Abstract: The present invention relates to treatments for atom probe components. For example, certain aspects are directed toward processes for treating an atom probe component that includes removing material from a surface of the atom probe component (e.g., using an ion beam, a plasma, a chemical etching process, and/or photonic energy). Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for treating an atom probe specimen that includes using a computing device to automatically control a voltage used in an ion sputtering process. Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward methods for treating an atom probe component that includes introducing photonic energy proximate to a surface of the atom probe component, annealing at least a portion of a surface of the atom probe component, coating at least a portion of a surface of the atom probe component, and/or cooling at least a portion of the atom probe component.

Abstract: A method for treating an atom probe electrode (120), which comprises the steps of providing an atom electrode (120) having a surface (123) and an aperture (122); and removing material (604) from the surface (123) to reduce a potential of the atom probe electrode creating a non-uniformity in an electric field (502) when the atom probe electrode is used in a atom probe device during specimen analysis.

Abstract: Methods of sampling specimens for microanalysis, particularly microanalysis by atom probe microscopy, include steps of forming a study specimen in a first study object (as by use of focused ion beam milling); removing the study specimen from the study object; situating the study specimen on a second study object; and microanalyzing the study specimen. Where the first study object is of particular interest for study, the study specimen may be taken from a functional portion of the first study object so that microanalysis will provide information regarding this functional portion. Where the second study object is of particular interest for study, the second study object may be subjected to manufacturing processes (e.g., deposition of layers of materials) after the study specimen is situated thereon so that the study specimen will provide information regarding the results of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Methods of sampling specimens for microanalysis, particularly microanalysis by atom probe microscopy, include steps of forming a study specimen in a first study object (as by use of focused ion beam milling); removing the study specimen from the study object; situating the study specimen on a second study object; and microanalyzing the study specimen. Where the first study object is of particular interest for study, the study specimen may be taken from a functional portion of the first study object so that microanalysis will provide information regarding this functional portion. Where the second study object is of particular interest for study, the second study object may be subjected to manufacturing processes (e.g., deposition of layers of materials) after the study specimen is situated thereon so that the study specimen will provide information regarding the results of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Methods of sampling specimens for microanalysis, particularly microanalysis by atom probe microscopy, include steps of forming a study specimen in a first study object (as by use of focused ion beam milling); removing the study specimen from the study object; situating the study specimen on a second study object; and microanalyzing the study specimen. Where the first study object is of particular interest for study, the study specimen may be taken from a functional portion of the first study object so that microanalysis will provide information regarding this functional portion. Where the second study object is of particular interest for study, the second study object may be subjected to manufacturing processes (e.g., deposition of layers of materials) after the study specimen is situated thereon so that the study specimen will provide information regarding the results of the manufacturing process.