The newly designed Puckulator^TM provides a stable docking port that allows for specimens to be transferred between cryogenic and high-vacuum instruments under ambient conditions so that they can be analyzed using atom probe tomography (APT). Specimens that are sensitive to certain elements (i.e., oxygen, water, etc.) or thermal exposure require environmental protection during the sample transfer between instruments to maintain sample fidelity in a pristine state before, during, and after analysis. The Puckulator^TM is a fifth-generation design that is robust, easy to use, adaptable, and compatible with multi-instrument utility.

When a sample needs to be put into an instrument for preparation, experimentation, and study, the sample is affixed to an arrowhead shaped sample holder called a “puck.” The puck has a “stem” at the back that attaches and docks it to a device called the “Puckulator^TM”. The Puckulator^TM is used to safely and reliably transfer these sample-holding pucks in and out of high vacuum instruments. Its main purpose is to secure the puck for transfer and help deliver it into an instrument’s stage.

The transfer process of pucks with prepared specimens faces the challenge of maintaining sample integrity. One approach for moving these specimens from the scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam to the atom probe is done by utilizing a shuttle device, where the specimens are transported between the preparation instrument(s) and the analysis instrument under a well-defined environment (e.g., user-set temperature inert gas or high vacuum). The Puckulator^TM has been fastidiously designed for an optimal puck interface, increasing the control and integrity of the specimen transfer.

Currently, when transferring specimens on pucks, multiple instruments from various vendors might not have compatible docking ports or even the ability to accept a common shuttle or manipulate the same specimen holder geometry. Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have invented a centralized system that allows for environmental transfer into the APT and docking with various holder geometries, shuttles, reaction chambers, etc. The heart of this invention is the Puckulator^TM.

A specially designed clamp is intended to more firmly grasp the puck and prevent unnecessary movement. A slim profile reduces the amount of rubbing with the transfer shuttle. The Puckulator^TM is designed to be easily manufactured (prototypes are 3D printed on an extrusion printer), allowing them to be made of optimal polymer compositions. The Puckulator^TM is designed to be durable, with thicker walls and more reinforcement to prevent the tip from breaking off during loading, transport, and unloading. Because the Puckulator^TM is designed using 3D printed polymers, it keeps the cost of manufacturing to as low as possible.

The ability to prepare and transfer specimens in precise environments provides a means to access new science across many disciplines, with new capabilities for users across disciplines and especially in biology and materials science.

DESIGN
The Puckulator^TM is typically affixed to the end of a long rod and manipulated at a distance by twisting the rod to lock/unlock the puck into its stage. The primary goal of the design is to have the Puckulator^TM conform to the shape of the puck, allowing for a snug fit. A narrow gap with a reinforced clip prevents breakages. This thicker clip serves two purposes—it keeps the puck from jostling while also applying pressure to the rod for enhanced rigidity. The clip has a smaller profile which decreases friction along the walls of the sample shuttle. The novel ball joint design prevents sample crashes when moving between different vendor’s instruments. A spring rests directly against the rod providing a compression fitting.

APPLICABILITY
This technology offers a unique capability for end users to leverage existing instruments in a new way to expand research capabilities. The Puckulator^TM integrates with existing laboratory workflows. Prospective users include academia, healthcare, materials laboratories, semiconductor industry, and pharma.