Instrumentation: Spark Cutter, Micro Diamond Saw, and Micro Hotplate
XTEM TEM Sample Preparation Kit
EMS offers this kit specifically for the preparation of cross-sectional TEM (XTEM) specimens.
For the study of interfaces (such as semiconductor devices, thin film layers, etc.) by transmission electron microscope (TEM) it is critical to use TEM samples of ultimate quality (perfectly embedded, mechanically pretreated and ion milled ones). EMS offers a complete technology and product range for preparing cross-sectional samples of these quality including specially designed mechanical sample preparation tools and embedding ring. The EMS-XTEMprep Preparation Kit offers all the tools and materials that help to prepare high-quality cross-sectional TEM specimens:
The Kit includes:
- Microsaw – sectioning tool
- Micropol – grinder and polisher
- Microheat -embedding tool
- Embedding rings (“Ti disc”) – 5 of each size\
- Special purpose mechanical tools (HSS) for embedding
- Ion beam resistant glue
- LEIT-C conductive carbon cement
- Thermoplastic transparent glue
- Diamond paste
Ordering Information:
| 50110-XTEM | XTEM Preparation Kit | Kit | 9900.00 | Add to Cart |
| 55150-MS3 | MicroSaw MS3 | each | 2550 | Add to Cart |
| 55110-MH2 | MicroHeat MH2 | each | 590 | Add to Cart |
| 50174-MC2 | MicroPol MC2 | each | 5400 | Add to Cart |
| 55110-TIR | TI Embedding Rings | 5/pk | 99.5 | Add to Cart |
| 55110-HSS | Mechanical Tool Kit | each | 700 | Add to Cart |
| 55110-AT1 | Ion Beam Resistant Glue | each | 135 | Add to Cart |
| 12667 | Leit C Plast Adhesive | each | 55 | Add to Cart |
| 55110-MW | Transparent Glut | each | 35 | Add to Cart |
| 50370-40 | Diamond Paste 1 Micron | each | 19 | Add to Cart |

Spark Cutter – Model EE4 (Electroerosion)
Please Note: This version replaces the old version (Model TLSC2 Spark Cutter, #55100-SC2) which is no longer available.
The EE 4 Spark Cutter (Electroerosion Unit) is designed for drilling holes, slots and discs of virtually any profile in hard meals. The cutting speed will, of course, vary depending on the sample size and material. As an example, a hole can be drilled in titanium sheet of 0.3 mm thick in about 20 – 60 minutes depending on the surface quality required.
Application
Because of the basic operating principle of the Spark Cutter, it is advised that the device can onlybe used for high-conductivity materials (with the exception of aluminum). The work piece holder accessory can hold 5 mm wide metal bands. Work piece of different size require modification of the holder.
Operation
Operation of the device is based on an electrochemical process. The drilling tool and work-piece are connected to the power supply: the positive pole to the work-piece, and the drill through an electromagnetic coil to the negative pole. By switching on the power supply, electric current flows through the circuit consisting of the work-piece, the electromagnetic coil and the drill. When the electric current exceeds a certain limit, the magnetic field of the coil lifts up the drill and the current is cut off. The drill is then forced back to the work-piece by a spring in the head unit, and the cycle starts again. The drilling is effected by the electrochemical process taking place at the moment that the electric circuit is stopped.
Specifications
| Input power: | |
| - Power consumption: | 100 – 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz 1 A, or 220 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.5A |
| Power output | approx. 1.5 – 20 VDC, 2 A (average) |
| Dimensions: | 100 x 170 x 235 mm |
| Head Unit | |
| Power input | approx. 1.5 – 20 VDC, 2 A(average) |
| Dimensions | 140 x 260 x 290 mm |
System Configuration
Power Supply Unit
Head Unit including drilling tool in diameter of 3 mm
Option
Drill tool of 1 mm in diameter.
Ordering
| 55110-EE4 | Spark Cutter, Model EE 4 | each | Add to Cart | |
| 55110-H4 | Drill Tool for 1mm Dia | each | Add to Cart |
MicroSaw – Model MS 3
MS3 MicroSaw
A Circular Diamond Saw for Precision Cutting under Stereo Microscope
Please Note: This version replaces the old version (MS 2, #55150-MS2) which is no longer available.
MicroSaw is a small, versatile diamond wheel saw, to be mounted under a standard laboratory microscope. The precision offered by such an optical alignment makes MicroSaw ideal for cutting and sectioning required during the TEM specimen preparation. The compact design and easy operation, MicroSaw allows the user cut almost any solid material with precisely and reproducibly prior to thinning for TEM. Thin ceramic, semiconductor material, hard metals can be further sectioned with 0.01mm accuracy!
Operation
The Model MS 3 MicroSaw is driven by an electric motor through a helical transmission. The 12 V DC is provided by the power supply subunit. The speed at which the wheel turns is continuously adjustable. Adjustment of the specimen position, arm contact point, arm tension and the down-stop control mechanism is possible. Two adjustment screws at the bottom of the instrument allow positioning of the stand, and leveling the MicroSaw underneath of the stereomicroscopy for precision sectioning.
Specifications
| Input power: | 12 VDC |
| Power consumption: | 15W |
| Dimensions: | 260 mm x 150 mm x 80 mm |
| Diamond wheel size: | 50mm diameter, 0.15mm thick |
| Diamond wheel type: | AC32 63/50 |
| Maximum Sample Size: | ~ 10 x 10 mm |
| Minimum slice thickness: | ~ 100 microns |
System Configuration
- Switching power supply 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- MicroSaw Model MS 3 with 1 diamond wheel (#55150-10)
Ordering
| EMS # | Description | Qty | Price | |
| 55150-MS3 | MicroSaw, Model MS 3 | each | 2,550.00 | Add to Cart |
| 55150-10 | Replacement MicroSaw Diamond Wheel | each | 240.00 | Add to Cart |

