This document is the alignment and setup manual for Philips CM12 (S)TEM. It describes the different parts of CM12, including the microscope, control panels, and specimen holder. The manual provides detailed instructions for the startup procedure, alignment process, sample loading and unloading, and image adjustment.
This manual describes the Philips CM12 (S)TEM transmission electron microscope, its major components, and the procedures required to prepare the instrument for use. It covers the microscope structure, control panels, specimen holder, and side‑entry chamber.
The document walks the user through start‑up, filament saturation, beam and gun alignment, condenser adjustments, sample handling, image acquisition, and the power‑down sequence, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the TEM.
| Filament limit | 24 |
|---|---|
| Vacuum parameter P3 | < 50 |
| Vacuum parameter IGP | < 35 |
| Gun current (ideal) | around 3 |
| Gun voltage (ideal) | 100 keV |
| Maximum magnification (shutdown) | ≈ 7100× |
| Filament saturation step delay | 5 seconds |
Log in to the connected computer, press the Power Switch on the left control panel, then press the HIGH TENSION button to energize the electron gun.
Open the filament saturation window (MODE > CONFIGURATION), note the FIL LIMIT of 24, and slowly turn the Filament Knob clockwise, waiting 5 seconds between each click until the green beam reaches the desired brightness.
Center the beam using the intensity knob, then adjust the X & Y shift knobs to align it with the black dot on the screen; for gun tilt, press the ALGN button, select GUN > TILT, and use the multifunction X/Y knobs to center the gun shadow.
Reduce magnification, turn the filament knob back to zero, switch off the HIGH TENSION and control panel, cover the viewing windows, log off the computer, and sign the user logsheet.