ZEISS Crossbeam - FIB-SEM for High Throughput 3D Analysis and Sample Preparation​
Product

ZEISS Crossbeam​

FIB-SEM for High Throughput 3D Analysis and Sample Preparation​

Combine imaging and analytical performance of a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with the processing ability of a next-generation focused ion beam (FIB). You may be working in a multi-user facility, as an academic or in an industrial lab. Take advantage of ZEISS Crossbeam’s modular platform concept and upgrade your system with growing needs, e.g. with the LaserFIB for massive material ablation. During milling, imaging or when performing 3D analytics Crossbeam will speed up your FIB applications.

  • Maximize your SEM insights
  • Increase your FIB sample throughput
  • Experience best 3D resolution in your FIB-SEM analysis

TEM Lamella Preparation

Investigate the Crystal Structure of NanoSQUIDS

  • Learn in this video how the TEM lamella preparation workflow of Crossbeam enables Benedikt Müller, University of Tuebingen, and Claus Burkhardt, NMI Reutlingen, to investigate the crystal structure of NanoSQUIDS with Josephson junctions fabricated by ion beam nano lithography in cooperation with Prof. R. Kleiner & Prof. D. Koelle, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Germany.
Maximize Your SEM Insights

Maximize Your SEM Insights

  • Extract true sample information from your high resolution SEM images using Gemini electron optics.​
  • Count on the SEM performance of your Crossbeam for 2D surface sensitive images or when performing 3D tomography​.
  • Benefit from high resolution, contrast and signal-to-noise ratios, even when using very low accelerating voltages​.
  • Characterize your sample comprehensively with a range of detectors. Get pure materials contrast with the unique Inlens EsB detector​.
  • Investigate non-conductive specimens undisturbed by charging artifacts.
Increase Your FIB Sample Throughput​

Increase Your FIB Sample Throughput​

  • Profit from speed and precision of intelligent FIB scanning strategies for material removal and perform your experiments up to 40% faster than before.​
  • The Ion-sculptor FIB column introduces a new way of FIB-processing: by minimizing sample damage you’ll maximize sample quality and perform experiments faster at the same time. ​
  • Manipulate your samples precisely and fast by using up to 100 nA current without compromising FIB resolution.​
  • When preparing TEM samples use the low voltage capabilities of the Ion-sculptor FIB: get ultra-thin samples while keeping amorphization damage at a minimum.​
The focused ion beam column, ZEISS Ion-sculptor, of Crossbeam.​
3D tomography of a solder, this image is part of a multi-modal workflow combining imaging and EDS analytics. (Image width 38 µm).

3D Tomography of a Solder, This Image Is Part of a Multi-Modal Workflow Combining Imaging and Eds Analytics. (Image Width 38 µm).

3D tomography of a solder, this image is part of a multi-modal workflow combining imaging and EDS analytics. (Image width 38 µm).
3D tomography of a solder, this image is part of a multi-modal workflow combining imaging and EDS analytics. (Image width 38 µm)
3D tomography of a solder, this image is part of a multi-modal workflow combining imaging and EDS analytics. (Image width 38 µm)

Experience Best 3D Resolution in Your FIB-SEM Analysis

  • Enjoy the benefits of integrated 3D analysis for EDS and EBSD investigations.​
  • During milling, imaging or when performing 3D analytics Crossbeam will speed up your FIB applications.​
  • Expand the capacity of your Crossbeam with ZEISS Atlas 5, the market-leading package for fast, precise tomography​.
  • Perform EDS and EBSD analysis during tomography runs with the integrated 3D Analytics module of Atlas 5​.
  • Profit from best 3D resolution and leading isotropic voxel size in FIB-SEM tomography. Probe less than 3 nm in depth and produce surface sensitive, material contrast images using the Inlens EsB detector​.
  • Save time by collecting your serial section images while milling. Take advantage of trackable voxel sizes and automated routines for active control of image quality​.

