INCAtipsHome
Tip 9

 

In this example, the Freehand Region selector was used to pick out the perimeter of a small feature in the sample. For systems connected to a microscope this would start the collection of a live spectrum from this area. For stored data, as in this example, the spectrum from the area selected is reconstructed from the data in the SmartMap.


When presenting your results the options of the 'Image Menu' can make the reports you create clearer and hence more effective in communicating their information. Reports focusing on small features contained in an image can fail to provide all the available information, if the optimum view is not used. In this example, the normal view of the sample does not convey all the detail that is available for the small particle that was analysed.


In the report template, the image can be zoomed up to reveal details that you want to show. The zoomed image clearly shows the particle that was analysed and the location in which it was situated.


The 'Callipers' and 'Interaction Area' tools can add extra information to your images to enhance your reports. The callipers can be displayed in the image to highlight the size of features or show the distance between objects. The interaction area serves to provide an estimate of the region from which x-rays would be generated (full details are in INCA Help). Allowing those reading the reports to estimate the region from which x-ray signals would arise.


In the Report Step of the Navigator, the 'Image Menu' includes an additional 'Annotation' item, to add and modify annotations on the image. These options enable you to add simple text markers, and when required move spectrum labels to prevent them from covering important details in the image. A spectrum label can be moved by right clicking on the blue spectrum label, selecting 'Annotation' and then 'Move Annotation'. Next, left click on the label and drag it to its new position. The ability to move the label is extremely valuable when the spectrum label covers up any details that are important to see in your reports. In the above example it is possible to further zoom up the image, move the spectrum label so that the callipers can be placed next to the particle to show its size. The 'Add Annotation' option can be used to provide extra information on the images to help their interpretation.


The features of the 'Image Menu' are not limited to just black and white electron images, but can apply equally as well to the colour x-ray element maps, Cameo+ images and QuantMaps. In the following Iron QuantMaps from a slag sample, the colour scale represents the Fe weight percentage. The 'Image Menu' features have been used to improve the presentation of the original Fe QuantMap and add extra details for a report.


«Back


To sign up to recieve INCAtips on a montly basis please click here»


Getting the best from Quantitative Analysis Trainig Course

If you require any further technical information please email infoincatips.analytical@oxinst.co.uk
The full directory of INCAtips can be found at: www.oxford-instruments.com/incatips
Footerwww.oxford-instruments.com