Sample Mounting Stages

Two different styles of sample mounting tables are available for SANS experiments, depending on the instrument used. The CHRNS 30-m, nSOFT 10-m, and NG7 SANS instruments have two mounting tables available similar to the image to the right. Standard sample holders and smaller environments are mounted to a linear translation stage inside a chamber that can be evacuated. Larger equipment can be mounted to the sample table. The CHRNS vSANS and CHRNS USANS instruments have a sample table similar to the other SANS instruments but instead of a vacuum chamber the instruments have a linear translation stage that can mount directly on top of the large table.

The sample chambers are typically used for multi-sample changers and other smaller equipment, such as the humidity chamber, and LIPSS pressure cell. The sample chambers can be evacuated or filled with dry gas, if desired. A lab jack with a bolt pattern for 1/4-20 screws, in a 2.54 cm x 2.54 cm (1.00 in x 1.00 in) square pattern, is mounted to the computer-controlled linear translation stage and a small computer-controlled rotation stage is available as a stand alone device or to rotate single-sample holders.

Each of the sample tables for larger equipment has a rotation stage and linear translation stage. The CHRNS 30-m, CHRNS vSANS, NG7 instruments have vertical translation stages for adjusting the sample height. The vSANS stage can travel a total of 2.54 cm (1.00 in) and the NG7 and CHRNS 30-m instruments can travel 12.7 cm (5.00 in). The nSoft 10-m and CHRNS USANS instruments use spacer plates in 3.18 mm (0.125 in) steps to adjust the height of the sample relative to the beam. All of the sample tables have a similar top plate with multiple bolt patterns for securing equipment to the table. A diagram of the top plate is shown to the left and a PDF of the drawing is also available. The tables, translation stages, and rotation stages are all rated to hold 900 kg (2000 lb).