A data acquisition system for scanning microbeam analysis

On the accuracy of element concentrations and masses of micron sized samples determined with the Heidelberg proton microprobe

ABSTRACTThe Ion Micro-Analysis Group (IMAG) in Livermore conducts quantitative trace elemental analysis with PIXE and depth profiling with IBS using an MeV ion microbeam. The system has the capability to produce two-dimensional trace element and IBS images. PIXE analyses have been conducted on HgI2 and PbI2 crystals and detector materials in order to identify and quantify near surface trace contaminants. IBS measurements have been conducted to investigate elemental depth distributions in various materials. The results of measurements on several different samples are reported and a discussion of factors affecting quantitative in vacuo microanalysis of these materials is presented.

PIXE-STIM microtomography: Zinc and manganese concentrations in a scorpion stinger

The high-energy ion nanoprobe LIPSION at the University of Leipzig has been operational since October 1998. The ultrastable single ended 3.5 MV SINLETRONTM accelerator supplies the H+ or He+ ion beam. A magnetic scanning system moves the focused beam across the sample. At present, a resolution of 150 nm in the low current mode and 300 nm at 5 pA could be achieved. The UHV grade experimental chamber is equipped with electron-, energy dispersive X-ray-, and particle detectors. They can be used simultaneously to analyse the sample by means of PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission), RBS (Rutherford backscattering) and in the case of thin samples STIM (scanning transmission ion microscopy). A goniometer allows the application of channeling measurements in single crystals in combination with these methods. The detection limits depend on the elements to be analysed and range from (1000⋯1) μg/g relative and (1⋯0.01) pg absolute. The analysis is nondestructive, but the sample has to be vacuum resistant. Applications of the nanoprobe in the field of semiconductor research, biomedicine, and archaeology will be described.

A regional Proton induced X‐ray Emission (PIXE) facility is newly developed using 3 Mev Proton beam from Variable Energy Cyclotron, Panjab University, Chandigarh (India). A new target chamber has been designed to cater for Proton Induced Gamma Emission (PIGE) and Rutherford Back Scattering (RBS) along with PIXE measurements. The HPGe x‐ray detector, the Ge (Li) gamma‐ray detector and a silicon surface barrier (SSB) detector can be mounted simultaneously in the chamber for this purpose. A remotely controlled stepper motor is provided to move the target wheel holding 12/24 samples at a time. This facility is now routinely used for the detection of trace elements in the aerosol, medical and forensic science samples. The paper presents the analysis of Aerosol samples collected from highly polluted steel city of Mandi Govindgarh in Punjab state and relatively clean city of Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir region. The results from the analysis of these samples show some basic differences in the trace element profile of the two cities. The paper also describes the trace element analysis of fly ash in the vicinity of Ropar Thermal Power plant in Punjab. The scope of this study was to determine the concentration and composition of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in the vicinity of coal‐fired thermal power plants in India. The data taken for the Bio‐medical samples are also discussed.

Geant4 simulation of the new CENBG micro and nanoprobes facility

The nuclear microprobe is a microanalytical tool capable of quantitative studies of elemental distribution at the ppm level with a spatial resolution of the order of 1 μm. This sensitivity is adequate for most elements ofinterest, and the spatial resolution is acceptable for studies of elemental distribution in organs, tissues, and cells. The main techniques used in plant science are particle induced X-ray emission using protons, proton backscattering, scanning transmission ion microscopy, and particle induced gamma-ray emission. Specimen preparation is the most difficult part of analysis, and only cryotechniques are recommended presently for all types of microanalytical studies.

Morphological and elemental characterisation with the high-energy ion-nanoprobe LIPSION

The use of light ions for microscopy and tomography is illustrated by a variety of recent applications in materials and life sciences at the Leipzig high-energy ion-nanoprobe LIPSION with a short comparison to other microscopic techniques. The versatility of ion techniques is exemplified by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry maps of thin films of solar cell materials, particle induced X-ray emission maps of manganese in ancient human bones, particle induced X-ray emission on single aerosol particles with μm size, and scanning transmission ion microscopy and tomography on pigs knee cartilage. Finally, the design of a single ion single living cell bombardment facility is sketched for studies of the cellular response and microdosimetry.

