Vendor: South Bay Technology

Model: D500i

Purpose: Dimple grinding of samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

Equipment Wiki Link

Equipment description:

The D500i can be used to dimple grind samples to thicknesses of < 10 μm as part of a TEM sample preparation process. Pre-thinning the samples with the dimpler reduces the time required to ion mill the sample until it is suitably electron transparent. Real time measurement of tool height, specimen thickness,and tool runout allow the user to precisely control the dimpling process.

System features:

  • Z position sensing and automatic termination
  • Variable damping of arm to reduce vibrations
  • Automated controls