Equipment Type:

Cleanroom Instrumentation

Nano and Micro Fabrication

Instrument Capabilities

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

Cleanroom Entry fee: (The cleanroom entry fee is charged in addition to the cleanroom facility usage fee)

• UT Users: $6
• Higher Education/State Agencies: $10
• Corporate/External Users: $10

Cleanroom Facility

• UT Users: $35/hour
• Higher Education/State Agencies (Assisted): $92/hour
• Corporate/External Users (Assisted): $94/hour
• Higher Education/State Agencies (Unassisted): $64/hour
• Corporate/External Users (Unassisted): $65/hour

Please contact Dr. Raluca Gearba and/or James Smitherman to schedule a training session.