Sample Cleaner ZONESEM II

Overview

Hydrocarbon buildup on specimens can occur during preparation, handling, or storage at atmospheric conditions. Under the influence of an electron beam these hydrocarbons can form a thick layer on the surface. Cleaning the sample surface with the ZONESEM II removes hydrocarbons and reduces available molecules for electron-beam-induced contamination. Preventing contamination from specimen surfaces is essential for true observation in electron microscopy.

ZONESEM II utilizes vacuum-controlled UV irradiation and activated oxygen to gently remove hydrocarbons from the specimen surface prior to imaging and without the use of any chemicals or reagents. With a lab-friendly footprint and intuitive touch screen, the second-generation ZONESEM II is a safe, easy-to-use addition in any laboratory.

Features

ZONESEM II

The ZONESEM II provides optimized sample cleaning with easy-to-use controls. It provides the versatility to properly clean samples for a variety of applications including carbon-based samples, battery materials, polymers, and metals alike. With it's flexible settings, the ZONESEM II can also be used to store samples under vaccum until ready to image.

• Easy-to-use touchscreen panel
• Programmable up to 24hrs
• Variable pressure control

Sources of contamination

Interactions between hydrocarbons on the specimen surface and the irradiated electron beam generate sample contamination. Hydrocarbons are generally non-covalently attached to the specimen surface making them easy to remove by UV-based cleaning.

The Cleaning Process

The ZONESEM II uses a UV lamp with wavelengths of 185 nm and 254 nm to efficiently remove hydrocarbons. Ozone is generated from oxygen in the vacuum-controlled specimen chamber. The generated ozone is broken into oxygen and activated oxygen. Radical oxygen and UV light then breakdown hydrocarbons on the specimen surface into volatile molecules such as CO₂, H₂O. The exhaust pump evacuates the free molecules from the sample chamber.

Application Data

Using ZONESEM II cleaning to enhance SEM and EDS Analysis

Before ZONESEM II Cleaning

After ZONESEM II Cleaning

Sample: Mesoporous Silica

Before ZONESEM II Cleaning

After ZONESEM II Cleaning

Sample: ITO thin film

Before ZONESEM II Cleaning

After ZONESEM II Cleaning

Before ZONESEM II Cleaning

After ZONESEM II Cleaning

Sample: Au Particles on Carbon

Specification

Setting Condition