Jingying JY-S120-PJ Automated Ion Sputter Coater for SEM Sample Preparation
| Brand | Jingying |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | JY-S120-PJ |
| Target Materials | Au, Pt |
| Target Diameter | 57 mm |
| Control Method | Fully Automatic |
| Sample Stage Diameter | 63 mm |
| Sputtering Gases | Air and Argon |
| Chamber Material | High-Borosilicate Glass |
| Operating Vacuum Range | 3–15 Pa (1 Pa increments) |
| Sputtering Current | 3–40 mA (1 mA increments) |
| Sputtering Time | 1–999 s (1 s increments) |
| Chamber Dimensions | Ø120 × 120 mm |
| Pumping Speed | 8 m³/h (2.2 L/s) |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 5 × 10⁻² Pa |
| Power Consumption | 80 W (coater), 400 W (pump) |
| Noise Level | 56 dB(A) |
| Display | Touch-enabled IPS LCD with Chinese/English UI |
Overview
The Jingying JY-S120-PJ is a fully automated ion sputter coater engineered for high-fidelity conductive coating of non-conductive specimens prior to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. It employs low-pressure direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering—a well-established physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique—to deposit ultra-thin, continuous, and nanoscale metallic films (e.g., Au or Pt) onto delicate sample surfaces. Unlike thermal evaporation, DC magnetron sputtering operates at relatively low substrate temperatures and delivers superior film uniformity, grain fineness, and adhesion—critical for minimizing charging artifacts, enhancing secondary electron yield, and preserving surface topography during high-magnification imaging. The system integrates a sealed high-borosilicate glass chamber (Ø120 × 120 mm) for real-time visual monitoring and accommodates standard Ø12.7 mm SEM stubs (up to 12 per run). Designed for routine laboratory use, the JY-S120-PJ meets fundamental requirements for reproducible sample preparation in materials science, geology, life sciences, and failure analysis workflows.
Key Features
- Fully automated operation sequence: vacuum pumping → chamber purge → pressure stabilization → current ramp-up → timed sputtering → controlled venting.
- Digital current regulation: maintains precise, pressure-independent sputtering current (3–40 mA, 1 mA resolution), ensuring consistent deposition rates across variable gas conditions.
- Intuitive touch-enabled IPS LCD interface with bilingual (English/Chinese) support, real-time graphical display of sputtering current and chamber pressure curves.
- Six programmable preset protocols stored internally; users can define, name, and recall custom parameter sets—including vacuum setpoint, current, duration, and vent mode—for rapid method deployment.
- Integrated usage logging: records cumulative target utilization time and cycle count for maintenance planning and traceability.
- Acoustic feedback system: configurable audio prompts for process initiation, completion, and error states.
- Modular target compatibility: accepts standard 57 mm diameter targets (Au, Pt, Au/Pd, Pt/Pd, Pd, Ag); tool-free replacement mechanism minimizes downtime.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The JY-S120-PJ supports a wide range of non-conductive or semi-conductive specimens, including biological tissues (e.g., freeze-dried plant sections, insect cuticles), polymers, ceramics, geological thin sections, and forensic residues. Its Ø63 mm rotating sample stage allows simultaneous coating of up to twelve standard SEM stubs without repositioning. The high-transparency borosilicate chamber enables optical verification of sample placement and coating homogeneity. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP as a standalone analytical instrument, the system’s digital parameter logging, repeatable protocol execution, and audit-ready operational history (including timestamped vacuum curves, current profiles, and runtime metadata) support adherence to internal quality procedures aligned with ISO 14971 (risk management) and ASTM E1558 (standard guide for SEM specimen preparation). Optional documentation packages are available for lab-specific SOP integration.
Software & Data Management
The JY-S120-PJ operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency. All operational parameters, real-time sensor data (pressure, current), and historical logs are stored onboard in non-volatile memory. Each session generates a timestamped record containing vacuum profile, sputtering duration, applied current, and final chamber pressure—accessible via scrollable history menu. Data export is not supported via USB or network interface; however, manual transcription or screen capture suffices for basic QA documentation. For regulated environments requiring electronic records, users may supplement with external video recording of the display during critical runs. The system complies with general electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1).
Applications
- Routine SEM sample preparation for morphology imaging of insulating materials.
- High-resolution backscattered electron (BSE) contrast enhancement in mineralogical and metallurgical samples.
- Charge mitigation in low-kV SEM imaging of beam-sensitive biological specimens.
- Preparation of TEM grid coatings for electron-transparent support films (when used with compatible carbon or Cr targets).
- Quality control in microelectronics packaging inspection where surface conductivity must be preserved without thermal degradation.
FAQ
What sputtering gases are supported, and why is argon preferred over air?
The JY-S120-PJ operates with either compressed dry air or high-purity argon (≥99.998%). Argon is strongly recommended for high-fidelity SEM coating due to its inertness, stable plasma characteristics, and absence of oxidation side reactions—ensuring pure, uncontaminated metal films. Air may be used for rapid screening but risks oxide formation on reactive targets (e.g., Cr, Ni) and introduces moisture-related variability.
Can the system accommodate non-standard sample holders?
Yes—the Ø63 mm sample stage features a removable, threaded mounting plate compatible with third-party adapters. Users may install custom stages (e.g., tilt holders, multi-well plates) provided total height remains within the 25–65 mm adjustment range and does not obstruct the magnetron field geometry.
Is remote monitoring or network connectivity available?
No. The JY-S120-PJ is a standalone instrument with no Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or RS-232 interfaces. All interaction occurs via the front-panel touchscreen.
How often should the vacuum pump oil be changed?
Under typical usage (≤5 cycles/day), pump oil replacement is recommended every 6 months or after 500 operating hours—whichever occurs first—to maintain ultimate vacuum performance and minimize backstreaming contamination.
Does the system support thickness calibration or endpoint detection?
No. The JY-S120-PJ is a time- and current-controlled coater without integrated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) or optical endpoint sensors. Film thickness estimation relies on empirical correlation between sputtering time, current, and target-to-substrate distance—validated per user’s application using TEM cross-section or XPS depth profiling.
