Radiant energy – With charged particle beam deflection or focussing – With detector
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-10
2001-06-05
Berman, Jack (Department: 2881)
Radiant energy
With charged particle beam deflection or focussing
With detector
Reexamination Certificate
active
06242748
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to mounting systems and, more particularly, to mounting systems for mounting an X-ray detecting unit to an electron microscope.
In recent years, it has become increasingly important to accurately analyze physical properties of microscopic regions using X-rays and microscopic images. In order to perform such analysis, a high power electron microscopes and high power X-ray detectors are utilized. Although the high power improves the operation of the X-ray detector, it also generates electronic noise. To reduce the electronic noise, a cooling system pumps liquid nitrogen through the X-ray detector. Although the cooling system controls the temperature of the X-ray detector, it also generates vibrations which are transmitted through the X-ray detector to the electron microscope.
Typically, mounting systems for mounting X-ray detectors to electron microscopes use a solid-mounting or solid structure type of port cover as a mounting platform. The platform is positioned between the X-ray detector and the microscope. A damping material is applied to the outside of the port cover. In an effort to eliminate the induced vibration, elaborate damping solid structures have been utilized. Such structures which are bulky and expensive.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment, a mounting system includes a port cover, a mounting interface, and a damping system. The port cover is attached to an electron microscope and the mounting interface is attached to the port cover. The damping system includes a plurality of collets, a collet clamp, and damping material. The damping material is attached directly to an outer surface of the mounting interface and the collets are then attached to the damping material. The collet clamp and port cover include integral wedges.
In operation, the integral wedges on the collet clamp and port cover force the collets to clamp against the mounting interface as the collet clamp is tightened. The clamping holds the detector such that the vibrations induced by the coolant system in the X-ray detector pass through the damping material. As such, a load path of the vibrations is through the damping material.
The mounting system eliminates a need for more costly and complicated mounting system damping equipment and is easily assembled. In addition, the system is compact in size, has a high damping efficiency, and provides a minimal static deflection when subjected to a load.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4097164 (1978-06-01), Campbell
patent: 5127807 (1992-07-01), Eslinger
patent: 5376799 (1994-12-01), Schamber et al.
patent: 5552608 (1996-09-01), Gallagher et al.
Gallagher Brian William
Vidinsky Branimir
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Berman Jack
EDAX Inc.
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