  

  

Crossbeam Family

Exploit low vacuum operation and perform in situ experiments with outgassing or charging samples with the Variable Pressure mode. Achieve high quality imaging and high throughput thanks to the unique Gemini electron optics and the Ion-sculptor FIB.
ZEISS Crossbeam 350
ZEISS Crossbeam 350
Prepare and characterize your most demanding samples, choosing the chamber size that best suits your samples. The Gemini 2 electron optics enables high resolution, even at low voltage and high current. It’s ideal for high resolution imaging at high beam current and for fast analytics.
ZEISS Crossbeam 550
ZEISS Crossbeam 550
Your instrument for massive material ablation and preparation of large samples - the femtosecond laser on the airlock enhances in situ studies, avoids chamber contamination and is configurable with Crossbeam 350 and 550. Gain rapid access to deeply buried structures or prepare extremely large or high-aspect ratio structures e.g. atom probes.
Crossbeam laser
Crossbeam laser
This solution for TEM lamella preparation and volume imaging under cryogenic conditions enables imaging near-to-native state. Connect widefield, laser scanning, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. Keep the flexibility of a multi-purpose FIB-SEM simultaneously.
Correlative Cryo Workflow
Correlative Cryo Workflow

Discover Workflows on Crossbeam ​

Explore How Guided Workflows Help You to Tailor Laser, TEM Lamella Preparation and Correlated Cryo Workflows

Watch this animation and discover how the LaserFIB workflow helps you to optimize and automate laser processing.

Crossbeam laser Workflow

Rapidly access deeply buried regions of interest, execute correlated workflows across multiple length scales and acquire better sample representativity with large-volume analysis. Perform 3D imaging and analytics e.g. EDS or EBSD. Now, semi-automated devices enable you to save time and increase your throughput even more.

Add a femtosecond laser to your Crossbeam and benefit from site-specific, ultra-fast sample preparation. Keep your FIB-SEM chamber clean and operate the system remotely with a semi-automated workflow when needed.

Your benefits:

  • Gain rapid access to deeply buried structures
  • Benefit from minimal damage and heat affected zones due to femtosecond laser pulses in a controlled vacuum environment
  • Perform laser work in a dedicated integrated chamber to maintain cleanliness of your FIB-SEM main chamber and detectors
  • Automate laser processing, polishing, cleaning and transfer of the sample to the FIB chamber
  • Prepare multiple samples from cross-sections over TEM lamellae to pillar arrays, and work efficiently by using pre-installed recipes for different materials
  • Rapid Access, Optimized Preparation and Multiple Scales

    A multi-chip package with copper microbumps and flip chip interconnect, laser-milled and FIB-polished cross-section, trench depth 1.6mm.

    Rapid Access, Optimized Preparation and Multiple Scales

    A multi-chip package with copper microbumps and flip chip interconnect, laser-milled and FIB-polished cross-section, trench depth 1.6mm.

    1. Rapid Access, Optimized Preparation and Multiple Scales

    • Reveal deeply buried structures orders of magnitude faster than PFIB (Plasma FIB)
    • Ensure minimal damage and heat affected zones due to femtosecond laser processing in a controlled environment
    • Maintain an air free workflow from laser processing to analysis in the FIB; select nitrogen or argon as your environment gas
    • Correlate your ROIs with previously acquired 3D XRM or other external datasets via a tailored workflow
    • Increase the speed of ablation and its performance using the new Burst Mode
  • Workflow Automation

    LaserFIB, details, laser chamber and laser optics to the right, FIB-SEM chamber to the left.

    Workflow Automation

    LaserFIB, details, laser chamber and laser optics to the right, FIB-SEM chamber to the left.

    2. Workflow Automation

    • Automated shuttling and laser processing lets you save time and increase throughput when preparing multiple samples with your LaserFIB
    • Remotely operate the system and create unattended automated experiments using the laser, the motorized transfer rod and subsequentially the FIB-SEM
    • One click in the software now performs the registration procedure between laser and FIB-SEM
    • Scripting enables automated workflow creation and increases efficiency in your experiments
    • Use scripting further to combine different recipes or activate vacuum conditions (nitrogen or argon gas)
  • Maintain Cleanliness, Ensure Throughput and Ease-Of- Use

    Three trenches laser-milled in copper, with cross-jet off (top) and on (bottom).

    Maintain Cleanliness, Ensure Throughput and Ease-Of- Use

    Three trenches laser-milled in copper, with cross-jet off (top) and on (bottom).

