Abstract:
The focusing device 8 for the primary beam in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) consists in known manner of a combination of a magnetic gap lens (34) and a monopole lens (38). The secondary electrons released from the specimen are detected in accordance with the invention by a detector whose deflection unit 52 , or the actual detector (64, 66), is arranged in a field-free space between the gap lens and the monopole lens. This space is rendered field-free by a screening plate (44) arranged underneath the gap lens. In order to achieve a high detector efficiency and a large field of vision, the pole tip of the focusing device 8 is provided with an attraction electrode (42) whose potential is higher than that of the specimen.
Abstract:
A thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, comprising a matrix material in a supported dispersion wherein the support is a solid or is formed from a solid. The invention is also directed to a method of making a thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, the layer comprising a matrix-solid composition disposed upon a substrate, comprising the step of depositing a solution containing matrix, solid and solvent upon a spinning substrate at a deposition rate sufficient to allow evaporation of the solvent, thereby interspersing the matrix and support on the substrate in a thin layer. Enhanced mass resolution is described.