Apparatus for automatic, electrolytical thinning of specimens for examination in a transmission electron microscope. With the built-in scanning function and additional enhancement functions parameters for new materials can easily be established.

Specimens with a diameter of 2.3 and 3 mm dia are polished from both sides simultaneously to achieve a thin foil with a centre hole as small as possible. The thinning is controlled by an infrared light source, stopping the process as soon as the first light can pass through the established hole.