    3. Maintain Cleanliness, Ensure Throughput and Ease-Of- Use

    • Perform laser work in a dedicated integrated chamber to maintain cleanliness of your FIB-SEM main chamber and detectors
    • Benefit from the protective glass window and the cross-jet. The cross-jet, a gas flow of either nitrogen or argon, prevents ablated material to deposit on the protective glass underneath the laser optics and keeps it clean during laser processing.  
    • The laser also helps to clean redeposited material around trenches especially during multi-site  preparation
  • Enter a New World of Sample Preparation

    Array of 25 pillars in silicon, laser milled in about 30 seconds, using Burst Mode, ready for fine polishing with the Gallium FIB.

    Enter a New World of Sample Preparation

    Array of 25 pillars in silicon, laser milled in about 30 seconds, using Burst Mode, ready for fine polishing with the Gallium FIB.

    4. Enter a New World of Sample Preparation

    • Combine the benefits of the fs laser and Ga FIB and prepare a multitude of samples from huge cross-sections, TEM lamellae and atom probe tomography samples to arrays of pillars for micro compression testing or synchrotron microscopy and nanoCT
    • Machine extremely large cross-sections up to millimeters in width and depth using the fs laser
    • Remove specific layers of material with the laser using precision depth milling
    • Find suitable parameters for efficient laser processing easily by using pre-installed recipes or define your workflows individually.
Array of TEM lamella fabricated with automated preparation, width of one lamella ca. 20 µm. Crossbeam 550.
Array of TEM lamella fabricated with automated preparation, width of one lamella ca. 20 µm. Crossbeam 550.

Array of TEM lamella fabricated with automated preparation, width of one lamella ca. 20 µm. Crossbeam 550.

Array of TEM lamella fabricated with automated preparation, width of one lamella ca. 20 µm. Crossbeam 550.

The Workflow for TEM Lamella Preparation

TEM lamella preparation is essential for almost any FIB-SEM user. ZEISS offers an automated workflow for site-specific preparation. The resulting lamellae are ideally suited for high resolution TEM and STEM imaging and analysis at atomic resolution. Navigate to the specimen’s ROI, extract your TEM lamella including ROI from your bulk sample, perform the bulk milling or trenching step, and finalize the workflow with lift-out and thinning where appropriate.

  • Automated Navigation to the Specimen’s Region of Interest (ROI)

    1. Automated Navigation to the Specimen’s Region of Interest (ROI)

    Automated Navigation to the Specimen’s Region of Interest (ROI)

    – Begin the workflow without time-consuming search for the ROI
    –  Use the navigation camera on the airlock to locate specimens
    –  The integrated user interface makes it easy to navigate to your ROI
    –  Benefit from the large, distortion-free field of view in the SEM

    1. Automated Navigation to the Specimen’s Region of Interest (ROI)

    • ● Begin the workflow without time-consuming search for the ROI
    • ● Use the navigation camera on the airlock to locate specimens
    • ● The integrated user interface makes it easy to navigate to your ROI
    • ● Benefit from the large, distortion-free field of view in the SEM
  • Fabricated with automatic sample preparation, prepared and imaged by FIB. Field of view 76.22 µm.

    2. Automated Sample Preparation (ASP) To Prepare a Lamella Out of the Bulk

    Fabricated with automatic sample preparation, prepared and imaged by FIB. Field of view 76.22 µm.

    – Start the preparation with a simple three-step process: ASP
    – Define the recipe including drift correction, deposition and coarse and fine milling
    – The ion optics of the FIB column enables high throughput for the workflow
    – Duplicate the recipe and repeat as often as required in order to start a batch preparation

    Image: Lamella of a copper sample ready for lift out. Fabricated with automatic sample preparation, prepared and imaged by FIB. Field of view 76.22 µm.

    Lamella of a copper sample ready for lift out. Fabricated with automatic sample preparation, prepared and imaged by FIB. Field of view 76.22 µm.

    2. Automated Sample Preparation (ASP) To Prepare a Lamella Out of the Bulk

    • ● Start the preparation with a simple three-step process: ASP
    • ● Define the recipe including drift correction, deposition and coarse and fine milling
    • ● The ion optics of the FIB column enables high throughput for the workflow
    • ● Duplicate the recipe and repeat as often as required in order to start a batch preparation
  • The needle of the micromanipulator with the TEM lamella attached is lifted out from the bulk.

    3. Lift Out

    The needle of the micromanipulator with the TEM lamella attached is lifted out from the bulk.

    – Bring in the micromanipulator and attach the lamella to its tip
    –  Cut out the lamella from the bulk
    –  The lamella is then ready for lift out and can be transferred to a TEM grid

    Image: Part of the TEM lamella preparation workflow in a ZEISS Crossbeam. The needle of the micromanipulator with the TEM lamella attached is lifted out from the bulk.

