Cryogenic temperature gradient microscopy chamber

A controlled low temperature chamber for a microscope has a vacuum chamber in a housing. The housing has a top panel and a bottom panel. A mounting in the chamber mounts a sample in a manner whereby the sample is microscopically observable. The mounting includes a base member, a pair of spaced supports extending perpendicularly from the base member and a pair of spaced platforms supported by the supports. Each of the platforms has an upper surface on which the sample rests and a spaced undersurface beneath the sample. A temperature control system maintains a specified temperature in the chamber, applies a controlled temperature gradient on the sample and moves the gradient along the sample in a controlled manner, thereby directionally solidifying and melting the sample, as desired.