We investigated element accumulation in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices. Fungal spores and mycelia growing in monoxenic cultures were analyzed. The elemental composition was quantified using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) in combination with scanning transmission ion microscopy. In the spores, Ca and Fe were associated mainly with the spore wall, while P and K showed patchy distributions and their concentrations were correlated. Excess of P in the hyphal growth medium increased the P and Si concentrations in spores and increased the K/Ca ratio in spores. Increased P availability decreased the concentration of Zn and Mn in spores. We concluded that the availability of P influences the uptake and accumulation of several elements in spores. It is demonstrated that PIXE analysis is a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of elemental accumulation in fungal mycelia.

Event driven high speed data acquisition with IEEE 1588 synchronization for long pulse operations of Indian Test Facility for ITER DNB

Service-oriented architecture of adaptive, intelligent data acquisition and processing systems for long-pulse fusion experiments

Data collection and analysis is vital for evaluating the performance of any equipment or system. Though the methodology of collection, transmission, storage and retrieval varies in different scenarios, the basic components of the set-up remain the same. The Data Acquisition and Monitoring System evolved from the need for remote monitoring of facilities that did not have an independent reliable infrastructure to implement a full-fledged SCADA system. Back when IT infrastructure was prioritized for business communications within the limited bandwidth allocated, collection and transmission of process data through the available network infrastructure was a challenge. More so when there are concerns regarding the confidentiality of data being collected and transmitted. Individual facilities were provided with local instrumentation and controls for reliable operations. With the growing production rates, the focus generally goes for improving the processing facilities rather than reading, reporting or recording. Instead of an independent dedicated network for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system that mandate a huge infrastructural cost and dedicated skilled personnel, a pilot project was initiated with a minimum budget to test data transfer through existing communication network. Field transmitters were installed on Wellheads, Risers and Manifolds and Remote Terminal Units were provided to collect data from two platforms and to facilitate data transfer to the servers through existing microwave communication network with minimum field instrumentation. Considering bandwidth limitations and priority for business communications, servers in redundant configuration were placed strategically to ensure continuous data gathering. Pilot project was successful in providing reliable data and trends with minimum disruptions. Augmentation of DAMS network was envisioned to implement Digital Oil Field for monitoring multiple assets in real time. Implementation of Digital Oil Field continued with the addition of new field instrumentation and RTUs followed by server upgrades and integration of PLC based platform control systems to add four major producing platforms to the Data Acquisition and Monitoring System through existing microwave communication network. Upon successful commissioning, it was possible to gather data from various wellheads, process equipment and other independent meters for remote real time monitoring and analysis through user friendly HMI screens and customized dashboards to manage multiple assets effectively, improving performance evaluation, safety and reliability of operations.

Active lumbar spine movement was acquired and analyzed using a computer controlled data acquisition and analysis system. A 3Space Isotrak was used to record rotational displacement and velocity in three dimensions. The Isotrak was interfaced to a Macintosh computer running LabVIEW software to display real-time kinematic parameters. Results from five subjects showed ranges of motion in the sagittal plane to be in accordance with previous literature reports. This paper is one of the first to analyze the parameter of velocity as a component of lumbar spine motion.

A gas turbine generator set intended for use as an emergency power source has been evaluated and tested using a computer controlled data acquisition and processing system. At 1-sec intervals during startup, transducer devices monitor such items as turbine inlet temperature, compressor discharge pressure and speed. While operating under normal or steady-state conditions, a total of 65 parameters are logged at 5-min intervals. In addition, power, specific fuel consumption and efficiency are calculated every 5 min. Computer output is in engineering units (deg F, psi, cfm, etc.). The computer programming language is structured with Fortran-like arithmetic and formatting capabilities. Analog-to-digital conversion is accomplished by an integrating digital voltmeter and switching via a 200-channel reed relay scanner. Two teletypewriters, a programmable clock, and 64,000 words of disk storage comprise the rest of the major hardware. For this project 4096 words of computer core were implemented. A turbine development program conducted with this computerized data system can be completed by a single appropriately trained individual in approximately half the time required by a team of three or four using conventional data gathering methods.