Specific Process Knowledge/Characterization/SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy/samplemount - Revision history

Reet: /* Why is sample mounting so important ? */

2025-09-30T12:02:09Z

Why is sample mounting so important ?

Reet: /* Why is sample mounting so important ? */

2025-09-30T11:59:51Z

Why is sample mounting so important ?

Reet: /* Why is sample mounting so important ? */

2025-09-30T11:56:09Z

Why is sample mounting so important ?

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:56, 30 September 2025
Line 19:		Line 19:
	: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.		: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.
	; Problems with charging are minimized		; Problems with charging are minimized
	: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting ~~they tend to blame~~ the ~~stage. The~~ reason is ''~~' ''always'' ''' bad~~ grounding of the ~~sample due~~ to ~~sloppy mounting~~.		: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting, the reason is bad grounding due to sloppy mounting. ''Note: You can check the grounding of the stage prior to pumping the chamber down: Use a metal object to touch both the top of the stage and a lower part of the stage and listen for a high-pitched touch alarm. If there is no alarm, contact staff. (Edit by reet)''
	; Limit the waste of time		; Limit the waste of time
	: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.		: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.

Jmli at 08:24, 6 February 2023

2023-02-06T08:24:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:24, 6 February 2023
Line 7:		Line 7:

	= Why is sample mounting so important ? =		= Why is sample mounting so important ? =
			<!--Checked for updates on 6/2-2023 - ok/jmli -->
			{{Template:Author-jmli1}}


	Sample mounting is much more important than many SEM users seem to think. If you can get away in 10 seconds with fixing the sample to a sample holder so that it will not fall off during the SEM session, the sometimes precious time that you have on the SEM is better spent operating the instrument - right? Well, not quite. In case you are in doubt, this page will explain you why.		Sample mounting is much more important than many SEM users seem to think. If you can get away in 10 seconds with fixing the sample to a sample holder so that it will not fall off during the SEM session, the sometimes precious time that you have on the SEM is better spent operating the instrument - right? Well, not quite. In case you are in doubt, this page will explain you why.

Jmli: /* Why is sample mounting so important ? */

2023-02-03T11:06:22Z

Why is sample mounting so important ?

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 3 February 2023
Line 16:		Line 16:
	: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.		: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.
	; Problems with charging are minimized		; Problems with charging are minimized
	: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting they tend to blame the stage. The reason is always bad grounding of the sample due to sloppy mounting.		: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting they tend to blame the stage. The reason is ''' ''always'' ''' bad grounding of the sample due to sloppy mounting.
	; Limit the waste of time		; Limit the waste of time
	: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.		: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.

Jmli at 06:43, 5 October 2020

2020-10-05T06:43:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:43, 5 October 2020
Line 2:		Line 2:

	<!--Checked for updates on 30/7-2018 - ok/jmli -->		<!--Checked for updates on 30/7-2018 - ok/jmli -->
			<!--Checked for updates on 5/10-2020 - ok/jmli -->

Jmli at 06:37, 5 October 2020

2020-10-05T06:37:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:37, 5 October 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
			'''Feedback to this page''': '''[mailto:labadviser@nanolab.dtu.dk?Subject=Feed%20back%20from%20page%20http://labadviser.nanolab.dtu.dk/index.php/Specific_Process_Knowledge/Characterization/SEM:_Scanning_Electron_Microscopy/samplemount click here]'''

	<!--Checked for updates on 30/7-2018 - ok/jmli -->		<!--Checked for updates on 30/7-2018 - ok/jmli -->

Jmli at 11:54, 30 July 2018

2018-07-30T11:54:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:54, 30 July 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
			<!--Checked for updates on 30/7-2018 - ok/jmli -->


	= Why is sample mounting so important ? =		= Why is sample mounting so important ? =

Jmli: /* Why is sample mounting so important ? */

2016-06-17T12:40:18Z

Why is sample mounting so important ?

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:40, 17 June 2016
Line 15:		Line 15:
	; Limit cross contamination issues		; Limit cross contamination issues
	: Sticking your sample onto carbon pad that is already sitting on a pin stub is a very fast way to get started - but it is not a very clever one. Using old carbon pads has many disadvantages:		: Sticking your sample onto carbon pad that is already sitting on a pin stub is a very fast way to get started - but it is not a very clever one. Using old carbon pads has many disadvantages:
	**You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.		*You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.
	**The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.		*The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.
	; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.		; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.
	: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge.		: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge. This translate into poor image quality.

	Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the next sections and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.		Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the next sections and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.

Jmli: /* Why is sample mounting so important ? */

2016-06-17T12:39:10Z

Why is sample mounting so important ?

