Special equipment for preparing powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation

Abstract

The utility model provides special equipment for preparing a powder sample for observation of a scanning electron microscope, which comprises an upper box body and a lower box body, the upper box body is buckled at the top of the lower box body, the upper box body is a transparent bottomless box body, the front surface of the upper box body is provided with a round hole for taking and placing the sample, and an air pump and a dust collector are arranged in the lower box body. The air pump is connected with a blowing device inserted into the upper box body through a hose, an opening communicated with the upper box body is formed in the top of the lower box body, and a dust collection head of the dust collector is connected with the opening in the lower box body; according to the utility model, the powder sample of the conductive adhesive adhered to the sample table is blown through the air pump and the blowing device, so that the powder sample is uniformly fixed on the conductive adhesive tape under the action of airflow, and each particle of the powder sample is uniformly adhered and fixed on the conductive adhesive tape by the conductive adhesive tape; the dust collector is used for collecting the powder scattered in the upper box body in the blowing process, so that the powder sample is prevented from being scattered and attached to the sample table in the blowing process, and it is guaranteed that no unfixed powder particles exist on the sample table.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of scanning electron microscope auxiliary equipment technology, specifically to a special device for preparing powder samples for scanning electron microscope observation. Background Technology

[0002] Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is an observational technique that falls between transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. It utilizes a focused high-energy electron beam to scan a sample. Through the interaction between the beam and the material, various physical information is excited, collected, magnified, and re-imaged to characterize the microscopic morphology of the material. It has wide applications in the study of solid materials such as metals, soils, graphite, ceramics, biological materials, and nanomaterials.

[0003] In scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, sample preparation is a crucial step. Poor sample preparation can lead to contamination of the microscope tube and aperture, significantly reducing the performance of the SEM. This is especially true for powdered samples; if the powder particles are not properly secured on the stage, the negative pressure inside the tube can draw the powder in, contaminating the tube. The conventional practice was to spread the powder sample onto conductive tape on the stage and then use a blower or compressed air canister to blow the powder evenly onto the conductive tape.

[0004] However, in practice, the above-mentioned powder sample preparation process has the following problems: Due to the limited purging pressure of the blowing balloon or dust-removing compressed air tank, it cannot be guaranteed that every particle of the powder sample is adhered to the conductive tape, and non-fixed powder particles easily adhere to the sample stage and its surroundings. Since the sample chamber of the scanning electron microscope is under negative pressure compared to the microscope tube, powder can easily be sucked into the microscope tube, causing damage to the microscope; at the same time, this sample preparation method makes it difficult to uniformly disperse the particles on the conductive tape, and may even form agglomerates, making it impossible to see the morphology of individual particles in the electron microscope image; secondly, the scattering of powder samples during the purging process can easily lead to environmental pollution, affecting environmental safety or contaminating other samples.

[0005] For the reasons mentioned above, there is a need for a specialized device for preparing powder samples for scanning electron microscopy observation that can ensure that each particle of the powder sample is adhered by conductive tape and prevent the powder sample from scattering. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention proposes a special device for preparing powder samples for scanning electron microscopy, which fundamentally solves the problems in the prior art where it is impossible to ensure that every particle of the powder sample is fixed by conductive tape, and where the powder sample scatters and contaminates the experimental environment.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following solution:

[0008] A specialized device for preparing powder samples for scanning electron microscopy includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber is attached to the top of the lower chamber. The upper chamber is a transparent, bottomless chamber (for easy real-time observation of the purging process). Its front has a circular hole for taking and placing samples. An air pump and a vacuum cleaner are installed inside the lower chamber. The air pump is connected to a purging device via a hose. The purging device is inserted into the upper chamber. The top of the lower chamber has an opening that communicates with the upper chamber and is completely located inside the upper chamber. The vacuum cleaner's suction head is connected to the opening inside the lower chamber. The shape of the opening in the upper chamber can be arbitrary, but it is best to have the same shape as the dust collection port.

[0009] Preferably, the purging device is a manually operated press-type air gun.

[0010] Preferably, the purging device is a nozzle, and a solenoid valve is connected between the nozzle and the hose. A push-button switch for controlling the solenoid valve is installed on the lower housing.

[0011] Preferably, the upper housing is provided with air inlets on the top and both sides, and the purging device is inserted into the upper housing through one of the air inlets.

[0012] Preferably, the lower housing has a double-opening door on the front, and the door has an observation window.

[0013] Preferably, the lower housing is provided with a ventilation window on its side.

[0014] Preferably, the top of the lower housing is provided with a through hole, through which the hose passes and connects to the purging device.

[0015] Preferably, the diameter of the circular hole for picking up and placing samples is 80 mm to 100 mm.

[0016] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, this utility model uses an air pump and an air gun to blow the powder sample, which increases the blowing pressure and makes the powder sample stick evenly to the conductive tape under the action of airflow. It also ensures that each particle of the powder sample is evenly stuck to the conductive tape and fixed on the conductive tape. By setting a vacuum cleaner to collect the powder scattered during the blowing process, it is ensured that the powder sample will not be scattered out of the upper box. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the upper box structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lower box structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0023] The image is labeled as follows:

[0024] 1. Lower chamber; 1a. Opening; 1b. Chamber door; 1c. Observation window; 1d. Ventilation window; 1e. Air outlet; 2. Upper chamber; 2a. Round hole; 2b. Air inlet; 3. Hose; 4a. Air gun; 4b. Nozzle; 4c. Solenoid valve; 4d. Push button switch; 5. Air pump; 6. Vacuum cleaner; 7. Sample. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] Example 1: As Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a specialized device for preparing powder samples for scanning electron microscopy includes an upper chamber 2 and a lower chamber 1. The upper chamber 2 is attached to the top of the lower chamber 1. The upper chamber 2 is a transparent, bottomless chamber with a circular hole 2a on its front for placing or removing a sample 7. An air pump 5 and a vacuum cleaner 6 are installed inside the lower chamber 1. The air pump 5 is connected to a purging device via a hose 3, and the purging device is inserted into the upper chamber 2. The top of the lower chamber 1 has an opening 1a that communicates with the upper chamber 2, and the opening 1a is completely located inside the upper chamber 2. The suction head of the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the opening 1a inside the lower chamber 1 (the opening of the lower chamber can be of any shape, but preferably the same shape as the dust collection port of the vacuum cleaner). In this embodiment, the purging device is a manual press-type air gun 4.

