./projects/sem · monthly review
A scanning electron microscope, built one gate at a time.
A practical system map for a home-built SEM inspired by Ben Krasnow / Applied Science. Select a component in the cross-section to see its role, BOM quantity, sourcing lead, and reference.
The SEM budget and milestone review runs monthly from 26 September 2026. The living workbook is the source of truth.
System map / vacuum to pixels
hover, click, or tab through the parts
interactive cross-section
electron beamdetector signalvacuum line
12-month project plan
₹10k monthly envelope · carry forward unused balance
milestone gates
| window | gate | release condition |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep 2026 | review 01 | freeze scope, safety checklist, chamber survey |
| months 1–3 | vacuum | leak-tested chamber and stable roughing |
| months 4–6 | electron gun | repeatable emission with interlocks |
| months 7–9 | optics + scan | focused beam and calibrated X/Y sweep |
| months 10–12 | detector | first stable image, logged settings |
success criteria
vacuumrepeatable operating pressure and recorded pump-down curve
beamstable emission without uncontrolled arcing
imageone reproducible scan of a conductive sample
engineering logdate, spend, pressure, voltage, filament, sample, result
procurementprefer surplus; verify ratings before purchase; keep ₹2k buffer
Safety: this project combines high vacuum, hot hardware, kilovolt supplies, stored energy, and possible X-rays. The map is a planning aid, not a substitute for pressure-vessel, HV, grounding, interlock, or radiation-safety engineering. Review the full workbook ↗