Page 82 Leica EM TIC 3X Operating Manual 07/17
5.6.2.4
Replacement of Ion source
Depending on the used beam energy, the cathodes lifetime is approx. 350 hours
at 8 kV. Using higher process energies shorten the lifetime, using lower energies
extend the lifetime, respectively.
The operation time is monitored by the ion source operation hour counter. If 350
hours have been reached a warning message appears. After confirming, the
warning is still present in background, indicated by a symbol in the taskbar. By
pressing the symbol the warning message can be re-opened. The warning
message and symbol will be deleted after reset of ion source operation hour
counter. Operation times > 350 hours will be displayed red in the operation hour
counter.
Ion source operation hour counter
Do not use ion sources longer than 350 hrs if
mainly voltages above 8kV were used. At least
check if the rear cathode broken through.
Otherwise damages of the system might occur
!
Reminder Symbol
Warning message