SEM 1

[unclesyd]

A big old good one.

Where would I be today if I had access to something like this. I thought our big Cambridge had large stage.

Scanning Electron Microscope

http://www.qualitest-inc.com/mira.htm

 

[Carburize]

Does anybody we know have one of these?

 

[unclesyd]

Carburize,

Don't know anyone at the present.

I sent it to a buddy who works for a local forensic and engineering company. They do a tremendous amount of Gov. and high dollar legal work so you and I will probably buy them one.

 

[Carburize]

If only we could get to use it from time to time!!

 

[arunmrao]

If only I could see it in my life time!!. Military and aerospace applications must be potential end users I suppose.

 

[TVP]

whoa...

 

[swall]

Man, just think of the pump down time!

 

[NickE]

swall-- looks like from the specs that it'll be down to 10^-6 in 45min. (Of course thats with 40m^3/hr and 250m^3/hr roughing pumps, and a 10,000l/s high vaccumn pump. !On a 1.848m^3 chamber volume!!!)

Wow, I wonder how much one of those costs?

 

[TVP]

I'm still in awe that this thing even exists...and it's been over 12 hours since I first read unclesyd's post.

 

[CoryPad]

If an SEM is going to have a chamber that large, it makes sense to use a newer Variable Pressure or Environmental SEM so that you can avoid huge costs/time regarding vacuum.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[NickE]

Cory- what about resolution? or can you crank down the pressure w/ a variable pressure device to gain resolution as vacummn increases.

 

[CoryPad]

Nick,

If you have a meter long stage, you have more worries than if you have a partial pressure in the chamber. Deflection of the stage and part, as well as "topography" will limit signal.

When I first looked at the linked page, I didn't scroll to the bottom - this company does offer a VP SEM. Interesting...

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[lgearhart]

Looks like Oak Ridge has one.

http://www.lcsem.com/how_to_apply.htm

Gotta love that application photo.

Also interesting from the MIRA SEM site of Qualitest is the computer operating that puppy. They list a 486, 66MHz, with a full 8 meg of RAM! Methinks that was from an olde brochure...

Lee