Thermo Scientific Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM User manual

USER MANUAL MICROSCOPE – Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
The versatile desktop SEM that automates quality control
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Contents
Things You Must Know ...................................6
1. Introduction...........................................8
1.1 Unpacking the Phenom XL components ....................8
1.2 Packaging contents ...................................9
2. System overview .....................................10
3. Installing the Phenom XL ...............................12
3.1 Requirements for positioning the Phenom XL
Desktop SEM components.............................12
3.2 Connecting the Phenom XL Desktop SEM .................13
3.3 Activating the system .................................15
3.3.1 Turning on the Phenom XL Desktop SEM ..............15
3.3.2 Turning on the Workstation PC and flat panel monitor .....15
3.4 Removing transportation brackets .....................15
4. Using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM......................17
4.1 Waking up the Phenom XL Desktop SEM ..................17
4.2 Preparing samples ...................................17
4.2.1 Samples that cannot be prepared in colloidal graphite
or silver paint ........................................18
4.2.2 Particle samples .................................19
4.2.3 Polymers.......................................19
4.2.4 Metals.........................................19
4.2.5 Biological samples ...............................20
4.2.6 Heavy metal coating ..............................20
4.3 Loading samples ....................................20
4.4 Operating ..........................................22

4.4.1 Optical Navigation Camera view. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
4.4.2 Main SEM view ..................................23
4.4.2.1 Settings page ..................................24
4.4.2.2 Live Databar...................................25
4.4.2.3 System Settings ................................26
4.4.3 Gallery ........................................27
4.4.4 3DRR application ................................28
4.4.5 Live EDS application ..............................30
4.4.5.1 Typical Live EDS workflow ........................31
4.4.6 EID application ..................................32
4.4.6.1 Main EID interface...............................32
4.4.6.2 EID measurements panel .........................34
4.4.6.3 EID settings page ...............................35
4.4.6.4 EID map view ..................................36
4.4.7 Keyboard shortcuts ...............................37
5. Maintenance ........................................ 38
6. Troubleshooting ......................................39
6.1 Error recovery and reporting ............................42
6.1.1 Power down ....................................42
6.1.3 Rebooting the instrument software ...................42
7. Preparing the Phenom XL Desktop SEM for Transport .......43
7.1 Return procedure ....................................43
7.2 Prepare for packing...................................43
7.3 Disconnecting and packing .............................44
8. Technical specifications................................45

