FT-SEM-HT04

FT-NMT04 ACCESSORY
VERSION 2.1

USER MANUAL
 Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Hardware ..................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 About this Accessory ..................................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Avoiding Damage to this Accessory............................................................................................1
1.1.3 Dangers ......................................................................................................................................1
1.1.4 Operation Environment ...............................................................................................................2
1.1.5 Cleaning ......................................................................................................................................2
1.1.6 Storage .......................................................................................................................................2
1.1.7 Disclaimer ...................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Delivery Content .................................................................................................................................3
1.3 The FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT Configuration.................................................................................................5
1.3.1 About this Configuration .............................................................................................................5
1.3.2 Required Components.................................................................................................................6
1.3.3 Hardware Description ................................................................................................................7
Heater Stage....................................................................................................................................7
Sample Holders ................................................................................................................................8
Sample Clamps .................................................................................................................................8
1.3.4 Configuring to FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT ...............................................................................................9
Configuration Guide .........................................................................................................................9
Disassembly of the FT-NMT04-XYZ ............................................................................................... 10
Assembly of the FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT .............................................................................................. 11
1.3.5 Hardware Installation .............................................................................................................. 13
Setup the Controllers and Ex-Situ Wiring ..................................................................................... 13
Prepare the FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT .................................................................................................... 14
Quick System Test ........................................................................................................................ 16
1.3.6 Technical Data.......................................................................................................................... 17
Heating Stage ............................................................................................................................... 17
FT-TC04 Temperature Controller ................................................................................................. 17
1.3.7 Dimensions ............................................................................................................................... 17
FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT ......................................................................................................................... 17
FT-TC04 Temperature Controller ................................................................................................. 18
1.4 Reconfiguring to FT-NMT04-XYZ ..................................................................................................... 19
2 Software ................................................................................................................................................ 21
2.1 Temperature Control Window ......................................................................................................... 22

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Table of Contents

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 1 Hardware

1 HARDWARE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 ABOUT THIS ACCESSORY
This accessory was developed for applications such as the following:

• High temperature compression tests

• High temperature nanoindentation

This allows to upgrade the FT-NMT04-XYZ to the following configuration

• FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT

1.1.2 AVOIDING DAMAGE TO THIS ACCESSORY

This FT-SEM-HT04 is a high-precision instrument. Forces above 10 N or torques above 0.2 Nm induced
during handling, installation or transportation may permanently damage the system.

• Avoid lateral forces and torque between the

sample heater (red) and the main body
(orange).
• When handling the FT-SEM-HT04 always hold
it by the main body (orange) and not by the
sample heater (red) or plug (yellow) as
indicated in the picture to the right.
• When mounting a sample, hold the sample
heater (red) to avoid applying torque or
lateral forces between the main body
(orange) and the sample heater (red).
• Always monitor the Temp Base channel and
do not exceed 120 °C.
• Never expose the sample heater to oxygen
when it is above 300 °C.
• Only heat the sample heater above 300 °C
when it is in a vacuum.

1.1.3 DANGERS
Danger due to high voltage should be considered when installing and using the FT-SEM-HT04. Therefore:

• Never touch any electrical connection that might be connected to an output with a high voltage.

• Do not connect products from other manufacturers to the output connectors.

• Do not open the controller.

Danger due to high temperatures should be considered when installing and using the FT-SEM-HT04.
Therefore:

• Never touch the sample heater when it is hot.

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1.1.4 OPERATION ENVIRONMENT

Dust, humidity as well as liquids can damage the piezoelectric actuators of the nanomechanical testing
platform and the sample rotation and tilt stages or can lead to a limited functionality of the microforce
sensing probe. Therefore:

• Dusty environments should be avoided. Dust may settle in-between the rails, the balls or rollers
and the slider of nanomechanical testing platform, which would have a negative effect on the
precision. Also, the position sensors and the microforce sensing probe are sensitive to dust.

• The nanomechanical testing platform must stay dry. The system can be operated in a humidity
range of 0% - 80% (no condensation).

• The maximum probe tip length that can be immersed into a liquid is 2 mm.

• Humid environment may lead to corrosion, which should be avoided.

• Use the system indoors only.

• The system is sensitive to vibrations and shocks which can be avoided by mounting the system
on a vibration isolation table.

• Avoid strong, oscillating magnetic fields.

