Patent ID: 7375325

Claim:
A method for preparing a sample for electron microscopic examinations, in particular with a transmission electron microscope (TEM), comprising the steps: a) a substrate containing the sample to be prepared on a sample locus is provided in a vacuum chamber, b) a protective layer is applied onto a surface of the sample locus, c) the sample located under the protective layer is separated from the substrate by an ion beam, the protective layer acting as a mask, and d) in the vacuum chamber, the separated sample is removed from the substrate, wherein the sample is joined in step c) or d) to a TEM sample support which is moved by a manipulator, said TEM sample support comprising a holding end and a needle on which a thin tip is formed, the sample support being used for preparation and simultaneous mechanical fixing of the sample, whereby the holding end is selected from the group consisting of a TEM support grid, a metal angle segment disk, and a copper half-disk, whereby said needle is fastened to said holding end or formed integrally therewith.