Revolutionary Self-Sealing Anti-Oxidation Sample Container for Advanced Materials Research

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Revolutionary Self-Sealing Anti-Oxidation Sample Container for Advanced Materials Research

This innovative, low-cost, disposable sample container, designed for oxygen-sensitive materials in electron microscopy, offers enhanced safety and efficiency in materials science research by preventing oxidation.
  

Overview:        In materials science, especially in nuclear materials research, the storage and analysis of oxygen-sensitive samples pose significant challenges. Existing solutions like the SampleSaver have limitations in terms of cost, durability, and effectiveness in preventing oxidation. This novel container design, specifically tailored for scanning electron microscopy samples, addresses these challenges by providing a reliable, affordable, and safe storage solution. Its unique self-sealing, anti-oxidation capabilities make it a game-changer for research institutions, particularly those handling nuclear materials like uranium or plutonium, where oxidation can lead to hazardous conditions and skewed research results.

Description:    The container is designed to accommodate small SEM pin stub and met mount samples up to 1.25 inches. It comprises three main sections: a cap, a base, and rubber gaskets, along with a unique auto-sealing mechanism with two gas outlets for inert gas purging. This design ensures an inert gas atmosphere, maintaining sample integrity by preventing oxidation. Unlike the high-cost, short-term effectiveness of current market solutions, this container uses balanced atmospheric pressure, allowing for the use of cost-effective materials without compromising sealing quality. The successful demonstration with U-Mo fuel TEM lamellas indicates its effectiveness in preserving sample quality over time.

Benefits:          
•    Cost-Effective: Designed to be disposable and low-cost, making it accessible for widespread use.
•    Enhanced Safety: Prevents oxidation of sensitive materials, reducing hazards in nuclear materials research.
•    Long-Term Storage: Capable of preserving sample integrity for extended periods.
•    Innovative Design: Self-sealing mechanism and balanced atmospheric pressure for effective oxygen exclusion.
•    Broad Applicability: Useful for a wide range of materials science research, not just nuclear materials. 

Applications:    
•    Nuclear materials research, particularly for oxygen-sensitive elements like uranium and plutonium.
•    General materials science research, especially for samples prepared via focused ion beam (FIB) or atom probe tomography (APT).
•    Research institutions and laboratories specializing in scanning electron microscopy.
•    Any field requiring long-term storage of oxygen-sensitive materials. 

Development Status:  Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8: Actual system completed through test and demonstration. 

IP Status:     US Patent Application No. 18/506,932, “Containers, Sample Containers and Associated Methods,” BEA Docket No. BA-1520. 

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