Flash polishing equipment
By designing a flash polishing device, the FIB sample is immersed in the electrolyte to form a circuit for polishing, which solves the problem of unstable polishing effect caused by non-standard equipment in the existing technology, and achieves efficient FIB sample damage removal and accurate sample preparation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422965589.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-03
AI Technical Summary
The lack of standard flash polishing equipment in the current technology makes it difficult to guarantee the electropolishing effect of FIB samples, which cannot meet the standard requirements of the test.
A flash polishing device was designed, including a base, a cooling pool, an electrolytic cell, a clamping mechanism, a power module, and a cathode mesh. The FIB sample is immersed in the electrolyte by the clamping head to form a circuit for instantaneous current polishing, thereby achieving precise control and rapid polishing of the FIB sample.
A standard flash polishing device that is simple and convenient to operate is provided, which can effectively remove damage to FIB samples and improve the accuracy and precision of sample preparation.
Smart Images
Figure CN223866816U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electropolishing technology, and in particular to a flash polishing device. Background Technology
[0002] Preparing samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a crucial step in materials characterization, and focused ion beam (FIB) technology is a commonly used method. However, a significant limitation of this technique is that the damage caused by FIB on the foil surface can obscure the true features of interest, especially in the study of radiation effects, where existing FIB techniques inevitably cause damage to the sample surface.
[0003] To eliminate damage caused by fibrillated basalt (FIB), electropolishing was introduced. Compared to traditional electropolishing methods, due to the nanometer and micrometer dimensions of FIB samples, the electropolishing of FIB samples needs to be precisely controlled and completed within an extremely short time (milliseconds). Therefore, the electropolishing method for FIB samples is called "flash polishing." Flash polishing removes FIB-induced near-surface damage by re-polishing the FIB material, maximizing the removal of surface damage and revealing the areas truly needed for observation. This technique improves the accuracy and precision of sample preparation for the target region.
[0004] Currently, due to the lack of standardized "flash polishing" equipment, researchers can only manually build simple equipment to perform "flash polishing," which makes it difficult to guarantee the effect of flash polishing and does not meet the standardized requirements of the experiment. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a flash-throwing device to solve the technical problems in the prior art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a flash-throwing device, comprising:
[0007] Base;
[0008] A cooling pool, fixedly mounted on the base, is used to hold coolant;
[0009] An electrolytic cell is fixedly installed inside the cooling tank to hold the electrolyte;
[0010] A cathode mesh is fixedly installed inside the electrolytic cell;
[0011] A clamping mechanism, mounted on the base, has a clamping head for clamping a carrier mesh with FIB samples welded on it, and a moving component for driving the clamping head to move.
[0012] The power module has its anode electrically connected to the clamping head and its cathode electrically connected to the cathode grid.
[0013] The moving component drives the clamping head to move so that the carrier mesh with the FIB sample welded on it is immersed in the electrolyte, and the circuit consisting of the power module, carrier mesh, electrolyte and cathode mesh flash polishes the FIB sample.
[0014] As an optional implementation, a first fixing bracket is also included, disposed within the electrolytic cell, to fix the cathode mesh.
[0015] As an optional implementation, the first fixing bracket has at least a plurality of bottom support legs, a plurality of side limiting posts, and a receiving groove for accommodating the cathode mesh.
[0016] As an optional implementation, a second fixed bracket is also included, which is fixedly mounted on the base. A low-temperature thermometer is fixedly installed on the second fixed bracket, and the measuring end of the low-temperature thermometer is inserted into the cooling pool.
[0017] As an optional implementation, a timer module is also included, electrically connected to the power module, to control the flash shuffling time of the FIB sample.
[0018] As an optional implementation, a pump is also included, one end of which is connected to the electrolytic cell via a pipeline to pump electrolyte into or out of the electrolytic cell.
[0019] As an optional implementation, the moving component can be any one of a linear module, a linear guide, a linear motion module, or a ball screw linear transmission mechanism.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a flash polishing device. A clamping head holds and fixes the carrier mesh, and a moving component drives the clamping head to descend, immersing the carrier mesh in the electrolyte. The power module supplies power, and the power module, carrier mesh, electrolyte, and cathode mesh form a conductive circuit. The instantaneous current generated flash polishes the FIB sample, thereby achieving the effect of polishing the FIB sample. This utility model provides a standard flash polishing device that is simple and convenient to operate and can guarantee the flash polishing effect. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the flash-throwing equipment;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the flash-throwing equipment;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-section of the flash-throwing equipment.
[0024] In the figure, 1 is the base; 2 is the power module; 3 is the electrolytic cell; 4 is the timer module; 5 is the clamping head; 6 is the moving component; 7 is the low-temperature thermometer; 8 is the second fixed bracket; 9 is the cooling pool; 10 is the cathode mesh; and 11 is the first fixed bracket. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0026] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this utility model should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0027] As one embodiment of this utility model, a flash-throwing device is provided, comprising:
[0028] Base;
[0029] A cooling pool, fixedly mounted on the base, is used to hold coolant;
[0030] An electrolytic cell is fixedly installed inside the cooling tank to hold the electrolyte;
[0031] A cathode mesh is fixedly installed inside the electrolytic cell;
[0032] A clamping mechanism, mounted on the base, has a clamping head for clamping a carrier mesh with FIB samples welded on it, and a moving component for driving the clamping head to move.
[0033] The power module has its anode electrically connected to the clamping head and its cathode electrically connected to the cathode grid.
