Searching for source of alignment problem in a Philip's CM12 TEM

in #share2steem5 years ago (edited)

Using a Starrett depth gauge to see if the lower objective lense on this older Philip's CM12 Transmission Electron Microscope is catty wompus. The lower section of the column is not aligning quite right. I found the lower pole piece was loose, so that may have been the problem. Sometimes when these things are transported, something shifts in the column, causing a whole myriad of issues. I am also entertaining the possibility that this part of the instrument was worked on before. If that is the case, something could have been left out or put in the wrong place. The objective lens sits on a stack of disc springs. If one of those was left out, that would cause the problem. The pole piece being loose, would change its orientation in relation or a cross over point for the beam, which could cause an alignment problem as well. For now tho, I am closing the column back up and pumping the system back down to look at the beam. Every time some one gets into on of these things, they run the chance of creating more complications. So, it does not hurt to to attack the problem stepwise, given you have the time.

The second picture is looking upward into the Octogon, through the anti contamination device (coldfinger), and into the upper obj pole piece. Just of to the side you can see the 4 removable adjustable objective apertures.

25 years ago I bought a 1" Micrometer, a 5x set of prick punches, a machinist level and the depth gauge, all made by Starrett. I use these every day, for QC and fabricating,when I am not out of town on a service call. They are my favorite tools. Still have the original boxes for the gauges! In the first picture you can see the lower pole piece, right behind my hand. #share2steem #mystarrettstory #science #steemstem #electronoptics #instamachinest #microscopy

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