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In the ever growing field of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) new categories of products have emerged to meet the diverse needs of different types of users and labs. There is a wide array of full size SEM's, benchtop SEM's (also referred to as desktop SEM or tabletop SEM), and a new category compact SEM's. This page aims at giving you information in order to invest in the right tool for your applications.

Introduction of the different SEM's categories

Benchtop/tabletop/desktop SEM:
Small SEM's that are placed on a bench or table, easy to use, portable, resolution less than full size SEM's, scaled down features to accommodate size (no motorization, tilt or rotate, etc.) and reduce cost. These systems do not require special training, less facilities and the maintenance need is reduced. The systems are useful, but cannot replace or supplement the functions of a full size SEM.

Full Size SEM:
Full SEMs are larger in size, have a wide range of emission sources, sample size capacity and features such as large range of acceleration voltages (kV), motorization, tilt, rotate and software control. These systems have high resolution and the ability to offer advanced analysis capability such as Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). These systems require more space, special facilities requirements, frequent maintenance and users with a certain level of knowledge and training.

Compact SEM:
Combines the positive elements of both benchtop and full SEMs: small footprint, easy to use, portable, reduced facility requirements and maintenance, features of full size SEMs such as larger range of acceleration voltage (kV), motorization, tilt, rotate and software control. These systems are relatively inexpensive and can address a majority of the capability of full size SEMs including secondary electron and backscatter electron imaging, low vacuum and EDS.
 

Why a compact SEM?

• If you need a fully equipped SEM that fits your budget.
• If you need a SEM with nearly all the features you expect from a full size SEM.
• If you have a limited space, and you want an SEM in a small footprint, integrated into one unit without extra pumps or vibration isolation equipment.
• If you want to remove the need for special facilities such as special power, cooling, etc.
• If you are looking for a portable SEM that can be easily rolled into a room where it is needed, plug it in and be ready to use it.
• If you want to combine SEM with a light microscope.
• If you want more kV range for imaging and EDS capability.
• If you have a full size SEM, but need a second system for non-expert users to get results quickly.

       If you want any of these items we offer you the Topcon Aquila Compact SEM!
 

Comparison Chart

	Benchtop/tabletop/desktop SEM	Compact SEM	Full Size SEM
Sample Positioning	Limited	Good	Good
Samples Tilt	No	Yes	Yes
Stage Rotate	No	Yes	Yes
5-Axis Motorized Stage	No	Yes	Yes
Detectors	Usually Limited	SE, BSE	SE, BSE
Acceleration Voltage  Range 1kV to 20kV	No	Yes	Yes
EDS to 20kV	No	Option	Option
Light Microscope Integrated	No	Yes	No
Space Requirement	Small	Small	Large
Mobility	Yes	Yes	No
Setup Time	Low	Low	Long
Price	Affordable price	Affordable price	High price
Ease of Use	Good	Good	Good
Integrated Into One Unit	No	Yes	No

For more information, please go to our Compact SEM page
Contact; Nanounity at info@nanounity.com or feel free to call us at (408) 235-8888.