Equipment Type:

Cleanroom Instrumentation

Nano and Micro Fabrication

Information the Equipment Can Provide

Critical point drying is a standard method for preparing SEM samples. Specimens are dehydrated in a solvent such as ethanol, then placed in the CPD where the solvent is exchanged with liquid carbon dioxide. Raising the temperature of the sealed “bomb” raises the liquid carbon dioxide past the critical point, where the density of the liquid phase is equal to that of the vapor phase. This process avoids the surface tension effects of normal drying and so preserves the natural structure of the sample.

Quorum Technologies Polaron critical point drier, model CPD7501.

Chamber usable dimensions: 29 mm ID and 56 mm tall. One can stack-up 8 mesh sample holders at one time.

Fees and Policies

• UT Users: $31/hour
• Higher Education/State Agencies: $54/hour
• Corporate/External Users: $46/hour

To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.

To become a user of this instrument you must first complete the Cleanroom Safety Class. Please contact the facility manager to schedule a training session.