Specific Process Knowledge/Characterization/SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy/samplemount: Difference between revisions
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= Why is sample mounting so important ? = | = Why is sample mounting so important ? = | ||
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This page was created by Jonas Michael-Lindhard with minor edits by Rebecca Ettlinger, DTU Nanolab | |||
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: 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. | : 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. | ||
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*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 | *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. | ||
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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 | 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. | ||