The Nova 200 is the KNI's highest-resolution field-emission gun (FEG) analytical scanning electron microscope (SEM), equipped with an immersion lens for imaging sub-10 nm features and both energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) detectors for compositional analysis. It is also outfitted with a gallium focused ion beam (Ga-FIB) column, which is currently not operational because the Nova 600 NanoLab and ORION NanoFab together meet the KNI's Ga-FIB demand; Ga-FIB could be reactivated on the Nova 200 in the future. See a full list of training and educational resources for this instrument below.
The KNI has a NIST-traceable standard against which SEM measurements can be compared. See Slides 54-55 of the SEM Presentation for details. Ask staff for help finding and using the standard in the lab.
Sample Preparation
Use the Carbon Evaporator to make non-conductive samples conductive by applying 2-10 nm of evaporated carbon.
Use the
O2/Ar Plasma Cleaner to remove hydrocarbons from the sample surface to avoid creating dark contamination spots on your features while imaging them.
Order Your Own Stubs
Stubs used for mounting specimens are considered a personal, consumable item in the KNI. There are some old stubs at each SEM, yet you should buy your own so that you can keep them clean and available to you. There are many stub geometries and configurations, some of which will be right for you to purchase and keep with your other cleanroom items.
