Patent ID: 8101922

Claim:
A gas field ion source, comprising: an emitter module, comprising: an emitter holder; an emitter structure; a detachably connectable electrical connection assembly of the emitter module; and a detachably connectable gas supply connection assembly of the emitter module; the gas field ion source further comprises a supply module, the supply module comprising: at least one electrical conductor for providing voltage and/or current; a gas supply conduit; a thermal conductor; a detachably connectable electrical connection assembly of the supply module; and a detachably connectable gas supply connection assembly of the supply module; wherein the emitter module and the supply module are detachably connectable by the detachably connectable connection assemblies of the emitter module and the detachably connectable connection assemblies of the supply module, wherein the detachably connectable connection assemblies are provided at a flat interface between the emitter module and the supply module, wherein the detachably connectable electrical connection assembly of the emitter module and the detachably connectable electrical connection assembly of the supply module provide a plug-socket connection at said flat interface.