Samples are loaded by affixing them to a metal planetary that sits on three supports just below the lid seal of the vacuum chamber. Several different planetaries are available - each works best for a different size sample. All of the planetaries have spring loaded clips that can be used to affix wafers or pieces. Larger samples can be stabilized with standard paperclips or butterfly clips. Care should be taken to avoid placing a sample directly in front of the thickness measurement crystal (see section 4.2) or between the observation window and the hearth.
