The 108C Auto Carbon Coater from Ted Pella is one of the most advanced sample coaters for coating non-conductive specimens before SEM X-Ray analysis occurs.
The 108C Auto Carbon Coater with Ø120mm Chamber. Image Credit: Ted Pella, Inc
The instrument has a unique feedback-controlled rod evaporation system that provides multiple evaporations of approximately 20 nm thickness without rod shaping or adjustment.
The 108C Auto has high-purity stepped carbon rods that offer a superior coating quality and can be used at high magnifications. The coater is a compact system with an extremely quick pumping cycle time and is easy to operate.
There is an option to include the MTM-10 High Resolution Thickness Monitor to enable conducting carbon films to be adapted to the precise needs of the sample.
The 108C Auto utilizes a novel evaporation supply. Sensor wires in the head monitor current and voltage; as part of a feedback loop, the evaporation source is controlled.
The supply provides the conventional rod feed source with high stability and reproducibility. There is minimal power consumption, and the source exhibits exceptional re-starting characteristics. This evaporation source may be operated in either “continuous” or "pulse" modes.
Sample chamber with Ø63 mm height adjustable stage. Image Credit: Ted Pella, Inc
Head with "Bradley type" carbon rod assembly. Image Credit: Ted Pella, Inc
The coater can be operated either manually or automatically. In manual mode, the unique 108C Auto supply may be operated in “continuous” or "pulse," with the output voltage determined by the rotary control.
In automatic mode, the evaporation source operates at a set voltage for a set period. The programmer can be adjusted, displaying the voltage and time digitally.
The 108C may be equipped with an optional MTM-10 Thickness Monitor. For carbon, the resolution is better than 0.1 nm. Careful use of the evaporation controller and monitor offers better reproducibility of coating thickness within the useful range of 15 nm to 25 nm.
108C Auto Carbon Coater shown with the MTM-10 High Resolution Thickness Monitor (optional). Image Credit: Ted Pella, Inc
The 108C has an outer diameter chamber measuring 120 mm, while the 108C Auto/SE is also available for a larger chamber system.
This system offers a larger 150 mm outer diameter chamber as well as the option to add the Rotary-Tilting or Rotary-Planetary-Tilting Stages. The 108C has no rotary stage options available.
Optional Rotary-Tilting (RT) Stage (#9660). Image Credit: Ted Pella, Inc
The 9524 Rotary-Planetary-Tilting RPT Stage Shown with optional MTM Crystal Monitor from Ted Pella, Inc.
Optional Rotary-Planetary-Tilting (RPT) Stage (#9524) demonstrating variable speed settings and adjustable tilt. Shown with MTM crystal monitor installed, also optional. Video Credit: Ted Pella, Inc
Source: Ted Pella, Inc.
| How do the 108C Auto and the 108C Auto/SE compare? |
108C Auto/SE |
108C Auto |
1. Increased chamber diameter
Chamber size has been increased to permit coating of larger samples. Standard Chamber 150mm dia. x 165mm |
150 mm dia. |
120 mm dia. |
2. Variable chamber geometry (option)
Adjustable chamber height is used to improve coating uniformity and vary the deposition rate |
X |
- |
3. Sample stage movements (option)
Separate rotary, planetary and tilting sample movements to optimize coating distribution and coverage. |
X |
- |