Design of an Ultra-High Resolution SEM for Enhanced Analysis
The column is equipped with a well-known single-pol e bjective lens [2] that creates a strong magnetic  field around the sample, thus dramatically decreasi ng optical aberrations. Design optimization and combining the magnetic immersion field with the ele ctrostatic field [3] further improves the resolutio n to less than 1.1 nm at 1 kV. For analytical purpose s (EDS or EBSD) or for use with a FIB column however, the immersion magnetic field becomes a com plication due either to curvature of signal electron trajectories or beam splitting of ion-isot opes.
A New SEM Column Combining Ultra-High Resolution and Flexible Scanning
The critical parts of the scanning electron microscope optical system are the technology of the objective lens (that determines the resolving power) and the configuration of the deflecting elements used for scanning. However, requirements for high resolution, high beam deflection and analytical compatibility are usually in conflict with each other because of design limitations. A significant advance towards the optimal design was the introduction of Wide Field Optics technology incorporating two objective lenses located below and above the double-stage scanning deflectors. This configuration provides several display modes which delivers both high resolution imaging and a large field of view using optimization of the scanning pivot-point position and an advanced engine for correction of optical distortion. The technology further allows a mode with controlled depth of focus and a rocking beam mode with the pivot point on the sample [1]. Another technology uses ultra-high resolving power with immersion optics, but the resolution in magnetic-field-free mode is lower [2].
Coherent pulsed injection seeding of two gain-switched semiconductor lasers
High-power, narrow-spectrum, short pulses at a wavelength near 830 nm are needed for optical logic applications. The authors report the generation of two coherent trains of pulses by pulsed injection seeding of two gain-switched semiconductor lasers with one mode-locked master oscillator. The available power was doubled and both lasers emit in nearly identical spectral lines. Short pulses (30-50 ps) are generated at a repetition rate of 1.9 GHz. The spectrum is reduced to a single mode cluster and shows a 1.7 AA wide chirp suitable for pulse compression. The peak power is 0.1 W for each pulse train. The capability of this technique for coherent power combining is demonstrated.<<ETX>>