    Part of the TEM lamella preparation workflow in a ZEISS Crossbeam. The needle of the micromanipulator with the TEM lamella attached is lifted out from the bulk.

    3. Lift Out

    • ● Bring in the micromanipulator and attach the lamella to its tip
    • ● Cut out the lamella from the bulk
    • ● The lamella is then ready for lift out and can be transferred to a TEM grid
  • TEM lamella of a silicon sample after final thinning

    4. Thinning: The Final Step Is Crucial, as It Defines the Quality of Your TEM Lamella

    TEM lamella of a silicon sample after final thinning

    – The instrument’s design allows you to reach a desired thickness of the lamella by enabling live monitoring of the thinning
    – Use two detector signals in parallel to judge lamella thickness and obtain reproducible end thickness on the one hand (with the SE detector) and to control surface quality on the other hand (with the Inlens SE detector)
    – Prepare high quality samples with negligible amorphization

    Image:  TEM lamella of a silicon sample after final thinning

    TEM lamella of a silicon sample after final thinning

    4. Thinning: The Final Step Is Crucial, as It Defines the Quality of Your TEM Lamella

    • ● The instrument’s design allows you to reach a desired thickness of the lamella by enabling live monitoring of the thinning
    • ● Use two detector signals in parallel to judge lamella thickness and obtain reproducible end thickness on the one hand (with the SE detector) and to control surface quality on the other hand (with the Inlens SE detector)
    • ● Prepare high quality samples with negligible amorphization

TEM Lamella Preparation and Volume Imaging under Cryogenic Conditions

Cryogenic microscopy allows the examination of cellular structures in their near-to-native state. However, users face complex challenges, such as preparation, devitrification, ice contamination, loss of samples or correlation across imaging modalities. ZEISS Correlative Cryo Workflow connects widefield, laser scanning, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy in a seamless and easy-to-use procedure. Hardware and software are optimized for the needs of correlative cryogenic workflows, from localization of fluorescent macromolecules to high-contrast volume imaging and on-grid lamella thinning for cryo electron tomography.

  • Imaging the Near-To-Native StateI)

    Imaging the Near-To-Native State

    • Seamless cryogenic workflow across multiple modalities
    • Sample protection against devitrification and ice contamination
    • High resolution fluorescence imaging
    • High contrast volume imaging and 3D reconstruction
    • Targeted on-grid lamella thinning for cryo TEM applications
    • Multipurpose use for cryogenic and room temperature applications
  • A simplified workflow to help you focus on your research

    A Simplified Workflow to Help You Focus On Your Research

    With Correlative Cryo Workflow, you master the challenging combination of different imaging modalities under cryo conditions. The workflow solution connects light and electron microscopy, enabling volume imaging and efficient production of TEM lamellae. Dedicated accessories simplify the workflow and facilitate a safe transfer of cryo samples between the microscopes. Data management is assured by ZEISS ZEN Connect, which keeps your data in context throughout the workflow. A series of processing tools help you enhance the imaging results.

  • Double-labelled yeast cells (CNM67-tdTomato and NUP-GFP). LSM image (left) and Crossbeam image (right).
    Double-labelled yeast cells (CNM67-tdTomato and NUP-GFP). LSM image (left) and Crossbeam image (right).  M. Pilhofer, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
    M. Pilhofer, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

    Double-labelled yeast cells (CNM67-tdTomato and NUP-GFP).

    LSM image (left) and Crossbeam image (right).

    Double-labelled yeast cells (CNM67-tdTomato and NUP-GFP).

    Superior Components to Give You Best-In-Class Data Quality

    Thanks to cryo-compatible objectives and the high sensitivity of the Airyscan detector, ZEISS LSM systems enable you to detect proteins and cellular structures at high resolution while gentle illumination and constant low temperatures prevent your samples from devitrification. The Crossbeam FIB-SEM lets you enjoy high contrast volumetric imaging – even without heavy metal staining applied to your samples. Both modalities provide valuable functional and structural information that can give you a thorough understanding of ultrastructure, whether or not you follow up with TEM studies.

