5 First Operating Steps | 5.4 Exchanging the Specimen
ZEISS
higher load inside the pump, it will cause a trip to the system and the lower ion pump (for Gemi-
niSEM) or both pumps (for Sigma) will shut off. In this case contact your ZEISS service representa-
tive.
Focal CC users are encouraged to follow the column bake out process regularly, e.g. at least twice
a year. Field service should perform a more robust bake out process as part of a regular mainte-
nance contract. This is intended to prolong the lifespan of the ion pumps when the Focal CC is
used regularly.
For SmartSEM version 6.05 and 6.06, the Focal CC must be turned off in SmartSEM when pump-
ing the specimen chamber to vacuum. If it is not turned off, then the system never reaches a vac-
uum to allow the column valve to be opened, or the HT to be turned on. If the microscope is fail-
ing to reach system vacuum, check the status of the Focal CC gas flow since it is not automatically
turned off when pumping the specimen chamber.
5.4 Exchanging the Specimen
The nozzle is always located close to the specimen when the ultramicrotome knife is cleared from
the specimen. This means that there is a risk of hitting the nozzle when you exchange the speci-
men holder.
Procedure
1. Clear the ultramicrotome knife from the specimen using the software control.
2. Lower the Z height of the stage using the manual mechanical mechanism.
3. Unclamp the specimen holder.
4. Push the Focal CC swing arm forwards to clear the area, but ensure the nozzle does not hit
other metal work.
5. Remove the specimen holder.
6. Insert the new specimen holder.
7. Clamp the specimen holder.
8. Allow the swing arm to return to point to the specimen.
9. Restore the Z height of the system to an appropriate setting according to the normal ultra-
microtome adjustment protocol.
If the height of the nozzle is known to be optimum, this can then serve as a useful aid for speci-
men height adjustment.
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Instruction Manual ZEISS Focal CC | en-US | Rev. 2 | 349561-8021-000
