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DIY Scanning Electron Microscope - Operation procedure

2011-05-31

[public] 123K views, 2.39K likes, 14.0 dislikes audio only

After getting back from Maker Faire (which is always a hugely enjoyable and inspiring event), I thought that my microscope might need some repairs. As it turned out, I only had to change the filament and tighten some screws that came loose during the trip back from the Faire. The microscope works just as well as it ever has -- I didn't even need to move my alignment magnets. I made this video to show everyone what using it is really like.

Also, if you haven't been able to attend Maker Faire yet, it really is as amazing and epic as you have heard. The intelligent and inspiring people who make it happen are a large part of the motivation that I had to build and display this microscope. In turn, I hope my project inspires others to create things and share their ideas with everyone. There's no better way to have fun and celebrate accomplishment at the same time!


pumping some automotive antifreeze through the baffle
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load a sample into the microscope
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turn on the mechanical pump
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get the chamber pressure down to operating pressure
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put the light tight shroud on the microscope
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switch the high-voltage
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turn on the scintillator voltage
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turn on the photomultiplier supply voltage
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turn the dials on the front of the microscope
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turn up the scintillator voltage a little
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make the scan pattern smaller
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see some dark spots on the screen
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