Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: FEI Unveils New Solutions for Faster Time-to-Analysis in Metals Research

Home > Press > FEI Unveils New Solutions for Faster Time-to-Analysis in Metals Research

Abstract:
New Helios DualBeam uses a plasma focused ion beam for high-throughput milling, while the new Teneo scanning electron microscope provides high-resolution, high-contrast images and fast, precise analytical results.

FEI Unveils New Solutions for Faster Time-to-Analysis in Metals Research

Hillsboro, OR | Posted on July 30th, 2014

FEI (NASDAQ: FEIC) today announced two new products that speed up the imaging and analysis time for metals researchers and industrial failure analysis labs. The Helios™ PFIB DualBeam™, the first DualBeam within FEI's product portfolio to include a plasma-based focused ion beam (PFIB), mills 20 - 50 times faster than gallium-based FIBs to deliver rapid, three-dimensional (3D) imaging and analysis. The Teneo™ scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides high-resolution, high-contrast images and fast, precise analytical results, enabling researchers to clearly resolve grain boundaries, interfaces and structure/topography of difficult-to-image magnetic and nonconductive samples.

"Global investment in metals research is increasing for industrial, building and environmental applications," states Trisha Rice, vice president and general manager of Materials Science for FEI. "Successful characterization of metals and magnetic materials requires high-resolution, high-contrast images and fast, precise analytical results. In addition, the ability to mill very quickly through large features and zoom in to image and analyze fine details is also important in multi-scale analysis, which involves connecting macro-scale properties of materials to nano-scale structure. Our new Helios PFIB DualBeam significantly increases milling speed as well as the size of features that can be studied."

Current gallium-based FIBs have been used traditionally to prepare TEM samples, perform cross-sections and provide 3D analysis, but the scales are limited due to the time that the milling process requires, which can be many days for larger scales. The Helios PFIB DualBeam can do the same work in hours, increasing throughput and the size of features that can be studied. In addition to metals research, the delamination of paints and coatings and analysis of grain boundaries, thin films, interfaces and adhesion layers are potential application for the new Helios PFIB DualBeam.

"The Vion™ PFIB was the first FEI product to incorporate plasma source technology when we launched it three years ago as a single-beam FIB for failure analysis of advanced integrated circuits," states Rice. "We understand this technology and our customers' needs in great detail. The knowledge we gained from our experience with the single beam tool has enabled us to design the new DualBeam with key features that specifically address the challenges of integrating a fast-milling plasma FIB in a DualBeam system."

Rice adds, "Our new Teneo SEM meets the needs of metal researchers for powerful imaging and highly precise analysis. At the same time, its flexibility and high performance over a broad range of applications make it an excellent solution for multi-user laboratories."

The Teneo SEM includes a unique, non-immersion objective lens that is specifically-designed to deliver high-resolution on magnetic materials. Together, this lens and FEI's Trinity™ detection scheme deliver high image contrast from a wide variety of materials, especially magnetic materials, alloys and composites. Fast analytical capabilities, including energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), are supported by high-beam current and full 90-degree stage tilt.

The highly-configurable platform includes optional low-vacuum capability for imaging of nonconductive samples, such as glass, ceramics and polymers. Multi-user laboratory environments will also benefit from the ease-of-use of the Teneo SEM, for example, most users, regardless of experience level, can leverage step-by-step workflows to get useful results more quickly.

For more information, please visit http://www.fei.com/materials-science/metals/. Or stop by the FEI booth (#916) at the Microscopy & Microanalysis (M&M) 2014 Exhibition, August 3-7, at the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT, USA. FEI will also be at the International Microscopy Congress (booth 6), September 7-12, in Prague, Czech Republic.

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About FEI Company
FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of high-performance microscopy workflow solutions that provide images and answers at the micro-, nano- and picometer scales. Its innovation and leadership enable customers in industry and science to increase productivity and make breakthrough discoveries. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Ore., USA, FEI has over 2,600 employees and sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world. More information can be found at: www.fei.com.

FEI Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include statements regarding the performance capabilities and benefits of the Helios PFIB DualBeam, Teneo SEM, and Trinity detection scheme. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include but are not limited to our ability to manufacture, ship, deliver and install the tools or software as expected; failure of the product or technology to perform as expected; unexpected technology problems and challenges; changes to the technology; the inability of FEI, its suppliers or project partners to make the technological advances required for the technology to achieve anticipated results; and the inability of the customer to deploy the tools or develop and deploy the expected new applications. Please also refer to our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.

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