Sputter coating is the standard method for preparing non-conducting or poorly conducting specimens prior to observation in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Quorum offer low-cost, rotary-pumped sputter coaters for depositing non-oxidising metals - such as gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) - and turbomolecular-pumped coaters, suitable for both oxidising and non-oxidising metals, such as chromium (Cr).

The PP3010 is a highly automated, easy to use, column-mounted, gas-cooled cryo preparation system suitable for most makes and models of SEM, FE-SEM and FIB/SEM.

The TPX3Cam is a fast optical camera for time stamping of optical photons. It is based on a new silicon pixel sensor, which in combination with the Timepix3 ASIC and readout, is suitable for a wide range of applications which require time-resolved imaging of electrons, ions or single photons. The TPX3Cam can be easily integrated both in tabletop lab setups, as in synchrotron or free-electron-laser environments.

ASI’s Chee-tah is a hybrid pixel detector suitable for electron microscope applications. The Chee-tah’s sensitivity and speed offers unprecedented possibilities for electron diffraction, imaging and tomography.Each pixel is connected via bump-bonds to the readout electronics integrated in the chip below the sensor. The electronics in a pixel processes the signals from the sensor. An individual pixel counts the number of detected events in the corresponding area.Scintillated detectors don’t have the signal to noise ratio’s that can be obtained with the Chee-tah. Other direct electron cameras lack the dynamic range the Chee-tah has and are often too beam sensitive to be used for diffraction experiments. The Chee-tah’s high speed makes it ideal for looking at dynamic processes and catching fast fading signals.

MICROTEST 2kN & 5kN modules have been specifically designed to allow real time observation of the high stress region of a sample with an SEM, optical microscope, AFM or XRD system. Windows 7.0/10.0 software sets drive parameters and displays the stress/strain curve live on the computer screen. Loadcells from 150N to 5kN cover most applications, with extension rates from 0.005mm/min to 50mm/min. All stages have linear scales for elongation measurement and optical encoders for speed control. Options include three and four point bending clamps, fibre clamps and microscope mounting adaptors. Modules are controlled from Microtest tensile testing software and special versions can be manufactured to customers requirements.

The Nanometer Pattern Generation System is the top selling SEM lithography system at research institutions in North America and its use has become widespread around the world. The objective for NPGS is to provide a powerful, versatile, and easy to use system for doing advanced electron beam lithography or ion beam lithography using a commercial SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope), FIB (Focused Ion Beam), dual beam (SEM/FIB), or Helium Ion microscope(HIM).

The Q150V Plus is optimised for high-vacuum applications, with an ultimate vacuum of 1x10-6mbar. Together with the use of a wide-range Penning/Pirani gauge, this enables the sputtering of oxidising metals with ultra-fine grain sizes, which are suitable for high resolution imaging. The lower background pressure removes oxygen nitrogen and water vapour from the chamber, avoiding chemical reactions during the sputter process, which could otherwise lead to impurities or defects in the coatings. Similarly, lower scattering allows for high purity, amorphous carbon films of high density. The Q150V Plus offers all the benefits of the Q150T Plus, but with a finer grain size and thinner coating, for ultra-high-resolution applications (above x 200,000 magnification).

The Q150T Plus is optimised for use with a turbomolecular pump, which gives a lower vacuum down to 5 x 10-5 mbar. This enables the sputtering of oxidising metals, which have a lower grain size suitable for high-resolution imaging. Similarly, lower scattering allows for high purity, amorphous carbon films of high density.

The Q150R Plus is suitable for use with Tungsten/LaB6 SEM and Benchtop SEM. Typical uses: Sputter coating of noble metals using the Q150R S & ES Plus: Recommended for magnifications: •   up to x 50k using Au, Au/Pd •   up to x 100k using Pt (optional) Carbon cord coating for elemental analysis using the Q150R E & ES Plus.

Suitable for multi-layer sequential sputtering of two materials, the Q300T D Plus has two independent sputtering heads, which allows sequential sputtering of two metals without the need to break vacuum. The system is fully automated with user defined recipes controlling the pumping sequence, time, number of sputter cycles, and the current used during the process. Unlimited layers of varying thickness from two target materials can be sputtered sequentially by cycling between both targets. When not in use the targets are shuttered for protection from contamination.

The SC7620 is a compact entry-level SEM sputter coater. When combined with the optional SC7620-CF carbon fibre evaporation attachment it makes the ideal low-cost SEM sputtering and carbon coating system package. Additionally, the SC7620 is fitted as standard with a glow discharge function, making it suitable for the hydrophilisation (or ’wetting’) of carbon-coated TEM grids and for other surface modifications.

For SEM, FIB, TEM, XPS, ALD , CD-SEM, EBR, EBI, EUVL and other high vacuum system. Remote plasma source should be installed on the vacuum chamber to be cleaned. Controller provides the RF power to the remote plasma source. RF energy breaks down the process gas that contains oxygen, hydrogen or other process gases and generates reactive radicals. Radical species will then diffuse into the chamber to be cleaned and react with the contaminants. The byproducts are usually low molecule weight, high vapor pressure molecules that can be easily pumped away. Remote plasma cleaner can clean vacuum systems and samples at the same time.

