Non-Conductive Sample Imaging Services
Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging requires an electrically conductive sample. When samples are not conductive, they will not hold an electric charge, electrons from the beam that bombard the sample create charging and distortion of the image making features of the sample difficult to see. Nanoscience Analytical offers different non-conductive sample imaging services including:
- Sputter coating your sample with gold or other conductive coating materials
- Operate at a lower vacuum level
Sputter Coating
To create a conductive surface of non-conductive samples, a very thin layer (nanometer to tens of nanometer) of a conductive metal is applied. This conductive layer dissipates any charge produced by the electron beam and allows us to obtain high-resolution imaging. After coating, the sample is mounted to with a conductive bridge of either carbon or copper tapes and connected to the sample holder.
Low Vacuum Mode
Sometimes the sputter coating of a sample is not the ideal route for imaging samples. For non-conductive samples that cannot be coated Nanoscience Analytical provides variable pressure vacuum operation. During this operation mode a small amount of pressure is released from the column giving the electrons a path to escape.
Industry and Applications
Nanoscience Analytical Services offers mechanical test services for a wide variety of industries and applications. A selection of industries we serve, but not limited to include:
- Semiconductors
- Thin films in wafers
- Pharmaceutical
- Microelectronics
- Consumer electronics
- Consumer products
- Hard and/or clear coatings
- Micro/nano-structures
- Polymers
- Biomaterials