Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology enables precise micro-scale cross-section preparation of samples for applications including research and development, quality control, and failure analysis.

Handling of the processed nano-scale lamellae is typically performed inside the FIB chamber using the ion beam. However, this process is time-consuming and requires multiple expensive systems to handle a high volume of samples.

To improve efficiency, we propose removing the processed sample from the FIB chamber and performing the handling under an optical microscope in atmospheric conditions.

Since the processing area is typically only several tens of micrometers in size, the operation must be performed under high-magnification optical microscopy.
When using our “AxisPro” , the lift-out process for transferring a processed lamella to a mesh or grid can be completed within a few minutes.

As shown in the image, both the sample and the probe can be rotated while　being observed under the microscope, significantly improving the efficiency of　the lift-out process.

Please feel free to contact us for further information.

Recently, we have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from pharmaceutical companies regarding sampling methods for foreign materials.
Based on our experience, several representative examples are summarized below.

Application 1. Black Foreign Substance on the Inner Wall of a Vial

Issue: The object is located on the tilted side surface.

Solution: Tilt the vial to enable microscopic observation, and use the tool tip to pick up the object while avoiding interference from surrounding structures.

Application 2. Fiber-Like Foreign Substance Adhered to the Inner Side of the Vial Lidv

Issue: The object is located on the tilted side surface.

Solution: Tilt the vial lid to enable microscopic observation and pick up the object using the tool tip.

Application 3. Black Foreign Materials on the Cloth Used for Wiping the Reactor

Issue: The target materials are located deep inside the reactor, making access difficult.

Solution: Spread the cloth under the microscope, secure it with a weight tool, and pick up the black solid object with the tool tip.

Application 4. Black foreign particles on the Surface of a Tablet

Issue: The foreign material must be isolated without damaging the tablet.

Solution: Secure the tablet using a tilt vise, observe the contaminated area under magnification, and carefully remove only the foreign material using the tool tip.

Application 5. Fiber-Shaped Foreign Material Contaminating Medical Cream

Issue: The foreign material is too small to pick up directly.

Solution: Apply the sample onto a slide glass for microscopic observation, then use micro-tweezers to isolate and collect the fiber-shaped foreign material.

Application 6. Floating foreign substances in a liquid

Issue: The foreign material is floating in the liquid, making it difficult to collect.

Solution: Use a micro-injector to collect the foreign material, transfer it onto a glass slide, wash it if necessary, and then proceed with analysis.

These methods can be applied not only in the pharmaceutical field but also in the cosmetics and food industries for pre-treatment in quality control of foreign material analysis. We hope this information helps you.