Environment Indoor usage only

Humidity range 0% – 80%
Max. mains voltage fluctuations ±10 %
Pollution degree 2
Cooling airflow recommended (controllers) Min. 3 cm distance to the wall
Overvoltage category II

1.1.5 CLEANING
The system can be cleaned with wipes and isopropanol. Special care has to be taken to avoid that liquid
intrudes into any part of the system or its components. Please ensure the heating stage is cold before
exposing it to isopropanol to avoid fire hazards.

1.1.6 STORAGE
The FT-SEM-HT04 should either be stored in its packaging or under a protective cover to keep dust,
liquids as well as vapor away and to protect it from mechanical damage.

1.1.7 DISCLAIMER
This product can only function correctly and safely if it is transported, stored, set up, and installed
correctly, and if it is operated and maintained as recommended by FemtoTools. If the system is not used
according to the guidelines described in this manual, the compliance to the safety regulations can be
diminished.

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1.2 DELIVERY CONTENT

The delivery content is shipped in a dedicated box.

FT-TC04
Heating Stage Temperature
Controller

48V Power
Unit Cable
Supply

DSub9 Cable DSub25 Cable

MiniDIN8 Cable

Small Parts Box

Heater Spacer Assembly Spacer

Sample Clamp A Sample Clamp B

Reference
Sample Clamp C
Sample Clamp

Sample Fixation Sample Fixation

screws (short) screws (long)
countersunk countersunk
Allen M2x4 Allen M2x8

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Heater Spacer
Reference screws
Sample countersunk
(packaged) Philips
M3x25

Heater XYZ
Configuration Configuration
screws screws
countersunk countersunk
Phillips M3x35 Phillips M3x35

Heatsink screws
panhead Phillips
M3x5

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1.3 THE FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT CONFIGURATION

1.3.1 ABOUT THIS CONFIGURATION

This configuration is used to mount a sample for the following applications:

• High temperature compression tests

• High temperature nanoindentation

With the sensor tip aligned with the center of the sample heater (see below), this configuration has
been optimized for a large reachable area on the heated sample.

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1.3.2 REQUIRED COMPONENTS

The FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT configuration requires the FT-NMT04-XYZ and the following components from
this accessory:

Heating Stage

Heater Spacer

Heater Spacer
screws
countersunk
Philips
M3x25
Heater
Configuration
screws
countersunk
Phillips M3x35

Assembly Spacer

In addition, the following tools are required:

• PH1 Philips screwdriver

• 0.89 mm Allen key

• Reconfiguration Guide

• Assembly Tool

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1.3.3 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

This chapter explains the components of this accessory used in this configuration.

HEATER STAGE

Sample Heater Heats the sample.

Heater Base Mounts the sample heater to the FT-NMT04-XYZ

and acts as a thermal buffer.

Dovetail The mechanical interfaces to connect to the

FT-NMT04.
Heater Plug Connects the heater to the FT-NMT04-XYZ.

Heatsink Mounting Point Connects the Heater Base to the Heatsink.

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SAMPLE HOLDERS

Reachable Area The reachable area on the sample heater is

outlined in the dashed squares.

SAMPLE CLAMPS

Sample Clamp A
Use this sample clamp for minimal imaging obstruction and clamping the sample
in three points

Sample Clamp B
Use this sample clamp to maximize the contact area between sample and
sample heater.

Sample Clamps C
Use these sample clamps for small samples.

Reference Sample Clamp

Use this sample clamp for the reference sample.

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1.3.4 CONFIGURING TO FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT

This section first explains how to use the reconfiguration guide and then shows how to reconfigure the
FT-NMT04-XYZ into the FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT.

CONFIGURATION GUIDE

The purpose of the reconfiguration guide is to ensure a repeatable alignment of the different parts of
the system. This is achieved by stacking the parts in the guide for assembly as shown in the example
below.

To ensure the best results adhere to the following:

• Make sure the parts are in firm contact with the limiters when tightening screws.

• Tighten the screws bit by bit alternating between them instead of tightening them to the
maximum one at the time.

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DISASSEMBLY OF THE FT-NMT04-XYZ

Prior to reconfiguration the FT-NMT04-XYZ

must be disassembled into the two main
components, the measurement stage and the
alignment stage.

First take the FT-NMT04-XYZ out of the

storage box and remove the transport
fixations.

Disassembling the FT-NMT04-XYZ 1 requires the following tools:

• PH1 Philips screwdriver

1. Put the FT-NMT04-XYZ into the

reconfiguration guide.

2. Use the PH1Phillips

screwdriver to loosen the XYZ
configuration screws and
remove them from the
alignment stage.

3. Remove the alignment stage.

1When reconfiguring directly from another configuration, remove all configuration screws, spacer screws and
spacers and the alignment stage.