6User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
Things You Must Know
Please read all of these instructions before you operate the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM. Save these instructions for future reference.
General safety
• Review the following safety
precautions to avoid injury and
prevent damage to the Phenom XL
Desktop SEM.
Important information
• All safety and operating instructions
must be read before the microscope
is operated, this is to avoid personal
injury and prevent damage to the
Phenom XL Desktop SEM.
• To avoid potential hazards, use this
product only as specified.
• Do not attempt to service the
appliance beyond those means
described in the user’s operating
instructions.
• All other servicing is to be performed
by qualified service personnel.
• Follow the instructions on how to
remove the system’s transport tooling.
To avoid avoid fire or
personal injury
• Replace fuse with identical type.
If a fuse is replaced, use the type as
mentioned on the type plate.
• Ground the microscope. The
microscope is grounded through the
grounding conductor of the power
cord. To avoid electrical shock
the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before
using the microscope verify that the
microscope is properly grounded.
Use correct power cord. Only
use the power cord specified for
this product and approved for the
country of use.
• Power disconnect. The power
switch on the mains supply
disconnects the microscope from
the mains. Do not block the power
switch; it must be accessible to the
user at all times.
• Do not operate without covers.
The microscope must never be
operated with the cover removed.
• Do not operate the microscope
with suspected failures or
damaged covers. If you suspect
damage or failure of the product,
do not disassemble this product.
Have it serviced by qualified and
authorized service personnel.
Servicing is required when the
microscope is damaged in any way,
such as when the power supply
cord or the plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled in the microscope,
it does not operate normally or has
been dropped.
• Provide proper ventilation.
Adequate airflow must be allowed
around the power supply and
Phenom XL Desktop SEM. Do
not block the ventilation openings.
Respect at least 20 cm of free space
to the sides, the front, the back and
the top of the instrument. Do not put
materials in the air gap between the
Phenom XL Desktop SEM and the
table.
• Do not operate in wet and
damp conditions. The required
room temperature and maximum
humidity as specified in the system’s
technical specifications (see chapter
9, ‘Technical specifications’) must be
respected at all times.
• Do not operate in an explosive
atmosphere. Make sure that there
is proper room ventilation such that
the environmental air cannot contain
combustible gasses.
• Do not put anything under the
microscope door when the door
is closing. Make sure that the door
is not obstructed with body parts or
any materials.
• Do not use compressed-gas
canisters in the vicinity of the
system. Propellants in canisters are
very often combustible.
• Do not disconnect the pre-
vacuum pump hose or pre-
vacuum pump while the system
is powered. The Shutdown
procedure has to be followed before
disconnecting any pre-vacuum
hoses or power cables.
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7
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
Environmental aspects
Equipment recycling
• To reduce the use of natural
resources and to avoid the release
of substances that could be harmful
to the environment or human
health we advise you to recycle this
product.
• For information about recycling
options please contact Thermo
Fisher Scientific Service Support.
• Disposal of your old product
• Your product is designed and
manufactured with high quality
materials and components, which
can be recycled and reused.
• When this crossed-out wheeled bin
symbol is attached to a product it
means the product is covered by
the European Directive 2002/96/EC.
• Please act according to your local
rules and do not dispose of your
old products with your normal
household waste. The correct
disposal of your old product will
help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment
and human health.
Equipment classification
The Phenom XL Desktop SEM
should be used indoor in a controlled
electromagnetic environment. The
Phenom XL Desktop SEM is CE
compliant with the following directives:
• 2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive
• 2014/30/EU Electromagnetic
Compatibility Directive
• 2013/59/Euratom Ionizing Radiation
Directive following article 3.2 e.
Using the following standards:
• EN 61010-1:2010 - Safety
requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement,
control, and laboratory use - Part 1:
General requirements.
• EN 61326-1:2013 - Electrical
equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements - Part 1: General
requirements.
The Phenom XL Desktop
SEM is classified as:
• Safety class 1 (EN 61010-1:2010)
• Pollution class 2 (EN 61010-1:2010)
• Installation (Overvoltage) category 2
(EN 61010-1:2010)
• Plug connected
• EMC ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
• Licensing or registration for X-ray
might be required according to
local regulations. For most of
Europe no licensing or registration
is necessary (see 96/29/Euratom
directive, para. 3.2.3)
Warning!
This is a class A product. In a
domestic environment this product
may cause radio interference in which
case the user may be required to take
measures.

8User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Thermo
Scientific™ Phenom™ XL G2 Desktop SEM. This high
resolution desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM)
combines an optical camera for never lost navigation
with detailed imaging and analysis for a completely new
electron microscopy experience.
The innovative user interface of the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM can be controlled by mouse and keyboard, which
allows users to observe superb quality images with
minimal operation training.
The Phenom XL Desktop SEM can handle a wide range of
samples with minimal preparation.
We are sure that if used properly, the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM will bring you years of enjoyment. You will want to
keep this user manual handy, as it is a convenient source
of information about the Phenom XL Desktop SEM.
1.1 Unpacking the Phenom XL components
Preparation
• Make sure the room where the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM components are to be placed is clean and dry and
that room temperature is between 15°C and 30°C (59°F
and 86°F). Room humidity should remain between 20%
and 80% RH.
• Avoid direct sunlight, vibrations and strong magnetic
fields.
• Also refer to section 3.1 Requirements for positioning
the Phenom XL Desktop SEM components.
Unpacking
1. First inspect the packaging before opening it. If the
packaging is damaged or if the locks are open, we
recommend that you report this to Thermo Fisher
Scientific Service Support:
• address: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Achtseweg Noord 5
5651 GG Eindhoven
The Netherlands
• e-mail: service.phenom@thermofisher.com
• phone: [phone]
• opening hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
(CET, GMT +1).
It is however very likely that, despite slight damage
to the packaging, the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
components are still in good condition.
2. Lift the complete transport cover upwards from the pallet.
– The wooden box contains the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM system.
– The space underneath the wooden box contains
the Phenom XL Desktop SEM unpacking instructions.
Please verify these instructions first.
3. Use a number 5 Allen key (found in Box 2) to remove
the six bolts from both sides of the wooden box.
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9
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
Pre-vacuum pump hose
All Phenom XL Desktop SEM items are packed in several
boxes. Please unpack as mentioned in the unpacking
instructions and verify if all items are present. If any of
these items is missing or damaged, contact your dealer
immediately.
1.2 Packaging contents
Save the packaging materials in case you need to
transport the Phenom XL Desktop SEM.
Desktop SEM 24” flat panel monitor
DisplayPort cable for
flat panel monitor
Allen key
Mouse and keyboard Power supply
Phenom XL Desktop SEM Starter Kit
Pre-vacuum pump Sample holder
• Power cable Europe 2 x
• Power cable US 2 x
• Power cable China 2 x
User manual

