OPERATION PROCEDURES FOR PHILIPS/FEI CM-20
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
General Comments
Normally the microscope will be left in the power ON (standby ready to operate)
condition; i.e., all circuits will be continuously energized and the microscope will be under full
vacuum (MAIN, VACUUM, HIGH TENSION lamps on the right control panel are all lit if the
PANEL DIM is pressed). If it is not in this condition do not operate the microscope. Seek help
from authorized personnel.
If the microscope is in standby ready condition, proceed with the following abbreviated
procedures for high voltage application and alignment before beginning any observation. If the
microscope is not properly aligned, good results will not be obtained.
I. Start-Up (This procedure is when the microscope starts from cold)
(1) Run the cooling water (for vacuum and lens systems).
(2) Turn on the main power line (in mechanical room, behind the microscope room).
(3) Press the ON power switch on MICROSCOPE. The microscope will go through a series
of self check by the computer program. It will automatically turn on VACUUM
SYSTEM, and reach to the high vacuum state as indicated by the UHV and HI VAC
lights.
II. Specimen Exchange
(i) Specimen Unloading:
(1) Make sure specimen position is at center, i.e., SHIFT (right at 0, left at 10), TILT
indicator at 0 and 11 (HOLDER/azimuth) and tilt drive is engaged.
(2) From holding position (B): Pull out the specimen holder gently until it no longer moves
and then turn it clockwise about 180 degree until it stops (A position, make sure it no
longer turns, the indicator box face down).
(3) Gently extract the holder from the airlock.
(4) Place the specimen holder onto a proper sample holder stand/support for specimen
loading/unloading.
(ii) Specimen Loading:
(1) Set specimen onto suitable specimen holder. USE GLOVES! Caution: No direct
contact of your hand with a specimen holder and any other part which will be placed
inside the microscope.
WAC, 09/27/02
1