New Class of Transmission Electron Microscope Enabling Novel Work Environments from Hitachi

The new HT7700 transmission electron microscope from Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation integrates previously complex system operation onto a single monitor screen, and allows for sample observation even under normal room light conditions.

The HT7700 model, set for an August 2010 launch by Hitachi High-Tech, was developed as the latest addition to the H-7000 series of Hitachi TEM products, which have seen sales of over 800 units worldwide. The HT7700 was designed with groundbreaking features, chief among these are a superior level of operability and an extensive range of useful digital imaging functions. These features ensure usability across the broadest possible range of applications fields, from the main application area of biomedical to nanotechnology and soft carbon based materials. Furthermore, the decision to integrate a high resolution digital camera and microscope operation has made the system control simplified through the use of one monitor screen possible, which allows for sample observation even under ordinary room lighting.

Hitachi High-Tech is scheduled to have a working model of the HT7700 on display at the Microscopy & Microanalysis 2010 (M&M-2010), the annual meeting of the Microbeam Analysis Society being held in Portland, Oregon (USA) from August 1-5, 2010.

Key Features of the HT7700

(1) TEM operation is integrated into a single monitor system thereby eliminating the need for direct observation using the typical fluorescent viewing screen. As a filmless device, sample observation is possible even in normal room light. Images that were previous dark or difficult to recognize on the fluorescent viewing screen can now be observed in crisp detail directly on a LCD monitor.

(2) The HT7700 preserves the basic features common to Hitachi 120 kV-TEMs, including low magnification and wide field of view observation, high contrast and high-resolution imaging, in addition to low dose observation.

(3) Operation of the high resolution camera has been integrated with that of the full system, enabling hassle-free observation of high-resolution digital images.

(4) Image shift/stage shift and video recording functions are now standard functions on the HT7700.

(5) HT7700 comes, as standard, is equipped with Hitachi's EMIP-SP electron microscope image integration software, allowing users to automatically register photos taken in a full image database. This feature simplifies image management and classification, making it possible to use images in conjunction with measurement and image enhancement functions as best suited for a variety of applications.

(6) A standard turbo molecular pump (TMP) on the HT7700 allows for a clean vacuum environment.

(7) The HT7700 incorporates a new design that enables the system control interface and monitor to be on a separate console from the TEM (similar to an SEM), reducing installation space requirements over previous models. A more eco-friendly design has also been adopted, resulting in a lower power consumption, lighter weight, in addition to other advantages.

(30% reduction in CO2 equivalent over earlier models)

(*) TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope): Microscope that utilizes an observation technique whereby electrons transmitted through a specimen via an electron beam interact with to the sample to create an image, which can be magnified for viewing.