A method for image-guided positioning of cochlear specimens in insertion test benches using 3D printed stands

Cochlear implants include an electrode array (EA) which needs to be inserted into the cochlea. Insertion tests using artificial cochlear models (ACM) or ex vivo specimens are widely used methods during EA development to characterize EA design properties, including insertion forces. Measured forces are directly linked to the orientation of the cochlear lumen with respect to the insertion axis of the test bench. While desired insertion directions in ACM experiments can be predefined by design, specimens are individually shaped and the cochlear lumen is embedded invisibly. Therefore, a new method for accurate, individual specimen positioning is required. A key element of the proposed method is a customizable pose setting adapter (PSA) used to adjust the specimen’s fine positioning. After rigid fixation of the specimen to a holder featuring spherical registration markers and subsequent cone beam computed tomography the desired insertion direction is planned. The planned data is used to calculate the individual shape of the PSA. Finally, the PSA is 3D printed and mounted between force sensor and specimen holder to correctly align the specimen to the test bench’s insertion axis. All necessary hard- and software have been developed including the specimen holder, a software for registration and trajectory planning, and a custom Matlab script whose output drives a parametric CAD file of the PSA. Positioning accuracy was determined in a first trial using 10 virtual trajectories and was found to be 0.23 ± 0.12 mm and 0.38 ± 0.17°. The presented stereotactic positioning procedure enables high repeatability in future ex vivo insertion experiments due to accurate, image-guided control of the insertion direction.

Design and Construction of an Optical TEM Specimen Holder

Electron microscopy has enabled atomic resolution imaging of matter. However, unlike optical spectroscopic imaging, traditional electron microscopes provide limited spectroscopic information in terms of their energy resolution. Only recently, owing to advances in monochromated STEM-EELS, have transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) been able to attain a high energy resolution. We recently proposed combining spectrally selective photoexcitation with HRTEM to achieve sub-nanometer scale optical imaging, a technique we called photoabsorption microscopy using electron analysis (PAMELA). To realize PAMELA-TEM experimentally, we constructed a TEM holder with an optical feedthrough, capable of photoexciting materials with different wavelengths. In this article, we describe our process for designing and fabricating an optical TEM specimen holder, highlighting important aspects of the design.

A Universal Positioning System for Coupling Characterization of SEM and AFM

Hyphenated techniques, providing comprehensive information in various aspects such as constituent, structure, functional group, and morphology, play an important role in scientific research. Nowadays, coupling characterization of the same position in microscale is in great need in the field of nanomaterial research and exploration. In this article, a new hyphenated technique was developed to facilitate the coupling characterization of atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) by designing a universal positioning system. The system consisted of a specimen holder with coordinate grids and a software for converting the coordinate values of the same point to fit SEM, specimen holder, and AFM system. In working condition, the coordinates of the labeled points and target position were firstly extracted from the SEM operation software, then converted into the numerical values adapted to the specimen holder itself, and finally transformed into the coordinates matching the AFM system. The experimental result showed that a retrieving rate of 96% was achieved for a spherical target with a diameter of 1 μm in a 30 μ m × 30 μ m square. The hyphenated technique is a universal, accurate, efficient, and financially feasible method in microanalysis field and has great application potential.

Thermo-Mechanical and Delamination Properties in Drilling GFRP Composites by Various Drill Angles

This manuscript aims to study the effects of drilling factors on the thermal-mechanical properties and delamination experimentally during the drilling of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Drilling studies were carried out using a CNC machine under dry cutting conditions by 6 mm diameter with different point angles of ∅ = 100°, 118°, and 140°. The drill spindle speed (400, 800, 1600 rpm), feed (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 mm/r), and sample thickness (2.6, 5.3, and 7.7 mm) are considered in the analysis. Heat affected zone (HAZ) generated by drilling was measured using a thermal infrared camera and two K-thermocouples installed in the internal coolant holes of the drill. Therefore, two setups were used; the first is with a rotating drill and fixed specimen holder, and the second is with a rotating holder and fixed drill bit. To measure thrust force/torque through drilling, the Kistler dynamometer model 9272 was utilized. Pull-in and push-out delamination were evaluated based on the image analyzed by an AutoCAD technique. The regression models and multivariable regression analysis were developed to find relations between the drilling factors and responses. The results illustrate the significant relations between drilling factors and drilling responses such as thrust force, delamination, and heat affect zone. It was observed that the thrust force is more inspired by feed; however, the speed effect is more trivial and marginal on the thrust force. All machining parameters have a significant effect on the measured temperature, and the largest contribution is of the laminate thickness (33.14%), followed by speed and feed (29.00% and 15.10%, respectively), ended by the lowest contribution of the drill point angle (11.85%).

Development of tomography–transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimen holder stable under acoustic disturbances

This paper focuses on the development of tomography—transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimen holder stable under environment effect that allows atomic resolution. The successful holder must be dynamically stable for accuracy and image processes to obtain an atomic resolution, with a minimum controllable drift of the sample position. Different strategies to reduce the effect of acoustic disturbances are investigated. The approach to the problem has been two-fold, numerical and experimental. The effect of mechanical and acoustic noise is analyzed. Finite element results match very well previous experimental results and observations. Theoretical analysis showed that air pressure fluctuations have a significant impact on microscopes with side entry goniometers, especially when the exciting frequency matches a vibration mode of the sample holder. For example, finite element analysis (FEA) predicts that the tip deflections are 4.5 Å and 0.09 Å under air pressure excitation of 64 and 40 dB respectively. Utilizing a sandwiched constrained damping shell layer made of viscoelastic material that partially covers the inner part of TEM holder body successfully decreased the vibration. Finite element simulations predict that a shell layer of viscoelastic material with a thickness equal to the 1/10 of the body holder diameter reduces the vibrations by 30%. The viscoelastic layer shell thickness, loss factor, and elastic modulus have a strong effect on the damping behavior and the optimal combination should be determined.

Laboratory-modified powder diffraction specimen holder for filter paper

A simple modification to an existing powder diffraction specimen holder is given to allow for the presentation of filter papers for analysis. A mild steel annulus holds the filter paper in place using magnets added to the rear of the specimen holder.