SEM Modernization

Modernize your SEM to the latest technology

Enhance your trusted electron microscope to meet modern standards! Our SEM Modernization exchanges outdated or not longer servicable add-ons for cutting-edge technology - from acquisition to control and software. Each microscope configuration and installation is carefully tailored to each customer's requirements.

Our modernization is possible for many types of scanning electron microscopes (SEM).

The point electronic SEM modernization adds state of the art performance and keeps the electron microscope serviceable for the next 10+ years. So: Don’t scrap – modernize!

Every modernization is a bespoke upgrade solution

We equip your SEM with completely new electronics, software and controls so that the microscope will perform even better for many years to come.

And: We offer you a modernization that is customized to your specific needs.

Your microscope will not only remain usable for all existing and future detectors, cameras, etc. We also tailor the modernization to your required technical options, technologies and applications in the SEM, up to the packaging solution in the plinth or in a separate rack..

We would be happy to advise you.

Click here and book a demo with us.

Advantages

The effects of our modernization for your SEM:

increased performance - from sample insertion to final image

a system that is fully serviceable, incl. 10+ years spare part guarantee for point electronic products

new techniques and capabilities in the SEM

Keep established workflows and add-ons

cost efficient, plus costs savings for acquisition, operation and service

How does the SEM Modernization work?

We optimize your microscope exactly to your needs - but that doesn't mean we exchange the whole system. With our SEM Upgrade, we change everything that needs changing and keep what is important for you.

YOU KEEP

Your column incl. HV-PSU and pumps
Your add-ons, according to functionality and your requirements
(such as EDX, EBSD, etc).
Your established/certified workflows
Your laboratory layout and ancillary equipment

WE ADD

State of the art electronics
User friendly software with efficient workflows
Improved performance
Network compatibility
New techniques
Reduced costs
Environmental friendlyness

How do we do the SEM Modernization?

Once we have configured the upgrade to your needs, specifications and conditions in your lab, we arrange an appointment at your premises:

• We handle the deinstallation of your old equipment.
• We do the on-site installation of the SEM modernization for you, in most cases directly in your lab.
• point electronic Modernizations take around 3 days. This keeps downtime to a minimum.
• With our included training you will be fit for our applications within 1 day.

Contact us

Arrange a demo with us or request a non-binding quote.

User experiences

What do our users and partners say about us? Read the experiences of scientists and engineers who work with a microscope modernized by point electronic. What were the reasons for an SEM update and what has changed compared to before?

"After the modernization with the point electronic upgrade, we were able to take amazingly good pictures with the existing detectors (SE / BSE), in a quality that far exceeded that of the original hardware even at the time of purchase 22 years ago. The operation with the two additional panels including trackball and the sophisticated software control of the device is also a lot of fun to work with. Software features such as the false color-coded contrast and brightness settings make operation so much easier."

Ao. Univ-Prof. Mag. Dr. Bernd Minnich, FRMS; Paris Lodron University Salzburg

about the SEM Modernization of a FEI/PHILIPS ESEM XL-30

to the full report

"The LEO 1560 has been with us since the end of 2001 and has served us very well so far. At the beginning of 2023, we received notification from the manufacturer that the device would be discontinued on October 1, 2023. As the LEO 1560 is a workhorse for us, we were looking for a way to operate the device for longer reliably, without the risk of total failure. This was achieved through modernization (replacement of hardware and software) by point electronic."

Bernd Leibold, Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart IMS

about the SEM Modernization of a LEO 1560

to the full report

"Over the past years, we have modernized two scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and a TEM. [...] The old systems could no longer fulfill the increased requirements in the areas of digital imaging, documentation and analysis as well as IT connection. In addition, there will soon be no spare parts for the devices and therefore no repair options. However, the technical design and the measuring principle of the devices still correspond to the current technical standard. [...] For us, the modernization by point electronic is a more cost-effective and resource-saving alternative to a new purchase."

Frank Steiniger, Electron Microscopy Centre at the University Hospital Jena

about the SEM Modernization of a LEO DSM982 and a LEO Gemini 1530

to the full report

"Over the past four years, we have modernized two scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and a TEM. [...] The old systems could no longer fulfil the increased requirements in the areas of digital imaging, documentation and analysis as well as IT connection. In addition, there will soon be no spare parts for the devices and therefore no repair options. However, the technical design and the measuring principle of the devices still correspond to the current technical standard. [...] For us, the modernization by point electronic is a more cost-effective and resource-saving alternative to a new purchase."

Gaby Esser, Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management (IFN) at the Forschungszentrum Jülich

about the SEM Modernization of a LEO DSM982

to the full report

Key Features

Short demonstration of the key features and settings for the scan generation and image acquisition.

