Helios 5 Hydra DualBeam

3D reconstruction of mouse brain tissue embedded in LR White (acrylic-based) resin acquired with an O+ ion beam and Auto Slice and View Software.

3D reconstruction of an automotive oil filter casing (polymer/glass fiber composite) acquired with an O+ ion beam and Auto Slice and View Software.

Multiple ion options for optimized PFIB results

The Helios 5 Hydra DualBeam is an all-in-one instrument with a unique multiple ion species PFIB column with four ion species (Xe, Ar, O, N) to be used as a primary beam with a patented, automated, fast, and easy switching capability (<10 minutes). The Helios 5 Hydra PFIB is Ga-ion free, which is vital for sensitive samples such as aluminum-containing materials. The multiple ion options do not require complex accessories to improve cut face quality (e.g., milling curtain mitigation).

Fast milling for large volume multi-modal 3D tomography

Subsurface or three-dimensional characterization is often required to better understand material properties. In many cases, large volumes inaccessible by conventional Ga+ FIB instruments are necessary to obtain representative and relevant results. The excellent high-current performance of the Helios 5 Hydra PFIB with optional Thermo Scientific Auto Slice & View Software empowers the fully automated acquisition of large volume 3D datasets in a multitude of modalities. This includes backscattered electron (BSE) imaging for maximum materials contrast, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for compositional information, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) for crystallographic information.

3D imaging at cryogenic temperatures

The Helios 5 Hydra DualBeam can be equipped with an optional cryo-stage that can be used for dedicated cryo-lamellae preparation with AutoTEM Cryo or cryo-volume imaging with Auto Slice & View Software. With the Elstar SEM Column, excellent contrast is achievable to uncover sub-cellular details on high pressure frozen and plunge frozen samples. No staining is required.

Lamellae preparation with AutoTEM Software

High-quality sample preparation is critical for successful high-resolution material analysis with STEM or TEM. It is also considered to be one of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks in materials characterization labs. Conventional methods used to prepare ultra-thin samples required for S/TEM are slow and can require many hours, or even days, of effort by highly trained personnel. This is further complicated by the variety of materials and the need for site-specific information. Plasma FIB, coupled with optional AutoTEM Software, resolves many of these challenges. 

Serial section electron microscopy with Auto Slice & View Software

Combined with optional Auto Slice & View Software, the Helios Hydra DualBeam offers high throughput and fully automated 3D data collection, even at cryogenic temperatures. This automates collection of contextual volume imaging.

PFIB spin mill for large planar milling and imaging

The optional Spin Mill method on the Helios 5 Hydra DualBeam provides large-area planar milling up to 1 mm in diameter and the ability to image large areas in a horizontal plane for surface polishing or 3D characterization. The Spin Mill process is fully automated and easy to set up using Auto Slice & View Software. Multiple areas for image acquisition within one Spin Mill experiment can be selected. Each area of interest can be imaged at different imaging settings based on the specificity of the experiment.  Learn more about Spin Mill large planar imaging of resin-embedded CHO cells.

Fluorescence light microscope correlative system (iFLM)

The optional iFLM Correlative System is an integrated light microscope for cryo-correlative imaging inside the Helios 5 Hydra PFIB high-vacuum chamber allowing you to combine fluorescence imaging and ion milling within a single cryo-DualBeam microscope.