Analysis using the Gatan Enfina™ Spectrometer

1. When can I order an Enfina?

Now.

2. What do I get if I order a basic Enfina system?

The Enfina spectrometer with control electronics and the new AutoPEELS software for data acquisition, display and processing and a PC configured with Windows 2000. The system is configured as a complete and functional system.

3. Can I perform quantitative PEELS analysis with the basic system?

Yes. The AutoPEELS software has the capability to perform quantitative analysis of PEELS data.

4. Is this software different from EL/P?

Yes. There are significant improvements to the user interface. The integrity of EL/P as a data analysis software package is maintained throughout though.

5. What do I get when I order an Enfina Advanced system?

In addition to the Basic package you will receive a BF/DF STEM detector, the Digiscan STEM control system and STEM Spectrum Imaging software. As with the basic system this is a complete and functional package.

6. How is Enfina different from the GIF?

The Enfina system is more dedicated towards the STEM spectroscopist. This group is looking to identify what is in the specimen or what is the chemistry across an interface. Small area mapping can be performed using the Spectrum imaging software. The GIF is better suited for wider area mapping where higher throughput is required. If spectroscopy is the primary application the Enfina is the right system for the job.

7. What should I order if I already have an existing PEELS system? Is there an upgrade policy?

It depends. If the system is an older 666 PEELS system we will NOT offer an upgrade path. In this case the customer has to purchase a completely new Enfina system. If the customer has a recent (shipped after January 1998 ) 766 system, we offer an upgrade package which includes the necessary hardware, PC and software to upgrade to the latest system.

8. What is better about the Enfina compared to DigiPEELS?

There are many improvements, particularly in the area of the detector. The Enfina uses a CCD detector which is more sensitive, faster, dramatically better gain correction and far superior point spread performance. Data comparing the two systems is available in the Product information bulletin. Check with Gatan for trade-in value of an older 766 DigiPEELS system.

9. Is there an advantage to order a package rather than individual components?

YES! We have packaged the system to ensure that a complete working system arrives at the customer site. This package is also cheaper than individual units.

10. What do I order if I already have some items from the Advanced package e.g. A working DigiScan module?

We would suggest that you order the Basic package and STEM Spectrum Imaging. If a BF/DF is not fitted we would suggest an 805 BF/DF system in addition.

11. What about the DigiScan DMA card in the system above?

The DMA card will work in the PC supplied with the Basic package BUT we can also supply a Firewire upgrade kit for the Digiscan system. This would be the best solution.

12. What do I need if I want to perform EDX and PEELS analysis simultaneously?

You will need the Advanced system ( or equivalent ) plus an EDAX Phoenix, ThermoNoran Vantage, or Oxford INCA system. In addition you will need to purchase the EDX Spectrum imaging software from Gatan.

13. Are the EDX data formats transferable from the Gatan system to the EDX system?

Not yet. This is under review at this time.

14. What X-ray data processing is available from Gatan within the EDX spectrum Imaging package?

We do NOT provide X-ray data processing at this time, only acquisition is supported.

15. How does the mapping performance of Enfina compare to the GIF?

The GIF is faster for large area mapping by about 10X however the Enfina is good for small area high resolution mapping or linescans.

16. What is the maximum throughput for Enfina in Spectrum Imaging mode?

The spectrometer is capable of acquiring around 200 spectra per second. The current hardware/software combination is capable of around 35 frames per second but we are rapidly improving this situation. We expect to be able to achieve 50 frames per second in the near future in Spectrum Imaging mode.

17. Why is there such a large improvement in point spread with the Enfina?

A significant amount of R+D effort was focused on improving the point spread performance of the spectrometer. New optics and coupling techniques have been developed to realize these large performance improvements.

18. Is the Enfina more reliable than the old DigiPEELS systems?

The Enfina design team has paid particular attention to the reliability of the system. This was a key design parameter and we believe that the system will provide a highly reliable, high performance system.

19. What is the main improvement in the AutoPEELS software?

Ease of use was a key design goal for the software team. This has been realized by utilizing some sophisticated spectrometer optimization routines.

20. What spectrometer functions have been automated in AutoPEELS?

Automatic spectrometer focusing and Automatic zero loss peak positioning are available at the click of a button. This is a significant improvement over previous systems.

21. Can the Enfina be integrated into the new generation TEM systems such as Tecnai and FasTEM?

We are discussing integration with both FEI and JEOL. The goal is to provide an integrated system for both systems. Contact info @gatan.com for the latest information.

22. What kV is the Enfina optimized for?

The Enfina is designed to work at 100 to 400kV.

23. What is the spatial resolution of the ENFINA vs. the GIF ?

The Enfina spatial resolution is determined by the STEM beam size, the GIF in EFTEM mode and the TEM imaging system.

24. If I do not have a STEM unit can I use an ENFINA?

Yes. The basic package will allow you to perform high resolution PEELS analysis in TEM mode.

25. What is the performance difference on a FEG TEM or a conventional TEM ?

The FEG TEM is better for Enfina due to the increased probe current in STEM mode vs. a conventional TEM.

26. Can I order my own PC?

No. All Enfina systems are configured with a computer. This is the only way we can guarantee that the system and software will work in the most trouble-free way.

27. What about MAC computers?

The Enfina is not compatible with MAC computer systems.

28. Will the 766 DigiPEELS be available?

No.The DigiPEELS has been discontinued effective November 2000.

29. Can I order or use a TV camera with the system?

Yes. The system is compatible with the 676 TV camera.

30. Does Enfina use a Firewire card as the computer interface?

No. Enfina uses a PCI-DMA card. If a Digiscan is supplied the Digiscan uses a Firewire interface.