Phenom Knowledge base
– Webinar –
Enhancing Cryo-TEM Efficiency: Screening Negatively Stained Samples with Desktop STEM
Negative Stain imaging is a critical step in the…
– Tech Note –
Phenom Pharos: A Compact Desktop STEM for Screening Negative Stained Samples
The Phenom Pharos Desktop SEM/STEM is a compact and…
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Unlocking New Dimensions: 3D Surface Visualization with Scanning Electron Microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has long been a cornerstone…
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From Surface to Depth: How Accelerating Voltage Affects SEM Imaging
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful imaging technique…
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ChemiSEM / Chemiphase Now Available!
Learn more about live EDS & instant elemental mapping
Product Overview
The Phenom Pharos Desktop SEM uses a field emission gun (FEG) as its source of electrons for applications that demand the highest resolution. Benefitting from a broad accelerating voltage range of 1-20 kV, the Pharos is capable of accommodating a variety of insulating and beam-sensitive samples with low kV imaging, an ability enhanced further by a temperature controlled sample holder, among other compatible holders.
Field electron emission brings unmatched performance across all desktop SEMs
Go as low as 1 kV of accelerating voltage for insulating and beam sensitive specimens
Intuitive Interface
Operating a powerful FEG-SEM has never been easier with a clear and navigable user interface
No Infrastructure Needed
Tabletop, benchtop, or desktop, installation only requires a sturdy table and a single power outlet
Phenom Pharos Features
The Phenom Pharos G2 Desktop SEM is the premier field emission desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM), from ThermoFisher, designed to be the most accessible FEG system with the smallest footprint on the market, yet also capable of delivering the highest resolution images of any other desktop SEM. The core architecture of the Pharos is of the same design that has established the Phenom line of desktop SEMs as the world’s best- selling desktop SEMs: secondary electron detector (SED), optional energy-dispersive X-ray detector (EDS), low vacuum modes, and sophisticated suite of analytical software permit a thorough analysis of any sample. Coupling the core characteristics of Phenom SEMs with the low kV imaging and field emission technology of the Pharos pushes the boundaries of electron microscopy to new limits by enabling the detailed characterization of sensitive samples in pristine states.
- Schottky field electron emission (FEG-SEM)
- Accelerating voltage range of 1-20 kV
- 2,000,000x maximum SEM magnification
- Color optical camera for single-click navigation
- Integrated EDS detector option for elemental composition
- SED option for topography insights
- No infrastructure needed
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The Power of Phenom
Product Features
Superb Image Quality
Whether it’s the cerium hexaboride crystals of the XL, Pro, and Pure, or the FEG source of the Pharos, electron sources of the Phenom desktop SEMs create a more naturally coherent beam than traditional tungsten SEM sources. That equates to striking images with little effort.
Minimal Maintenance
Phenoms are always ready for immediate operation with very low downtime. Unlike tungsten filament-based SEMs which require frequent replacements, electron source changes of Phenoms are far and few between due to incredibly long source lifetimes.
Intuitive Operation and Software
The operating software of each Phenom is clear and navigable, offering easy mouse click and keyboard control with intuitive adjustment of all electron beam settings and imaging parameters — without relying on overwhelming menus or convoluted tutorials.
Vibration Insensitivity
The Phenom is the only SEM that is insensitive to vibrations. It can be used in noisy environments and does not require special tables or vibration isolation platforms.
Speed to Data
Load a sample into a Phenom and get a live SEM image in about 35 seconds. The Phenom is the fastest loading SEM thanks to its innovative load-lock stage design.
Low-Vacuum Mode
Image non-conducting samples without extra sample preparation or gold coating using the built-in low vacuum mode. No special detectors or additional infrastructure are required.
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Phenom Desktop SEM Detector Options
The Phenom Pharos field emission desktop SEM is compatible with several detectors, including:
The backscattered electron detector (BSD) and secondary electron detector (SED) are responsible for detecting electrons resulting from interactions between the electron beam and sample surface. The two detectors collect different signals that convey varying information about atomic numbers and surface topography.
Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) provides semi-quantitative elemental composition information by analyzing the X-rays released from atoms when irradiated with electrons. EDS is a non-destructive method for identifying compounds on micro and nanoscales, displayed through colorized elemental mapping.
See Available Sample Holders
Phenom P-Series Desktop SEM Sample Holders
The Phenom P-Series lineup of desktop SEMs is comprised of the Pharos, Pro/ProX, and Pure systems, each compatible with a variety of sample holders for highly specialized applications.
With the Phenom Pharos STEM detector, transmission imaging becomes more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. This holder seamlessly adds functionality with its plug-and-play design and intuitive workflow. Switch between SEM and STEM modes, adjust imaging parameters, and acquire high-quality images with just a few clicks.
Revealing the hidden features of samples is made possible with the Motorized Tilt & Rotation sample holder. This holder allows for angular tilting and rotation of the sample stage, allowing for imaging of the same area from multiple angles and improved visualization of three-dimensional structures.
The Temperature Controlled Sample Holder protects sensitive specimens and enables imaging of hydrated samples by Peltier cooling and heating. With a temperature range of -25°C to 50°C, samples can be maintained at sub-zero temperatures to prevent damage from the vacuum and electron beam.
The Microtool Sample Holder features an iris style clamp, specially designed for securely holding axially shaped objects or samples with a high aspect ratio. Ideal for observing drill bits, milling tools, and injection needles, simply secure the sample with a non-destructive clamping mechanism and start imaging within minutes.
The Electrical Feedthrough Sample Holder enables in-situ electrical measurements. The holder has six quick release pins that can be used to measure or apply voltages and currents to the sample while it is under the SEM column. This holder is ideal for observation of MEMS devices and for performing failure analysis.
The Metallurgical Sample Holder is designed to support resin-embedded samples. It comes in two variations – standard and charge reduction, with the option for two sizes of inserts. This holder speeds up SEM analysis for metallurgical samples.
sample Preparation
Sample Preparation Tools
Ensure crisp imaging and high quality analysis with automated sample preparation tools.
Reduce electric charging and improve SEM image quality with uniform gold and platinum coatings.
Quickly prepare artifact-free samples for high quality EBSD, failure analysis, and cross-sectional analysis.
The Nebula is designed to aid in the preparation of powder samples for analysis in an SEM