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FIB sample preparation

The new Thermo Scientific Helios 5 DualBeam builds on the high-performance imaging and analysis capabilities of the industry-leading Helios DualBeam family. It is carefully designed to meet the needs of materials science researchers and engineers for a wide range of focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) use cases – even on the most challenging samples. 

The Helios 5 DualBeam redefines the standard in high-resolution imaging with high materials contrast; fast, easy, and precise high-quality sample preparation for (S)TEM imaging and atom probe tomography (APT) as well as the high-quality subsurface and 3D characterization. Building on the proven capabilities of the Helios DualBeam family, additional advancements to the new Helios 5 DualBeam were designed to ensure the system is optimized for a variety of manual or automated workflows. Those improvements include:

  • Greater ease-of-use: The Helios 5 DualBeam is the most accessible DualBeam for users of all experience levels. Operator training may be reduced from months to days and the system design is helping all operators to achieve consistent, repeatable results on a wide variety of advanced applications. 
  • Increased productivity: Advanced automation capabilities, increased robustness and stability enhancements in the Helios 5 DualBeam and Thermo Scientific AutoTEM 5 software can significantly increase the sample preparation throughput by allowing unattended and even overnight operation. 
  • Improved time to results: The Helios 5 DualBeam now includes FLASH, a new concept of tuning the image. With conventional microscopes, each time an operator needs to acquire an image, the microscope has to be carefully tuned by iterative alignments. With the Helios 5 DualBeam, a simple gesture across the screen will activate FLASH, which automatically adjusts these parameters. The automatic adjustments can significantly improve throughput, data quality, and simplify the acquisition of high-quality images.

TEM sample preparation

The Thermo Scientific Helios 5 DualBeam is part of the fifth generation of the industry-leading Helios DualBeam family. It is carefully designed to meet the needs of scientists and engineers, combining the innovative Elstar electron column for extreme high-resolution imaging and the high materials contrast with the superior Thermo Scientific Tomahawk Ion Column for the fast, easy, and precise high-quality sample preparation. In addition to the advanced electron and ion optics, the Helios 5 DualBeam incorporates a suite of state of-the-art technologies that enables simple and consistent high-resolution (S)TEM and atom probe tomography (APT) sample preparation, as well as the high-quality subsurface and 3D characterization, even on the most challenging samples.

Key Features

High-quality sample preparation

Site-specific sample preparation for (S)TEM and APT analysis using the high-throughput Thermo Scientific Tomahawk Ion Column or the Thermo Scientific Phoenix Ion Column with unmatched low-voltage performance.

Fully automated

Fast and easy, fully automated, unattended, multi-site in situ and ex situ TEM sample preparation and cross-sectioning using optional AutoTEM 5 Software.

Shortest time to nanoscale information

For users with any experience level using best-in-class Thermo Scientific Elstar Electron Column featuring Thermo Scientific SmartAlign and FLASH technologies.

Next-generation UC+ monochromator technology

Reveal the finest details with the next-generation UC+ monochromator technology with higher current, enabling sub-nanometer performance at low energies.

Complete sample information

Sharp, refined and charge-free contrast obtained from up to six integrated in-column and below-the-lens detectors.

3D analysis

The high-quality, multi-modal subsurface and 3D information with the precise region-of-interest targeting using optional Thermo Scientific Auto Slice & View 4 (AS&V4) Software.

Rapid nanoprototyping

Fast, accurate and precise milling and deposition of complex structures with critical dimensions of less than 10 nm.

Precise sample navigation

Tailored to individual application needs thanks to the high stability and accuracy of the 150-mm piezo stage or the flexibility of the 110-mm stage, as well as the in-chamber Thermo Scientific Nav-Cam Camera.

Artifact-free imaging

Based on integrated sample cleanliness management and dedicated imaging modes such as DCFI and SmartScan Modes.

STEM imaging

The Thermo Scientific Helios 5 FX configuration offers a high productivity workflow with its unique, in-situ, 3Å resolution STEM capability.


