Abstract:
A method of determining the temperature of a sample carrier in a charged particle-optical apparatus, characterized in that the method comprises the observation of the sample carrier with a beam of charged particles, the observation giving information about the temperature of the sample carrier. The invention is based on the insight that a charged particle optical apparatus, such as a TEM, STEM, SEM or FIB, can be used to observe temperature related changes of a sample carrier. The changes may be mechanical changes (e.g. of a bimetal), crystallographic changes (e.g. of a perovskite), and luminescent changes (in intensity or decay time). In a preferred embodiment the sample carrier shows two bimetals, showing metals with different thermal expansion coefficients, bending in opposite directions. The distance between the two bimetals is used as a thermometer.
Abstract:
A manipulator for use in e.g. a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is described, said manipulator capable of rotating and translating a sample holder (4). The manipulator clasps the round sample holder between two members (3A, 3B), said members mounted on actuators (2A, 2B). Moving the actuators in the same direction results in a translation of the sample holder, while moving the actuators in opposite directions results in a rotation of the sample holder.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for correcting distortions introduced by the projection system (106) of a TEM. As known to the person skilled in the art distortions may limit the resolution of a TEM, especially when making a 3D reconstruction of a feature using tomography. Also when using strain analysis in a TEM the distortions may limit the detection of strain.To this end the invention discloses a detector equipped with multipoles (152), the multipoles warping the image of the TEM in such a way that distortions introduced by the projection system are counteracted. The detector may further include a CCD or a fluorescent screen (151) for detecting the electrons.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method in which labels are introduced in a sample, a flat surface is prepared on the sample and a series of images is made of the sample surface with e.g. a scanning electron microscope. The labels may be gold labels or e.g. fluorescent labels.By removing a surface layer between obtaining each image, labels at the surface in one image will be removed and will not be visible in a subsequent image. Thereby a 3D reconstruction of the position of labels in the sample can be made.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a particle-optical apparatus with a predetermined final vacuum pressure. To that end a vacuum chamber of said apparatus is via a first restriction connected to a volume where vapor or gas is present at a known pressure and via a second restriction to a vacuum pump. By making the ratio of the two conductances, associated with said restrictions, a calibrated ratio, the final pressure of the vacuum chamber is a predetermined final pressure. This eliminates the need for e.g. vacuum gauges and control systems, resulting in a more compact design of such apparatus.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a hybrid phase plate for use in a TEM. The phase plate according to the invention resembles a Boersch phase plate in which a Zernike phase plate is mounted. As a result the phase plate according to the invention resembles a Boersch phase plate for electrons scattered to such an extent that they pass outside the central structure (15) and resembles a Zernike phase plate for scattered electrons passing through the bore of the central structure. Comparing the phase plate of the invention with a Zernike phase plate is has the advantage that for electrons that are scattered over a large angle, no electrons are absorbed or scattered by a foil, resulting in a better high resolution performance of the TEM. Comparing the phase plate of the invention with a Boersch phase plate the demands for miniaturization of the central structure are less severe.
Abstract:
A manipulator for use in e.g. a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is described, said manipulator capable of rotating and translating a sample holder (4). The manipulator clasps the round sample holder between two members (3A, 3B), said members mounted on actuators (2A, 2B). Moving the actuators in the same direction results in a translation of the sample holder, while moving the actuators in opposite directions results in a rotation of the sample holder.
Abstract:
A method of determining the temperature of a sample carrier in a charged particle-optical apparatus, characterized in that the method comprises the observation of the sample carrier with a beam of charged particles, the observation giving information about the temperature of the sample carrier. The invention is based on the insight that a charged particle optical apparatus, such as a TEM, STEM, SEM or FIB, can be used to observe temperature related changes of a sample carrier. The changes may be mechanical changes (e.g. of a bimetal), crystallographic changes (e.g. of a perovskite), and luminescent changes (in intensity or decay time). In a preferred embodiment the sample carrier shows two bimetals, showing metals with different thermal expansion coefficients, bending in opposite directions. The distance between the two bimetals is used as a thermometer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for correcting distortions introduced by the projection system (106) of a TEM. As known to the person skilled in the art distortions may limit the resolution of a TEM, especially when making a 3D reconstruction of a feature using tomography. Also when using strain analysis in a TEM the distortions may limit the detection of strain.To this end the invention discloses a detector equipped with multipoles (152), the multipoles warping the image of the TEM in such a way that distortions introduced by the projection system are counteracted. The detector may further include a CCD or a fluorescent screen (151) for detecting the electrons.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a hybrid phase plate for use in a TEM. The phase plate according to the invention resembles a Boersch phase plate in which a Zernike phase plate is mounted. As a result the phase plate according to the invention resembles a Boersch phase plate for electrons scattered to such an extent that they pass outside the central structure (15) and resembles a Zernike phase plate for scattered electrons passing through the bore of the central structure. Comparing the phase plate of the invention with a Zernike phase plate is has the advantage that for electrons that are scattered over a large angle, no electrons are absorbed or scattered by a foil, resulting in a better high resolution performance of the TEM. Comparing the phase plate of the invention with a Boersch phase plate the demands for miniaturization of the central structure are less severe.