Abstract: Various approaches are provided for transferring samples within an inert gas environment to and from a beam system. In one example, a sample transfer capsule includes a container configured to store a sample during transport, wherein the container is adjustable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, an inert gas storage chamber coupled to the container and configured to store an inert gas, and a valve coupled to the inert gas storage chamber and the container and configured to selectively allow the inert gas to flow from the inert gas storage chamber to the container when the container is in the closed configuration. In this way, samples may be maintained in an inert gas environment during transport and while beam system vacuum chambers are vented, thereby reducing exposure of the samples and subsequently reducing the rate of a chemical reaction, such as oxidation or nitridation, of the samples.

Abstract: Charged particle microscopy systems, sensors, and techniques are provided. A charged particle sensor can include a housing, configured to be incorporated into a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The charged particle sensor can include a detector cell, mechanically coupled with the housing. The detector cell can include an acceptor layer including a semiconducting material characterized by a bandgap equal to or greater than about 2.0 eV. The acceptor layer can define a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The detector cell can include a first conducting layer disposed on the first surface, a second conducting layer disposed on the second surface, a first contact, electrically coupled with the first conducting layer, and a second contact, electrically coupled with the second conducting layer.

Abstract: Various approaches are provided for transferring samples within an inert gas environment to and from a beam system. In one example, a sample transfer capsule includes a container configured to store a sample during transport, wherein the container is adjustable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, an inert gas storage chamber coupled to the container and configured to store an inert gas, and a valve coupled to the inert gas storage chamber and the container and configured to selectively allow the inert gas to flow from the inert gas storage chamber to the container when the container is in the closed configuration. In this way, samples may be maintained in an inert gas environment during transport and while beam system vacuum chambers are vented, thereby reducing exposure of the samples and subsequently reducing the rate of a chemical reaction, such as oxidation or nitridation, of the samples.