10 User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
2. System overview
Phenom XL Desktop SEM
1. Door lock indicator
- Orange light indicates that the door is locked
- Green light indicates that the door is unlocked
2. Door
3. Sample holder
Mouse and keyboard
4. Mouse
5. Keyboard
Flat panel monitor
6. Monitor
7. Monitor controls
- switches the monitor on and off
LED - lights up blue when the monitor is switched on
Menu - Displays monitor menu and selects menu items
<>and – Navigate through and adjust monitor settings
Input - Select monitor input. Default is display port (DP)
Power supply
8. 0 / I switch
9. Connection for power cable
10 Fuse holder
Contains the fuse
11. Power connection to the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
Pre-vacuum pump
12. Pre-vacuum pump hose
Figure 1
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
6
7
<
<
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11
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
Figure 2. Rear view: microsope (left), monitor (center), and Workstation PC (right)
Phenom XL Desktop SEM
1. Connection for pre-vacuum pump hose
Connects the Phenom XL to the pre-vacuum pump
2. Power connector (out)
Connects power between the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM and the pre-vacuum pump
PUSH button
Opens the power connector
3. Power connectors (in)
Connects the Phenom XL to the power supply
4. Ethernet connector
Connect the Phenom XL Desktop SEM to the Workstation
PUSH button
Opens the ethernet connector
5. VGA connector (not used)
6. Reset button
Reboots the Phenom XL Desktop SEM software
7. USB ports
8. EDX / USB ports
Connects the Phenom XL EDS (Energy Dispersive
Spectroscopy) detector to the Workstation PC
Flat panel monitor
9. USB-B port
Connects the monitor to the Workstation PC
10. USB-A ports
11. VGA connector (not used)
12. Display ports
13. HDMI connector (not used)
14. DVI connector (not used)
15. Power connector (in)
Connects the monitor to the mains outlet
Workstation PC
16. Sub-D connector (not used)
17. Display port (not used)
18. USB ports
Connect the keyboard, mouse and EDS detector
19. Ethernet connector
Connect the Workstation to the local area network (optional)
20. Mini display port
21. Ethernet connector SEM
Connect the Workstation to the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
22. Power connector (in)
Connects the Workstation PC to the mains outlet
1 2 3 4 5
76
8910
11 12 13 14 15
16
17
18
20
19
21
22

12 User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
3. Installing the Phenom XL
The indications between brackets behind button and
connector names refer to the items in the overview illustrations
on pages 10 - 17. e.g. (Fig. 2,3) refers to item 3 in Figure 2.
Note:
3.1 Requirements for positioning the Phenom XL
Desktop SEM components
• Put the Phenom XL Desktop SEM, monitor, and power
supply on a flat, stable surface.
• Make sure the system will not be in direct sunlight and
will not be exposed to excessive dust, dirt, heat, water,
moisture, vibration, or magnetic conditions.
• Put the pre-vacuum pump on the floor or a separate
table next to the Phenom XL Desktop SEM.
• Make sure that the adapter 0 / I switch (Fig. 1,11) is
accessible at all times.
• Make sure the Phenom XL power supply is switched off
before making any connections.
• Recommended table size is 150 x 75 cm (59” x 29.5”)
with a load rating of 150 kg (330 lbs).
• Allow sufficient cooling of the Phenom XL Desktop SEM,
power supply and pre-vacuum pump by keeping all
cooling vents clear of obstructions.
• Make sure room temperature is between 15°C and
30°C (59°F and 86°F) and that room humidity does not
exceed 80% RH.
• Position the monitor in such a way to avoid glare or reflections
from overhead lighting or outside sources of light.
• Keep the screen clean and set brightness and contrast
to a level that enables you to see the screen clearly.
• When positioning the Phenom XL always work with two
persons, one at each end.
The following points should be taken into account when
choosing a site for the Phenom XL
• Avoid rooms subject to heavy vibrations or high acoustic
noise levels, e.g. near elevators, trains, adjacent to busy
roads, etc.
• Avoid rooms subject to high levels of stray magnetic
fields, e.g. near large electric motors or transformers and
adjacent to electric railways or tramways, etc.
• Avoid placing near cable trays.
• The Phenom XL must be at least 3 meters (9.84 feet)
distance from any other electron microscope or alike.
• Install the Phenom XL on a robust table, capable of
minimum 150 kg of load.
Minimum distances from accessories with respect to
the Phenom XL Desktop SEM:
Mains / Isolation
transformer 3 meters / 9.84 feet
Air compressor 3 meters / 9.84 feet
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13
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
Connect the pre-vacuum pump hose (1) between the
pump inlet and the Phenom XL pre-vacuum pump
connector. Make sure the hose is tightly pushed onto
the connectors
• Place the nut at one end of the hose onto the pump
inlet screw thread and the nut at the other end of the
hose onto the pump connector screw thread.
• Turn both nuts clockwise until they are finger tight.
• Use a 13 mm (0.51”) spanner (wrench) to tighten
the nut at the pump side.
• Tighten the nut on the Phenom side, using a 14 mm
(0.55”) spanner (wrench). It takes 1 to 1.5 full turn to
properly tighten the nut.
Note:
The figures between parentheses refer to the
corresponding figures in the illustration.
3.2 Connecting the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
1
1
2
2
3
4
8
8
5
5
6
6
9
9
10
10
12
11
11
12
7
11
7
6
3

