Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated electron optical/differential pumping/imaging signal detection system for an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The ESEM includes a substantially cylindrical objective lens magnetic housing containing an axially disposed vacuum liner tube and containing means for magnetically focusing a beam of electrons passing through said liner tube. An annular ring comprised of magnetic materials abuts said magnetic housing at the lower end thereof and contains at least two pumping ports therein located axially with respect to one another. At least two annular nonmagnetic diaphragms and a final magnetic annular diaphragm are attached to the annular ring at different axial locations and extending inwardly therefrom. The diaphragms define at least two interior passages which each communicate with one of the pumping ports formed in the annular ring.

Abstract: The invention provides for a scanning electron microscope which detects photons produced by contact between radiation emitted from the surface of a sample and gas molecules of a gaseous medium which surrounds the sample. The invention also provides a method for microscopically imaging the surface of a sample through the use of gaseous photon detection.

Abstract: An improved gaseous detector device for an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is provided. The detector device includes a generally annular electrode assembly having an inner electron detector formed of a thin ring, an intermediate electron detector positioned radially outwardly of the inner electron detector which is formed of a first plurality of concentric arc segments, and an outer electron detector positioned radially outwardly of the intermediate electron detector which is formed of a second plurality of concentric arc segments. The first plurality of concentric arc segments is positioned generally normal to the second plurality of concentric arc segments to obtain a directional topographic contrast. The inner, intermediate and outer electron detectors are aligned along generally the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: The invention provides for a device for generating, amplifying and detecting secondary electrons from a surface of a sample. The device may comprise a scanning electron microscope. The invention also provides for a method for generating, amplifying and detecting secondary electrons from a surface of a sample.

Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated electron optical/differential pumping/imaging signal detection system for an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The ESEM includes a substantially cylindrical objective lens magnetic housing containing an axially disposed vacuum liner tube and containing means for magnetically focusing a beam of electrons passing through said liner tube. An annular ring comprised of magnetic materials abuts said magnetic housing at the lower end thereof and contains at least two pumping ports therein located axially with respect to one another. At least two annular nonmagnetic diaphragms and a final magnetic annular diaphragm are attached to the annular ring at different axial locations and extending inwardly therefrom. The diaphragms define at least two interior passages which each communicate with one of the pumping ports formed in the annular ring.

Abstract: The invention provides for a device for generating, amplifying and detecting secondary electrons from a surface of a sample. The device may comprise a scanning electron microscope. The invention also provides for a method for generating, amplifying and detecting secondary electrons from a surface of a sample.