The Leica EM MM80 E is a metal mirror cryofixation system for impact freezing (slam freezing) of specimens measuring up to 20 mm in diameter. Specimens are rapidly frozen by attaching them to a holder then impacting them against a liquid nitrogen cooled gold-coated, highly-pure copper block. The specimens are frozen to form a vitreous (non-crystalline) ice layer which can either be freeze-substituted and subsequently prepared for TEM or further prepared using our Cressington QFDE. The MM80 has the highest possible cooling rates at ambient pressure and is well suited for larger specimens and also results in short turnaround time. Interchangeable specimen holders and easily exchangeable metal mirrors give flexibility in specimen type, enhance rapid specimen preparation, and yield highly reproducible results. Two independent, low-weight damping systems minimize formation of ice crystal artifacts and avoid compression regardless of specimen type.

The EM MM80 E is an ideal instrument for biological samples, such as tissue slices and cell suspensions, as well as high-viscosity fluid samples, such as polymers.