HacDC is in the process of refurbishing a scanning electron microscope: a Cambridge Stereoscan 200.

Current Status

Cleaning and assessment in progress.

June 23rd: Summary. Roughing pump works, seals adequate to fire turbo. Probably just needs cleaning and testing, similar in scope to commissioning a new 3D printer. -mirage335

See Stereoscan_Operators_Log for details.

Documentation

Manuals and Images

• Vacuum gauge: Edwards Penning CP25-k: http://www.idealvac.com/files/manuals/Edwards_CP25K_Cold_Cathode_Gauge_Sensor_Manual.pdf

• Roughing Pump: Edwards E2M-12 255 LPM two stage oil filled rotating vane pump File:Edwards E2M2 to E2M12 Users Instruction Manual.pdf

• Turbo Pump: Pfeiffer Balzers TPH 190

Similar but smaller unit manual File:Pfeiffer Balzers TPH TPU 110 .pdf

Table of pumps to compatible controllers File:Pfeiffer table.pdf

View of pump 1 Media:PfeifferTHP190_1.gif

View of pump 2 (connector side) Media:PfeifferTHP190_2.gif

View of pump 3 (other side) Media:PfeifferTHP190_3.gif

Original

• Stereoscan 200 dimensions

• S200 operating instructions (2 MB zip)

• Edwards E2M-12 roughing pump user instruction manual

757 Labs

Previous owners (757 Labs, another hackerspace) attempting repairs compiled some information at:

• http://757labs.org/2012/09/scanning-electron-microscope-update/ (archival link -- text only) (Internet Archive)

• http://757labs.org/wiki/Projects/SEM (archival link -- text only)

Additional Resources

• The original S200 operating instructions are available at the space in a three-ring binder near the machine.

• If possible, members will also have access to a PDF copy of Scanning Electron Microscopy - A Student's Handbook, 1980, self-published by Michael Postek, et al. This book was widely used by microscopists and is still regarded as a good learning reference, but the original binding is rare and prone to falling apart. It might be possible to use the PDF copy for private, educational use.

More Photos

• SEM install and overview

• Close-ups of assembly and components

• Cleaning and vacuum components

Contacts

We'll have a list here of HacDC members who are responsible for the SEM, including people that should be notified about problems.

Mirage335 (talk) Custom electronic control replacement circuitry.

Plasma Dan K., plasma on IRC. SEM information, documentation, repair information, problems