[0034] The moving component drives the clamping head to move so that the carrier mesh with the FIB sample welded on it is immersed in the electrolyte, and the circuit consisting of the power module, carrier mesh, electrolyte and cathode mesh flash polishes the FIB sample.
[0035] In this embodiment, after the FIB sample to be flash-polished is welded onto the carrier mesh, the carrier mesh is clamped and fixed with a clamping head. The moving component drives the clamping head to descend, immersing the carrier mesh in the electrolyte. The power module supplies power, and the power module, carrier mesh, electrolyte, and cathode mesh form a conductive circuit. The instantaneous current generated flash-polishes the FIB sample, thereby achieving the effect of polishing the FIB sample. This utility model provides a standard flash-polishing device that is simple and convenient to operate and can guarantee the flash-polishing effect.
[0036] Optionally, the electrolytic cell is a cylindrical container with an open top, such as a beaker.
[0037] Optionally, the cooling pool is a cylindrical container with an open top, such as a beaker.
[0038] As an optional implementation, a first fixing bracket is also included, disposed within the electrolytic cell, to fix the cathode mesh. The first fixing bracket has at least a plurality of bottom support legs, a plurality of side limiting posts, and a receiving groove for accommodating the cathode mesh. In use, the cathode mesh is inserted into the receiving groove, and then the first fixing bracket is placed into the electrolytic cell. The bottom support legs abut against the bottom wall of the electrolytic cell, providing support, while the side limiting posts abut against the side wall of the electrolytic cell, thereby fixing the position of the cathode mesh and preventing displacement. By providing the first fixing bracket, the cathode mesh can be fixedly installed within the electrolytic cell.
[0039] As an optional implementation, a second fixing bracket is also included, fixedly mounted on the base. A low-temperature thermometer is fixedly installed on the second fixing bracket, with the measuring end of the low-temperature thermometer inserted into the cooling pool. The second fixing bracket is fixed to the base by threaded connection, snap-fit, or welding. A clamp is provided at the top of the second fixing bracket for clamping and fixing the low-temperature thermometer. By inserting the measuring end of the low-temperature thermometer into the cooling pool, the temperature inside the cooling pool is monitored to ensure the provision of the required low-temperature environment (between -5°C and -65°C).
[0040] As an optional implementation, a timer module is also included, electrically connected to the power supply module, to control the flash polishing time of the FIB sample. Optionally, the timer module is a high-precision timer capable of providing millisecond-level timing control. By setting the timing module, the conduction time of the power supply module can be precisely controlled, thereby achieving precise control of the flash polishing time. It should also be noted that a power supply module with built-in timing functionality (millisecond level) can also be selected, thereby improving the equipment integration.
[0041] As an optional implementation, a pump is also included, one end of which is connected to the electrolytic cell via a pipeline to pump electrolyte into or out of the electrolytic cell. It should be noted that a drain pipe with a valve can also be installed at the bottom of the electrolytic cell; after use, opening the valve allows the electrolyte to be drained from the electrolytic cell.
[0042] As an optional implementation, the bottom of the cooling pool is equipped with a drain pipe with a valve. When the cooling pool is finished, the valve can be opened to discharge the waste liquid from the cooling pool.
[0043] As an optional implementation, the moving component can be any one of a linear module, a linear guide, a linear motion module, or a ball screw linear transmission mechanism. It should be noted that, in addition to the above mechanisms, any existing moving component capable of moving the clamping head along a preset path can be used, such as a gear and rack mechanism, a hydraulic transmission mechanism, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.
[0044] It should be noted that the power module includes at least two power supply components. One power supply component has a higher voltage and supplies power to the conductive circuit formed by the flash polishing operation for discharge polishing in the experiment. The other power supply component supplies power to other components that require power (moving components, pumps, timers, etc.).
[0045] It should be noted that when the moving component moves the carrier grid to the discharge polishing position (i.e., flash polishing position), it is necessary to ensure that the FIB sample on the carrier grid is located in the exact center of the cathode grid to meet the test requirements.
[0046] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of this utility model is limited to these examples; within the framework of this utility model, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of this utility model as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity. Any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A flash-throwing device, characterized in that, include: Base; A cooling pool, fixedly mounted on the base, is used to hold coolant; An electrolytic cell is fixedly installed inside the cooling tank to hold the electrolyte; A cathode mesh is fixedly installed inside the electrolytic cell; A clamping mechanism, mounted on the base, has a clamping head for clamping a carrier mesh with FIB samples welded on it, and a moving component for driving the clamping head to move. The power module has its anode electrically connected to the clamping head and its cathode electrically connected to the cathode grid. The moving component drives the clamping head to move so that the carrier mesh with the FIB sample welded on it is immersed in the electrolyte, and the circuit consisting of the power module, carrier mesh, electrolyte and cathode mesh flash polishes the FIB sample.
2. The flash-throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first fixing bracket, which is disposed inside the electrolytic cell to fix the cathode mesh.
3. The flash polishing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixed bracket has at least a plurality of bottom support legs, a plurality of side limiting posts, and a receiving groove for accommodating the cathode mesh.
4. The flash-throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second fixed bracket, which is fixedly mounted on the base. A low-temperature thermometer is fixedly installed on the second fixed bracket, and the measuring end of the low-temperature thermometer is inserted into the cooling pool.
5. The flash-throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a timer module, which is electrically connected to the power module, to control the flash shuffling time of the FIB sample.
6. The flash-throwing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pump, one end of which is connected to the electrolytic cell via a pipeline to pump electrolyte into or out of the electrolytic cell.
7. The flash polishing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving component can be any one of a linear module, a linear guide, a linear motion module, or a ball screw linear transmission mechanism.