MicroHeat –
Model
MH2
Thermoplastic gluing under stereo microscope
- Heat stabilized
- Small
- Ideal for thermoplastic gluing
Application
MicroHeat is a heat-stabilizes, combined with power supply, designed for embedding samples and for thermoplastic gluing under stereooptical microscope. The MicroHeat was developed to make the embedding procedure easier. Because of MicroHeat is small dimensions, it is can be easily placed on the specimen table of the sterooptical microscope, and with the help of the microscope, the gluing faults can be avoided, this result is very important in case of sample requiring bubble-free sticking (e.g. cross section samples for EM).
With all of these features, MicroHeat is useful in the fields of material research, geology, semiconductors and optical industry for investigation of multilayer system, semiconductors and high Tc superconductors, diamond, composite materials, ceramics, glasses, rocks and minerals.
Operation
Model MH 2 is relatively simple to operate. The temperature of the hot plate can be adjusted continuously in a wide range and is kept constant by the built-in electronic. A control circuit maintains the temperature of the heated surface within ±5°C. The temperature of the heated surface usually reaches the preset temperature within 1 – 3 minutes. However, it is recommended that to use the hot plate at least 5 minutes after the unit was on.
Specifications
| Input power: | 12V DC, 1.2 A |
| Power consumption: | 14 W |
| Temperature Range: | 50 - 180°C |
| Dimensions: | 100 x 100 x 30 mm |
System Configuration
Main power supply 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
MicroHeat unit.
| 55110-MH2 | MicroHeat, Model MH 2 | each | 590.00 | Add to Cart |

Ti disc Embedding Ring for TEM sample preparation
The most difficult step of cross-sectional thinning is the mechanical preparation of the sample, i.e. cutting a cross section and then embedding it into an appropriately designed ring.
We know offer a convenient, specially designed embedding ring for cross-sectional samples, shown schematically in Figure 1.
Using this ring, embedding cross sections is greatly simplified, since the samples do not need to be glued together prior to embedding. In order to fix the sample(s) in the ring it is deformed mechanically by an appropriate tool at the two points marked by the arrows. This deformation will both hold the sample in the ring and press both sample pieces together before gluing.
Ti disc is also offered for embedding bulk samples of brittle material for plan-view TEM investigations. The rings come in 5 sizes-0.6, 0.8 1.0, 1.2, 1.3 mm.
| 55110-TIR | Ti Disc Embedding Rings | 5/pk | 99.50 | Add to Cart |
Page in Catalog XVI
HSS Tool Kit
The mechanical sample preparation prior to thinning requires custom made mechanical hand tools. Containing six handy, reliable pieces, this kit has been designed on the basis of practical experience of many users. Some of the tools are suitable for adjusting the sample pieces into the Ti discs, others for removing the excess glue and cutting, or adjusting the seat plate of the sample holder.
| 55110-HSS | Tool Kit | each | 700.00 | Add to Cart |







