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

Current Status

March 31st: Cleaned the plinth and took photographs of the vacuum components. Available here. -Dan K.

Oil diffusion pump was hanging due to the lip falling out of the rubber suspension. Could be cleaned and probably popped back in.

Broken switch on roughing pump was bypassed internally. Plugging in the outlet should activate the pump. (This pump normally runs 24/7 when the machine is operational.)

March 30th: Moving complete! The SEM is now in the workshop

March 29th: Awaiting pick-up and installation (March 29th and 30th).

March 23rd: A space in the workshop has been cleared. Photo: http://i.imgur.com/BDNWL5z.jpg

Maintenance Information

Maintenance and repair logs will be kept on an ongoing basis. For previous status and repairs, see:

The original S200 operating instructions will be 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.

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

Apiezon M vacuum grease for "O" rings, to be used for vacuum seals at room temperature: http://www.2spi.com/catalog/vac/apiezon/apiezon-m.php ($70 for 25g). Edit: page 058 of the manual states "The use of O ring grease is not recommended on any O rings, but a small amount may be used, if necessary, on moving seals e.g. the specimen stage and apereture changer micrometers."
- 31Mar2014 - there's a syringe of Ap. T grease in the space (~2g). It's on top of the SEM's chamber atm.

Replacement "O" ring for chamber->gun vacuum tube, for the chamber-side mounting adapter. (Will this work? http://www.grainger.com/product/O-Ring-1RHY8)