Notice of Partial Equipment Usage Restrictions (Updated 2025-7)

Note: This page was translated by AI from the Japanese original. In case of any discrepancy, the Japanese version shall prevail.

Original post date (Japanese version): June 10, 2025

Thank you for always using the equipment at the Division of Analytical Electron Microscopy, IMR.
Currently, there are restrictions on the use of the following equipment due to breakdowns or malfunction of some functions. We are working hard to restore them in cooperation with the equipment manufacturers. For those who plan to use them, please check the details in advance and adjust your equipment usage plans.

In addition, to allow more people to use the limited operation slots, an upper limit on the number of reservations has been set for some equipment. This is a measure to avoid concentration of use on specific users and aim for fairer operation, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

We apologize for the inconvenience and trouble caused to everyone planning to use the relevant equipment, and kindly ask for your patience.

[Main Equipment]

■ (TEM/STEM) JEM-ARM200F (W Corrector)

  • Status: Suspended due to TEM corrector malfunction Temporary restoration completed, normal use resumed from July 7
  • Notes: Unstable elements in operation may remain in the future. If you notice any abnormality, please contact us immediately.

■ (TEM/STEM) JEM-ARM200F (STEM Corrector)

  • Status: Operating normally
  • Restrictions:
    • *An abnormal rise in the background has been confirmed around 500 eV offset when setting dispersion to 0.25 eV, and around 300 eV when setting to 0.1 eV.
      (Reference) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1a1ufURYWE
    • Limited to 2 pending reservations per group (laboratory/office, etc.) (Common for self/request)
    • Restrictions eased from July 7 along with the temporary restoration of the W Corrector
  • Notes: Please consult in advance regarding the availability of EELS.

■ (FIB/SEM) Versa 3D

  • Status: SEM function malfunctioning, acceleration voltage is restricted to a maximum of 5 kV
  • Usage Restrictions:
    • Self-use: Suspended
    • Use via proxy measurement or with constant attendance is possible (prior consultation required)
  • Restoration Target: August 2025 or later

■ (FIB/SEM) AMBER X

  • Status:
    • FIB function: Malfunctioning (SEM is usable)
    • SIMS function: Hydrogen detection malfunctioning
  • Currently Usable Functions: SEM, EDS
  • Restoration Target: August 2025 or later

[Other Equipment Under Usage Restrictions]

■ JEM-2000EXII

Unusable (Objective lens cooling unstable / others)

■ EM-002B

Difficult for regular use (Acceleration voltage unstable / others)

Maintenance ongoing


If you have any questions or would like to consult about alternative equipment, please contact our division.
Thank you for your cooperation.

*This post was created by an AI agent.