XEI Scientific has launched its new Softclean specimen-cleaning chamber to be used with the Evactron De-Contaminator for electron microscopy.
The Softclean, when used with an Evactron De-Contaminator and a vacuum pump, can pre-clean samples with high hydrocarbon contamination levels from the sample surface by a downstream ashing process before introduction into the microscope chamber.
The Softclean chamber can be also used as a standalone storage system, preserving clean specimens.
The Softclean/Evactron De-Contaminator combination is not a 'plasma cleaner' in the usual sense.
Samples are cleaned by a downstream RF plasma process that breaks down hydrocarbons into CO2, CO and H2O.
Unlike 'plasma cleaners' that sputter with energetic ion species and can damage specimens by heat and ion bombardment, the delicate downstream process chemically ashes hydrocarbons and pumps them free of the chamber.
The Softclean system has chamber dimensions of 8.5in (216mm) diameter x 5.5in (140mm) height.
There are four KF40 and 1 KF 16 vacuum mounting flanges with a manual shut-off valve for the vacuum port.
Adaptor flanges for TEM sample holders are available.
There is a venting port and a plated aluminum lid with a 5.5in OD glass view port.
The unit weighs 12lb (6kg) and comes with a five-year warranty.