Modernization of selected models of all microscope manufacturers

We look back on around 200 installations of our SEM upgrade. For these microscope models we offer SEM modernizations:

Zeiss

• DSM 940, 940A, 960, 962, 982
• LEO / Leica 420, 430, 440
• LEO 1525, 1530, 1530VP, 1550, 1550VP, 1560
• LEO 1430, 1430VP, 1440, 1440VP, 1450, 1450VP, 1455, 1455 VP
• Zeiss SUPRA series with and without VP
• Zeiss ULTRA / ULTRA Plus
• Zeiss Auriga (just SEM column without FIB)

Cambridge

• S90, S120, S200, S250, S260, S360

FEI / TFS

• FEI/Philips XL30, XL30 LaB6, XL30 ESEM, XL30 FEG, XL30 FEG ESEM ​
• FEI/Philips XL40, XL40 LaB6, XL40 ESEM, XL40 FEG, XL40 FEG ESEM​
• FEI/Philips XL20​

What is included?

Controls and aquisition

• New SEM control electronics and software
• Support for MicrosoftWindows 7 up to 11, with full network compatibility
• Universal GUI for all upgraded tools independent of manufacturer
• Versatile and fast Scanning system:
  • Simultaneous signal acquisition for up to 20 signals (SE, BSE, EDS, WDS, etc.)
  • Image resolution of up to 500 MPixels
  • Scanning speed down to 10ns dwell time
• Automatic vacuum, gun, stage and detector controls
• New hard panels for column, detector and stage control
• IR chamberscope (for most models)
• PC and display(s) or laptop (optional)

Techniques

• Atomic-number discrimination with BSE detectors
• Topography measurements with shape-from-shadow
• Micro-analysis with EDS detectors and mapping
• Electrical failure analysis with EBIC and EBAC/RCI

Easy to control - our control panels

We offer two options for the point electronic SEM modernization for control:

You can either combine our SEM Control Panel with our Joystick Panel, or with our Trackball Panel for controlling the stage. Just as it is most practical for you:

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Further technical details

The REM upgrade consists of hardware, software and options. Find the details here:

• Hardware
• Software
• Options

Here you will find user reports on some REM modernizations that we have recently completed for different companies and scientific institutions. Find out more about why users have opted for an REM update and what changes there are in the before-and-after comparison.

Upgrade of a FEI/PHILIPS ESEM XL-30 for the University of Salzburg

Can you tell us about your institution?

Our Core Facility Electron Microscopy at the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences of the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg offers scientists from various fields of physics, biology and biomedicine, as well as colleagues from the state hospitals in their various medical disciplines, the opportunity to analyze their samples in the SEM and TEM.

What were your reasons for modernizing?

The main reason for the modernization of our more than 20-year-old FEI XL-30 scanning electron microscope were several technical defects in the hardware and software, which ultimately led to a total failure of the microscope. As a result, many research projects, theses and teaching courses could not be continued. We therefore had to act quickly and find a relatively inexpensive solution to put the device back into operation, as purchasing a new SEM would not have been feasible in the short or medium term.

What is the microscope with the point electronic Upgrade enabling now?

After the modernization with the point electronic upgrade, we were able to take amazingly good pictures with the existing detectors (SE / BSE), in a quality that far exceeded that of the original hardware even at the time of purchase 22 years ago. The operation with the two additional panels including trackball and the sophisticated software control of the device is also a lot of fun to work with. Software features such as the false color-coded contrast and brightness settings make operation so much easier.

What are your experiences with the installation of the upgrade by point electronic?

The upgrade process was very well structured and very fast. After submitting the device data requested by point electronic (e.g. size of the sample chamber, installed detectors, ...), we received a binding cost estimate with 2 variants (incl. and without ESEM mode). After placing our order, we were given a prompt date for the upgrade process, which point electronic adhered to exactly. The upgrade itself, including training, was completed within 2 days.

We are also very impressed with the telephone support, which we used frequently, especially at the beginning after the changeover. The technicians are extremely competent and always available. Remote maintenance has also been installed, which has been very helpful in solving problems.

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SEM Modernization of a ZEISS LEO 1560 for the Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart IMS

Can you tell us about your institution?

At the Institut für Mikroelektronik Stuttgart IMS, we research and produce innovative applications for microelectronics and nanotechnology. As part of the Baden-Württemberg Innovation Alliance, we stand for technology transfer to industry. We combine university research and industrial application with reliable small series production.

What were your reasons for modernizing?