  • Core Imaging Facility with Cryo equipment

    4. Thinning: The Final Step Is Crucial, as It Defines the Quality of Your TEM Lamella

    Core imaging facility with cryo equipment

    4. Thinning: The Final Step Is Crucial, as It Defines the Quality of Your TEM Lamella

    Multipurpose Solutions to Maintain Your Imaging Facility’s Productivity

    Unlike other solutions, the ZEISS microscopes involved in the workflow can be used not only for cryogenic microscopy, but also for room temperature applications, which is particularly advantageous when the microscopes are not being fully utilized for cryogenic experiments. Converting the instruments from cryogenic to room temperature usage is done quickly and doesn’t require technical expertise. This flexibility gives users more time for their experiments. Imaging facilities benefit from better utilization and a faster return on investment.

Gain Insights Into the Technology of Crossbeam

Find Out All Details about the Two SEM Columns, Gemini 1 & 2, and the Fib Column, Ion-Sculptor.
Discover Surface Sensitive Imaging, Powerful Analytics and a New Way of Fib-Machining.

  • SEM Electron Optics ​

    Choose between Two Columns​

    The FE-SEM column of Crossbeams is based on Gemini 1 VP column electron optics as all ZEISS FE-SEMs. Decide on the Gemini VP column of Crossbeam 350 or the Gemini 2 column of Crossbeam 550.

    Field emission SEMs are designed for high resolution imaging. Key to the performance of a field emission SEM is its electron optical column. Gemini technology comes with all ZEISS FE-SEMs and FIB-SEMs: it is tailored for excellent resolution on any sample, especially at low accelerating voltages, for complete and efficient detection, and ease-of-use.

    Gemini Optics Is Characterized by Three Main Components

    • The Gemini objective lens design combines electrostatic and magnetic fields to maximize optical performance while reducing field influences at the sample to a minimum. This enables excellent imaging, even on challenging samples such as magnetic materials.
    • Gemini beam booster technology, an integrated beam deceleration, guarantees small probe sizes and high signal-to-noise ratios.
    • The Gemini Inlens detection concept ensures efficient signal detection by detecting secondary (SE) and backscattered (BSE) electrons in parallel minimizing time-to-image.

    Benefits for Your FIB-SEM Applications

    • Long-term stability of the SEM alignment and the effortless way it adjusts all system parameters such as probe current and acceleration voltage
    • Achieve distortion-free, high resolution imaging even over large fields of view with the help of the near magnetic-field free optics
    • Tilt the specimen without influencing the electron optical performance
    ZEISS Crossbeam 550: Gemini II column with double condenser and two Inlens detectors.
    ZEISS Crossbeam 550: Gemini II column with double condenser and two Inlens detectors.

    ZEISS Crossbeam 350: Gemini column with single condenser, two Inlens detectors and VP capability.

    Crossbeam 350 with Gemini 1 VP

    • ✔ Maximum sample flexibility in multi-purpose environments offering variable pressure (VP) as an option​.
    • ✔  Enabling in situ experiments with outgassing or charging samples.​
    • ✔  Unique Gemini material contrast with the Inlens EsB detector
    ZEISS Crossbeam 550: Gemini II column with double condenser and two Inlens detectors.
    ZEISS Crossbeam 550: Gemini II column with double condenser and two Inlens detectors.

    ZEISS Crossbeam 550: Gemini II column with double condenser and two Inlens detectors.

    Crossbeam 550 with Gemini 2

    • ✔ High resolution even at low voltage and high current thanks to the double condenser system​.
    • ✔ More information in less time with high resolution imaging and fast analytics​.
    • ✔ Unique topographical and material contrast with simultaneous Inlens SE and EsB (energy selective backscatter) imaging
  • Profit from Surface Sensitive Imaging

    Today’s SEM applications demand high resolution imaging at low landing energy as a standard. It is essential for:

    • beam sensitive samples
    • non-conductive materials
    • gaining true sample surface information without undesirable background signal from deeper sample layers

    The novel Gemini optics are optimized for resolutions at low and very low voltages and for contrast enhancement; it is characterized by the included high gun resolution mode and the optional Tandem decel.

    • The high gun resolution mode improves image resolution by reducing the primary energy width by 30% thus minimizing the chromatic aberration.
    Tandem decel optional sample biasing up to 5 kV further improves the excellent imaging capabilities at low voltages.
    Tandem decel optional sample biasing up to 5 kV further improves the excellent imaging capabilities at low voltages.

