For Conductive Specimens at Moderately High Magnification (10-50kx):
I. Use SEM mode (full vacuum ~0 Pa)
1) medium or moderately high accelerating voltage (~15-25kv)
2) moderately low probe current (~25-50) or higher (50 and up) for lower magnification
3) small objective aperture diameter (3 or 4)
4) working distance close to minimum (5-10mm) for flat specimens or longer
(10-20mm) for greater depth of field
Is your specimen charging? (Look for bright and dark
distortions or apparent movement of the specimen)
II. Remember to adjust aperture & stigmation alignment (at magnification
at least 2kx) after changing above settings. **Tip** Does the image appear
to move when you try to focus at high magnification? This indicates that aperture
and/or stigmation are out of alignment.
III. Remember to focus and stigmate at a magnification (at least) twice that desired
for the image.
IV. Capture the image, transfer to PCI and
save (to the S drive on the network).
V. Please follow the power down procedure carefully:
1) Exit PCI and PCSEM (be sure your files are saved in PCI, so the captured images
in PCSEM can be safely deleted when you quit the program). 2) Shut down the PC. 3)
Remove and store the specimen; leave the specimen holder in front of the measuring
device. 4) Evacuate the chamber; wait for the beep to indicate it has reached vacuum.
5) Turn the ignition key to the off position.