Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Dark Field tomography method all about?


A:　We are intoroduce application data, 3D observation of crysalline nanostructures using DFTEM tomography.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Three-dimensional observation of domain structures in ordeing alloys using dark-field TEM tomography. ( Japanese Doc. )
　　　　　Documentation by Dr.Satoshi Hata, University of Kyushu Japan


Q: What kind of application useing at HATA holder?


A:　We are intoroduce application data, Dislocation Tomography with the Mel-Build HATA tomography holder.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
　　　　Documentation by Dr Jonathan Barnard, Department of materials science and metallurgy, University of CAMBRIDGE

A:　We are intoroduce application data, 3D observation of Dislocation in Si Single Crystal using HATA holder.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
　　　　Documentation by 　Satoshi Hata*, 　Hiroya Miyazaki**, 　Masaki Tanaka*** 　and 　Kenji Higashida***
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 　**Mel-Build 　***Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.


Q: What exists of 3D reconstraction software and able to use?


A:　 We are intoroduce of Tomography Reconstruction Software. Please click below bar.











Q: Why is the Beta tilt range limited to about +/-7.00 degree?

A: There are several reasons this design was preferred.
　The main concern during the design process was stability and precision in a very limited space.
　This limited space being the objective pole piece gap itself.
　The main tilting direction for tomography process is in the Alpha direction whiletheBeta is a compensation for
　the specimen surface orientation.
　We found during the test we have done with various specimens a few degrees is enough for such compensation.
　By limiting the range we also gained a very good precision and ease of control for the Beta tilt axis and could also make
　sure the Beta tilt does not interfere with Alpha tilt limits.
　Meaning we can still tilt Alpha to its stage limits (+/-80 degrees) at any available Beta tilt angle.

Q: How can the holder be able to tilt and rotate without a support frame around the sample?

A: Since the whole CFS is being tilted with an off pivot (patent protected) design we are able to offersolutions no other
　holder manufacturer can offer.
　The rotation is taking place with the CFS removed from the holder.
　As a result we achieved an optimum solution for flexibility in a limited space.
　In fact we can freely rotate the sample in Alpha without it ever touching the pole piece (e.g. Super Twin lens type microscope).
　The limiting factor is the stage itself.
　The field of view for tomography series imaging is obviously much improved without a frame type of holder.
　Moreover the obstruction of X-ray path between sample and an X-Ray detector is reduced greatly.
　At low Alpha tilt angles we can get much more signal than any other holder.

 Q: What is the rotation function?

 A: While being able to tilt in 2 directions we still found that a rotation compensation system is highly desirable.
　Without loosing stability, precision and further reduce the tilt limits the only solution we could see was an off-line
　rotation system.
　The design of the Index Dock System is the solution for a controlled rotation of the specimen with CFS.
　The rotation is limited to +/- 5 degrees.
　With the Index Dock System, the rotation is a well controlled process with a very high precision, digitally displayed
　indication of the rotation angle.






Q: Why is the speciment cartrige detachable?

A: CFS: "Compartments to Fasten Specimen" that are detachable cartrige for
　spaciment The first reason is to be able to design the rotation function with an easy to use clamping mechanism.
　After setting the specimen rotation angle simply fix the cartridge clamping back on the holder itself.
　The second reason is the possibility to easy bring a sample on the CFS inside a FIB chamber.
　With this solution a number of CFSs can be processed and re-processed inside FIB chamber without physically
　touching the sample itself.
　One more reason is of course the flexibility with different types of the CFS for different purposes and
　only one holder rod is needed.
　We can use this holder for FIB sample preparation and then do TEM.
　We can product, If you have many CFSs for only one HATA-holder, means you can store your precious
　sample inside a cartridge for years and the just fit it to your holder rod for another observation with the exact same
　orientation and position.
　We are also able to use specially designed low background cartridges for EDS anglysis as well as bulk specimen
　cartridges. e.g. click here.