The application of FIB milling for specimen preparation from crystalline germanium

The effectiveness of focused ion beam (FIB) for preparation of crystalline germanium specimens has been studied. FIB milling results in strong cellular relief of the germanium surfaces on bulk specimens. This cellular relief, associated with the generation of high densities of point defects during interaction of the specimen with the high-energy gallium beam, can be reduced by using either a lower ion beam currents or a lower beam energy. Even under these milling conditions the cellular relief is, however, still evident on the surface of the TEM specimens as evidenced by so-called 'curtaining' relief. Nevertheless good quality specimens for both conventional and high-resolution imaging may be prepared using FIB milling if low currents are employed for final milling.