Microscope slide w/Hi themal conductivity

[Rink]

Hi,

I'm looking for a source of 25 x 75 mm microscope slides with almost any thickness from 0.1 to 3mm. The material needs to be relatively tranparent and have high thermal conductivity. I would appreciate finding the manufacturer, vendor and part number, if possible.

Thanks,

Rink

 

[IRstuff]

How high? You can probably get diamond, but it would be a bit pricy.

Most transparent materials tend to dielectrics, which are almost invariably low thermal (and electrical) conductivity.

A more detailed description of the application might yield you a better answer.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[nbucska]

I made once a thermostat for microscope slide -- I may be
able to help but I have to know much more. Otherwise
the only advice is : Investigate the possibility of depositing diamond on a metal plate and etching away the metal where it has to be transparent.



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[Rink]

IRstuff,

I'm not sure how additional info will help... but-

We are studying phase changes in Liquid Crystals. The setup involves viewing LCs with a simple microscope through crossed polarizers. The LC sample is heated (working range 30-60*C) using Thermo-electric coolers... (reversed). A 3mm-thick, 25 x 75mm copper plate conducts heat from the TECs to the microscope slide. A thermal compound is used at each thermal junction to improve the heat transfer. The microscope slide is covered with an insulator. There is a 7mm diameter hole in the copper plate and in the insulated cover to allow a light source to illuminate the sample from below and to allow access to the microscope lens from above.

The central hole is creating a temperature gradient across the standard glass microscope slide. I have imagined that a microscope slide with high thermal conductivity will help minimze the problem.

Did that actually help?

Rink

 

[nbucska]

How big is the field of view of the microscope ?
Do you have to move it (scan across the plate ) or can
it stay stationary?

I am thinking at adding transparent resistor to hear it and
TC to measure it.



----------------------------
Please read FAQ240-1032
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[unclesyd]

As stated above a few more details as to what you are attempting would help.

Two things I have done are:

On a heated stage I used a very thin cover slide made from Corning 0211 glass. I would mount the specimen on a regular glass slide then add the cover slide and invert to where the thin cover was contacting the heated stage.

I also silver/gold plated a very thin cover slides. The cover slide was masked in an area to mount the sample.

 

[IRstuff]

I went and revisited the data, and there are a few materials that seem to be better than plain glass:

http://www.dreamlasers.com/products/crystal/caf2.htm

CaF, Spinel, MgF, and even quartz seem plausible. However, do note that some of these materials might be birefringent, and that'll impact the polarization of the light going through them.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[unclesyd]

IRstuff,

They make quartz microscope slides. They are used when UV light is involved, high temperature, and for somewhat better chemical resistance.

http://www.2spi.com/catalog/ltmic/quartz.shtml

 

[jedward]

Sapphire from adolf meller (or other) may be the material of choice
relatively high thermal conductivity, transparency and tough

possibly available from vendors of wafers for silicon on sapphire IC technology

 

[sreid]

You might be better of circulating temperature controlled water thru a glass plenium (two glass slides separated by a, say, copper spacer with an inlet and outlet port).