Category: Philips XL 40 ESEM

The ESEM is down. I am working with FEI to diagnose the error.

The roughing pump has been repaired. The ESEM is back online and can be used. The instrument still needs a full alignment, which won’t be completed until later today.

The ESEM is down due to an issue with the roughing pump. I will look at it this afternoon. I hope to have it back online soon.

The filament on the ESEM burned out. Once it’s cooled Dan will replace the wehnelt. If all goes well it should be available for use later this afternoon.

The EBSD detector repairs have been completed. Please contact ACMAL staff if you would like to use this functionality.

The EBSD detector on the ESEM has been damaged and the phosphor screen will need to be replaced. We are in contact with Oxford and hope to have the repairs completed in the next few weeks.  The ESEM is still available for SE/BSE imaging and EDS analysis.

Please remember EBSD is only to be performed by highly-skilled, trained users who have been trained by ACMAL staff to use the EBSD detector. This is a very sensitive process and the detector can easily be damaged. Users with large SEM samples also need to be careful not to hit the detectors. Repairs are costly and result in instrument downtime.

The E-SEM maintenance is complete and it is producing beautiful images. The calendar is now open if you would like to reserve time.

The turbo pump was successfully replaced and the ESEM is back online. I’m going to open the calendar for reservations. However, I may need to cancel appointments once the technician confirms their availability.

Please note, I am noticing some noise in higher mag images. We will be having a technician come in sometime in the next couple of weeks for routine maintenance and they will be looking into this as well. 

The ESEM will be down for 1 – 2 weeks due to an issue with the turbomolecular pump. New parts have been ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive.

The ESEM is down due to an issue with the turbo pump. I will update when we have a more concrete timeline for repairs.