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 17 June 2016
Line 15:		Line 15:
	; Limit cross contamination issues		; Limit cross contamination issues
	: Sticking your sample onto carbon pad that is already sitting on a pin stub is a very fast way to get started - but it is not a very clever one. Using old carbon pads has many disadvantages:		: Sticking your sample onto carbon pad that is already sitting on a pin stub is a very fast way to get started - but it is not a very clever one. Using old carbon pads has many disadvantages:
	** You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.		**You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.
	** The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.		**The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.
	; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.		; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.
	: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge.		: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge.

	Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the next sections and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.		Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the next sections and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 30 September 2025
Line 8:		Line 8:
	= Why is sample mounting so important ? =		= Why is sample mounting so important ? =
	<!--Checked for updates on 6/2-2023 - ok/jmli -->		<!--Checked for updates on 6/2-2023 - ok/jmli -->
	~~{{Template:Author~~-~~jmli1}}~~		<!--Minor edits 30-9-2025 - reet -->
			This page was created by Jonas Michael-Lindhard with minor edits by Rebecca Ettlinger, DTU Nanolab


Line 19:		Line 20:
	: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.		: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.
	; Problems with charging are minimized		; Problems with charging are minimized
	: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting, the reason is bad grounding due to sloppy mounting. ''Note: You can check the grounding of the stage prior to pumping the chamber down: Use a metal object to touch both the top of the stage and a lower part of the stage and listen for a high-pitched touch alarm. If there is no alarm, contact staff. ~~(Edit by reet.)~~''		: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting, the reason is bad grounding due to sloppy mounting. ''Note: You can check the grounding of the stage prior to pumping the chamber down: Use a metal object to touch both the top of the stage and a lower part of the stage and listen for a high-pitched touch alarm. If there is no alarm, contact staff.''
	; Limit the waste of time		; Limit the waste of time
	: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.		: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.
Line 26:		Line 27:
	*You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.		*You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.
	*The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.		*The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.
	*The stickiness degrades over time and the sample may slide off ~~(reet)~~.		*The stickiness degrades over time and the sample may slide off.
	; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.		; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.
	: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge. This translate into poor image quality.		: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge. This translate into poor image quality.
Line 32:		Line 33:
	Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the manual and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.		Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the manual and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.

	For a visual recap, review the sample mounting videos that are part of the training for new SEM users - they are found in the [https://learn.inside.dtu.dk/d2l/le/content/56927/Home DTU Learn SEM TPT course] under Contents ~~(reet)~~.		For a visual recap, review the sample mounting videos that are part of the training for new SEM users - they are found in the [https://learn.inside.dtu.dk/d2l/le/content/56927/Home DTU Learn SEM TPT course] under Contents.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:59, 30 September 2025
Line 19:		Line 19:
	: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.		: You can 'access' the sample in a way that enables you to take the images you need: If, for instance, short working distance is needed to ensure optimum conditions for the Inlens detector, the sample must be mounted in a way that makes it possible.
	; Problems with charging are minimized		; Problems with charging are minimized
	: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting, the reason is bad grounding due to sloppy mounting. ''Note: You can check the grounding of the stage prior to pumping the chamber down: Use a metal object to touch both the top of the stage and a lower part of the stage and listen for a high-pitched touch alarm. If there is no alarm, contact staff. (Edit by reet)''		: In most cases where users complain that the sample seems to be drifting, the reason is bad grounding due to sloppy mounting. ''Note: You can check the grounding of the stage prior to pumping the chamber down: Use a metal object to touch both the top of the stage and a lower part of the stage and listen for a high-pitched touch alarm. If there is no alarm, contact staff. (Edit by reet.)''
	; Limit the waste of time		; Limit the waste of time
	: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.		: Finding the right feature on a sample is more tricky than one would think due to the limited field of view. Making sketches of feature positions on the sample or drawing on the sample itself is often a great help.
	; Limit cross contamination issues		; Limit cross contamination issues
	: Sticking your sample onto carbon pad that is already sitting on a pin stub is a very fast way to get started - but ~~it is~~ not a ~~very~~ clever one. Using old carbon pads has many disadvantages:		: Sticking your sample onto a carbon pad that is already sitting on a pin stub is a very fast way to get started - but not a clever one. Using old carbon pads has many disadvantages:
	*You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.		*You don't know what kind of samples have already been mounted so once your sample has been contact with an old carbon pad, it should be regarded as contaminated with anything.
	*The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.		*The electrical conductivity of the carbon pad degrades over time and you will have charging problems.
			*The stickiness degrades over time and the sample may slide off (reet).
	; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.		; Optimize imaging conditions hence image quality.
	: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge. This translate into poor image quality.		: Poorly mounted samples are much more likely to vibrate or charge. This translate into poor image quality.

	Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the ~~next sections~~ and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.		Respect the guidelines on sample mounting in the manual and you will maximize the results of your efforts at the SEM.

			For a visual recap, review the sample mounting videos that are part of the training for new SEM users - they are found in the [https://learn.inside.dtu.dk/d2l/le/content/56927/Home DTU Learn SEM TPT course] under Contents (reet).