Flag Style Sample Holder Plates for UHV, Cryogenic & High-Temperature Applications

Flag Style Sample Holder Plates designed for Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV), High Vacuum (HV), cryogenic, high-temperature, and oxygen exposure applications. These precision sample mounting plates are ideal for surface science, electron spectroscopy, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), sample preparation, and advanced materials research.

Available in a wide range of metals, high-temperature alloys, and technical ceramics, our Flag Style Sample Holder Plates allow material selection according to thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, magnetic properties, chemical resistance, and operating temperature.

Different mounting configurations are available to accommodate samples, precision screws, and leaf springs for secure positioning in demanding experimental environments.

High-Vacuum Cleaning for UHV Applications

All sample holder plates are supplied HV-cleaned and carefully packaged to minimise surface contamination.

The supplied cleaning condition provides a suitable starting point for UHV applications. Depending on the experimental requirements, additional cleaning or in-situ bake-out may be necessary to achieve the desired vacuum performance.

Materials and Properties

Stainless Steel (304 / 316L)

X5CrNi18-10, 1.4301 (AISI 304)

X2CrNiMo18-14-3, 1.4435 (AISI 316L)

Stainless steel offers good mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and vacuum compatibility. It is a cost-effective choice for general-purpose UHV sample mounting, precision assemblies, and experiments performed at room temperature or moderate temperatures.

For applications involving significant temperature changes, thermal expansion and compatibility with the sample and mounting components should be considered.

Oxygen-Free High Conductivity Copper (OFHC)

CW009A Cu-OFE, 2.0040 (C10100)

OFHC copper provides excellent thermal conductivity, making it particularly suitable for cryogenic sample holders, temperature-controlled experiments, and applications requiring efficient thermal coupling.

Its high thermal conductivity supports rapid temperature equilibration between the sample holder and the cooling or heating system.

Due to its relatively low mechanical strength and softening at elevated temperatures, OFHC copper is generally less suitable for heavily loaded or extreme-temperature applications.

Gold-Plated OFHC Copper

CW009A Cu-OFE, 2.0040 (C10100)

Surface Finish: Electroless Nickel (Ni-P 15%) + Gold ≥ 1 µm

Gold-plated OFHC copper combines the excellent thermal conductivity of the copper substrate with a protective surface finish that reduces surface oxidation and provides stable electrical contact properties.

It is particularly suitable for cryogenic sample mounting, precision electrical contacts, and temperature-controlled surface science experiments.

The influence of the nickel interlayer and gold coating on the experimental environment should be considered, particularly for surface-sensitive measurements or elevated-temperature applications.

Titanium (Grade 2)

3.7035

Titanium combines good corrosion resistance, relatively low density, low magnetic susceptibility, and excellent vacuum compatibility.

It is suitable for UHV sample holders, cryogenic experiments, and applications where magnetic interference should be minimised.

At elevated temperatures, interactions between titanium and adjacent materials must be considered, particularly when thermocouples or dissimilar metals are in direct contact.

Molybdenum (Mo 99.97%)

Molybdenum combines a high melting point, good thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and excellent dimensional stability.

It is one of the preferred materials for high-temperature UHV sample holders, sample heating stages, and surface science experiments.

Molybdenum is particularly suitable for elevated-temperature operation under vacuum or inert atmospheres, where reliable mechanical stability and low contamination are important.

However, molybdenum oxidises readily at elevated temperatures in the presence of oxygen and is therefore not recommended for high-temperature oxygen exposure experiments without suitable protection.

Tantalum (Ta 99.95%)

Tantalum offers a high melting point, excellent ductility, and good corrosion resistance in many chemical environments.

Its mechanical properties make it particularly suitable for UHV heating applications, sample mounting, and experimental assemblies where ductility and resistance to mechanical deformation are important.

Tantalum is well suited for high-temperature operation under vacuum or suitable protective atmospheres.

However, despite its excellent corrosion resistance in many environments, tantalum is susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperatures in oxygen-containing atmospheres.

Tungsten (W 99.95%)

Tungsten features an exceptionally high melting point, very low thermal expansion, and excellent dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.