Specifications

To view the specifications of the Helios 5 HX DualBeam and Helios 5 FX DualBeam, download the datasheet found in the documents section.

Style Sheet for Products Table Specifications

Helios 5 DualBeam specifications for the semiconductor industry

  Helios 5 CXHelios 5 HPHelios 5 UXHelios 5 HXHelios 5 FX
  Workhorse preparation​ and XHR SEM imagingUltimate sample preparation ​(TEM lamellae, APT)Angstrom-scale STEM imaging and sample preparation​
SEMResolution20 eV – 30 keV20 eV – 30 keV​
Landing energy0.6 nm @ 15 keV
1.0 nm @ 1 keV
0.6 nm @ 2 keV
0.7 nm @ 1 keV​
1.0 nm @ 500 eV
STEMResolution @ 30 keV0.7 nm​0.6 nm​0.3 nm​​
FIB preparation processesMax material removal100 nA100 nA65 nA
Optimal final polish2 kV500 V
TEM sample preparationSample thickness50 nm15 nm​7 nm​
Automation NoYesYes​
Sample handlingTravel110 x 110 x 65 mm100 x 100 x 65 mm150 x 150 x 10 mm100 x 100 x 20 mm100 x 100 x 20 mm
+ 5 axis (S)TEM Compustage
LoadlockManual​ QuickloaderAutomatedManual​ QuickloaderAutomatedAuto​ + Auto insert/extract STEM rod

Helios 5 DualBeam specifications for the materials science 

  Helios 5 CXHelios 5 UCHelios 5 UX
Ion optics Tomahawk HT Ion Column with superior high-current performancePhoenix Ion Column with superior high-current and low-voltage performance​
Ion beam current range1 pA – 100 nA1 pA – 65 nA
Accelerating voltage range500 V – 30 kV500 V – 30 kV
Max. horizontal field width0.9 mm at beam coincidence point0.7 mm at beam coincidence point
Minimum source lifetime1,000 hours1,000 hours
 Two-stage differential pumping
Time-of-flight (TOF) correction
15-position aperture strip
Two-stage differential pumping
Time-of-flight (TOF) correction
15-position aperture strip
Electron opticsElstar ultra-high-resolution field emission SEM columnElstar extreme high-resolution field emission SEM column
Magnetic immersion objective lensMagnetic immersion objective lens
High-stability Schottky field emission gun to provide stable high-resolution analytical currentsHigh-stability Schottky field emission gun to provide stable high-resolution analytical currents
Electron beam resolutionAt optimum working distance (WD)0.6 nm at 30 kV STEM
0.6 nm at 15 kV
1.0 nm at 1 kV
0.9 nm at 1 kV with beam deceleration*
0.6 nm at 30 kV STEM
0.7 nm at 1 kV
1.0 nm at 500 V (ICD)
At coincident point0.6 nm at 15 kV
1.5 nm at 1 kV with beam deceleration* and DBS*
0.6 nm at 15 kV
1.2 nm at 1 kV
Electron beam parameter spaceElectron beam current range0.8 pA to 176 nA0.8 pA to 100 nA
Accelerating voltage range200 V – 30 kV350 V – 30 kV
Landing energy range20 eV – 30 keV20 eV – 30 keV
Maximum horizontal field width2.3 mm at 4 mm WD2.3 mm at 4 mm WD
DetectorsElstar in-lens SE/BSE detector (TLD-SE, TLD-BSE)
Elstar in-column SE/BSE detector (ICD)*
Elstar in-column BSE detector (MD)*
Everhart-Thornley SE detector (ETD)
IR camera for viewing sample/column
High-performance in-chamber electron and ion detector (ICE) for secondary ions (SI) and electrons (SE)*
Thermo Scientific In-chamber Nav-Cam Camera for sample navigation*
Retractable, low-voltage, high-contrast, directional, solid-state backscatter electron detector (DBS)*
Retractable STEM 3+ detector with BF/ DF/ HAADF segments*
Integrated beam current measurement
Stage and sampleStageFlexible 5-axis motorized stageHigh-precision five-axis motorized stage with Piezo-driven XYR axis
XY range110 mm150 mm
Z range65 mm10 mm
Rotation360° (endless)360° (endless)
Tilt range-15° to +90°-10° to +60°
Max sample heightClearance 85 mm to eucentric pointClearance 55 mm to eucentric point
Max sample weight500 g in any stage position
Up to 5 kg at 0° tilt (some restrictions apply)
500 g (including sample holder)
Max sample size110 mm with full rotation (larger samples possible with limited rotation)150 mm with full rotation (larger samples possible with limited rotation)
 Compucentric rotation and tiltCompucentric rotation and tilt

