XL-R Series - Dual bellows, high stability, precision stages
MultiCentre Analytical Stages
Typical 5 axis manipulator shown. This unit includes X, Y and Z translation, plus both Polar (R1) and Azimuthal (R2) rotation of the sample holder.
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Typical 5 axis manipulator shown. This unit includes X, Y and Z translation, plus both Polar (R1) and Azimuthal (R2) rotation of the sample holder.
Advantages
- Dual bellows with 3, 4 or 5 axes
- Up to +/- 40mm XY Motion
- Dual-point support for ultimate stability
- 100-1000mm Z Motion
- Puck, Flag or ESCA sample handling
- E-beam heating, LN2 cooling plus biasing options
Overview
The XL-R series is a truly modular dual bellows stage. Based on the proven design of the MultiStage series of manipulators, a full range of XY and Z stage modules are available which are interchangeable, resulting in complete flexibility.
With the addition of an integrated dual-point support, the XL-R series offers greatly increased stability, making it an ideal choice for surface analytical and synchrotron end-station applications where long travel and stability are essential.
All stage modules use proven kinematic designs that eliminate thermal stressing problems, such that even after repeated bakeout at 250°C, smooth operation is assured.
Specification Table
| Model | Puck-Style | Flag-Style | ESCA Stub |
| Mounting flange | CF100 152mm (6") OD CF / CF150 203mm (8") OD CF | ||
| X-Y travel | +/- 19mm or +/- 40mm | ||
| Z travel | 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800 and 1000mm | ||
| Polar rotation | +/- 180° (+/- 100° with LHe option) | ||
| Azimuthal rotation | Continuous with LN2 cooling (+/- 100° with LHe cooling) | N/A | |
| Maximum sample size | 25mm diameter | 15mm x 18mm | 14mm diameter |
| Resistive heating | > 900°C | > 900°C (600°C with LHe option) | > 900°C |
| e-beam heating | > 1200°C | > 1200°C (Not available with LHe option) | N/A |
| LN2 cooling | < -150°C (<-170°C typically achieved) | < -140°C | |
| LHe cooling | N/A | <30K | N/A |
| Sample current measurement | Isolation > +/- 1000 V Resistance > 500 MOhm | ||
Charts
Drawing: XL-T/XL-R 5-Axis Stage - Resistive e-Beam Sample Heating
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Example Flag Sample Transfer Using Wobble Stick
Example Flag Sample Transfer Using Power Probe
Choice of resistive and e-beam heating options
Both the XL-T and XL-R range of multicentres can provide resistive sample heating to 900°C or e-beam sample heating to 1,200°C (typical values).
Resistive heating to 900°C
Robust self-supporting Ta foil heater, for minimum outgassing and large ratio of heated to open surface area ensuring heater longevity. The filament is also Yttria coated to provide additional robustness in oxidising atmospheres and for protection in the event of an accidental vent. Note: heating limited to 600°C with LHe option.
E-beam heating to 1,200°C
For higher temperature requirements the e-beam heating option achieves sample temperatures up to 1200°C. To upgrade to e-beam heating simply requires a change of power supply unit.
MultiCentre heater power supply
MultiCentre radiative heating power supply
Universal voltage 90-240 V power supply with integrated Eurotherm temperature control for optimal control of sample temperature using resistive heating. Key features include:
- Compact 2 U rack mount
- Uses industry-standard Eurotherm temperature controller (32h8)
- Suitable for K, E & N type thermocouples
- Manual or automatic (PID) control
- Remote sense functionality of heater current & voltage
MultiCentre radiative with e-beam heating power supply
Universal voltage 90-240 V power supply providing regulated filament power, and the ability to 'float' either the filament (cathode) negative, or the sample (anode) to achieve high temperature electron beam heating of samples. Key features include:
- Radiant and e-Beam Heating, highly efficient 1500W 3U unit
- Wide range of temperature sensors, thermocouples
- Wide measurement range (1.4-2470K) with manual or PID control of temperature or ramp rate
- Remote control by RS232, Bluetooth and Ethernet - Web enabled
- Comprehensive, intuitive touch screen GUI
Choice of LN2 and LHe cooling options
Both the XL-T and XL-R range of multicentres can provide LN2 sample cooling to -170°C or LHe sample cooling to 30K (-243°C) (typical values).
LN2 cooling to -170°C
Innovative LN2 cooling module provides sample cooling down to <-150°C with continuous azimuthal rotation and temperature measurement. Typically the LN2 cooling can achieve sample temperatures to <-170°C. The LN2 circuit is routed through the hollow shaft with the coils inside the service collar to minimize the swept volume of the stage head.
LHe cooling to 30K (-243°C)
Based on UHV Design's own continuous flow cryostat, cryogenic temperatures below 30K can be achieved in less than one hour.
35L LN2 Dewar
LN2 Dewar transfer line
LN2 Dewar
Strong, lightweight LN2 storage dewars available in 5L, 10L , 15L, 25L and 35L capacity.
LN2 Transfer Line
Low thermal mass LN2 transfer line designed specifically for the MultiCentre range to minimise stage cooling times at low LN2 flow rates. Key features include:
- 5m inlet line to connect to dry LN2 supply line
- Pressure gauge with 2 safety pressure valves, inlet pressure regulator to control flow
- Insulated low thermal mass cryogen transfer line with coupling to fit MulitCentre stage
Choice of industry standard sample holders
Both the XL-T and XL-R range of multicentres can be configured to accept industry standard sample holders (detailed below).
Puck
25.4mm (d) x 10.9mm (h)
Flag
15mm (l) x 19mm (w)
Esca Stub
10mm (d) x 17mm (h)
Advanced stage optionss
Thanks to the unique uncluttered design of the stage it is possible to add the following advanced stage options:
Single flag-style parking position
5-axis flag-style heat / cool stage with the following additional features:
Single flag-style sample parking position which can loaded from either side by a wobble stick, is electrically floating for biasing and sample current measurement, and can be cooled.
Toggle mechanism which can be operated by a wobble stick to disengage the thermocouple from the back of the sample plate. Normally this functionality is accomplished by the forks on the magnetic transfer arm which engage in the end of the manipulator and disengage the thermocouple in the process.
Two level parking positions
4-axis flag-style heat / cool stage with a 2 level parking stage, both electrically floating and coolable into which can be loaded from either side:
- 2 standard flag samples, or
- two direct current heating flag samples, or
- a mixture thereof
- a special flag-style sample plate with a QMB (Quartz Microbalance) FTM (Film Thickness Monitor) mounted on it, or
- a special flag-style sample plate with an e-beam heater module which when loaded into the lower position can be used to heat a standard flag-style sample in the upper level to 1200°C
Flag mounted STM tip holder parking stage
5-axis flag-style heat / cool stage showing a custom parking position for the conditioning of flag mounted STM tips
Large flag-style parking position
4-axis flag-style heat / cool stage - showing an additional parking position for a large (30x30mm) flag-style sample plate, which is also electrically isolated for biasing and sample current measurement, and can be cooled