Electron Microprobe Standard Block
Starting up the Electron Microprobe
UHH / HVO Electron Microprobe Home Shutting down the Electron Microprobe Electron Microprobe Manual

Warming up the Filament

You can think of the microprobe filament like a great big high voltage light bulb. Instead of having a coiled filament like a light bulb (which disperses electrons and light in all directions) the microprobe filament comes to a sharp point. The other minor difference is that the microprobe uses 15,000 volts as opposed to the standard 120 volt bulb. The pointed filament allows the electrons to be directed off the tip of a beam.

1) Turn the Picoammeter Range to .1 x 10-6 amps.

2) Turn the Signal Selector knob to BC (beam current).

ALWAYS turn the Range to .1 prior to switching the Signal Selector to BC.

3)  Turn the Filament Voltage knob up until the Emission Current Gauge registers about 20 - 40 microamps.

LET THE PROBE WARM UP FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AT THIS POINT.