The TESCAN Vega SEM, installed in 2023, offers high-resolution imaging and advanced analytical capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for research in materials science, biology, geology, and semiconductor technology. Equipped with versatile detectors, including secondary electron and backscattered electron detectors, as well as the Ultim® Max 65 energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector from Oxford Instruments and a cathodoluminescence (CL) detector, this instrument enables detailed surface imaging and precise elemental analysis. It excels at imaging down to the single-digit micron scale, allowing for detailed examination of fine grain structures.
One of the standout features of the TESCAN Vega SEM is its low vacuum/environmental mode, which is particularly beneficial for biological and other non-conductive samples. This mode is easy to use, requiring just the press of a button to introduce either nitrogen or water vapor into the chamber. This minimizes charging effects and allows for the imaging of non-conductive samples without extensive preparation. The user-friendly software further enhances its accessibility, ensuring that both experienced researchers and newcomers can effectively utilize its powerful features.
The TESCAN Clara is a field emission SEM, installed in 2023, known for its ultra-high-resolution imaging and advanced analytical capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for research in materials science, nanotechnology, biology, and geology. This state-of-the-art instrument is equipped with versatile detectors, including secondary electron, cathodoluminescence (CL), and backscattered electron detectors, the Ultim® Max 100 energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector from Oxford Instruments, a Symmetry 3 (Oxford Instruments) Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detector, and a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) detector, which allows for the imaging of TEM grids.
The TESCAN Clara SEM excels at imaging down to the single-digit nanometer scale, providing exceptional detail for examining fine grain structures and nanoscale features. Its low vacuum/environmental mode is particularly advantageous for biological and non-conductive samples. This mode is highly user-friendly, allowing researchers to introduce nitrogen or water vapor into the chamber with the press of a button, which minimizes charging effects and permits the imaging of samples without extensive preparation. The intuitive software interface further ensures that both experienced researchers and newcomers can effectively utilize the full capabilities of this powerful SEM.
Our lab utilizes the latest version of the Oxford Instruments AZtec software with both the TESCAN Vega and TESCAN Clara SEMs for advanced Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The AZtec software offers powerful analytical capabilities, including accurate elemental mapping and crystallographic orientation determination, with an intuitive interface that enhances user experience and productivity. This cutting-edge software ensures precise, reliable results, making it an invaluable tool for our research applications.