* Available as an option, configuration dependent

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Resources

High-quality, high resolution 3D characterization of a ceramic sample acquired with a Helios DualBeam and reconstructed using Avizo. Data is segmented to analyze the distribution of different phases in the sample. Sample courtesy of KAIST.
The Thermo Scientific Helios DualBeam Family
Thermo Fisher Scientific PFA Demo Days

Thermo Fisher Scientific PFA Demo Days

To support semiconductor manufacturing needs, Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to bring new capabilities to our industry-leading failure analysis, metrology and characterization solutions.

In our Thermo Fisher Scientific PFA Demo Days, we showcase our latest innovations for sample preparation and FinFET logic circuit delayering.

View on-demand


Introducing Helios 5 DualBeam

Introducing Helios 5 DualBeam

The new Thermo Scientific Helios 5 DualBeam builds on the high-performance imaging and analysis capabilities of the industry-leading Helios DualBeam family.

Register for our recorded webinar (~17 minutes) and learn how additional advancements to the new Helios 5 were designed to ensure the system is optimized for a variety of manual or automated workflows.

Register now


Latest application developments of multiple ion species plasma FIB technology

Register for our live webinar and learn how leading research labs are using our new Thermo Scientific Helios 5 Laser PFIB and Thermo Scientific Helios 5 Hydra DualBeam to advance their materials characterization.

Register now

 

High-quality, high resolution 3D characterization of a ceramic sample acquired with a Helios DualBeam and reconstructed using Avizo. Data is segmented to analyze the distribution of different phases in the sample. Sample courtesy of KAIST.
The Thermo Scientific Helios DualBeam Family
Thermo Fisher Scientific PFA Demo Days

Thermo Fisher Scientific PFA Demo Days

To support semiconductor manufacturing needs, Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to bring new capabilities to our industry-leading failure analysis, metrology and characterization solutions.

In our Thermo Fisher Scientific PFA Demo Days, we showcase our latest innovations for sample preparation and FinFET logic circuit delayering.

View on-demand


Introducing Helios 5 DualBeam

Introducing Helios 5 DualBeam

The new Thermo Scientific Helios 5 DualBeam builds on the high-performance imaging and analysis capabilities of the industry-leading Helios DualBeam family.

Register for our recorded webinar (~17 minutes) and learn how additional advancements to the new Helios 5 were designed to ensure the system is optimized for a variety of manual or automated workflows.

Register now


Latest application developments of multiple ion species plasma FIB technology

Register for our live webinar and learn how leading research labs are using our new Thermo Scientific Helios 5 Laser PFIB and Thermo Scientific Helios 5 Hydra DualBeam to advance their materials characterization.

Register now

 

Applications

Process control using electron microscopy

Process control using electron microscopy

Modern industry demands high throughput with superior quality, a balance that is maintained through robust process control. SEM and TEM tools with dedicated automation software provide rapid, multi-scale information for process monitoring and improvement.

 

Quality control and failure analysis using electron microscopy

Quality control and failure analysis

Quality control and assurance are essential in modern industry. We offer a range of EM and spectroscopy tools for multi-scale and multi-modal analysis of defects, allowing you to make reliable and informed decisions for process control and improvement.

