Hitachi McDATA Sphereon 4500 User Manual

HITACHI 4500-Il INSTRUCTIONS

The following instructions provide a guide to performing simple tasks on the microscope. Initial sections
(A to D) describe how to insert a sample and obtain an image. Subsequent sections provide information
on more COni~!CX operations such as changing the accelerating voltage or the detecton Sections K and
L provide infonnation on what to do at the end of a session.

Compared with the JEOL 840 SEM there are more variable parameters available to the operator.
Optimum imaging conditions will vary from user to user depending on their samples. It is
advisable that you spend some time attempting to determine which conditions are best for your
sample.

When using this microscope please note the following rules:

RULE 1: DON'T TOUCH A CONTROL IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF THE

OUTCOME OF THAT ACTION.
RULE 2: NEVER, EVER FORCE ANYTHING BEYOND FINGER STRENGTH
RULE 3: IF IN DOUBT; ASK FOR HELP

A. START-UP

1. Turn on the visual display by turning toggle switch DISPLAY POWER to 1. (These

toggle switches must be pulled out slightly before switching - DO NOT FORCE THEM)

2. Turn the toggle switch SC AIRLOCK VALVE from CLOSED to AUTO (OPEN)- a
few seconds later the green light on the HV off/ready display will come on. If it doesn't please
contact EM staff for help.

B. INSERT SAMPLE

1. Put specimen stub onto specimen holder> inc exact mechanism will vary depending upon
the specimen type. EM Unit staff will advise the best method for your sample when you art
being trained. The specimen holder and stub MUST be set so that so that thtt top of the
specimen is level with or below tIze gauge.

2. Ensure toggle switch on SC AIRLOCK VALVE DISPLAY is set to S.E.C.

3. Press AIR on Sc AIRLOCK VALVE DISPLAY - this will bleed air into the specimen
exchange chamber. It will take 2~3O seconds for the chamber to come to air.

4. Ensure stage settings (X,Y,Z,R and T) have been return to their default positions
(displayed on the specimen chamber).

5. Open specimen exchange chamber door Do not force.

6. Push specimen exchange rod forward slightly so it protrudes through the specimen exchange
chamber door and screw specimen holder on to screw thread of the specimen exchange rod.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT GET A CROSS THREAD. Pull specimen

exchange rod back into specimen exchange chamber door.

7. Close airlock door

8. Press EVAC on SC AIRLOCK VALVE DISPLAY - this will pump the specimen
exchange chamber.

9. Observe SEC vacuum display as status lights show vacuum goes from AIR to LOW to
HIGH.

10. When SEC vacuum is FilCH (green light is on), open airlock door, by turning airlock level
anticlockwise about one half turn. DO NOT FORCE THIS LEVER, it requires minimal

effort to open.

11. When airlock door is open, fully insert specimen exchange rod into specimen chamber.
Watch the specimen being inserted and ensure that it sits properly inside the specimen chamber.
When rod is fully inserted, unscrew rod from sample by turning rod anticlockwise.

12. When rod is unscrewed, withdraw the rod into the specimen exchange chamber.

13. Close airlock door by turning airlock level clockwise about one half turn.

C TURNING THE BEAM ON – GETTING AN IMAGE

1. Select the required accelerating voltage Press PF1 Vacc

2. Using numeric keyboard key in desired accelerating voltage e.g. 5kv.

3. Press ENTER

4. Microscope will automatically go to 5kV.

5. Press PF16 EXIT to clear screen

6. Press the ON bunon on the HV display (middle button). The red left hand button will flash
while the high tension comes on. When the beam current has been reached the light will stop

flashing.

7. Set magnification to IQOOX. You can do this by manually turning the
MAGNIFICATION knob or pressing the PRESET switch on the magnification display.

8. Locate area of interest using X and V stage shifts (you may need to go to low magnification
see section I).

9. Turn the COARSE FOCUS knob until a nominally focused image is obtained.

10. Press ABC button on the image adjust section to automatically correct brightness and
contrast.

#

11. Press SMALL AREA DISPLAY button on scan speed section.

12. Increase magnification to -10,000 times by manually turning the MAGNIFICATION
knob.

13. Focus using FINE FOCUS knob

14. Refine sharpness of image with STIGMA/ALIGNMENT X AND Y knobs

15. Return to TV or SLOW SCAN MODES on scan speed section.

16. If you wish to move the sample to a different area, manipulate the specimen with the X
AND Y shifts on the specimen chamber. You can also adjust the height, Z tilt, T and rotation,
R of the sample. If you adjust the tilt or height of the sample, you will need to consider the
effects of that movement with respect to any detectors inserted into the chamber. Always return

X , Y, Z , R and T controls to their preset levels before removing a sample.

11. When you have moved to a new area you may need to repeat steps 9-16.

# The ABC control provides 'ideal brightness and contrast levels for photography. But may not always
provide the levels of brightness and contrast you desire. An alternative method is to use the
BRIGHTNESS and CONTRAST up/down arrowed keys on the image adjust section.