Possible cause
Solution
Does the Energy display with HV on show the correct value?
Check the resistance of the repeller pin (2) to the other feedthrough pins and to
ground.
No sputter gas
Check valves or replace gas cylinder.
Table 8: Troubleshooting no ion current
Low intensity
Possible cause
Solution
Current measurement not working
properly
Check measurement setup and method.
Sputter gas pressure too low or too
high
Check valves or replace gas cylinder.
Check pressure measurement in system.
Adjust gas pressure in accordance to your ion source's manual (main chamber
pressure about 0.5–1 × 10
-6
mbar)
Emission current too small
Check the set value—see "Emission" on page 16.
Check filament current limit—for possible contact problems see "Filament and
Repeller Voltages" on page 40.
If the emission regulation module is defective, please contact SPECS support.
Table 9: Troubleshooting low intensity
Intensity fluctuations
Possible cause
Solution
Intensity measurement not working
properly
Check measurement setup and method
Dirty sample or insulating sample
Clean the sample by sputtering for some minutes or replace the sample.
Unstable sputter gas pressure
Check valves or replace gas cylinder.
Unstable emission current
Is the gas pressure unstable? If so, see "Filament and Repeller Voltages" on
If the emission regulation module is defective, please contact SPECS support..
Unstable energy voltage
Perform the checks in "Filament and Repeller Voltages" on page 40, "Checking
the Resistance" on page 37 and "Measuring Power Unit Voltages" on page 37.
Sputtered ceramic parts
Sputtered ceramics may cause too high current for the modules or voltage
drops. Check all voltage and current displays (middle position of the display typ-
ical values is E ~ 50
μ
A).
Check resistance, see "Checking the Resistance" on page 37.
Table 10: Troubleshooting intensity fluctuations
No degas operation
Possible cause
Solution
Blown internal fuse in emission con-
troller module
Switch to service mode and press the Degas button.
Toggle the emission button to see the necessary 600 V voltage for degas.
If no voltage is shown, please check without source. Replace the 50 mA fuse
36
April 26, 2013
PU IQE 12/383.0
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting