Automated vitrification of cryo-EM samples with controllable sample thickness using suction and real-time optical inspection.

The speed and efficiency of data collection and image processing in cryo-electron microscopy have increased over the last decade. However, cryo specimen preparation techniques have lagged and faster, more reproducible specimen preparation devices are needed. Here, we present a vitrification device with highly automated sample handling, requiring only limited user interaction.

The microscopic visualisation of the sonocrystallisation of ice using a novel ultrasonic cold stage.

This work reports dynamic video images of the influence of ultrasonic cavitation on the sonocrystallisation of ice at a microscopic level. This has been achieved through the construction of a unique ultrasonic system for an optical microscope. The system consists of (1).