14 User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
1. Connect the pump power cable (2) to the Phenom XL
Desktop SEM pump output connector.
– The instrument will now provide power to the
pre-vacuum pump.
• To remove the pump power cable, first press the
PUSH button to open the power connector.
2. Connect the power cable (3) of the power supply to
the Phenom XL power connector.
3. Connect the power cable (4) of the power supply to a
wall outlet.
4. Connect the monitor power cable (5) to a wall outlet.
5. If the EDS option is purchased, connect the Phenom
USB-B cable (6) to the USB slot of the Workstation PC.
6. Connect the display port cable (11) from the monitor to
the mini display port connector of the Workstation PC.
7. Connect the power cable (8) of the Workstation PC to
the wall outlet.
8. Connect the USB connector of the mouse (9) to one of
the USB ports at the rear of the Workstation PC.
9. Connect the USB of the keyboard (10) to one of the
USB ports at the rear of the Workstation PC
10. Connect USB-B cable (7) from the monitor to the USB
slot of the Workstation PC.
11. Connect the Ethernet cable (12) between the Phenom and
the SEM Network Port on the rear of the Workstation PC.
12. Optionally connect a network cable (not supplied)
between the Local Network Port at the rear of the
Workstation PC with the local area network.
Note:
Sometimes, the assignment of IP addresses is based on
a Media Access Control (MAC) unique identifier that is
attached to most network adapters. It is a new address
that distinguishes a particular network adapter.
Some companies assign IP addresses to known MAC
addresses only, in order to avoid any non-company
computer accessing the network or infecting the network
with viruses. When a MAC address is required, please
contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Service Support:
address: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Achtseweg Noord 5
5651 GG Eindhoven
The Netherlands
e-mail: service.phenom@thermofisher.com
phone: [phone]
opening hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
(CET, GMT +1).

15
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
3.3 Activating the system
3.3.1 Turning on the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
3.3.2 Turning on the Workstation PC and flat panel monitor
3.4 Removing transportation brackets
1. Make sure all connections are properly made.
2. Set the 0 / I switch (Fig. 1,10) on the power supply to I.
– The system starts up automatically.
The pre-vacuum pump noise fades away after
approximately 3 minutes. Refer to section
6. Troubleshooting if this is not the case.
– It takes between 30 minutes and 14 hours before the
system is fully operational. The start-up time depends
on the time the system has been switched off. Refer to
section 6.1.1 Power down.
1. Press the Power button on the Workstation PC.
2. Press the Power button on the flatscreen monitor.
3. After the desktop appears the User Interface of the
microscope can be accessed by double clicking the
Phenom User Interface.exe icon.
To be able to use the Phenom XL Desktop SEM please
remove the transportation brackets in the following steps.
Important:
Make sure the system is turned ON, and then follow these
steps:
1. After launching the User Interface a start-up wizard
will appear automatically and help you through the
unpacking process. If you want to start the unpacking
procedure, please click Next.
2. To open the door to be able to remove the gasket and
transportation bracket, please follow the instructions
on screen or the following steps. To unlock the door,
please use supplied Allen key. The door will only open,
if it has been unlocked properly.
You will need to remove two components:
Transport bracket Gasket

16 User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
3. Click on Open Door to have access to the system
inlet. Please carefully remove the transportation
bracket as shown in the image.
4. You can now remove the gasket as shown in the
image below. Please use gloves during this operation
and ensure that you do not scratch any surfaces.
5. Please verify that both components have been
removed and click Finish. The system will then start
up automatically.
Note:
The software will reset and the display will be unresponsive
for a few minutes.

