Sample Preparation

01 RMC Ultramicrotome

A precision slicing tool used to cut ultra-thin sections of materials for TEM or SEM analysis. Supports both biological and material samples. Ideal for high-resolution imaging prep.

Manufacturer: RMC

Model: Ultramicrotome

Availability: Internal & External Use

Usage & Fees

  • Assisted Use: $47/hr (Internal), $78/hr (External)
  • Independent Use: $11/hr (Internal), $23/hr (External)

Equipment Location: Grigg 147

Training Required: Yes (for non-assisted use)

02 RMC Cryo-ultramicrotome

Used for cryogenic sectioning of soft and temperature-sensitive materials. Enables ultra-thin slicing while preserving structure through sub-zero processing.

Manufacturer: RMC

Model: Cryo-ultramicrotome

Availability: Internal & External Uses

Usage & Fees

  • Assisted Use: $49/hr (Internal), $86/hr (External)
  • Independent Use: $13/hr (Internal), $31/hr (External))

Equipment Location: Grigg 147

Training Required: Yes (for non-assisted use)

03 Gatan Precision Ion Polishing System (PIPS)

Removes surface damage and prepares electron-transparent samples for TEM analysis through ion milling. Allows precise thinning with minimal artifacts.

Manufacturer: Gatan

Model: PIPS

Availability: Internal & External Uses

Usage & Fees

  • Assisted Use: $45/hr (Internal), $79/hr (External)
  • Independent Use: $9/hr (Internal), $24/hr (External)

Equipment Location: Grigg 147

Training Required: Yes (for non-assisted use)

04 Gatan Prep Station

A prep bench supporting pre-processing tasks for PIPS or BioWave. Suitable for cleaning, mounting, and handling of samples under controlled conditions.

Manufacturer: Gatan

Model: Prep Station

Availability: Internal & External Uses

Usage & Fees: $8.94/hr (Internal), $24/hr (External)

Equipment Location: Grigg 147

05 PELCO BioWave Pro

Advanced microwave tissue processor for faster and more efficient biological sample fixation and staining. Ideal for TEM or SEM sample prep.

Manufacturer: PELCO

Model: BioWave Pro

Availability: Internal & External Uses

Usage & Fees: $36.5/hr (Internal), $57/hr (External)

Equipment Location: Grigg 147

Contact:

Dr. Youxing Chen
Phone: 704-687-1985
Email: ychen103@charlotte.edu
Office: Duke 103