Manufacturer: FEI, USA

The Talos L120C G2 is a 120 kV Transmission Electron Microscope with optional STEM functionality, uniquely designed for performance across a wide range of applications, such as 2D and 3D imaging of cells, cell organelles, asbestos, polymers and soft materials, both at ambient and cryogenic (liquid-nitrogen) temperatures. The system’s Constant-Power™ C-TWIN lens delivers outstanding optical performance to help ensure an optimal balance of contrast and resolution at both moderate and high magnifications. The Talos L120C G2 is a fully digital microscope, which incorporates a new digital search-and-view camera (SmartCam), specially designed by Thermo Fisher Scientific. This high-speed digital camera replaces the conventional fluorescent viewing screen and gives users the freedom to operate the microscope under daylight conditions.

The Talos L120C allows for up to 10 meter separation between the workstation and the microscope, and can even be operated remotely through the internet, if the Remote Operation option is added to the configuration. In the unique Talos concept, all microscope components, like the electron gun, the optical elements, the vacuum system and the stage, are digitally controlled. The task-oriented user interface allows users to automatically recall all optimized operating conditions including lens settings, gun parameters, optical alignments, and aperture alignments for all the different techniques such as TEM, STEM, and low-dose. Likewise, all detectors, such as the Ceta 16M CMOS camera, and STEM detectors, are computer controlled. The acquisition of data with these detectors is embedded in the Talos user interface and can be automated for certain acquisition processes, such as TEM/STEM tomography data acquisition and single particle data acquisition.

Because of this sophisticated computer system, the Talos is especially suited for multi-user and multi-discipline environments. Features and specifications: Electron Optics Talos L120C G2 is equipped with new, Thermo Fisher Scientific-designed optics electronics that come with ultimate stability and that enable rotation-free imaging. On top of that, Talos offers Full-Range Constant-Power Objective lens control through which ultimate stability is guaranteed while switching modes. The microscope is fully aligned at 120 kV in the Thermo Fisher Scientific factory. At this pre-aligned acceleration voltage, critical microscope characteristics are maximized, helping ultimate performance in imaging and analysis. The settings of these alignments are stored and can be recalled by the user. The Microscope Column The Talos L120C G2 is a transmission electron microscope which operates at voltages up to 120 kV. Its proven Talos column design includes an electron gun with Wehnelt assembly, suitable for tungsten filaments (standard) and LaB6 cathodes (optionally available), two condenser lenses, the C-TWIN objective lens with a computerized 5 axes eucentric goniometer, diffraction lens, intermediate lens and two projector lenses.

Moreover, it comprises a support frame with the electron optical column (including the SmartCam), operational controls, vacuum system, cabinets with power supplies and TEM control electronics, and an HT generator. Some highlights of the Talos L120C G2 column are: - Oil-free vacuum system - IGP pumped gun assembly for improved vacuum - Symmetric C-TWIN objective lens for high contrast - High-speed, digital search-and-view camera (SmartCam) - Pneumatically driven beam stop for diffraction work - Automated condenser and objective apertures, and optional automated SA aperture - Optional long-stand, Cold-trap dewar offering 3-4 days maintenance free cooling SmartCam Digital Search and View Camera The classic projection chamber with viewing window is replaced on Talos L120C G2 by the SmartCam, which is a combination of a high frame rate CCD camera and a retractable fluorescent screen. The SmartCam prepares Talos L120C G2 for remote operation (both local and distant), and removes the requirement for dimmed lighting in the vicinity of the microscope. The system is equipped with a wide-screen monitor arrangement that, combined with the ergonomic hand-panels, provides an attractive working environment for the operator.

The SmartCam has the following capabilities: - High frame rate: up to 40 frames per second - Automatically adaptable gain and large magnification range allow the user to undertake diverse tasks such as locating a lost beam at low magnification and imaging a focused beam at high magnification - High Dynamic Range Mode allowing alternating short and long exposures - Smart user interface to adapt the dynamic range for different tasks so that, for example, (bright) diffraction spots and (weak) Kikuchi lines can be observed in one image - Ultra-robust scintillator design, which makes it insensitive to beam damage - Observation of focused high intensity beams - Live Fourier Transforms - False color imaging - All microscope alignments can be carried out using the camera Vacuum System The proven Thermo Fisher Scientific vacuum system ensures a clean, high-quality vacuum throughout the column, with special attention being paid to the specimen and emission chamber. The vacuum system of the Talos is completely oil-free.

It comprises a membrane pump, a turbo-molecular pump; and two ion getter pumps. An automatic vacuum valve between the gun and the column is present to allow the gun vacuum to remain functional all the time. As a consequence, the emitter and gun accelerating voltage can remain on even during sample exchange. Other features of the vacuum system are the IGP-only pumping during normal microscope work (eliminating vibrations due to the turbo-molecular pump), and efficient airlock pumping, allowing high sample throughput, e.g. for screening purposes. A cooling device with cold trap and liquid nitrogen dewar is fitted in the objective block to maintain the cleanliness of the vacuum. A cryo-cycle option is available, which provides an automated routine allowing the column to be pumped by the turbo-molecular pump during the warm-up cycle of the cooling device. The result is a very clean column and vacuum system. Automatic Apertures The condenser and objective apertures are fully computer controlled and motorized on Talos L120C G2, and an automated SA aperture is available as option. Alignments and positions are automatically recalled.