17
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
Note:
The indications between brackets behind button and
connector names refer to the items in the overview
illustrations on pages 10 - 17. E.g. (Fig. 2,3) refers to item 3
in Figure 2
4. Using the Phenom XL
Desktop SEM
4.2 Preparing samples
4.1 Waking up the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
Important!
This chapter is meant to give you better understanding
of sample preparation before using samples inside the
Phenom XL Desktop SEM. By following the guidelines
below you can maximize sample resolution and eliminate
possible maintenance issues.
• The instrument can accommodate samples up to 100 mm
(4”) square and 35 mm (1.378”) in height.
• Never put wet samples in the instrument. Wet samples
will readily outgas under vacuum. This can cause
serious problems in your imaging capabilities and can
cause permanent damage to the Phenom XL Desktop
SEM. Make sure samples have been dried before
placing them into the machine.
• Be absolutely sure there are no loose particles on the
sample before loading it into the instrument by slightly
flushing it with compressed air.
• Always make sure the sample is firmly fastened to the
sample stub. Moving a sample from atmosphere to
vacuum can cause loose sample material to become
dislodged from the stub. This debris can make its way
up the SEM column and distort the electron beam. The
general sample preparation section hereafter explains
how to properly prepare samples for the Phenom XL
Desktop SEM. This will ensure higher quality imaging
and reduce maintenance issues.
What do you need?
For sample preparation you will need to have the following
items available:
• sample stub;
• stub gripping tweezers;
• standard tweezers;
• stub tray;
• toothpick (or other disposable pointed object);
• one of the following items: colloidal graphite, silver paint,
or double-sided carbon adhesive pads;
• a can of compressed air.
The Phenom XL Desktop SEM switches to standby mode
after 1 hour of inactivity and to hibernate mode after 72
hours of inactivity.
To wake the instrument from standy / hibernate mode:
– The Phenom XL Desktop SEM is immedieately ready
for optical imaging.
– A notification at the bottom of the screen displays the
remaining wake-up time. Clicking on it automatically
moves the holder to the SEM area after the instrument
is completely activated.
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18 User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
General guidelines
1. Begin by placing a bare stub into a sample tray. Never
prepare a sample in the Phenom XL Desktop SEM
sample holder because loose particles may end up in
the container.
2. Colloidal graphite or silver paint can be used to
cement the sample down to the sample stub.
Polymers, insects, and MEMS devices are some
examples of samples that are large enough to affix
to a stub using colloidal graphite or silver paint. For
smaller objects like pollen, powders, and TEM grids
it is advised to avoid using this method as it may
submerge the sample before drying.
Also note that once colloidal graphite and silver paint
come in to contact with the sample, they cannot be
removed.
For smaller samples, or samples that may need to be
removed from the sample stub after imaging, skip to
step 1 of chapter ‘Samples that cannot be prepared in
colloidal graphate or silver paint’.
3. Begin by opening the bottle of graphite or silver paint
in a well ventilated area.
4. Take a fine point disposable object such as a
toothpick or pin and dip the tip into the silver paint or
graphite. Remove the tip from the liquid and dab the
residual graphite or silver paint onto the bare stub.
5. Replace the lid onto the jar of graphite or silver paint
as these will dry out quickly.
6. The liquid will dry quickly so be aware of time during
the next three steps.
7. Take the standard tweezers and firmly clamp the
sample.
8. Move the sample to a bare area of the stub. Do not
place the sample directly into the liquid.
9. Gently slide the sample into the drop of liquid so that
the liquid beads around the bottom of the sample.
Once a desired level or surface contact between the
liquid and sample has been attained, let the liquid dry
for 5-10 minutes. The sample is now ready to image.
4.2.1 Samples that cannot be prepared in colloidal graphite or silver paint
1. For these samples, a double sided adhesive can be
used. Although these adhesive pads are not quite as
conductive as the silver or graphite, they are much
easier to use for a broader spectrum of samples. To
begin, peel back the coating on top of the adhesive
with tweezers.
2. Place a clean stub on top of the exposed adhesive.
Pull the stub off the adhesive sheet to expose the
other side of the adhesive pad.
3. Now place the sample on top of the exposed
adhesive. Make sure the sample is firmly attached to
the stub before placing the sample into the instrument.
Caution!