The multipurpose chamber can be configured for different applications with exter-nal accessories such as EM-KLEEN remote plasma source and/or TEM specimen holder adapters. EM-KLEEN remote plasma source can be used to generate oxygen & hydrogen radicals using air, O2, or H2 gas for sample cleaning and surface activa-tion. If the chamber is equipped with TEM specimen holder adapters, it can accept a total of six TEM specimen holders from Thermo-Fisher, JEOL, and Hitachi. Then it can be used as a vacuum storage station. Of course, EM-KLEEN plasma source can also be taken out and installed on a separate SEM, FIB or XPS chambers.

Micro to Nano is a company specialised in innovative, practical and useful microscopy supplies for electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy techniques. With a combined experience of over 50 years in electron microscopy, sample preparation, imaging technology and product distribution. M2N have a deep understanding of the needs of customers.

The Deben Coolstage can also be used for high vacuum heating and cooling applications inside the SEM. The Deben Coolstage is available for all SEMs and guaranteed temperature range is +50°C to -25°C (at 300Pa chamber pressure) or less than -30°C at higher vacuums.

The dual leadscrew stage has been designed to allow both transmitted and reflected illumination and can be fitted to an optical microscope, XRD system or Synchrotron. Supplied with feet the stage can stand vertically like a conventional tensile tester or with the feet removed it will sit flat on a bench or optical microscope stage. Versions with maximum loading to 2kN or 5kN are available, with optional loadcells of 500N and 1kN. Sample clamps are removable allowing easy customisation and the fitting of special clamps for different samples. We can supply fibre clamps, three and four point bending clamps and clamps to hold specifically shaped specimens. Optionally the stage can be supplied with temperature controllers and either heated or heated and cooled specimen clamps with a variable temperature range of -150˚C to 550˚C.

ASI’ s LynX detector series are hybrid pixel area detectors, with a pixel pitch of 55 µm,suitable for a wide range of applications.The capability of the LynX detectors to discriminate or measure energy of X-rays in each of its 512 x 512 pixels offers unprecedented possibilities for X-ray detection, imaging and tomography.LynX sensors (Si, GaAs, CdTe) are divided into an array of pixels and connected via bump-bonds to the readout electronics integrated in the chips below the sensor.

In association with the major manufacturers µXCT systems including Zeiss, RX Solutions, Tescan/XRE, Nikon, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Waygate/GE we are now able to offer an integrated tensile testing solution for your µXCT application. Using tensile testing with µXCT provides a clear visual interpretation of how the properties of materials and composites change under different loading conditions. The compact design of these testing stages allow them to be used with the smallest high resolution micro CT systems providing a range of tensile, compression and torsion stages with forces up to 20kN and resolutions down to 25mN. Systems are controlled from the comprehensive MICROTEST tensile stage control software giving a wide range of control functions and a live display of load versus extension and supplied with all required cabling and mounting adaptors for specific µXCT systems. Further details and pricing is available from your micro CT supplier or direct from Tansi.

Deben can supply a range of different stages for Bi-axial and Quad-axial tensile testing. Whatever your requirements Deben have a solution for your application, we have a standard 2kN stage and can manufacture other custom systems with different forces from 50N up to 100kN.

Deben have recently developed a new 2KN tensile stage with optional heating to 600°C specifically for use within an SEM with EBSD detector fitted. The stage has dual sample clamps allowing sample observation at 0° and 70° and can be fitted with optional heating/cooling jaws with temperature range up to 600°C.

The PP3006 CoolLok offers rapid transfer and cryo temperature observation of specimens for SEM, FIB/SEM, beamline or other vacuum systems. Freezing is on-contact with the pre-cooled SEM or FIB/SEM cold stage, or specimens can be rapidly pre-frozen in slushy liquid nitrogen using the optional freezing station (24425). Applications include thermal protection of beam-sensitive specimens and low temperature observation of materials such as plastics, polymers low-K dielectrics and hard-soft mixtures. The system can also be used for inert gas transfer of ambient temperature specimens from a glove box.

The Q150 GB is a modular glove box version of the highly successful Q150T ES Plus bench top turbomolecular-pumped coating system - suitable for SEM, TEM and many thin-film applications. The Q150 GB comes as standard with sputtering and carbon rod evaporation inserts and a rotating specimen stage. Options include metal evaporation, glow discharge, film thickness measurement and special stages to suit a range of specimen types.

The Q300T T Plus is a large chamber, turbo-pumped coating system, ideally suited for sputtering a single large diameter specimen up to 8"/200mm or multiple smaller specimens over a similar diameter. Ideal for thin-film applications and SEM/FE-SEM. It is fitted with three sputtering heads to ensure even deposition of individual large specimens or multiple specimens. The Q300T T Plus uses easy-change, 57 mm diameter, disc-style targets which are designed to sputter oxidising and noble metals. Fitted with three 57mm Ø x 0.3 mm chromium (Cr) sputtering targets as standard. Other targets options include; Au, Au/Pd, Pt/Pd, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ir, W, ITO and Al etc.