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ECC-Load

This is a very useful tool to conveniently load the REF-sleeve with lithium metal (or other ductile reference material).
Basically, the tool is a small tube (cannula) with a knock-out pin inside. A tiny piece of lithium metal is first picked up by pressing the cannula onto a piece of lithium foil (>0.2 mm thick). The cannula is then inserted into the bore of the REF sleeve, and the lithium inside the cannula is extruded into the REF bore by actuating the knock-out pin.
The left-hand picture shows, for demonstration purposes, how the lithium metal can be extruded through the REF bore forming a thin wire. In practice, push the lithium just to the inner surface of the REF Sleeve, no more, no less.