Cryogenic NanoStage


The CryoNano Cryogenic NanoStage is a high-precision, liquid-nitrogen–cooled microscopy stage designed for cryo-fluorescence imaging, cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy, and cryo-super-resolution workflows.
Engineered to maintain samples in a fully vitrified state, the Cryogenic NanoStage enables safe handling, transfer, and imaging of cryo-samples while preventing contamination. The system supports coordinate-mapped imaging, allowing users to reliably relocate the same region of interest across multiple complementary modalities such as TEM, FIB-SEM, SEM, and X-ray microscopy.
Maintaining Vitrification & Sample Integrity
The CryoNano Cryogenic NanoStage preserves the vitrified state of samples through continuous liquid nitrogen cooling, ensuring temperatures remain well below -195 °C. This guarantees that samples remain free from devitrification, ice crystal formation, and atmospheric contamination throughout observation and handling.
A sealed, frost-controlled environment enables extended cryo-imaging sessions without compromising sample quality.
Precision Mapping & Correlative Imaging
An integrated, motorised, encoded XY nano-positioning stage provides highly stable and repeatable motion, enabling:
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Automated mapping of complete EM grids
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High-resolution coordinate tracking
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Accurate relocation of features across imaging platforms
When combined with compatible imaging software, the Cryogenic NanoStage enables rapid generation of high-resolution grid maps, streamlining workflows and improving experimental throughput.
Flexible Sample Handling & Cassette System
Samples are typically mounted on electron microscopy grids or cryo-compatible carriers, enabling seamless transition between optical and electron microscopy.
Key handling features include:
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Self-aligning magnetic sample cassette system
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Each cassette supports up to three EM grids
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Safe, contamination-free loading, storage, and transfer
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Compatibility with a wide range of sample carriers
Supported formats include:
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Standard EM grids
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Autogrids / clipped grids
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Membrane carriers
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Planchettes
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Bessy grids
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Silicon nitride frames
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Custom sample holders
A dedicated cryogenic transfer container allows samples to be moved from plunge freezing or high-pressure freezing systems into the NanoStage without exposure to ambient moisture.
User-Focused Cryogenic Design
The CryoNano Cryogenic NanoStage is designed for ease of use, reliability, and workflow efficiency:
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Rapid startup with minimal preparation time
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Cordless, heated, frost-free viewing lid
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Integrated LED condenser for brightfield transmitted illumination
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Real-time temperature monitoring via embedded sensors
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Interchangeable cryo-bridge architecture for custom experimental needs
An optional objective lens heater further enhances thermal stability and minimizes drift during high-resolution imaging.
Intuitive Control & Connectivity
The system can be operated via a dedicated joystick touch controller, allowing intuitive sample navigation and rapid review without requiring a PC. For advanced automation and documentation, the stage also supports USB-based computer control and integration with third-party microscopy software platforms.
Motorised sample positioning, mapping, and repeat imaging can be performed with high precision and repeatability.
Microscope & Workflow Compatibility
The CryoNano Cryogenic NanoStage is compatible with most research-grade upright optical microscopes and high-numerical-aperture objectives. A quick-release mounting system simplifies installation and sample exchange.
The platform integrates seamlessly with:
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Plunge freezing workflows
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High-pressure freezing systems
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Cryo-fluorescence microscopy
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Cryo-electron microscopy pipelines
A built-in bake-out heating cycle removes residual moisture from the sample chamber, ensuring contamination-free operation between experiments.
Key Advantages at a Glance
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Maintains vitrified samples below -195 °C
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Contamination-free cryogenic environment
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High-precision motorised XY mapping
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Multi-grid cassette-based sample handling
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Broad compatibility with cryo carriers and microscopes
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Intuitive joystick and software control
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Optimised for Cryo-CLEM and cryo-super-resolution