Philips CM-20 User Manual

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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 
 
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