I want what's inside my scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Quick Overview

The creators decided to dismantle the acquired Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for its valuable parts after determining that making it operational would be prohibitively expensive, estimated at $20,000 annually for maintenance, and they lacked the knowledge to safely handle its high-voltage components, ultimately realizing a haul valued around $6,700 US from salvaged components.

Key Points: The future of their initial plan for the SEM was deemed 'dead' because the machine lacked a computer, and repair/maintenance costs could reach '$20,000 a year'. The primary goal shifted to salvaging parts, specifically obtaining the turbo pump and its controller, which one speaker valued alone at '$5,500 US' for the combo. During disassembly, they examined components like the turbo pump, a compressor, a chiller, and an EDS unit, noting the latter might emit X-rays. They tested circuit boards for gold content using an XRF process but confirmed the material was primarily copper, with only '2% gold' coating possible. The dismantling paused due to concerns over residual high voltage in the electron generator/lensing system, leading them to cover it up until they could research safety procedures. Ultimately, they gave up on further dismantling due to inability to find information on safely handling the high-voltage section and were contacted by someone interested in buying the unit for parts. The final haul, including the turbo pump/controller, vacuum pumps, compressor, chiller, and other unique pieces, was estimated to be worth approximately '$6,700 US', exceeding the initial purchase price.

Context: The speakers acquired a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) through a government auction, initially viewing it as the future of their project related to 'Nile Red'; however, upon receiving the machine, they discovered it was missing a computer and faced extreme maintenance costs, forcing them to abandon the operational goal and proceed with dismantling it for usable parts.

Detailed Analysis