Gatan 691 Precision Ion Polishing System

Argon ion thinning of samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

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Location: Jesser Hall room 131

The Gatan 691 PIPS system is used as the final preparation step for many types of TEM samples. 3 mm disks cut from bult materials or from embedded cross sections are thinned to less than 50 micron before argon ion milling in the FIB.

 

PIPS Technique Summary:

 
  • Up to 6 kV argon ion energy
  • Rotating sample to provide uniform milling
  • Two ion guns for milling from top and from bottom
  • Adjustable beam tilt angles from 2 to 10 degrees incident angle
  • Ion milling at specific segments during sample rotation for directional ion milling and to protect the sample holder
  • Suited for conductive and non-conductive samples

PIPS Features:

 
  • Cryo attachment with liquid nitrogen for sample cooling
  • Auto termination option when electron tranparency is reached
  • Optical microscope with digital camera to monitor ion milling progress
 
Operating manuals and additional information may be found in the Sample Preparation folder on UVa's Sharepoint.

UVA RATES:

 

Gatan 691 Ion Mill Instrument Usage: $17/hr

Gatan 691 Ion Mill Operator Costs:  $60/hr

 

EDUCATIONAL, GOVERNMENT & NON-PROFIT INSTITUTIONS RATES (cost = operator + instrument):

 

Gatan 691 Ion Mill Instrument Usage: $22/hr

Gatan 691 Ion Mill Operator Costs:  $70/hr

 

INDUSTRIAL PARTNER RATES:

 

Gatan 691 Ion Mill Instrument Usage: $30/hr

Gatan 691 Ion Mill Operator Costs:  $125/hr

 

.*Rates are for reference only. See R. White for current instrument costs and estimates.

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