*Note: This page was translated by AI from the Japanese original. In case of any discrepancy, the Japanese version shall prevail.*
Overview
The Gatan PIPS II Model 695 Precision Ion Polishing System is a compact bench-top ion milling instrument designed for the final precision thinning and polishing stage of TEM/STEM specimen preparation.
Utilizing dual independently controlled Penning Ion Guns (PIGs) with argon ion beams, it effectively removes mechanical surface damage and produces exceptionally large, clean, electron-transparent areas with high reproducibility.
Features
- Ultra-Low Energy Ion Milling for Damage Minimization: Accelerating voltage is continuously adjustable from 0.1 to 8.0 keV. Low-energy milling (e.g., 500 eV or 100 eV) during final polishing minimizes amorphous surface damage layers, producing high-quality specimens suitable for atomic-resolution HR-TEM and STEM imaging.
- Dual Independent Penning Ion Guns (PIGs): Operating angles for both miniature ion guns can be set independently across a range of ±10° (supporting near-0° low-angle milling). Advanced focusing electrodes maintain small beam spot sizes even at low voltages.
- Rapid Specimen Exchange (Whisperlok Loadlock): The pneumatic Whisperlok airlock mechanism allows safe, specimen exchange and rapid evacuation in under 30 seconds.
- Contamination-Free Specimen Mounts (DuoPost): Specialized DuoPost specimen mounts eliminate secondary sputtering redeposition from the platform and feature an X-Y manual alignment stage for precise rotation axis centering.
- AutoTerminator Automated Control: An integrated optical sensor detects sample perforation or light transmission changes to automatically shut off ion beams and rotation.
- Touchscreen GUI & Multi-Step Recipes: The front color touchscreen display enables easy creation, storage, and execution of multi-step recipes.
Specifications
[Specification Notice]
Actual equipment configurations or specifications may differ from standard manual specifications. Please consult the equipment manager for details regarding current capabilities and conditions of use.
Actual equipment configurations or specifications may differ from standard manual specifications. Please consult the equipment manager for details regarding current capabilities and conditions of use.
| Manufacturer | Gatan, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Model | PIPS II Model 695 (Precision Ion Polishing System) |
| Ion Source | Dual Penning Ion Guns (PIGs) with rare-earth magnets |
| Accelerating Voltage | 0.1 to 8.0 keV (continuously variable) |
| Milling Angles | Independent ±10° range for each gun (near 0° low-angle capable) |
| Specimen Rotation | 1 to 6 rpm (supports sector milling / beam modulation) |
| Specimen Formats | Φ3 mm TEM discs, dimpled specimens, single/double-sided milling |
| Vacuum Pumping System | Molecular drag pump (80 L/s) + oil-free multi-stage diaphragm pump |
| Control System | Color LCD touchscreen GUI, AutoTerminator automatic shut-off |
| Dimensions / Weight | 510 (W) × 580 (D) × 760 (H) mm / approx. 38 kg |
| Location | Room 1-105 (PIPS II (B)) |
Manuals & Guidelines
[Manual (Campus Access Only)]
📄 PIPS II Owner’s Manual (PDF, campus access only)