[0027] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the upper box 2 is a transparent square box made of acrylic or plexiglass, so that the operator can observe the inside of the upper box when preparing powder samples. The diameter of the circular hole 2a for taking out and placing the sample 7 is set to 80mm to 100mm, so that the operator can hold the sample stage and reach into the upper box 2. At the same time, air inlets 2b are opened on the top and sides of the upper box 2, and the barrel of the air gun 4 is inserted through the air inlet 2b. The operator can choose to insert the air gun 4 into the upper box 2 through any one of the air inlets 2b according to their habits.

[0028] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower housing 1 is a metal cabinet with double doors 1b on the front for operation or maintenance of the air pump 5 and vacuum cleaner 6 inside. A transparent observation window 1c is provided on the doors 1b, allowing operators to view equipment operating parameters, such as the pressure gauge reading of the air pump 5. Ventilation windows with louvers or metal mesh are provided on both sides of the lower housing 1 to ensure normal exhaust and suction of the vacuum cleaner 6 and air pump 5, while also ensuring good heat dissipation. The suction port of the vacuum cleaner 6 is sealed to the opening 1a. To ensure that the opening 1a is completely covered by the upper housing 2, it is best to provide positioning components, such as slots or clips, in the lower housing to fix the relative positions of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the air pump 5 is a silent air compressor, such as the GA-61 type silent oil-free air compressor, which meets the maximum air storage pressure of 8-10 bar and the residual oil mist in the output air is less than 0.001 ppm, so it will not contaminate the powder sample. The vacuum cleaner 6 can be a regular household vacuum cleaner or an upright industrial vacuum cleaner, and the size of the vacuum cleaner 6's suction port must be larger than the size of the upper housing opening 1a. Both the air pump and the vacuum cleaner are fixed to the bottom plate of the lower housing.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the working process of this utility model is as follows: Normally, the air pump 5 is kept on, and the maximum air pressure of the air pump 5 meets 8-10 atmospheres. When preparing the sample, the sample 7 is placed inside the upper housing 2 through the round hole 2a on the front of the upper housing 2. First, the vacuum cleaner 6 is turned on, and then the handle of the air gun 4 is pressed to blow air onto the powder sample mounted on the powder sample stage. This is maintained for 10 to 30 seconds, or the handle is pressed intermittently 3 to 5 times. Through the blowing pressure (6-10 atmospheres, usually 8 atmospheres is preferable), the powder sample is evenly fixed onto the conductive tape under the action of the airflow, ensuring that each particle of the powder sample is evenly adhered and fixed to the conductive tape. By setting up a vacuum cleaner to collect the powder scattered in the upper housing during the blowing process, the powder sample is prevented from scattering and adhering to the sample stage during the blowing process, ensuring that there are no unfixed powder particles on the sample stage.

[0031] Example 2: In this example, the purging device is a nozzle 4b. A solenoid valve 4c is connected between the nozzle 4b and the hose 3. A push-button switch 4d for controlling the solenoid valve 4c is installed on the lower housing 1. In use, pressing the push-button switch 4d opens the solenoid valve 4c for 10-30 seconds, or the switch is turned on and off 3-5 times, thereby causing the nozzle 4b to spray air. Compared to Example 1, this example reduces the force required to press the handle, making operation more convenient. Except for the above differences, the other settings in this example are the same as in Example 1.

Claims

1. A dedicated apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation, characterized by, The utility model relates to a sample box, which comprises an upper box (2) and a lower box (1), the upper box (2) is buckled on the top of the lower box (1), the upper box (2) is a transparent bottomless box, the front of the upper box (2) is provided with a round hole (2a) for taking and placing a sample (7), the lower box (1) is internally provided with a gas pump (5) and a dust collector (6), the gas pump (5) is connected with a blowing device through a hose (3), the blowing device is inserted into the upper box (2), the top of the lower box (1) is provided with an opening (1a) in communication with the upper box (2), and the opening (1a) is completely located in the upper box (2), and the dust collecting port of the dust collector (6) is connected with the opening (1a) in the lower box (1).

2. The apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation according to claim 1, wherein The blowing device is a hand-pressing type blowing gun (4a).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The blowing device is a spray pipe (4b), an electromagnetic valve (4c) is connected between the spray pipe (4b) and the hose (3), and a button switch (4d) for controlling the electromagnetic valve (4c) is mounted on the lower box (1).

4. The apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The top and both sides of the upper box (2) are provided with air inlet holes (2b), and the blowing device is inserted into the upper box (2) through one of the air inlet holes (2b).

5. The apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The front of the lower box (1) is provided with a split box door (1b), and the box door (1b) is provided with an observation window (1c).

6. The apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The side of the lower box (1) is provided with a ventilation window (1d).

7. The apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The top of the lower box (1) is provided with a through hole (1e), and the hose (3) is connected with the blowing device through the through hole (1e).

8. The apparatus for preparing a powder sample for scanning electron microscope observation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the round hole (2a) for taking and placing the sample (7) is 80mm to 100mm.

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