Fundamental Materials Research_R&D_Thumb_274x180_144DPI

Fundamental Materials Research

Novel materials are investigated at increasingly smaller scales for maximum control of their physical and chemical properties. Electron microscopy provides researchers with key insight into a wide variety of material characteristics at the micro- to nano-scale.

 

pathfinding_thumb_274x180_144dpi

Semiconductor Pathfinding and Research

Advanced electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and associated analytical techniques for identifying viable solutions and design methods for the fabrication of high-performance semiconductor devices.

yield_ramp_metrology_2_thumb_274x180

Yield Ramp and Metrology

We offer advanced analytical capabilities for defect analysis, metrology, and process control, designed to help increase productivity and improve yield across a range of semiconductor applications and devices.

Semiconductor Failure Analysis

Semiconductor Failure Analysis

Increasingly complex semiconductor device structures result in more places for failure-inducing defects to hide. Our next-generation workflows help you localize and characterize subtle electrical issues that affect yield, performance, and reliability.

physical_characterization_thumb_274x180_144dpi

Physical and Chemical Characterization

Ongoing consumer demand drives the creation of smaller, faster, and cheaper electronic devices. Their production relies on high-productivity instruments and workflows that image, analyze, and characterize a broad range of semiconductor and display devices.

Power Semiconductor Device Analysis

Power Semiconductor Device Analysis

Power devices pose unique challenges for localizing faults, primarily as a result of power device architecture and layout. Our power device analysis tools and workflows quickly pinpoint fault locations at operating conditions and provide precise, high-throughput analysis for characterization of materials, interfaces and device structures.

Display Module Failure Analysis

Display Module Failure Analysis

Evolving display technologies aim to improve display quality and light conversion efficiency to support applications in different industry sectors, while continuing to reduce production costs. Our process metrology, failure analysis and research and development solutions help display companies solve these challenges.


Techniques

(S)TEM Sample Preparation

DualBeam microscopes enable the preparation of high-quality, ultra-thin samples for (S)TEM analysis. Thanks to advanced automation, users with any experience level can obtain expert-level results for a wide range of materials.

Learn more ›

3D Materials Characterization

Development of materials often requires multi-scale 3D characterization. DualBeam instruments enable serial sectioning of large volumes and subsequent SEM imaging at nanometer scale, which can be processed into high-quality 3D reconstructions of the sample.

Learn more ›

Nanoscale Prototyping

As technology continues to miniaturize, the demand for nanoscale devices and structures is ever increasing. 3D nanoprototyping with DualBeam instruments helps you to quickly design, create, and inspect micro- and nanoscale functional prototypes.

Learn more ›

APT Sample Preparation

Atom probe tomography (APT) provides atomic-resolution 3D compositional analysis of materials. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy is an essential technique for high-quality, orientation, and site-specific sample preparation for APT characterization.

Learn more ›

Cross-sectioning

Cross sectioning provides extra insight by revealing sub-surface information. DualBeam instruments feature superior focused ion beam columns for high-quality cross sectioning. With automation, unattended high-throughput processing of samples is possible.

Learn more ›

In Situ experimentation

Direct, real-time observation of microstructural changes with electron microscopy is necessary to understand the underlying principles of dynamic processes such as recrystallization, grain growth, and phase transformation during heating, cooling, and wetting.

Learn more ›

Multi-scale analysis

Novel materials must be analyzed at ever higher resolution while retaining the larger context of the sample. Multi-scale analysis allows for the correlation of various imaging tools and modalities such as X-ray microCT, DualBeam, Laser PFIB, SEM and TEM.

Learn more ›

Circuit Edit

Advanced, dedicated circuit edit and nanoprototyping solutions, which combine novel gas-delivery systems with a broad portfolio of chemistries and focused ion beam technology, offer unparalleled control and precision for semiconductor device development.