It is particularly suitable for extreme-temperature UHV applications, directly heated samples, and specialised surface science experiments.

Due to its high stiffness and relatively brittle behaviour, careful handling and appropriate mounting methods are recommended.

Tungsten is best suited for high-temperature operation under vacuum or protective atmospheres, as it oxidises in oxygen-containing environments.

Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃)

Aluminium oxide is a technical ceramic providing excellent electrical insulation, high-temperature stability, and good vacuum compatibility.

It is particularly suitable for electrically isolated sample mounting, high-temperature experiments, and applications where metallic sample holders are unsuitable.

Its relatively brittle nature requires careful handling and appropriate mechanical design, especially around mounting features.

Shapal™ Hi M-soft (Machinable AlN Ceramic)

Shapal™ Hi M-soft combines excellent electrical insulation with high thermal conductivity, approximately 92 W/mK at room temperature.

Unlike conventional aluminium oxide ceramics, Shapal offers significantly improved heat transfer while maintaining electrical isolation.

It is particularly suitable for cryogenic applications, electrically isolated UHV sample mounting, and temperature-controlled experiments requiring efficient thermal coupling.

Its low thermal expansion and good dimensional stability make it an attractive alternative to conventional ceramic sample holders.

Alloy 601 (Inconel® 601)

NiCr23Fe, 2.4851 (UNS N06601)

Alloy 601 is a nickel-chromium-based high-temperature alloy specifically suited for applications requiring excellent oxidation resistance in air, oxygen-containing atmospheres, and oxidising process environments.

At elevated temperatures, Alloy 601 forms a protective chromium-rich oxide layer, enhanced by aluminium, which helps reduce further oxidation and scaling.

Unlike refractory metals such as molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten, Alloy 601 is particularly suitable for high-temperature oxygen (O₂) exposure experiments, oxidation studies, and sample heating under oxidising conditions.

It combines good high-temperature mechanical stability with resistance to thermal cycling, making it an attractive material for specialised sample holders and heating assemblies.

For surface-sensitive UHV experiments, the formation of surface oxides and possible interactions between the sample and holder should be considered.

Material Selection for UHV and High-Temperature Applications

The optimal sample holder material depends on the experimental environment, operating temperature, thermal conductivity requirements, electrical properties, and chemical compatibility.

For general-purpose UHV applications, stainless steel offers a practical and economical solution. OFHC copper provides excellent thermal coupling for cryogenic experiments, while gold-plated copper offers additional surface protection and stable electrical contact properties.

Molybdenum is often preferred for conventional high-temperature sample heating under UHV conditions. Tantalum provides additional ductility, while tungsten offers exceptional thermal stability for extreme-temperature applications.

For electrically isolated sample mounting, aluminium oxide and Shapal™ Hi M-soft provide suitable ceramic alternatives. Shapal is particularly attractive where high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation are required simultaneously.

For high-temperature experiments involving oxygen (O₂), Alloy 601 is particularly suitable due to its excellent oxidation resistance in oxidising atmospheres.

Compatible Precision Screws and Leaf Springs

Our Flag Style Sample Holder Plates can be combined with compatible precision screws and leaf springs for secure sample mounting.

Small Precision Screws for UHV & High-Temperature Applications

Precision screws are available in various materials, including molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, stainless steel, Alloy 601, and Alloy 602 CA.

For high-temperature experiments involving oxygen exposure, oxidation-resistant alloys such as Alloy 601 and Alloy 602 CA provide suitable fastening options, depending on the operating conditions.

Precision Leaf Springs for Sample Mounting

Precision leaf springs allow samples to be mechanically secured to compatible sample holder plates without adhesives.

The selected screw and leaf spring materials should be compatible with the sample holder, operating temperature, and experimental environment.

Custom Configurations and Special Requirements

In addition to our standard sample holder designs, custom mounting configurations, alternative materials, and special geometries may be available upon request.

UHV Store of Switzerland provides precision sample mounting solutions for demanding vacuum, cryogenic, high-temperature, and advanced scientific applications.

Contact us to discuss your specific experimental requirements.