Broadening the horizons of SIMS: the low cost Chemical Microscope

Secondary ion mass spectrometry SIMS.is often perceived as an exacting analytical technique which is both difficult and expensive. However, with an ever increasing knowledge base in the technique, it is appropriate to consider a role for SIMS in providing spatially resolved chemical information in routine surface analysis, making the technique more accessible to the wider marketplace. The Millbrook Chemical Microscope has been developed specifically to meet these requirements. It is a benchtop imaging SIMS instrument designed with low capital and operating costs in mind. The use of sophisticated control and monitoring software ensures high reliability, high sample throughput and ease of use even by nonspecialist operators. A range of typical problem solving applications is presented, showing how this innovative instrument is increasing the routine use of SIMS in a wide variety of industries. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved