Fine coater Jeol 1200 for sample metalization

This instrument is part of the equipment of the « Bioimaging Center » – Faculty of Sciences Geneva University. It consists of a main unit and a pump. It is used to apply a fine gold coating on samples for imaging in a scanning electron microscope.
Figure on the right below: The supports with samples are introduced in the fine coater in which vacuum is made (1). The pressure is increased by introduction of argon gaz. A strong electric current is appleid between a cathode and an anode. The interior of the bell jar will turn light red indicating that coating is under way (2). The samples covered with a thin layer of gold (3) are removed from the bell jar and are ready to be observed.