easily bent to place crystal in desired orientation. Fit all standard bases.
Marked in 2 mm steps. Together with ruler on packaging box, allows easy cutting to a desired length.