    Tandem decel optional sample biasing up to 5 kV further improves the excellent imaging capabilities at low voltages.

    Tandem decel optional sample biasing up to 5 kV further improves the excellent imaging capabilities at low voltages.

    Tandem decel - How it works

    Tandem decel, a two-step deceleration mode, combines the beam booster technology with a high negative bias voltage that is applied to the sample: the electrons of the primary electron beam are decelerated; thus, the landing energy is effectively reduced. Tandem decel, offered for Crossbeam 350/550, can be used in two different modes. Either apply a variable negative bias voltage between 50 V and 100 V to enhance the contrast of your images or apply a negative bias voltage between 1 kV and 5 kV and improve the low kV resolution of your images.

  • ZEISS Crossbeam 550 with a Gemini II column incl. double condenser and two Inlens detectors and a FIB-column arranged at an inclination angle of 54°.
    ZEISS Crossbeam 550 with a Gemini II column incl. double condenser and two Inlens detectors and a FIB-column arranged at an inclination angle of 54°.

    ZEISS Crossbeam 550 with a Gemini II column incl. double condenser and two Inlens detectors and a FIB-column arranged at an inclination angle of 54°.

    ZEISS Crossbeam 550 with a Gemini II column incl. double condenser and two Inlens detectors and a FIB-column arranged at an inclination angle of 54°.

    Discover a New Way of FIB Processing

    The Ion-sculptor FIB column speeds up your FIB work without compromising machining precision and lets you benefit of its low voltage performance for any sample.

    The Crossbeam Family carries the next-generation focused ion beam column, Ion-sculptor, featuring high currents for high throughput and excellent low voltage performance for high sample quality.

    • Maximize sample quality by using the low voltage capabilities of the Ion-sculptor FIB column
    • Minimize amorphization of your specimens and get the best results after thinning
    • Get precise and reproducible results with maximum stability
    • Accelerate your FIB applications with fast probe current exchanges
    • Perform high throughput experiments thanks to beam currents of up to 100 nA
    • Achieve exceptional FIB resolution of less than 3 nm
    • The Crossbeam family comes with automatic FIB emission recovery for long-term experiment
Fresnel zone plate, example for nanopatterning.

Applications in Materials Science

Develop new materials, understand and tailor their physical and chemical properties. Explore applications examples from nanoscience, engineering and energy materials. See how Crossbeam helps you to prepare, image and analyze your samples in 2D and 3D.​

  

Caption: Fresnel zone plate, example for nanopatterning.

Applications in Materials Science

Engineering Materials

Batch preparation of an array of compression testing pillars in high entropy alloy, machined fully automatically with the fs laser of Crossbeam laser.
High Entropy Alloy
A FIB prepared cross section of a silver/nickel/copper layered system used for battery contacts, imaged in quad mode simultaneously with all detectors at 1 kV, clockwise from uppr left to lower right: Inlens SE, SE, Inlens EsB, mix of Inlens SE & SE Sample: courtesy of D. Willer, MPA Stuttgart, DE.
Multi-layered Metal
Work efficiently with pre-installed recipes for laser processing: rough trench in a copper sample. This large trench with dimensions in the mm regime is used for rough precutting with a very high rate of removal but low surface finish, fine cut and polishing will follow.
Acquired with Crossbeam laser.
Rough Trench in Copper
Work efficiently with  pre-installed recipes for laser processing: polishing trench in a steel sample. After machining  a rough and then a fine trench finally  optimized sidewall quality is achieved by polishing. It  reveals the microstructure of metallic samples. Acquired with Crossbeam laser.
Polishing Trench in Steel

Energy Materials

A FIB-SEM 3D tomography combined with EDS analysis of an aged solid oxide electrolysis cell, lower edge length of the volume of interest 38 µm. Sample: courtesy of M. Cantoni, EPFL, Lausanne, CH.
Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell
Investigating trace concentrations of alkali elements known to improve solar cell efficiency. CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) solar cells, left: false-colored SEM image of a cross-section (from top to bottom: ZnO:Al blue, ZnO grey, CdS yellow, CIGS purple, Mo green, glass substrate light grey, image width 2,12 µm); SIMS map (right).​
CIGS Solar Cell investigated with SIMS​

Nanomaterials​

Nanofluidics channels fabricated by FIB in a silicon master stamp, detail: meander- shaped channel (Image width 55 µm). Sample courtesy of: I. Fernández-Cuesta, INF Hamburg, Germany.
Micro- and Nanofluidics
A sieve-style zone plate was nanofabricated using Crossbeam and Atlas 5 NPVE Advanced. Atlas 5 acquired it as a single 32k × 24k pixel image.
Sieve Zone Plate​
Sample in silicon prepared with Crossbeam laser.
A specific site was marked by an ion beam induced deposition and prepared. First, a pillar is isolated from the bulk by laser machining. Next, the sample is shaped by FIB milling.
Atom Probe Tomography (APT)
FIB-SEM tomography dataset acquired from a commercially purchased 3D NAND sample.

