Scanning electron microscope

Thermo Fisher Scienctific Helios UX 5 (Helios 5 UX)


High-resolution imaging with high materials contrast, equipped with EDX, STEM and a SPARC detector for elemental analysis, transmission imaging and cathodoluminescence measurements. It is also equipped with an ultra-fast beam blanker capable of reaching blanking speeds of 50 ns.

This FIB/SEM is equipped with micromanipulators to create TEM lamellae.

  • Electron source: Elstar column with Schottky Field Electron Gun (SFEG)
  • Electron beam resolution:
    • 30 kV in STEM: 0.6 nm
    • 15 kV: 0.6 nm
    • 1 kV (optimal WD): 0.7 nm
    • 1 kV (coincident point): 1.2 nm
    • 500 V with ICD detector: 1.0 nm
  • Electron beam currents: 0.8 pA to 100 nA
  • Electron beam acceleration voltage: 350 V to 30 kV
  • Landing energy range: 20 eV to 30 keV

FIB source information

  • FIB source: Phoenix column with gallium liquid metal ion source (Ga-LIMS)
  • FIB resolution: 2.5 nm to 4.0 nm depending on method
  • FIB beam currents: 1pA to 65 nA
  • FIB acceleration voltage: 500 V to 30 kV

Detector information

  • Elstar in-lens SE/BSE detector (TLD-SE, TLD-BSE)
  • Elstar in-column SE/BSE detector (ICD)
  • Elstar in-column BSE detector (MD)
  • Everhart-Thornley SE detector (ETD)
  • IR camera for viewing inside chamber
  • In-chamber secondary electron and secondary ion detector (ICE)
  • Nav-cam
  • Retractable solid-state backscatter electron detector (DBS)
  • Retractable STEM 3+ detector with BF/DF/HAADF segments (STEM)
  • Integrated beam current measurment
  • 60 mm² x-ray detector (EDS, EDX)

Gas-injection system information

  • Gas injection systems:
    • C
    • SiO2
    • W
    • XeF2
  • Base pressure: 2.6×10-6 mBar
  • NanoBuilder software for advanced object design
  • AutoScript 4 for Python based scripting

AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam

AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam is a facility for materials fabrication and characterization down to the nanometer scale. It aims to provide state-of-the art opportunities in nano research, servicing the scientific and engineering community within the greater Amsterdam area.

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