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ASSEMBLY OF THE FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT

The assembly of the FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT requires the following tools:

• PH1 Phillips screwdriver

• 0.89 mm Allen key

• Reconfiguration Guide

1. Mount the Heater Spacer with

the spacer screws and use the
PH1 Phillis screwdriver to
tighten the screw.
Make sure the spacer is in firm
contact with the
reconfiguration guide. Visually
check the alignment and adjust
if necessary.

2. Add the Assembly Spacer to

the reconfiguration guide.

3. Put the alignment stage into

the reconfiguration guide and
tighten the configuration
screws.
Make sure the alignment stage
is in firm contact with the
Assembly Spacer. Visually
check the alignment and adjust
if necessary.

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4. Mount the heating stage.

5. Tighten the indicated setscrew

with the 0.89 mm Allen key.

6. Plug in the heater plug.

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1.3.5 HARDWARE INSTALLATION

For the hardware installation, please refer to the FT-NMT04-XYZ In-Situ SEM Nanoindenter User Manual.
This section only covers the aspects specific to this configuration.

SETUP THE CONTROLLERS AND EX-SITU WIRING

The controller setup and ex-situ wiring requires no tools.

Place the controllers within 1.5 meters of the SEM’s flange with the feedthroughs.
Then connect the system as follows (connections A to G are the same as in the
FT-NMT04-XYZ Hardware Manual, connections H to L are specific for this accessory).

FT-SCU04 A Connect the three round plugs to the feedthroughs according to the
markings.
B Connect the 37 pole DSub connector to the Actuators/Sensors B on the
FT-SC04 System Controller.
C Connect the 25 pole DSub connector to the Actuators/Sensors A on the
FT-SC04 System Controller.

12V Power Supply D Connect the 12 V Power Supply to the FT-SC04 System Controller
& Power Cable E Connect the 12 V Power Supply to a power outlet.

Hand Control F Connect the FT-nHCM Hand Control Module to the HCM socket on the
Module Cable controller.

USB Cable G Connect the controller to a PC or laptop.

DSub9 Cable H Connect the System Accessory Feedthrough on SCU to the SCU marked
socket on FT-TC04 Temperature Controller.

DSub25 Cable I Connect the GPIO marked socket on the FT-SC04 System Controller to
the GPIO marked socket on FT-TC04 Temperature Controller.

MiniDIN8 Cable J Connect the FT-S/FT-G marked socket on the

FT-SC04 System Controller to the FT-S/FT-G marked socket on
FT-TC04 Temperature Controller.

48V Power Supply K Connect the 48 V Power Supply to the FT-TC04 Temperature Controller
& Power Cable L Connect the 48 V Power Supply to a power outlet.

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When using the FT-NMT04 in a SEM, the ground socket of the FT-SC04 System Controller is not
connected because system is already grounded via the SEM chamber. Connecting the controller ground
would create a ground loop which increases the sensitivity for electromagnetic fields and, as a
consequence, system noise.

PREPARE THE FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT

First secure the FT-NMT04-HT to the lower part of the storage box.

1. Slide the system onto the rail.

2. Tighten the Dovetail screws.

Then mount the FT-S Microforce Sensing Probe following the instructions in the
FT-NMT04-XYZ Hardware Manual. Then mount the sample to the system.
Mounting the samples requires the sample, the sample clamps of your choice, sample fixation screws
and the following tools:

• 0.89 mm Allen key

• PH1 Phillips screwdriver

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Remove the heating stage, mount the sample and mount the heating stage again.

1. Unplug the heater plug.

2. Loosen the indicated

setscrew with the 0.89 mm
Allen key.

3. Remove the heating stage.

4. Place the sample on the Hold on to this when

heater and use the PH1
Phillips screwdriver to tighten tightening the screws.
down the sample clamp of
your choice. Hold on to the
sample heater when
tightening the screws. DO NOT HOLD ON TO
THE HEATER BASE
WHEN TIGHTENING
THE SCREWS.

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5. Mount the heating stage.

6. Tighten the indicated

setscrew with the 0.89 mm
Allen key.

7. Plug in the heater plug.

Finally, before putting the system in vacuum and starting the measurement, move back the cover of the
microforce sensing probe. Remember to hold on to the scanner to prevent movement.

QUICK SYSTEM TEST

In addition to the tests listed in the FT-NMT04-XYZ Hardware Manual, check the following.

• Verify that the heating stage is connected properly.

o Use the continuous graph to make sure the temperature channels (Temp Sample and
Temp Base) show a plausible value.