Applications in Electronics & Semiconductor

Discover Crossbeam applications in the field of electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

Applications in Electronics & Semiconductor
FIB-SEM tomography dataset acquired from a commercially purchased 3D NAND sample.
FIB-SEM tomography dataset acquired from a commercially purchased 3D NAND sample.

3D NAND – FIB-SEM Tomography​

FIB-SEM tomography dataset of a commercially purchased 3D NAND sample acquired using Crossbeam 550 and the 3 D Tomography module of Atlas 5. Sample was depackaged and mechanically polished down to the topmost word line. Shown is a virtual sub-volume of 2 x 1.5 x 0.7 µm3 size, extracted from the dataset at the transition region of upper to lower deck. Reconstructed voxel size 4 x 4 x 4 nm3.

Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) device analysis performed entirely on a Crossbeam 550
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) device analysis performed entirely on a Crossbeam 550

Power Electronics – Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor Device Analysis

Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) device analysis performed entirely on a Crossbeam 550. Brightfield 30 kV STEM-in-SEM image of lamella combined with EDX elemental mapping in Crossbeam revealed crystalline Si precipitates.

Left: 3D IC prepared using laser ablation and FIB polishing. Right: Backscattered electron image of microbump.
Left: 3D IC prepared using laser ablation and FIB polishing. Right: Backscattered electron image of microbump.

3D Stacked Die Interconnect Analysis

Crossbeam laser provides fast, high-quality cross sections of 25 µm diameter Cu-pillar microbumps and BEOL structures buried 860 µm deep in a 3D integrated circuit (IC) package with total time to results of <1 hour. Left: 3D IC prepared using laser ablation and FIB polishing. Right: Backscattered electron image of microbump.

3D atomic level analysis by atom probe tomography is enabled by the fs laser of Crossbeam for rapid moat preparation as well as endpointing by live SEM imaging while ion milling at low kV during final tip sharpening.​
3D atomic level analysis by atom probe tomography is enabled by the fs laser of Crossbeam for rapid moat preparation as well as endpointing by live SEM imaging while ion milling at low kV during final tip sharpening.​

Atom Probe Sample Preparation​

3D atomic level analysis by atom probe tomography is enabled by the fs laser of Crossbeam for rapid moat preparation as well as endpointing by live SEM imaging while ion milling at low kV during final tip sharpening.​

3D volume of C.elegans consisting of 10.080 z-sections​ at 5 x 5 x 8 nm pixel size

Applications in Life Sciences

Discover Crossbeam applications in various areas of life science research.

Applications in Life Sciences

Cell Biology – HeLa Cells

Investigation of different cell compartments in single cells.​ Individual HeLa cells were grown in culture dishes, chemically fixed​ and resin-embedded in EPON. Voxel size 5 × 5 × 8 nm,​ Inlens EsB detection, 1400 sections. 3D visualization with​ Dragonfly Pro, ORS. Courtesy: A. Steyer and Y. Schwab, EMBL,​ Heidelberg, DE.

Neuroscience – Brain Sections

Large area milling and imaging of a brain section with the​ 3D  Tomography module of Atlas 5. High current allows fast milling and​ imaging of large fields of view up to 150 μm in width.  The depicted area of the brain has a field of view of 75 μm in width and​ was milled with a beam current of 20 nA. Courtesy: C. Genoud,​ FMI Basel, CH.

