Excillum MetalJet D2+

Questions and Answers

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Erica WilliamsAug 16, 2025
Why does the high voltage generator shut down repeatedly in my Excillum Laboratory Equipment?
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  latoyawoodsAug 16, 2025
  If the high voltage generator in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment shuts down repeatedly due to arcing, it could be due to several reasons. First, check for contaminated high-voltage connectors; if they are dirty, clean them with isopropanol, following the instructions in Section 0. Another possible cause is metal debris contamination inside the high voltage chamber; in this case, clean the interior of the HV chamber according to the service manual instructions. Finally, a faulty high-voltage cable could be the cause; contact Excillum for assistance, as detailed in Section 1.3.1.
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Eric MarshAug 22, 2025
Why is the turbopump not reaching full speed in my Excillum MetalJet D2+?
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  andersonteresaAug 22, 2025
  If the turbopump in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment isn't reaching its final rotation speed (1500 Hz) within the specified time, it could be due to a few reasons. The fore-vacuum pressure might be too high; refer to the remedy for the roughing pump issue. Alternatively, there may be a vacuum leak in the system; locate and seal any leaks. Lastly, the turbopump might be due for service; in that case, replace the turbopump following the service manual instructions.
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Joseph JacksonAug 25, 2025
How to fix electron-beam power emission fluctuations in Excillum Laboratory Equipment?
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  Douglas DavisAug 26, 2025
  If you notice fluctuations in electron-beam power emission in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment, it could be due to an oxide layer on the cathode. To resolve this, evaporate the oxide layer from the cathode using the Cathode bake button in the GUI.
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maryyoungAug 27, 2025
What causes roughing pump not to reach below 3 mbar in Excillum Laboratory Equipment?
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  John PenaAug 27, 2025
  If the roughing pump in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment isn't reaching below 3 mbar, it might be caused by water condensation inside the pump. To fix this, introduce a ballast load following the service manual instructions. Another possibility is that the roughing pump is due for service; in this case, replace the roughing pump according to the service manual instructions.
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Crystal WashingtonAug 30, 2025
Why does the X-ray flux fluctuate violently in my Excillum Laboratory Equipment?
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  Natalie CraigAug 30, 2025
  If the X-ray flux in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment fluctuates violently, it's likely due to an unstable jet. To resolve this, replace the nozzle assembly following the instructions in the service manual.
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Angel JonesSep 2, 2025
What causes no electron-beam emission in Excillum MetalJet D2+ Laboratory Equipment?
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  Stanley GarrisonSep 2, 2025
  If there is no electron-beam emission in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment, a possible cause is a cathode assembly short circuit due to liquid-metal debris. To address this, remove and attach the HV feedthrough and inspect the cathode assembly for metal debris, following the instructions in the service manual.
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timothy96Sep 4, 2025
What to do if jet pressure fluctuates violently in Excillum Laboratory Equipment by Excillum?
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  Anna StuartSep 4, 2025
  If the jet pressure in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment fluctuates violently between almost zero and less than 200 bar, the pulsation dampener is likely broken. To fix this, replace the pulsation dampener following the instructions in the service manual.
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Taylor MasonSep 7, 2025
What causes slow jet pressure fluctuations in Excillum MetalJet D2+?
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  masonjenniferSep 7, 2025
  If the jet pressure in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment fluctuates more slowly (and possibly irregularly) with a smaller amplitude, it could be that the check valves are not tight due to dirt, wear, or damage. Try knocking on the inlet check valve housing to remove any dirt. If the jet pressure doesn't stabilize, replace the inlet check valve following the service manual instructions.
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Alexis JohnsonSep 10, 2025
What does it mean if the heating current is normal but voltage is zero in Excillum Laboratory Equipment?
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  Jennifer SandersSep 12, 2025
  If the heating current to the exit window reaches the set value, but the voltage value is about zero in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment, it indicates that the exit window is short-circuited. To resolve this, replace the exit window following the instructions in the service manual.
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Joseph StephensSep 12, 2025
Why does jet pressure not reach set value in Excillum Laboratory Equipment?
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  Heather HaynesSep 13, 2025
  If the jet pressure in your Excillum Laboratory Equipment does not reach the set value, it could be due to not enough liquid metal in the system. Follow the service manual to troubleshoot the jet system. Another potential cause is that the check valves are not tight due to dirt, wear, or damage.

Summary

1 INTRODUCTION

1.3 Product Information

Details about the MetalJet D2+ source, including identification and components.

1.3.1 Product Identification

Information required for product identification with Excillum, including model and serial numbers.

1.3.2 Design and Function

Overview of the MetalJet D2+ system's operation, including its metal-jet anode and electron gun.

2 SAFETY

2.1 Safety Precautions

General safety measures including qualified personnel, partly completed machinery, and manual.

2.1.1 Qualified Personnel

Specifies requirements for personnel involved in installation, commissioning, and operation.

2.1.4 X-ray Radiation

Details hazards of X-ray radiation and precautions, including personal monitoring and protective devices.

2.1.5 Electricity and High Voltage

Covers safety precautions for electrical work, high voltage, and grounding techniques.

2.1.6 High Pressure

Warns about high liquid-metal pressure in the jet system and required personnel for maintenance.

2.1.9 Poisoning Hazard

Warns about the toxicity of beryllium foil in the exit window and handling procedures for breakage.

3 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

3.1 Transport

Guidelines for transporting the MetalJet D2+ source, including upright position and handling of dangerous goods.

4 INSTALLATION

4.1 Initial Installation Checklist

A checklist for pre-installation and during installation steps to minimize complications.

