METHOD FOR CROSS-SECTION SAMPLE PREPARATION
    1.
    发明申请

    公开(公告)号:US20200264115A1

    公开(公告)日:2020-08-20

    申请号:US16754925

    申请日:2018-10-12

    Abstract: A novel method for cross-section sample preparation has a sample oriented normal to an SEM/GFIS or other imaging column via a stage, and is operated upon by an FIB to form the cross-section pre-lamella within the sample, followed by an approximate 90° rotation with no tilt of the stage for cut out by the FIB. Asymmetric trenches are milled to have a three-dimensional depth profile to ensure that the FIB has clear line of sight to a face of the resulting pre-lamella when the sample has been rotated. The three-dimensional depth profile further minimizes overall milling time required for the preparation of the pre-lamella.

    MICROSCOPY IMAGING METHOD AND SYSTEM

    公开(公告)号:US20210159046A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-05-27

    申请号:US17138329

    申请日:2020-12-30

    Abstract: Linear fiducials including notches or chevrons with known angles relative to each other are formed such that each branch of a chevron appears in a cross-sectional face of the sample as a distinct structure. Therefore, when imaging the cross-section face during the cross-sectioning operation, the distance between the identified structures allows unique identification of the position of the cross-section plane along the Z axis. Then a direct measurement of the actual position of each slice can be calculated, allowing for dynamic repositioning to account for drift in the plane of the sample and also dynamic adjustment of the forward advancement rate of the FIB to account for variations in the sample, microscope, microscope environment, etc. that contributes to drift. An additional result of this approach is the ability to dynamically calculate the actual thickness of each acquired slice as it is acquired.

    MICROSCOPY IMAGING METHOD AND SYSTEM

    公开(公告)号:US20230044598A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-02-09

    申请号:US17937510

    申请日:2022-10-03

    Abstract: A method to compensate for drift while controlling a charged particle beam (CPB) system having at least one charged particle beam controllable in position. Sources of drift include mechanical variations in the stage supporting the sample, beam deflection shifts, and environmental impacts, such as temperature. The method includes positioning a sample supported by a stage in the CPB system, monitoring a reference fiducial on a surface of the sample from a start time to an end time, determining a drift compensation to compensate for a drift that causes an unintended change in the position of a first charged particle beam relative to the sample by a known amount over a period of time based on a change in the position of the reference fiducial between the start time and the end time, and adjusting positions of the first charged particle beam by applying the determined drift compensation during an operation of the CPB system.

    METHOD FOR CROSS-SECTION SAMPLE PREPARATION

    公开(公告)号:US20220317072A1

    公开(公告)日:2022-10-06

    申请号:US17843329

    申请日:2022-06-17

    Abstract: A carrier grid with integrated gas delivery system for use in a charged particle beam system (CPB). The carrier grid has a body with an internal reservoir for storing a gas. A post extends from the body with an end for supporting a sample to be operated upon, and an outlet tip extends from the end of the post. A channel extends from the reservoir, through the post and ends in the outlet tip, where the outlet tip seals the stored gas in the body. Cutting the outlet tip near its base, with a focused ion beam (FIB) by example, will open the channel to the CPB chamber, allowing the prestored gas within the reservoir to escape. A FIB or electron beam directed at the junction of the sample positioned near the post will cause deposition and subsequent attachment of the sample to the post in presence of the gas.

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