Basic Procedure to Setup the SEM after Loading Sample

After the chamber has reached suitable vacuum, follow these steps to set the voltage and current, start the beam, find your site of interest, and get the sample to your desired working distance. Alignments are then covered in subsequent videos (start alignments here: • Basic SEM Alignment (S... )
** Please note the setup in this video was performed on flat samples. Non-flat samples have limitations on setup (instrument damage can result otherwise in some circumstances) which is not discussed in this video **
When moving across the sample, consider if adjusting the stage height is required: samples are seldomly mounted flat or are truly even. It is possible to end up in a different working distance position (or to fall out of eucentric height if that was set) by moving along the sample.
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Disclaimer: This video is intended to serve as supplemental information and cannot replace in-person instrument training. Microscope operators are encouraged to consider which parameter setting is most suitable for their measurements. Caltech and KNI are not responsible for how the presented information is translated for use in other facilities.
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