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Automated, scalable cryo-ET lamella preparation
The Thermo Scientific Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB integrates plasma FIB milling, automation, software-driven workflows, and connected cryogenic transfer support routine lamella preparation for cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
Learn how the system design and workflow architecture of the Arctis Cryo-PFIB facilitate scalable lamella preparation in research laboratories and core facility environments.
Together, these capabilities support routine, low-intervention lamella preparation for connected cryo-ET workflows.
Automated lamella preparation on multiple cryo EM grids
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB is an automated lamella preparation platform optimized for routine cryo-ET workflows. It can be used to create lamellae across multiple cryo EM grids and target sites within a single run, supporting sustained, unattended operation.
The plasma focused ion beam (PFIB) supports controlled removal of vitrified material and precise final thinning; it is integrated with the instrument’s automation and system stability to support extended lamella preparation runs with minimal user intervention. This approach is particularly valuable for cryo-ET studies of cells, tissues, and thicker biological specimens, where preparation efficiency influences lamella output within a defined timeframe.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about the Arctis Cryo-Plasma FIB, including details on workflow integration, automation, connectivity, and system capabilities.
Cryo FIB-SEM instruments, such as the Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB, are used for sample preparation as part of a larger cryo-electron tomography workflow. The addition of plasma FIB milling enables automated lamella preparation across multiple cryo-EM grids and target sites within a single run, supporting scalable cryo-ET studies in research laboratories and core facilities.
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB integrates plasma FIB milling, automated multi-grid workflows, system stability, and robotic handling via an Autoloader to support lamella preparation with minimal user intervention. This allows extended preparation runs across multiple cryo EM grids.
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB can be used with a dedicated Vacuum Capsule to transfer cryo lamellae under vacuum. The capsule interfaces directly with Autoloader-equipped cryo-electron microscopes, including Thermo Scientific Krios and Glacios Cryo-TEMs, which maintains workflow continuity from sample preparation to tomographic imaging.
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB integrates fluorescence imaging at the electron and ion beam coincidence point, enabling correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) within the lamella preparation workflow. This allows for targeted sample preparation within the regions identified by fluorescence microscopy.
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB is designed to support automated, routine lamella preparation across multiple users and projects. Its integration of automation and robotic handling enables consistent operation in multi-user facilities.
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB is ready for operation in biosafety laboratories thanks to its enclosed system design along with optional vacuum transfer capability and a 60°C heat-decontamination system.
Thermo Scientific TomoGrid Sample Carriers are made for cryo electron tomography. They maintain precise lamella orientation relative to the tomographic tilt axis from cryo FIB milling to cryo-TEM imaging. This supports reproducible and efficient cryo-ET data acquisition.
Connected cryo-ET workflow integration
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB is designed to be part of a connected cryo-electron tomography workflow, supporting lamella preparation of vitrified biological samples, along with the subsequent transfer to cryo-TEM imaging, all with minimal manual handling.
In this workflow, cells and other biological specimens are first vitrified using a dedicated sample preparation platform such as the Thermo Scientific Vitrobot System. The cryo EM grids are then transferred into the Arctis Cryo-PFIB for automated lamella preparation. The system architecture preserves sample integrity during both material removal and the subsequent sample transfer to a cryo-TEM for tomographic data collection.
This transfer is performed with a dedicated Vacuum Capsule that maintains cryogenic and vacuum conditions during transport, which minimizes contamination. The capsule can interface directly with Autoloader-equipped cryo-TEM systems, such as the Thermo Scientific Krios and Glacios Cryo-TEMs.
Additionally, these workflows leverage Thermo Scientific TomoGrid Sample Carriers, which are designed specifically for cryo-ET. They maintain precise lamella orientation relative to the tomographic tilt axis throughout the cryo-ET workflow, from milling to imaging. By integrating a specialized grid design with automated handling and vacuum-protected transfer, TomoGrid Carriers support reproducible lamella positioning and efficient tomographic data collection.
Correlative light and electron microscopy
The Arctis Cryo-PFIB features an integrated fluorescence light microscope (iFLM) that enables correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) directly at the electron and ion beam coincidence point. Fluorescence imaging can be performed before milling, during intermediate verification, and after lamella preparation, all without moving the sample.
This supports confident targeting of regions of interest, particularly for cell biology and in-situ molecular cryo-ET studies, where specific cellular structures or rare events must be localized accurately prior to milling.
Workflow automation and a web-based interface
Automation is central to the Arctis Cryo-PFIB, and its lamella preparation workflows are designed to run with minimal manual intervention. This reduces reliance on the expertise of individual operators and supports routine operation across users and projects. Additionally, robotic handling under cryogenic conditions, enabled by the Autoloader, helps preserve sample integrity throughout the sample preparation process.
The Arctis Cryo-PFIB is operated through a web-based interface (WebUI) that is specifically structured around lamella preparation workflows rather than generic instrument controls. This workflow-centric approach simplifies adoption in multi-user facilities.
Stable, low-contamination cryo-FIB operation
The enclosed system architecture, cryogenic shielding, and automated handling of the Arctis Cryo-PFIB support clean and stable operation over extended preparation sessions. This helps maintain low contamination rates during multi-day workflows.
Prepared for biosafety-level laboratories
The Arctis Cryo Plasma-FIB is BSL-3 prepared, leveraging its fully enclosed design, compatibility with sealed transfer workflows, and an optional 60°C heat decontamination capability. These features enable installation and operation within BSL-3 laboratory environments.
Technical highlights
The Arctis Cryo-PFIB integrates a plasma focused ion beam optimized for cryogenic lamella preparation with a high-stability field-emission SEM and fluorescence imaging capability. These are supported by an automated cryogenic stage, robotic sample handling, vacuum-protected transfer capability, and a web-based workflow interface. Together, these elements enable routine, scalable lamella preparation for connected cryo-ET workflows.
Detailed technical specifications, configuration information, and compatibility details are available in the instrument’s datasheet and other supporting documentation on the resources page.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.