The FESEM is ready to use. I just took a sharp image at 150kX. Let me know if you have any problems.
I installed the new pump this morning and the system pumped down as expected. Around lunchtime it will achieve adequate vacuum level to be used. I will check it at noon and send you another message to say all clear to use it.
Unfortunately, the problem I have been working on this week, a bad vacuum pump, is not the problem that causes the vacuum panel to shut down intermittently. There is a chance that the panel will shut down again. I am still working with the manufacturer engineer to solve that problem.
Look for my message during the lunch hour today.
The vacuum pump is coming today and I should be able to get the FESEM back online. I’ll let you know later today if that is true.
The vacuum pump we expected to arrive today won’t be here until (hopefully!) tomorrow. So the FESEM will be down for another day.
I’ll update you as I have more information.
A vacuum pump has failed so the microscope cannot be used until it is replaced. The new pump will be here tomorrow and I should be able to get the microscope back online then.
The FESEM cannot be used!
Look for updates.
The intermittent vacuum display problem reappeared this morning. The manufacturer has given me a few tests to make. I’ll do that and report the information. Hopefully we will isolate the problem and make a repair. I will restart the system which in the past worked for a period of time. I’ll restart the system and it should be ready to operate by 1pm today.
I got the EDS system working again. I’ll keep an eye on it to make sure it stays on.
One thing that will help is do not acquire data with the chamber camera turned on.
It is okay to use it now.
The vacuum shut off on the FESEM. I’ve restarted it but it will be an hour or more until the vacuum fully recovers
I’m working with Hitachi to get service.
The FESEM is back online this morning. The vacuum has recovered.
This problem – the vacuum panel shutting off – has occurred a few times but it comes back on. It is hard for the service engineer to repair the problem when it comes back and works fine.
So, the scope is online and ready to use.
The vacuum system shut off on the FESEM. I’m getting it back under vacuum but it will take overnight to pump back down properly. Please reschedule.
I’ll send out another message tomorrow about the system status.