Hydrocarbon contamination is one of the most common challenges in SEM and TEM imaging, as carbon residues can obscure fine features, distort data, and waste valuable time, whether introduced during sample preparation or formed during imaging.
The Hitachi ZoneSEM II and ZoneTEM II UV-based sample cleaners can eliminate this contamination safely, effectively, and chemical-free at the lab bench. These compact devices use activated oxygen and low-energy UV light to gently clean the samples without causing surface changes or breaking delicate structures.
Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
- UV-based cleaning does not require chemicals or gas supplies
- Hydrocarbon contamination can be removed quickly and without any damage
- Touchscreen interface with recipe memory for convenience and reproducibility
- Dual function: clean and store samples in a single device
- Vacuum-controlled cleaning to accommodate a variety of sample types
Features and Benefits
Gentle, Chemical-Free cleaning
Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
The ZoneSEM II and ZoneTEM II cleaners break down hydrocarbon bonds using UV lamps. UV exposure creates ozone and reactive oxygen species, which convert hydrocarbons into CO2 and H2O, safely removing them without solvents or gas supplies.
Vacuum-Controlled Process for Sample Safety
Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
The integrated pump produces an adjustable vacuum, allowing customers to choose the cleaning intensity. Users may now optimize the procedure based on the sample.
Easy to Use, Easy to Repeat
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A user-friendly touchscreen interface makes it simple to choose and execute cleaning procedures. Recipe memory also allows users to save and remember process parameters, which is perfect for laboratories with numerous users or recurring procedures.
Cleaning and Storage in One
Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
Both the ZoneSEM II and the ZoneTEM II serve as sample cleaners and storage units, preventing recontamination and reducing sample outgassing before imaging. The ZoneSEM II is particularly designed for Hitachi holders.
Compact, Lab-Friendly Design
Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
ZONE sample cleaners are simple to integrate into any lab setting. They have a small footprint, operate quietly, and do not require gas connections or chemical waste processing.
Applications
SEM Imaging
ITO thin film on the glass printed circuit board before and after the cleaning of ZoneSEM II. Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
TEM/STEM Preparation
CdSe quantum dot imaged before and after ZoneTEM II cleaning. Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe
EDS Mapping
EDS mapping image of Au particles on carbon before and after ZoneSEM II cleaning. Image Credit: Hitachi High-Tech Europe