grid

A "grid" is a plate of a metal, etc. with a diameter of 3 mm and a thickness of 20 to 50 μm, which supports a specimen for TEM observation. Various grids such as a square-, a circular-, and a slit-grid, are available. They are selectable depending on observation requirements. The material of the grid is copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au) or titanium (Ti), etc. In elemental analysis, a grid which does not contain the elements to be analyzed, is used.

• Reticular grid
  The grid is most commonly used. Fragmented specimens are placed or pasted on the grid. For viruses or small particles, a supporting film is pasted on the grid and then, the specimen is placed on it.
• Single hole grid
  The grid is used to observe a wide area of specimen without disturbance of the mesh of a reticular grid. Thus, it is suitable for observation at ultra-low magnifications.
• Reference grid
  The grid is conveniently used at repeated observation of the same field because the marks (letters) to memorize the observation position are prepared on the grid.
• FIB grid
  The grid is used to attach a thin film specimen prepared by FIB, to the heads of the grid.

Examples of grid

1. Square grid

2. Single hole grid

3. Reference grid

4. FIB grid

Related Term(s)