NOTE: To obtain the highest resolution images:
- Remove the liquid nitrogen funnel
- Turn off the air conditioner unit
- Set the Stage Lock (you CANNOT change the working distance while the stage lock is in)
- Avoid moving and talking in the room
| Specimen Type | Voltage | WD | Tilt | Column Setup | Condenser Lens 1 | Coating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer/Biological | ≤ 2 kV | 8–12 mm | ≤ 45° | lower detector Normal mode |
1–5* | Do not coat |
| Semiconducting | ≤ 2 kV | varies | – | upper detector UHR |
1–8 | – |
| Nanostructural | ≤ 2 kV | ≤ 3 mm | 0° | upper detector UHR |
5–8 | Do not coat |
*For biological specimens, use between 1 and 5 for Cond. Lens 1 to increase signal. Use a lower emission current and do not coat the sample (depending on the size of the structures you want to image).
To adjust to a small working distance with specimens of little surface topography:
- Load the sample at the home position of 12 mm.
- Perform all alignments, especially low magnification alignment, and focus.
- In the Column SetUp menu, select the desired working distance.
- Change the stage position. Be sure to watch the chamber camera screen and for the image to come into focus again on the computer screen.
- Use the focus knobs to completely bring the image into focus and perform necessary alignments.