Asia Pacific Launch of the TESCAN AMBER X 2 Plasma FIB-SEM

Plasma FIB-SEM Utility Redefined

APMC13 represents the biggest microscopy event in our region since IMC19 in 2018. As such, it made the perfect event for TESCAN to officially launch the AMBER X 2 (to the Asia Pacific audience). The AMBER X 2 is a revolutionary plasma FIB-SEM system that for the first time, brings together the speed and throughput of a plasma FIB with the precision and resolution of a Ga FIB. In doing so it satisfies a long-held need from microscopists, researchers and central facilities. They no longer need to fund the purchase of two separate instruments, or the choice between one or the other.

The development of the AMBER X 2 pulled expertise from across the organisation. In particular, it drew plasma FIB-SEM expertise from Orsay Physics to produce a versatile solution that will set new standards in materials research with both its capabilities and versatility.

The launch event was held appropriately at the opening of the trade exhibition. The catered event was well-attended by a broad cross-section of the microscopy community including FIB and SEM users, facility managers and other key personnel. Short presentations were given by Dr. Dirk van der Wal, Chief Marketing Officer from TESCAN, Richard Trett, Managing Director of AXT, TESCAN’s distributor in Australia and Dr. Vijay Bhatia, Deputy Facility Manager at Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis.

TESCAN AMBER X 2 Asia Pacific product llaunch - ribbon cutting - plasma FIB-SEM event attendance

Dirk hosted the event and kicked it off by reviewing the development journey and how TESCAN set out to disrupt the Ga FIB market with a plasma FIB. He went on to explain how, in just 3 years, TESCAN have succeeded in producing an instrument that achieves high current aka high milling rates, ideal for large volume 3D multimodal characterisation as well being suitable for low to medium current beam shape and placement precision for nanofabrication and TEM lamella preparation. The culmination is a truly versatile workhorse for central facilities.

TESCAN AMBER X 2 Asia Pacific product llaunch - ribbon cutting - plasma FIB-SEM - Dirk van der Wal

Richard Trett continued and mentioned what a privilege it has been to work with TESCAN who have continued to innovate and been the first to market with a number of technologies including the plasma FIB-SEM. He went on explain how the launch of the AMBER X 2 is a game-changing moment in the microscopy timeline.

TESCAN AMBER X 2 Asia Pacific product llaunch - ribbon cutting - plasma FIB-SEM richard trett presentation

Richard then introduced Vijay who went on to state how excited they are to have installed the first AMBER X 2 in the region which is extremely significant as their facility is a node for national facility Microscopy Australia allowing access through its open access policy. He also explained how he has enjoyed the experience of partnering with TESCAN and AXT for the entire process and looks forward to their own facility launch in the coming months.

TESCAN AMBER X 2 Asia Pacific product llaunch - ribbon cutting - plasma FIB-SEM - presentation by Vijay Bhatia from Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis

The formal launch program concluded with a ribbon cutting performed by Dirk. Following the hype that surrounded the AMBER X 2 launch, the TESCAN stand was inundated with demo requests throughout the show. All of those who experienced a demo left impressed with the ion beam quality and precision, levels of automation for sample preparation and other complex tasks as well as the imaging quality at extremely low beam energies.

TESCAN AMBER X 2 Asia Pacific product llaunch - ribbon cutting - plasma FIB-SEM