Slicing Samples From Solids - PerkinElmer Spotlight 200 User Manual

Compressing between infrared transmitting windows
Pressing two windows together, with the sample between them, compresses the sample.
This also provides optical contact between the windows and the sample, reducing surface
scattering.
Windows made of NaCl or KBr are relatively soft. If your sample is hard, or if it is wet, use
BaF or ZnSe.
2
Pressing with the heel of a probe
Press on small samples with the flat end of the probe handle. Even moderate pressure
usually produces considerable thinning.
Pressing with a needle
Pressing with the point of a needle or probe applies a high force per unit area, because the
area of contact is small.
Rolling a hard sample with the side of a sewing needle held in a pin vise presses it into a
flake.

Slicing Samples from Solids

Cutting a wedge of sample
Cutting a wedge-shaped piece from its edge enables you to produce a thin sample while
destroying very little of the original. This technique can be used with laminates, plastics,
films, paint chips and paper.
To cut a wedge-shaped piece from a relatively thick sample:
Hold the sample in tweezers as you slice a thin wedge from it with a razor blade. Taper

the wedge to as thin a slice as possible.
To cut a wedge-shaped piece from a relatively thin sample:
1. Place the sample between two offset glass slides. Allow a triangular portion of the
sample to protrude as shown on the left in Figure 17.
Figure 17 Cutting a Wedge-Shaped Sample
Preparing Samples . 59