4.3 Setting up the MetalJet D2+ Source

Instructions for setting up the MetalJet D2+ source after unpacking.

4.3.1 Mounting of Sub-assembly Units

Details on connecting and mounting the electron gun/x-ray head and pump box semi-rigidly.

4.3.2 Connecting Tubing and Cables

Step-by-step guide for connecting various tubing and cables for system assembly.

4.3.2.2 Flex-hose Assembly and Jet-Exit Port

Procedure for connecting the flex-hose assembly to the jet-exit port and attaching the cooling block.

4.3.2.3 Cooling Water Supply and Return

Describes routing and connecting cooling water supply and return hoses to subassemblies.

4.3.2.4 High-Pressure Tubing and Nozzle Assembly

Instructions for connecting the high-pressure tubing to the nozzle assembly using a VCR gasket.

4.3.2.6 Cooling Water

Guidelines for installing and verifying the water cooling solution for system operation.

4.3.2.7 Interconnecting Cables

Instructions for connecting interconnecting cables between system components based on cable part numbers.

4.3.2.10 Mains Supply

Instructions for connecting grounding cables and mains supply to system modules.

4.4 Safety System

Explains the implementation of a customer-supplied safety system interface for the source.

4.4.1 High Voltage Controller

Details the role of the high voltage controller in the safety system, including relays and monitor outputs.

4.5 Operating Conditions

4.6 System Integration

4.6.2 Network Connectivity

Guidelines for connecting the system controller to a local network and remote access.

5 OPERATION

5.1 Introductory Notes on Source Operation

5.1.4 Electron Beam Power vs. Spot Size

5.2 Starting the MetalJet D2+ System

Flowchart illustrating the decision process for starting the MetalJet D2+ system.

5.3 Capabilities of the Software

5.4 Starting the Software and GUI

Step-by-step guide for starting the XCS software and accessing the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

5.5 The States of the Software

5.7 Error Messages

5.8 Parametrization

Procedure for system parametrization, consisting of six steps for setting up cathode and electron optics.

5.8.1 Prepare System for Parametrization

First step in parametrization: setting system to Admin level, desired acceleration voltage, and Lowpower state.

5.8.2 Align Electron Beam to Optical Axis

Aligns electron beam by adjusting alignment coils and focus lens, and centers the electron-beam dump aperture.

5.8.3 Determine Jet Size and Position

Determines liquid-metal jet size and position by sweeping the electron beam across it.

5.8.4 Characterize Focus Lens and Verify Jet Stability

Maps electron-beam spot sizes for different focus settings and verifies jet stability.

5.8.5 Characterize Linefocus Coils

Characterizes linefocus coils to establish correlation between coil settings and electron-beam spot geometry.

5.9 Set Emission Power and Spot Size

Adjusts focus lens for hysteresis and calibrates electron beam spot size and settings.

5.9.1 Recalibrate Spot Size

5.10 Normal Operation

Procedures for normal operation, including turning X-ray generation on/off and changing settings.

5.10.1 Turning On X-ray Generation

5.10.2 Change Emission Power and Spot Size

5.11 System Settings

6 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

Summary of Systems and Components Requiring Maintenance

Table summarizing components requiring maintenance and service, with intervals and references.

6.1 Vacuum System

Details maintenance for roughing pump and turbopump, including troubleshooting and replacement recommendations.

6.1.1 Roughing Pump

6.1.2 Turbopump

6.2 Jet System

Maintenance procedures for the jet pump, including lubricants, diaphragm, and check valves.

6.2.1 Jet Pump Lubricants

6.2.2 Jet Pump Diaphragm

6.2.3 Jet Pump Check Valves

6.2.4 Nozzle Assembly

Guidance on nozzle failure, recommendations for replacement, and troubleshooting for contamination.

6.2.5 Particle Filter

6.2.6 Exit Window

6.3 Electron Gun

Maintenance and operation of the electron gun, focusing on the cathode assembly and beam dynamics.

6.3.1 Cathode Assembly

6.4 Climate System

7 SHUTDOWN

7.1 Shutting Down for Shorter Periods

7.2 Shutting Down for Longer Periods

7.3 Restarting After Longer Shutdown

8 MALFUNCTION AND TROUBLESHOOTING

High Voltage Generator Shuts Down Repeatedly Due to Arcing

Possible causes and remedies for repeated shutdowns of the high voltage generator due to arcing.

No Electron-Beam Emission

Troubleshooting steps for when there is no electron-beam emission, often related to cathode assembly.

Fluctuations of Electron-Beam Power Emission

Low Photon Flux in Relation to Electron-Beam Power

Large Leakage Current in Electron Caused by Either

X-ray Flux Fluctuates Violently

X-ray Spot Size Very Large (>50 µm) in the Horizontal Direction

Alignment Procedure Does Not Converge

No Electron-Dump Signal

Heating Current to Exit Window Reaches Set Value, But the Voltage Value is About Zero

Jet Pressure Fluctuates Violently Between Almost Zero and <200 bar

Jet Pressure Fluctuates More Slowly (and Possibly Irregularly) and With Smaller Amplitude Than Above

Jet Pressure Does Not Reach Set Value

Jet Pressure Close to Zero with Pump Frequency at 50 Hz

Roughing Pump Does Not Reach Below 3 mbar

Turbopump Does Not Attain the Final Rotation Speed (1500 Hz) Within the Specified Run-Up Time

9 CUSTOMER SUPPORT

System Log Files

9.2 Remote Support

Details how to use TeamViewer for remote support and troubleshooting with Excillum.