Interactive Control Sphere for Electron Microscope Stage Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of electron microscopes face challenges in efficiently imaging crystalline structures at high resolutions due to the need for manual tilt adjustments to align atomic columns with the viewing axis, which is tedious and expertise-dependent, leading to inefficiencies in achieving clear images at different polar orientations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an interactive control sphere synchronized with the microscope stage to automatically align crystal samples based on received crystal parameters, allowing for precise movement and alignment of the stage to match crystallographic coordinates, and includes features like simulated diffraction patterns for user input to determine tilt angles and adjust positions, reducing manual effort and improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tilt adjustments are performed to align atomic columns with the viewing axis, then imaging clarity is improved, but operator dependency and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tilt adjustments with an automated computer-controlled stage system. The stage is controlled by a computer that receives coordinates from a control sphere and automatically positions the sample at the correct tilt angles, eliminating the need for operators to manually perform repeated tilt adjustments while maintaining precise alignment for clear imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service alignment through the control sphere interface, where the computer automatically calculates and executes the necessary stage movements based on crystallographic parameters and selected pole positions, allowing the system to align itself without continuous operator intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual tilt adjustments are performed to achieve alignment at different polar orientations, then imaging capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tilt adjustments with an automated computer-controlled stage system. The stage is controlled by a computer that receives coordinates from a control sphere and automatically positions the sample at the correct tilt angles, eliminating the need for operators to manually perform repeated tilt adjustments while maintaining precise alignment for clear imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The control sphere serves as an intermediary interface between the operator and the complex stage control system. It provides a simplified visual representation where operators can select pole positions and crystallographic parameters, and the computer automatically translates these selections into precise stage movements, making the system easier to operate while maintaining versatility
3Productivity
If automated stage control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control sphere serves as an intermediary interface between the operator and the complex stage control system. It provides a simplified visual representation where operators can select pole positions and crystallographic parameters, and the computer automatically translates these selections into precise stage movements, making the system easier to operate while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The control sphere integrates multiple functions into a single unified interface: it displays crystallographic information, allows selection of pole positions, provides coordinate transformation, and controls stage movements. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into one integrated solution
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and accurate alignment of crystalline structures, reducing operator dependency and time consumption by automating the alignment process, enabling clearer and more precise imaging of crystal samples across various orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a detector for detecting beams that are scattered from the crystal sample in response to the incident beam
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for generating an image of a specimen with a microscope (e.g., TEM) are disclosed. In one aspect, the microscope may generally include a beam generator, a stage, a detector, and an image generator. A plurality of crystal parameters, which describe a plurality of properties of a crystal sample, are received. In a display associated with the microscope, an interactive control sphere based at least in part on the received crystal parameters and that is rotatable by a user to different sphere orientations is presented. The sphere includes a plurality of stage coordinates that correspond to a plurality of positions of the stage and a plurality of crystallographic pole coordinates that correspond to a plurality of polar orientations of the crystal sample. Movement of the sphere causes movement of the stage, wherein the stage coordinates move in conjunction with the crystallographic coordinates represented by pole positions so as to show a relationship between stage positions and the pole positions.