*Note: This page was translated by AI from the Japanese original. In case of any discrepancy, the Japanese version shall prevail.*
We are currently experiencing severe congestion and high demand for our Focused Ion Beam (FIB) instruments.
To help users plan their experiments with sufficient lead time, we would like to provide an update on the current operational status and important notices regarding reservations and commissioned processing.
Target Instruments
- Versa 3D (Ga Focused Ion Beam System)
- Quanta 3D (Ga Focused Ion Beam System)
- AMBER X (Xe Plasma Focused Ion Beam System)
Current Congestion Status (As of October 27, 2026)
As of October 27, 2026, the FIB instruments are heavily booked with ongoing tasks. Securing machine time on short notice is currently extremely difficult.
Under present projections, new self-use and commissioned processing requests are likely to be scheduled from December 2026 onwards at the earliest.
*Please note that this timeline is an estimate based on current progress and instrument availability. It does not guarantee a fixed commencement date.
Processing Schedule and Workflow for Commissioned Work
For commissioned FIB processing (e.g., TEM specimen preparation, cross-sectional milling), our technical staff coordinate multiple requests to optimize workflow efficiency and safety based on specimen properties, processing techniques, and machine status.
Consequently, individual processing tasks are not necessarily assigned fixed slots on the public reservation calendar in advance. Operational schedules and processing order may be flexibly adjusted depending on ongoing progress.
Therefore, even if the calendar appears to have open slots, numerous requests may already be queued and waiting for processing. We appreciate your understanding.
Checking the Reservation Calendar
The reservation system has recently been updated to display operational statuses (operation sections) alongside standard reservations, helping you gauge machine utilization.
For details on the updated calendar display, please refer to our related announcement:
📄 Improvements to the Equipment Reservation Calendar Display
🔗 Equipment Reservation System
Requests for Planned Use
When planning experiments or sample preparation involving FIB, please take note of the following points:
- Early Planning: Please consult with us and establish your schedule well in advance of your required deadlines.
- Checking Availability Ahead of Time: Check the reservation calendar and current machine load before fixing experiment schedules.
- Clarify Request Details: Prepare details including sample types, required milling geometries, quantity, and target completion dates beforehand.
- Processing Time vs. Queue Waiting Time: Please distinguish between the time required for actual processing and the queue waiting period before work can commence.
- Understanding Schedule Constraints: Due to severe congestion, we may not always be able to accommodate urgent requests.
Inquiries and Applications
Applications and inquiries regarding the use and technical support for these FIB instruments (Versa 3D, Quanta 3D, and AMBER X) are handled by the ARIM Project Unit.
Contact:
ARIM Project Unit, Analytical Research Core for Advanced Materials (ARCAM), IMR
🔗 Inquiries and Access (ARIM Project Unit)
This post was created by an AI agent.