Developmental Biology – C. elegans

Atlas 5 enables the understanding of the morphology of a whole organism in 3D with​ the highest resolution and reliability. The data set shows a​ large 3D volume of C.elegans consisting of 10.080 z-sections​ at 5 x 5 x 8 nm pixel size. The nematode was high pressure​ frozen and freeze-substituted in EPON. Even the smallest​ structures inside the worm can be identified very easily.​ Courtesy: A. Steyer and Y. Schwab, EMBL Heidelberg, DE; and​ S. Markert and C. Stigloher, University of Wuerzburg, DE.​

Accessories

Visualization and Analysis Software: ZEISS Recommends Dragonfly Pro

Visualization and Analysis Software: ZEISS Recommends Dragonfly Pro

An advanced analysis and visualization software solution for your 3D data acquired by a variety of technologies including X-ray, FIB-SEM, and SEM.​ Available exclusively through ZEISS, ORS Dragonfly Pro offers an intuitive, complete, and customizable toolkit for visualization and analysis of large 3D grayscale data. Dragonfly Pro allows for navigation, annotation, creation of media files, including video production, of your 3D data. Perform image processing, segmentation, and object analysis to quantify your results.

Introducing ToF-SIMS Enables High Throughput in 3D Analysis​

Introducing ToF-SIMS Enables High Throughput in 3D Analysis​

Add the ToF-SIMS (time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) spectrometer to your Crossbeam 350 or Crossbeam 550 and analyze trace elements, light elements (e.g. lithium), and isotopes. Profit from sensitive and comprehensive analyses in 3D. Perform elemental mapping and depth profiling. Benefit from parallel detection of atomic and molecular ions down to the ppm level, achieve resolutions better than 35 nm in lateral direction and 20 nm in depth. Retrieve any signal from the ROI post-mortem.

  

Downloads

    • ZEISS Atlas 5

      Your Solution for Automated Image Acquisition, Data Correlation and Multi-modal 2D & 3D Workflows

      Pages: 28
      File size: 8 MB
    • ZEISS Crossbeam Family

      Your FIB-SEM for High Throughput 3D Analysis and Sample Preparation

      Pages: 25
      File size: 8 MB
    • Identify, Access, Prepare, Analyze Your Sample with Precise Navigational Guidance

      Pages: 2
      File size: 651 KB
    • Reduced Energy Consumption

      Optimized Operating Efficiency

      Pages: 2
      File size: 340 KB
    • ZEISS Crossbeam Family

      Introducing ToF-SIMS enables High Throughput in 3D Analysis

      Pages: 2
      File size: 1 MB
    • ZEISS Crossbeam laser FIB-SEM

      Rapidly access site-specific features buried deeply within IC packages

      Pages: 2
      File size: 1 MB
    • ZEISS ORS Dragonfly

      Outstanding 3D visualization with best-in-class graphics

      Pages: 2
      File size: 689 KB
    • ZEISS Microscopy Solutions for Steel and Other Metals

      Multi-modal characterization and advanced analysis options for industry and research

      Pages: 11
      File size: 14 MB
    • Correlation of Two-Photon in Vivo Imaging and FIB-SEM Microscopy

      Pages: 6
      File size: 1 MB
    • High Throughput Imaging with

      ZEISS Crossbeam 550

      Pages: 5
      File size: 1 MB
    • Reproducible TEM Lamella Thinning by FIB with Real-time Thickness Control and End-point Detection

      Pages: 5
      File size: 1 MB
    • Targeted Sample Preparation with ZEISS Crossbeam laser

      Pages: 7
      File size: 3 MB
    • FIB-SEM Investigations of the Microstructure of CIGS Solar Cells

      ZEISS Crossbeam

      Pages: 7
      File size: 1 MB
    • Rapid Sample Preparation for EBSD-analysis

      Enabled by the LaserFIB

      Pages: 7
      File size: 6 MB
    • X² STEM Lamella Preparation from Multi-composite Organic Electronic Devices with ZEISS FIB-SEMs

      Pages: 6
      File size: 883 KB
    • ZEISS Crossbeam Family

      High Resolution STEM and EDS Study of Chromium Depletion in Stainless Steel

      Pages: 5
      File size: 1 MB
    • ZEISS Microscopy Solutions for Geoscience

      Understanding the fundamental processes that shape the universe expressed at the smallest of scales

      Pages: 9
      File size: 15 MB
    • ZEISS Microscopy Solutions for Oil & Gas

      Understanding reservoir behavior with pore scale analysis

      Pages: 8
      File size: 7 MB
    • ZEISS Crossbeam laser FIB-SEM (Korean Version)

      첨단 반도체 패키지의 소개

      Pages: 2
      File size: 1 MB

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