RBD Instruments is now providing a re-tipping service for the 10-610 monochromator X-ray source anode. Besides installing a new copper tip, a diamond disc is inserted into the center of the copper tip and then the anode is coated with a thin coating of aluminum.

The thermal conductivity of diamond is about 5 times better than copper. By using diamond to improve the heat dissipation of the anode, the aluminum coating lasts significantly longer than the original anode and ensures that the anode will not melt once the aluminum coating is eventually worn off.

If the original anode was operated for more than the recommended lifetime of 1,100 hours it was possible for the anode to melt a small hole in the center of the anode and leak water into the vacuum chamber. The image below shows a 10-610 anode that is worn out and very close to developing a leak.

Sometimes this would show up as a change in the chamber vacuum when the X-ray source was turned on. Other times it would result in a lot of water leaking into the vacuum chamber with catastrophic effects on internal parts such as the ion pumps and the MCD chevron plates. These results are in addition to all the water vapor created in the vacuum chamber. (RBD also provides various products for removing water vapor from vacuum systems.)

The 10-610 monochromator X-ray source re-tipping service will prevent the water leakage issue, no matter how many hours you have on the anode.

For more information contact us at https://www.rbdinstruments.com/phi/optics-parts.html

The PHI 5400 and 5600 LS (large sample) XPS systems and some of the 5600 and 5700 systems use motors to control the specimen stage via the system control software.

Over a period of many years, the motors can slow down or suddenly stop moving.

This blog post will show you how to possibly solve the problem.

The motors used on the PHI automated specimen stages are TRW precision fractional-horsepower motors. These motors are no longer made but you can sometimes find them on eBay.

In the example below, this motor was working fine and suddenly stopped moving. Lubricating the motor shaft solved the issue.  If you have a PHI automated specimen stage where a motor is sluggish or stopped working, try lubricating it as shown below. If lubricating the motor does not solve the problem, then the motor might be bad and need to be replaced.

Procedure

Remove the defective motor from the specimen stage and set it on a flat surface with the white motor cover facing up.

Remove the white plastic cap (2 screws).

Using 3 in 1 oil, put a few drops onto the end bearing and let it soak in for 15 minutes. When the oil is complexly drained into the bearing, apply a few more drops and let it soak in for 15 more minutes. IMPORTANT! Do not use WD40.  That may work short term but long term it will dry out the lubrication on the motor shaft and cause it to seize up.

Wipe off any excess oil and then replace the white plastic cap.

Connect the motor cable back up and test the motor using the software. Do not connect the motor to the specimen stage at this point.

 If the motor now works, you can reconnect the motor.  In the case of an LS system, you need to put the specimen stage into the bakeout position. Then manually set the repaired motor feedthrough to the bake out position and install the motor.

In the case of a 10-323 or 10-325 specimen stage, you need to set the stage to the correct position and set the motor to the correct position in the software before attaching the motor.

Read the blogs below for more information about your specific specimen stage.