Platinum Disc Apertures

Overview

Platinum disc apertures are precision-drilled metal discs used to define the electron beam path in the condenser and objective lens systems of SEMs and TEMs. SPI Supplies manufactures them to the most exacting standards and the smallest possible tolerances, in both hole size and hole placement. They are offered in outer diameters from 2 mm to 6.5 mm and thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, with hole sizes as small as 5 µm for high-resolution imaging apertures and as large as 1000 µm for spray/Wehnelt apertures. Platinum's chemical inertness and resistance to contamination buildup make it a common aperture material for objective and condenser apertures that require long service life between cleanings.

Construction and Tolerances

Apertures are drilled platinum discs made to the smallest possible tolerances in both hole size and hole placement. Additional technical information on tolerances and materials of construction is published separately by SPI Supplies for customers selecting replacement apertures.

Instrument Compatibility

Disc dimensions map to specific microscope brands and models: 2 mm OD x 0.1 mm for Zeiss/LEO; 2 mm OD x 0.6 mm for JEOL, Leica, Cambridge, Siemens/LEO, and Cameca; 3 mm OD x 0.1 mm for LEO, Nanolab, Novascan, and Zeiss; 3.04 mm OD x 0.25 mm for AMRAY, AEI, Electroscan, FEI/Philips, Cambridge S-600, JEOL, and Leitz; 4 mm OD x 0.2 mm for CAMSCAN, TOPCON, ISI, and ABT; 6.35 mm OD x 0.125 mm for ETEC, Autoscan, and Perkin Elmer; and 6.5 mm OD x 0.2 mm for Hitachi and Nissei Sangyo instruments.

Specifications