Tube Heating System for Drying a Liquid Cell
Princeton Docket # 25-4187
This innovative tube heating system developed by researchers at Princeton University represents a significant advancement in liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technology. Previous systems have struggled with prolonged downtime, which limits productivity and the ability to conduct in situ experiments. However, this new design efficiently heats gas flow from 68 to 130 °F, effectively drying liquid cells assembled on liquid phase TEM holders in just 2 hours, which is far superior to the 48 hours required when using room temperature gas flow. The system comprises three essential components: a gas flow controller, an induction heater, and a temperature controller. This integrated design allows for precise control over the heating process, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the system.
The potential advantages for this technology are vast, particularly for makers and users of liquid phase TEM systems. Laboratories investing heavily in advanced liquid phase TEM technology will find that this novel system significantly reduces downtime, allowing for more experiments and better utilization of valuable equipment. By incorporating this tube heating system, researchers will not only enhance the efficiency of their workflows but also improve the quality of TEM imaging, enabling more accurate examinations of reaction products in a dry environment.
Applications
In-situ liquid phase TEM heating system
Advantages
Reduced downtime for liquid phase TEM equipment
Higher quality TEM imaging
Low-cost solution
Easy to install
Stage of development The tube heating system prototype was shown to greatly reduce drying time for liquid phase TEM analysis and resulted in an increased image quality.
Inventors Guangming Cheng Ph.D. is an associate research scholar at the Princeton Material Institute. He completed his doctorate at North Carolina State University in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on nanomaterials. Nan Yao Ph.D. is the founding director of Princeton's Imaging and Analysis Center and serves as an Inaugural Professor of the Practice at Princeton University. A twelve-time recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, he has taught over 5,000 students and researchers. Notably, Yao has published over 330 scientific papers and co-discovered the first natural quasicrystal with 5-fold symmetry, a breakthrough that has transformed the field of crystal chemistry. Alexander Ban completed his Master of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University and currently works as an engineer in the aerospace industry.
Intellectual Property & Development status Patent protection is pending. Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.
Contact Prabhpreet Gill Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing • (609)258-3653 • psgill@princeton.edu