University seeks an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (ACSTEM) specimen holder that can reach below liquid nitrogen temperatures and allows access to temperatures approaching helium. The specimen holder and related services must conform to the following required specifications: 2.1.1. The holder is to be specified for a Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra 200, which is an AC-STEM that operates at 200 keV. 2.1.2. Stable at temperatures between 300K and 23K 2.1.3. 2 mK temperature stability 2.1.4. 1 Å or better TEM imaging resolution 2.1.5. Hold times longer than 12 hours 2.1.6. Temperature sensor at the sample tip 2.1.7. Low-vibration support structure for specimen holder 2.1.8. Electronic feedthroughs for wire bonded in-situ transport 2.1.9. Thermal stability (measured over 4 hours) ±3 mK 2.1.10. Drift Velocity (measured over a standard acquisition) <1 Å/S 2.1.11. Image resolution <1 Å 2.1.12. Holding time at 23K for 12+ hours 2.1.13. The holder must also be stable for over nine hours 2.1.14. Specimen holder to include in-situ biasing for our forthcoming experiments 2.1.15. This custom build should be built off-site, though, if modifications are needed, University will provide a space for the awarded contractor to modify and update the specimen holder on-site. 2.1.16. The awarded contractor will install the specimen holder on site and provide training to University on its use. The size of the University laboratory space for such installation work is about 9,400 sq feet.
