Method for preparing specimens for atom probe analysis and specimen assemblies made thereby
US8288740B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2237/31745
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for making a specimen assembly for atom probe analysis in an energetic-beam instrument includes milling a post near a region of interest in a sample in the energetic-beam instrument, so that the post has a free end. The probe tip of a nano-manipulator probe shaft is attached to the free end of the post and the post is cut free from the sample to form a rough specimen, so that the region of interest in the rough specimen is exposed at approximately the location where the post is cut from the sample. A specimen assembly form is provided having an open area inside its perimeter. The probe shaft bearing the specimen is joined to the specimen assembly form, so that the region of interest in the rough specimen is located in the open area. Thereafter, the probe shaft can be cut off outside the perimeter of the specimen assembly form, and the specimen conveniently held and sharpened for atom probe analysis. Specimen assembly forms made by the method are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.