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X-Ray Imaging

High-Throughput Tomography (HiTT) on P14

Sample Preparation Laboratory

The sample preparation laboratory is available for people who have been awarded X-ray imaging beamtime. The laboratory is a small laboratory close to the beamline, where final sample preparation can be done as well as adjustments during the beamtime to optimise samples based on experience gained during data collection.

Before entering the sample preparation laboratory, it is necessary to watch a short introduction and instruction presentation (online), with a short quiz in the end. 

Further, we ask to provide the state of wet-lab knowledge before you arrive on site to provide a short lab introduction on site, if necessary. 

See also:

Sample preparation laboratory close to P14.

Available equipment

General sample mounting equipment

We have a fully equipped laboratory with all the tools required for preparing a HiTT sample of regular specimens. For short beamtimes (less than 48h p.a.), we can provide Pucks, Goniometer bases, and goniometer caps for use on-site.

Centrifuge

Eppendorf miniSpin Centrifuge

The laboratory is equipped with an Eppendorf Mini centrifuge, which can be used for sample preparation and mounting.

Weight scales

OHAUS Discovery Semi-Micro and Analytical – DV215CD

Two different weight scales are available on-site in the sample preparation laboratory. One is a general lab scale, and the other is a high precision shielded weight scale under a chemical fume hood.

Magnetic heat stirrer

Phoenix Instrument – RSM-10HP

A basic magnetic heat stirrer is available in the lab for sample preparation and mounting.

Stereo Microscope

Leica Microsystems M80 Stereo Microscope

The on-site stereo microscope can be used to prepare small samples.

Vortex mixer

Stuart SA8 Vortex Mixer

The Vortex mixer enables rapid mixing of samples contained in tubes.

Label printer

Brother QL-820NWBc

The lab has a pre-set label printer connected to the beamline database. This enables a fast and streamlined preparation in the laboratory.

Available chemicals

General liquids and solid chemicals used for our established sample preparation are available in the sample preparation laboratory. A short list can be found below:

  • Ethanol (different concentrations)
  • Paraformaldehyde 5% solution (PFA)
  • Phosphate Solution Buffer 10x (PBS)
  • Acetone
  • Distilled water
  • MilliQ water

Please note that, the X-ray imaging group can only help with the sample preparation and mounting needed for the acquisition at P14.

We do not provide embedding possibilities on-site.

If you need more or specific chemicals, please review the contact form below to contact the Duke Team.

How to clean the lab

After the usage of the sample preparation laboratory, it is very important to follow the cleaning instructions, mentioned in the online training as well as below. Please carefully follow the instructions to enable a tidy and clean laboratory and equipment for the next user.

Cleaning of the sample preparation laboratory – HiTT imaging at P14

Get in touch with the lab manager 

Please contact the sample preparation laboratory manager if you have any questions about the equipment and chemicals in the lab and sample preparation.

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