4 ANALYSIS AND DOCUMENTATION

After polishing, the samples are ready for efficient examination, analysis, and documentation. Samples removed from the holder can be examined in the SEM as well.

A ring bonded to a glass slide (fig. 19) is used to position the holder on the microscope stage. The ring has a 30 mm inner diameter, thus allowing rotation of the holder. Each sample tablet surface is in the same plane, so even short working distance objectives can be swung in and out of place, and the holder can be safely rotated as well (fig. 20). Since each sample has been positioned near the center of the tablet, each can be found—in focus—at or very near the previous field of view. This speeds up not only examination, but digital imaging or film documentation as well.

Fig. 17.

Semiautomatic polisher (based on Struers RotoPol-15) for processing up to 12 samples in three holders simultaneously