Product List

Tabletop SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopes)

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron microscope that creates a high-resolution image by scanning the surface of a sample with a focused beam of electrons. SEMs generate images that provide details about a material’s surface composition and topography.

SNE-Alpha

SNE-Alpha

High Resolution Table Top SEM with 5-Axis XYZRT stage, 5nm Resolution, Variable Aperatures

Accessories for Tabletop SEM

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BRUKER XFLASH EDS

XFlash 360 for Tabletop SEM with 30mm2 SDD and Esprit Compact Software

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EBIC

EBIC is an Analysis Technique Used Primarily in the SEM for Semiconductor and LED Research

CATHSCENCE

Cathodoluminescence

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SPUTTER COATERS

Sample Preparation for Non-Conductive Specimens in Tabletop SEM

cpd

CRITICAL POINT DRIER

STEM Adapter for Basic TEM Imaging Using Standard 3mm Grid Supported Specimens and Particles

Anti-vibration

ANTI-VIBRATION OPTIONS

The BM-8 bench top platform offers 10-100 times better performance than a full size air table in a package only 4.6 inches tall, and without air or electricity!

Industrial Linear Accelerators

Designed for Special Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Applications and for Usage in Scanning Devices for Cargo and Vehicles Inspection at Ports and Borders

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LINASEC SERIES

All-In-One System which Includes All Necessary Components, the Linear Accelerator, RF generator, High frequency modulator, HVPS, Shielding, Power Supplies, Interfaces

Understanding Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM): From Full-Size to Tabletop SEM Systems

 What is a Scanning Electron Microscope?

A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a powerful tool that creates detailed images of samples by using a beam of electrons instead of light. Unlike traditional optical microscopes, SEMs can show incredibly small details of objects, down to just a few nanometers in size.

Basic Working Principles
The SEM works by:

- Creating a beam of electrons using a special electron source
- Focusing this beam using electromagnetic lenses
- Scanning the beam across the sample surface
- Collecting different signals that come from the sample
- Converting these signals into detailed images

Types of Signals

When the electron beam hits the sample, it creates several types of signals:
- Secondary electrons (showing surface detail)
- Backscattered electrons (showing material contrast)
- X-rays (revealing chemical composition)
- Other electrons and signals that tell us about the material

Applications Across Industries

 

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Manufacturers use SEMs to:
- Check product quality
- Analyze material failures
- Examine surface finishes
- Study material defects
- Verify manufacturing processes

Medical and Biological Research

Scientists in medical fields use SEMs for:
- Studying cell structures
- Examining tissue samples
- Analyzing medical devices
- Investigating drug delivery systems
- Research disease mechanisms

Electronics Industry
Electronics manufacturers rely on SEMs to:

- Inspect semiconductor devices
- Check circuit board quality
- Analyze component failures
- Study new materials
- Develop better products

Materials Science
Materials scientists use SEMs for:

- Studying new materials
- Analyzing material properties
- Investigating failures
- Developing better materials
- Understanding material behavior

Full-Size vs Tabletop SEM Systems

 

Full-Size SEM Characteristics

Traditional full-size SEMs offer:
- Highest resolution imaging
- Greatest analytical capabilities
- Most flexible sample handling
- Multiple detector options
- Advanced features

However, they also require:
- Dedicated room space
- Special facilities requirements
- Trained operators
- Higher maintenance costs
- More complex operation

Tabletop SEM Benefits
Modern Tabletop SEM systems provide:

- Compact size
- Easy operation
- Lower cost
- Minimal facility requirements
- Quick results

Perfect for:
- Small laboratories
- Quality control departments
- Educational institutions
- Research facilities
- Industrial applications

Electron Source Technologies

 

Tungsten Filaments

Traditional tungsten filaments:
- Lowest initial cost
- Regular replacement needed (50-100 hours)
- Good for basic imaging
- Lower resolution

LaB6 (Lanthanum Hexaboride)

LaB6 sources offer:
- Better brightness
- Longer life (500-1000 hours)
- Improved resolution
- Medium initial cost

Field Emission Guns (FEG)

FEG sources provide:
- Highest brightness
- Longest life (thousands of hours)
- Best resolution
- Highest initial cost

Cost of Ownership Analysis

 

Initial Investment
Varies by system type:

- Tungsten filament systems: Lowest purchase price
- LaB6 systems: Medium purchase price
- FEG systems: Highest purchase price

Operating Costs

Consider these factors:
- Filament replacement frequency
- Energy consumption
- Maintenance requirements
- Facility modifications
- Service contracts

Long-Term Considerations
Total cost depends on:

- Usage frequency
- Required resolution
- Application needs
- Maintenance support
-Service contracts

SEM vs 3D Optical Microscope

 

Resolution Advantages
SEMs offer:

- Much higher magnification
- Better depth of field
- Clearer fine details
- Better material contrast
- Superior surface imaging

Analysis Capabilities
SEMs provide:

- Chemical analysis options
- Crystal structure information
- Elemental mapping
- Surface topography
- Compositional data

Practical Considerations

While 3D optical microscopes offer:
- Color imaging
- Simpler operation
- Lower cost
- Faster analysis
- No vacuum required

SEMs provide:
- Higher resolution
- More analysis options
- Better material contrast
- More detailed information
- Greater versatility

Analytical Techniques in SEM

 

Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)

EDS allows:
- Element identification
- Chemical mapping
- Composition analysis
- Contamination detection
- Quality control

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)

EBSD provides:
- Crystal structure information
- Grain orientation data
- Texture analysis
- Phase identification
- Strain measurement

Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS)

WDS offers:
- Higher resolution elemental analysis
- Better light element detection
- More precise composition measurement
- Lower detection limits
- Better peak separation

Cathodoluminescence (CL)
CL enables:

- Defect analysis
- Material characterization
- Semiconductor inspection
- Geological studies
- Quality control

Choosing the Right System

 

Consider Your Needs

Think about:
- Required resolution
- Sample types
- Analysis needs
- Budget constraints
- Space availability

Tabletop SEM Advantages

Perfect for many applications:
- Quality control
- Basic research
- Educational use
- Routine analysis
- Small laboratories

Full-Size SEM Benefits

Better for:
- Advanced research
- Highest resolution needs
- Multiple analytical techniques
- Complex samples
- Specialized applications

Future Developments

 

### Technology Trends
Watch for:
- Better resolution in Tabletop SEMs
- More analytical capabilities
- Easier operation
- Advanced automation
- Improved software

Industry Impact

Expect:
- More affordable systems
- Wider adoption
- New applications
- Better integration
- Enhanced capabilities

Conclusion

Scanning Electron Microscopes, particularly Tabletop SEM systems, have revolutionized materials analysis and research. While full-size SEMs offer the highest performance, Tabletop SEMs provide an excellent balance of capabilities, cost, and convenience for many applications. Understanding the differences between systems, electron sources, and analytical techniques helps users choose the right tool for their needs. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more powerful and accessible SEM solutions in the future.

Maintenance and Care

Regular Maintenance

Important tasks include:
- Filament inspection and replacement
- Vacuum system checks
- Lens cleaning
- Software updates
- Calibration checks

Best Practices

For optimal performance:
- Keep the chamber clean
- Handle samples carefully
- Follow operating procedures
- Maintain proper environment
- Schedule regular maintenance

Training Requirements

Staff should understand:
- Basic operation
- Sample preparation
- Safety procedures
- Data collection
- Result interpretation

This comprehensive guide helps users understand the capabilities, applications, and considerations of both full-size and Tabletop SEM systems, enabling them to make informed decisions about their analytical needs.