The LEO 1560 has been with us since the end of 2001 and has served us very well so far. At the beginning of 2023, we received notification from the manufacturer that the device would be discontinued on October 1, 2023. As the LEO 1560 is a workhorse for us, we were looking for a way to operate the device for longer reliably, without the risk of total failure. This was achieved through modernization (replacement of hardware and software) by point electronic.

Which applications do you use with the modernized microscope?

TWe mainly analyze samples from semiconductor production. These are mostly wafer fragments with silicon as the base material with a wide variety of structures. The modernization will not change the range of applications.

read more

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SEM Modernization of a LEO DSM982 and a LEO Gemini 1530 for the University Hospital Jena

Can you tell us about your institution?

The Electron Microscopy Centre (EMZ) is a central facility of the University Hospital Jena (UKJ).

It enables all facilities of the UKJ and numerous other institutes at the Jena site to co-operate on electron microscopy topics.

Electron microscopy offers the unique opportunity to visualise cellular structures in their functional environment in nanometre resolution. For clinical and biomedical research, electron microscopic images are in many cases a necessary and informative supplement to molecular biological and biochemical research results.

What were your reasons for modernizing?

Over the past four years, we have modernized two scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and a TEM. Essentially, these devices will be operated over a period of 15-25 years. The old systems could no longer fulfil the increased requirements in the areas of digital imaging, documentation and analysis as well as IT connection. In addition, there will soon be no spare parts for the devices and therefore no repair options. However, the technical design and the measuring principle of the devices still correspond to the current technical standard. For this reason, we have decided to upgrade the outdated digital components. This means that the devices can continue to be used. For us, the upgrade represents a more cost-effective and resource-saving alternative to a new purchase.

What is the microscope with the point electronic Upgrade enabling now?

The modernization by point electronic offers the opportunity to convert a well-functioning SEM analysis system at a reasonable price so that it meets the current requirements of digital imaging and current IT requirements. The existing airlock system (cryo-SEM) can continue to be used unchanged. The modernisation ensures that all essential system components can be repaired in the coming years.

Which applications do you use with the modernized microscope?

The SEM system was used to create high-resolution SE images and BSE images.

Biological samples: Insects, animal oak cells, bacteria, tissue, eye cornea, teeth, bones, etc.
Material samples: Nanoparticles, ceramic composites, carbon nanorods, bacterial nanocellulose, etc.

We are currently planning almost identical utilisation as before the upgrade. Thanks to the modernization, we now also have the option of integrating additional detectors into the evaluation system. The installation of a HAADF detector is planned as an extension, which will enable us to use the STEM method.

read more

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SEM Modernization of a LEO DSM982 for the Forschungszentrum Jülich

Can you tell us about your institution?

Forschungszentrum Jülich contributes to solving major societal challenges in the fields of information, energy and bioeconomy. It focuses on future information technologies, the human brain, energy system change and a sustainable bioeconomy. With interdisciplinary approaches, it uses simulation and data sciences as well as unique scientific infrastructures.

At the Institute of Energy and Climate Research / Plasma Physics (IEK-4), we are part of a globally networked joint effort to realize fusion power plants in order to transfer the sun's energy process to the earth and create a sustainable energy supply. The focus is on energy extraction from fusion reactor combustion chambers, which have to withstand extreme thermal loads. Suitable materials and their interactions with the fusion matter are being researched - also in cooperation with global fusion experiments.

The High Temperature Materials Laboratory (HML) investigates materials and components for the first wall and the divertor of the ITER and DEMO fusion facilities under fusion-relevant conditions.

What were your reasons for modernizing?

The ZEISS DSM 982 Gemini was purchased as a refurbished old device with correspondingly old software and hardware (e.g. internal computer, analog control). The modernization was intended to make the device fit for future use.

What is the microscope with the point electronic Upgrade enabling now?

The modernization by point electronic was recommended by ZEISS itself and enables the electronic control of the electron microscope in contrast to the previously existing analog control, which has made operation easier and more intuitive.

How is your experience with working with the modernized microscope?

Considering that a JEOL JSM 6100 and its successor, the ZEISS DSM 982 Gemini, were used in the original version at the HML for several decades, the modernization is an immense advantage, especially for newcomers or personnel who only use the system sporadically, due to the intuitive and user-friendly handling, which makes many things easier.

read more

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• Comparison: SEM before and after the modernization by point electronic GmbH

  

• Modernized microscope with new electronics in separate rack

  

• Modernized microscope with new electronics integrated in the plinth

  

• SEM Control software for controlling functions and for displaying and analyzing measurement data

  

• SEM Control Panel with Trackball Panel

  

• SEM Control Panel with Joystick Panel