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Getting started with your PIPS

Optical microscope
 
  1. Connect all required cables according to the Getting Started Guide.
  2. If the system includes an optical microscope, install the microscope and the imaging PC.
  3. Connect the monitor, mouse, and keyboard to the PC.
  4. Place the monitor, mouse, and keyboard next to the instrument on the bench.
  5. Connect the power cables for both the PC and the monitor.
  6. Connect the Ethernet cable between the Network port on the back of the instrument to the Network port on the rear of the PC labeled To ion beam instrument.
    1. This connection uses an add‑in network board.
  7. The other network connection can be connected to the internet for remote access.
Ethernet cable from the Network port on the back of the instrument
 
Ethernet cable from the Network port on the back of the instrument
 
  1. Slide the rack and pinion mount onto the post on the top of the instrument.
    1. Plug Cable A (from the first picture above) into the connector on the top-right of the cabinet, as shown.
    2. Plug Cable B into an available USB port on the imaging PC.
    3. Plug Cable C into the Camera Trigger port on the back of the instrument.
pips-2 optical scope
 

 

  1. Check the system for gas‑line leaks.
  2. Turn on the main power switch directly above the power cable.
  3. Purge the argon gas line.
    1. Disconnect the argon hose from the back of the tool.
    2. Set the flow rate to 172 kPa (25 psi).
    3. Open the flow valve and let the argon run through the hose for 1 minute.
    4. With the argon still flowing, reconnect the hose to the back of the tool.
  4. Confirm the ion sources are ready.
    1. Start milling at 8 kV, No Modulation.
    2. Confirm both ion sources have an accelerating current greater than 20 µA.
    3. Stop milling.
Ion beam milling control interface
 
  1. Purge the ion sources overnight.
    1. Disconnect the cold cathode gauge cable.
    2. Set the gas flow mode to Manual.
    3. Set both ion sources to 1 sccm.
      1. Flow rates may vary significantly; this is normal.
    4. Leave the system purging overnight.
Ion beam milling control interface
 
  1. Zero the mass flow controllers.
    1. Reconnect the cold cathode gauge cable.
    2. Set the gas flow mode to Automatic.
    3. Navigate to Maintenance / Calibration / Gas Flow.
    4. Press Zero to zero the mass flow controllers.
Ion beam milling control interface
 
  1. Align the ion sources.
    1. Align the ion sources by watching and following the alignment video referenced below.
  1. Mount a sample in the clamp-type Duopost® holder.
Microscopy sample holder with clamp and precision tweezers
 
  1. Center the area of interest on the sample to the axis of rotation.
  2. Follow the procedure shown in the referenced video.
    1. The video demonstrates FIB lamella preparation, but the centering method applies to all sample types.
  1. Select milling parameters and begin milling.
    1. Typical starting and finishing guidance:
      1. Start milling at 4 – 5 keV
      2. Reduce energy to 2 – 2.5 keV before or just after perforation.
      3. Perform final clean up at 1 keV or lower.
    2. Ion source angles are usually
      1. Top source: 4 – 6º 
      2. Bottom source: 3 – 5º (for samples dimpled from top)
    3. With Duopost, dual-beam modulation is typically used.
    4. Rotation speed is usually 3 rpm.
    5. If available, most samples benefit from cold milling using liquid nitrogen.

 

All milling parameters are sample‑dependent. The values listed above are starting points only and should be adjusted based on sample material and preparation goals.