Learn more ›

Semiconductor TEM Imaging and Analysis

Thermo Scientific transmission electron microscopes offer high-resolution imaging and analysis of semiconductor devices, enabling manufacturers to calibrate toolsets, diagnose failure mechanisms, and optimize overall process yields.

Learn more ›

Sample Preparation of Semiconductor Devices

Thermo Scientific DualBeam systems provide accurate TEM sample preparation for atomic-scale analysis of semiconductor devices. Automation and advanced machine learning technologies produce high-quality samples, at the correct location, and a low cost per sample.

Learn more ›

Semiconductor Analysis and Imaging

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers scanning electron microscopes for every function of a semiconductor lab, from general imaging tasks to advanced failure analysis techniques requiring precise voltage-contrast measurements.

Learn more ›

Device Delayering

Shrinking feature size, along with advanced design and architecture, results in increasingly challenging failure analysis for semiconductors. Damage-free delayering of devices is a critical technique for the detection of buried electrical faults and failures.

Learn more ›

(S)TEM Sample Preparation

DualBeam microscopes enable the preparation of high-quality, ultra-thin samples for (S)TEM analysis. Thanks to advanced automation, users with any experience level can obtain expert-level results for a wide range of materials.

Learn more ›

3D Materials Characterization

Development of materials often requires multi-scale 3D characterization. DualBeam instruments enable serial sectioning of large volumes and subsequent SEM imaging at nanometer scale, which can be processed into high-quality 3D reconstructions of the sample.

Learn more ›

Nanoscale Prototyping

As technology continues to miniaturize, the demand for nanoscale devices and structures is ever increasing. 3D nanoprototyping with DualBeam instruments helps you to quickly design, create, and inspect micro- and nanoscale functional prototypes.

Learn more ›

APT Sample Preparation

Atom probe tomography (APT) provides atomic-resolution 3D compositional analysis of materials. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy is an essential technique for high-quality, orientation, and site-specific sample preparation for APT characterization.

Learn more ›

Cross-sectioning

Cross sectioning provides extra insight by revealing sub-surface information. DualBeam instruments feature superior focused ion beam columns for high-quality cross sectioning. With automation, unattended high-throughput processing of samples is possible.

Learn more ›

In Situ experimentation

Direct, real-time observation of microstructural changes with electron microscopy is necessary to understand the underlying principles of dynamic processes such as recrystallization, grain growth, and phase transformation during heating, cooling, and wetting.

Learn more ›

Multi-scale analysis

Novel materials must be analyzed at ever higher resolution while retaining the larger context of the sample. Multi-scale analysis allows for the correlation of various imaging tools and modalities such as X-ray microCT, DualBeam, Laser PFIB, SEM and TEM.

Learn more ›

Circuit Edit

Advanced, dedicated circuit edit and nanoprototyping solutions, which combine novel gas-delivery systems with a broad portfolio of chemistries and focused ion beam technology, offer unparalleled control and precision for semiconductor device development.

Learn more ›

Semiconductor TEM Imaging and Analysis

Thermo Scientific transmission electron microscopes offer high-resolution imaging and analysis of semiconductor devices, enabling manufacturers to calibrate toolsets, diagnose failure mechanisms, and optimize overall process yields.

Learn more ›

Sample Preparation of Semiconductor Devices

Thermo Scientific DualBeam systems provide accurate TEM sample preparation for atomic-scale analysis of semiconductor devices. Automation and advanced machine learning technologies produce high-quality samples, at the correct location, and a low cost per sample.

Learn more ›

Semiconductor Analysis and Imaging

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers scanning electron microscopes for every function of a semiconductor lab, from general imaging tasks to advanced failure analysis techniques requiring precise voltage-contrast measurements.

Learn more ›

Device Delayering

Shrinking feature size, along with advanced design and architecture, results in increasingly challenging failure analysis for semiconductors. Damage-free delayering of devices is a critical technique for the detection of buried electrical faults and failures.

Learn more ›

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