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4.2.6 Heavy metal coating
For materials that display a charging effect under the SEM, a coating of gold or other
h
eavy metal will most likely improve imaging capability. Remember, it is best to begin
with a light coat to reduce charge but more importantly to minimize change in surface
morphology of your sample.
Because every sputter coater is different, experiment with various coating times and
currents to optimize imaging performance.
4.3 Loading samples
1 Make sure that the sample is properly mounted and immobilized on the stub.
2 Turn the height adjustment ring of the sample holder counter-clockwise until the
mounting surface is in the highest position.
3 Insert the stub pin into the hole on the mounting surface, using tweezers if necessary.
4 Make sure that the stub is inserted in such way that the flat of the stub is seated on
the mounting surface.
5 Lower the sample by turning the height adjustment ring clockwise.
The sample is positioned correctly if it is at least 2 mm (0.08") below the top
surface of the holder.
Each one of the vertical marks on the adjustment ring corresponds to 0.5 mm
(0.02").
Thus, rotating the adjustment ring by 4 marks will lower the sample 2 mm
(0.08").
The best resolution is obtained when the sample is positioned 2 mm below the
holder surface. The largest field-of-view is obtained when the sample is
positioned 12 mm (0.48") below the holder surface.
Setting the specimen to positions between 2 mm (0.08") and 12 mm (0.48") below
the holder surface allows the user to optimize the trade-off between maximum
field-of-view (minimum magnification) and image resolution (maximum useful
magnification).
It is very important that the top of the sample is below the top of the sample
holder.
The sample will be destroyed and could cause severe damage to the
Phenom if inserted into the Phenom while positioned above the top of the
sample holder!
6 Open the door (4) by pushing the handle upward.
Hold the handle and raise the door to its fullest extent.
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