19
Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM | User Manual
4.2.2 Particle samples
Particles include but are not limited to powders, pollen,
small filings, diatomaceous material, and other dust-like
matter
1. To prepare a particle sample, attach a double sided
adhesive pad to a bare sample stub. See ‘General
guidelines’..
2. Take a toothpick, tweezers, or other fine point object
and collect some of the particle sample on the tip.
Brush the sample coated tip against the exposed
adhesive of the sample stub. Take the flat side of the
toothpick or tweezers and press the particles firmly
against the adhesive pad.
3. Grip the sample with stub holding tweezers and
forcibly tap the stub on the side of a table or bench to
remove loose particle from the sample stub.
4. With a can of compressed air, spray the surface of the
sample to remove any other loose particles.
– The sample is now ready to be placed into the
Phenom XL Desktop SEM
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 when re-imaging a prepared
particle sample.
4.2.3 Polymers
1. Polymer samples include plastics and glass and are
typically mounted flat or on a cross section.
2. Because of their organic and / or siliceous
composition, polymers also tend to charge even at
low magnifications and accelerating voltages.
3. A light gold coating can eliminate most charging
effects and optimize resolution.
4. Polymers should be fixed down to the sample stub
with colloidal graphite, silver paint, double sided
carbon pad, or a clamping mechanism
4.2.4 Metals
• Samples containing metal may have a certain affinity
for the electromagnets within the SEM. This affinity may
be strong enough to pull the sample from the stub and
up into the detector region. This will cause degradation
of imaging capability and require a service technician
to remove the material from the detector. To avoid this
scenario, all metal samples should be firmly fastened to
the SEM stub.
Metal powders can be fastened to the SEM stub in the
same fashion as nonmetal powders. Please reference
section 4.2.2 Particle samples for instructions.
Metal filings can be attached to the stub in a similar
fashion to metal powders. However, larger filings should
be attached using colloidal graphite or even a clamping
stub.
• Ferrous, or iron-containing samples should be mounted
onto an SEM stub with great care. There are several
powerful electromagnets inside the SEM that will attract
iron containing materials within the sample chamber.
Loose ferrous material can be pulled off the sample and
onto the detector. This will cause a considerable, if not
total, loss of imaging capability and can seriously damage
the detector. Make sure the sample is firmly attached
to the sample stub with colloidal graphite, silver paint,
adhesive pad, or a clamp before imaging in the SEM.

20 User Manual | Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM
4.2.5 Biological samples
4.2.6 Heavy metal coating
• For materials that display a charging effect under the
SEM, a coating of gold or other heavy metal will most
likely improve imaging capability. Remember, it is best
to begin with a light coat to reduce charge but more
importantly to minimize change in surface morphology of
your sample.
Since every sputter coater is different, experiment with
various coating times and currents to optimize imaging
performance.
• Biological samples may be more difficult for SEM
imaging. High vacuum, low conductivity, and regular
outgassing are all factors that reduce the clarity of
biological samples in the SEM.
• To best image biological samples make sure the sample
is dry. Here are a few methods of sample preparation for
the Phenom XL Desktop SEM.
Air Drying will remove a fair amount of moisture from
a biological sample allowing for better imaging. The
drawback to air drying is that surface morphology of the
sample is sacrificed.
Critical Point Drying (CPD) is a complex way of drying
biological samples without seriously disrupting surface
morphology. Although sample preparation time will greatly
increase with the use of CPD, samples will look much truer
to their original state than with air drying.
Heavy Metal Staining using heavy metals such as
osmium can be used for samples to be imaged in the
Phenom XL Desktop SEM. Heavy metal staining is also
a complicated and potentially hazardous form of sample
preparation. This type of preparation should only be
attempted by a trained individual in an appropriate lab
environment.
Biological samples are also fairly non-conductive and
may charge under the SEM. A gold coating can reduce
charging in these types of samples. Refer to section 4.2.6
Heavy metal coating.
4.3 Loading samples
1. Make sure that the sample is properly mounted and
immobilized on the stub.
2. Turn the front wheel for height adjustment of the
sample holder counter-clockwise until the mounting
surface is in the highest position.
Note: Always use powder-free gloves.
3. Insert the stub pin into the hole on the mounting
surface, using tweezers.
4. Make sure that the stub is inserted in such way that
the flat lower surface of the stub is seated on the
mounting surface..
Always use powder-free gloves
while preparing samples.