�At the Microscopy and Microanalysis 2008 meeting and exhibition being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Carl Zeiss SMT, a stellar global provider of electron and ionic beam imaging and analysis equipment, introduced a new, improved Helium Ion Microscope called the ORION� PLUS. The original ORION instrument, introduced almost precisely one year ago, demonstrated that Helium ion microscopy has a uniquely potent set of features that allow scientists to see things never before visible. And like a shot it's even better.
The ORION� PLUS incorporates several design enhancements that present improved imaging:
- The tip geometry has been modified to increase the accelerating potential difference of the helium ions, resulting in improved resolution;
- A new "Clear View" sample cleaning system combines plasma cleansing, heating elements and an in-situ vaporisation cleaning technique to transfer hydrocarbons from the sample and the environment preventing re-deposition in the area being scanned, which results in increased surface detail;
- An enhanced signal aggregation technique called "Signal Boost" increases electron collection at short working distances for improved signal to racket; and
- An operating mode called "Quiet Mode Imaging" is an approach based on the use of a cryomechanical pump for cooling the source-instead of liquid nitrogen-where users buns virtually wipe out vibration for noise-free images. This approach shot also provides a colder ion reference, which yields an increase in smartness.
Dirk Stenkamp, a member of the Board of Carl Zeiss SMT, aforementioned, "We are proud of the magnitude of improvement we have been able to reach in only a year of growth since the introduction of the first commercially practical Helium ion beam microscope. We will continue to push the envelope of advanced microscopy, delivering solutions that enable scientists to see and create at the micromillimeter scale."
About Carl Zeiss SMT
As the world-wide leader in innovative lithography optics, as well as optical and particle-beam based inspection, analysis and measurement systems, Carl Zeiss SMT opens up new avenues for its customers in industrial manufacturing environments, quality assurance and industrial and academic R&D. Decades of market leadership are based on the success of its leading know-how in light, negatron and ion-optical technologies. Together with its subsidiaries in Germany, England, France and the USA, the international group of companies has more than 2,D employees. In fiscal year 2006/07, Carl Zeiss SMT AG generated revenues of over EUR 1 billion. Carl Zeiss SMT AG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG.
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