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1.3.6 TECHNICAL DATA

HEATING STAGE

Heater Power 30 W
Max temperature in air 300 °C
Max temperature in vacuum 600 °C

FT-TC04 TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER

Dimensions L, W, H 222 mm, 182 mm, 5 mm

Interface Serial
USB (for firmware updates only)
Power input 48 V 1.0 A

1.3.7 DIMENSIONS
FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT

FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT Front View

FT-NMT04-XYZ-HT Top View

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FT-TC04 TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER

FT-TC04 Temperature Controller Front View

FT-TC04 Temperature Controller Top View

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1.4 RECONFIGURING TO FT-NMT04-XYZ

This configuration requires the following parts and tools:

• Measurement Stage

• Alignment Stage

• Three XYZ configuration screws

• PH1 Phillips screwdriver

1. Put the Reconfiguration Guide on a

stable flat surface.

2. Put the measurement stage into the

guide (direction 1). Make sure it touches 2
the bottom limit (direction 2) and the
side limit (direction 3)

3. Align the alignment stage with the two

indicated limits and then move it into
contact with the measurement stage.

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4. Put the XYZ configuration screws into

the indicated holes and tighten them with
the PH1 Phillips screwdriver. Make sure
the parts stay firmly in contact with their
limits. Visually check the alignment and
adjust if necessary.

5. Lift the FT-NMT04-XYZ in direction (1)

until the SEM-clamp is clear of the 2
Reconfiguration Guide, then move it in
direction (2) until the wires are clear of
the Reconfiguration Guide.

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 2 Software

2 SOFTWARE
To use the FT-SEM-HT04 with the FemtoTools Software Suite you need to check the Heating stage box in
the measurement setup window (see to the right).

This will lead to the following changes in the software:

• Additional data channels:

Temp Sample
Temp Base
Voltage Sample
Current Sample
Voltage Tip
Current Tip

• Temperature control window

All these changes are documented in detail in the next

section. All other aspects of the
FT-NMT04 Software Suite will remain as documented in
the FT-NMT04-XYZ Software Manual.

Please remember the following when using the FT-SEM-

HT04 to avoid damage:

• Always monitor the Temp Base channel and do

not exceed 120 °C.

• Never expose the sample heater to oxygen

when it is above 300 °C.

• Only heat the sample heater above 300 °C when it is in a vacuum.

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2 Software

2.1 TEMPERATURE CONTROL WINDOW

The temperature control window is opened by pressing the Temperature Control button on the right-
hand side of the measurement modules. This window is used to control both the sample and tip heaters.

Make sure that the FT-TC04 Temperature Controller is powered up before clicking
Turn Heaters off and Initialize (1). After turning the heaters off, this function performs a self-
calibration of the temperature controller and a self-test of the tip heater. Always push this button after
turning on the controller for accurate readings. The power consumption of the sample heater (11) and
tip heater (12) are updated continuously.

The sample heater uses feedback control to hold a fixed temperature. Enter the desired temperature
(2) and click Set Sample Temperature (4). The current temperature of the sample (3) is shown at all
times.

It is crucial that the sensor tip and the sample are at the same temperature to perform accurate
measurements. If there is a temperature difference, the temperature at the area of contact does not
remain constant over the duration of the measurement. Heat flow between the sample and tip can
cause undesired thermal expansion and inaccurate displacement measurements.

The current flowing through the tip heater can be adjusted by entering the desired tip heater current
(5) and clicking Set Tip Current (6). To help bringing the tip to the temperature of the sample
automatically, the tip is repeatedly brought into contact with the sample up to a fixed contact force (8).
Every time the tip moves out of contact again, it cools down, if the sample was hotter, or heats up, if the
sample was colder. This temperature change causes a small change in the voltage output of the force
sensing probe, called the Tip Equilibrium Error (9). An error greater than zero indicates that the sample
is hotter than the tip.

The thermal resistance between tip and sample can vary by several orders of magnitude, depending on
the materials and contact force used. The thermal resistance slider (7) is used to adjust the feedback
gain of the Equilibrate Tip Temperature function (10). We recommend to start with a low setting on
samples with unknown properties. If the Tip Equilibrium Error (9) does not go towards zero, the thermal
resistance setting should be increased. If the error keeps changing its sign without its absolute value
getting smaller than 0.1 mV, a lower resistance setting should be used.

Please ensure the tip is in front of the area of interest and no measurement is running before activating
the Equilibrate Tip Temperature sequence (10). The button needs to be pressed again to stop this
sequence before any measurement is performed.

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