SMART Grids™Technology
Windows of Opportunity for the Nanoworld
SMART GridsTM are a new revolutionary tool for enhanced analytical characterization and the development of new nanomaterials, nanosystems, electronics, bionanotechnology, and engineered interfaces.
For the first time, this cross-disciplinary tool integrates the combined capabilities of electron microscopy, surface science, and electronic and optical interrogation in a single sample to provide the most comprehensive understanding of structural, chemical, and functional characteristics at the nanoscale.
SMART Grids are produced from thin silicon wafers with electron transparent SiO2
windows.
Benefits include:
- Ultra-low background for outstanding image resolution
- Dramatic new capabilities for integrating other analytical techniques
- Unmatched chemical, thermal, and physical stability and compatibility
- Can accommodate multiple processing steps with sequential imaging
- Enhanced and simplified sample preparation for improved sample quality
Unlike other membrane TEM grids, these grids are not simply a passive support for structural characterization, but also can serve as an active component of research through manipulation of surface-driven interactions and by enabling multi-technique analysis (e.g. all electron microscopies and surface analytical methods) on the same sample.
Tailored surface chemistry and functionalization of SiO2 membranes include:
- Hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings
- Active groups for attachment of wide range of materials and biological species
- Can emulate a wide range of materials: oxides, nitrides, polymers, SAMs
SMART Grids patent pending grids are available in several standard configurations and surface chemistries. In addition, SMART Grids are amenable to customization for a wide range of speciatly needs. Using appropriately configured SMART Grids, sample quality is enhanced and time and effort needed for preparation is dramatically reduced. The ability to utilize multi-technique analysis methods to characterize samples is unique for these grids and will allow for unprecedented understanding of structure-property relationships.
In summary, SMART Grids enable the most comprehensive understanding of structural, chemical and functional characteristics at the nanoscale for applications in metrology, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, semiconductors, and quality assurance. Detailed information on specific SMART Grids products and applications can be accessed using the menu on the left of this page.