Vibration Isolation for Cryo-TEM: Over 90% Measured Reduction at 2 Hz

Using a Cryo-TEM in structural biology imaging requires a stable platform to create the 3D images researchers demand. Unfortunately, many facilities that require Cryo-TEM instrumentation are in less-than-ideal locations regarding vibration. Often, in urban environments and on higher floors, these facilities can present challenges to researchers, facility owners, and equipment manufacturers when identifying a location that meets the instrument vibration requirements. The DVIA-MB provides customizable solutions with outstanding performance for your Cryo-TEM while seamlessly integrating into the microscope design.

The purpose of this article is to provide actual data on a recent Cryo-TEM installation. Although many manufacturers give canned transmissibility charts, below is actual data from a customer site with a DVIA-MB system installed and the microscope in operation.

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Outstanding performance from sub 1 Hz to 100 Hz

The DVIA-MB provided outstanding vibration isolation performance from sub 1 Hz to over 100 Hz, with a greater than 90% reduction in vibration at 2 Hz. The DVIA-MB delivered this performance both in the vertical and horizontal direction

Plotting the vibration on the Vibration Criteria (VC Curves) shows a reduction in vibration from VC-E to VC-G in the vertical direction, and the vibration on the DVIA-MB in the horizontal direction barely registers.

Tailor-Made Solution for your Cryo-TEM

In addition to providing outstanding vibration isolation performance, VEC worked closely with the equipment manufacturer to create a solution that integrates seamlessly into the footprint and operations of the Cryo-TEM. Key features include:

Separate platforms for the enclosure and the microscope console: The DVIA-MB solution does not put the enclosure and the microscope platform on the same “island.” Instead, the VEC mounts the enclosure to a rigid platform while only having the microscope console on the vibration isolation platform. This arrangement keeps the isolated world protected from accidental bumps to the enclosure, providing the best performance for the microscope.
Non-isolated platforms for the ancillary equipment: VEC provides non-isolated platforms for the ancillary cabinets to bring them to level with the isolation system. Getting the ancillary equipment level with the microscope console reduces unnecessary tension on the cables, which can degrade the performance of the onboard vibration isolation platform and the active system below the microscope.
Seismic Restraining of Microscope using factory restraint locations: Separating the microscope enclosure from the console allows VEC to use factory seismic restraint locations to secure the microscope to the floor. VEC bolts the microscope console and the enclosure bolt directly to the DVIA-MB platforms using factory bolt locations. Then, the entire system is bolted to the floor utilizing the DVIA-MB’s bottom plate.

Option isolation platform for the HT Tank: VEC provides the option to isolate the HT tank using a separate DVIA-MB or DVIA-UB platform. VEC and the equipment manufacturer will help guide this decision based on instrument sensitivity and baseline vibration in the facility.

In summary, using VEC to provide a DVIA-MB solution for your Cryo-TEM provides excellent vibration isolation performance and a tailor-made solution based on your microscope requirements.