Energy Loss Spectrometer Batch CCD Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy loss spectrometers face challenges in minimizing spectrum acquisition time, leading to sample drift, contamination, and reduced analysis accuracy due to prolonged read-in times, especially when dealing with high pixel counts in CCD cameras.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recording multiple spectra as a single CCD image and batch reading, followed by image processing to rotate and extract individual spectral images, utilizing CCD binning to improve processing speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple spectra are recorded individually in a CCD camera, then each spectrum can be read out and analyzed separately, but the total read-in time becomes excessively long (4 seconds for 2000x2000 pixels)
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual spectrum recordings are merged into a single composite CCD image. Instead of reading out each spectrum separately (which would take 4 seconds total), all spectra are captured in one continuous exposure and read out as a single image, reducing the read-in time from 4 seconds to 0.04 seconds (1/100th of the original time).
Solution Approach 2:
All spectrum data is preliminarily captured in a single CCD exposure before any read-out operation begins. This preliminary action of recording multiple spectra simultaneously in one go prepares the complete dataset in advance, allowing rapid batch reading without sequential delays between individual spectrum acquisitions.
2Loss of information
If the electron beam is directed at the sample for prolonged periods to acquire multiple spectra, then comprehensive analysis data can be obtained, but sample drift, contamination, and damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electron beam continuously illuminates the sample throughout the entire exposure period, capturing multiple spectra in an unbroken sequence within a single CCD integration time. This continuous action ensures complete data acquisition without interruption while minimizing the total time the sample is exposed to the electron beam, thereby reducing cumulative damage and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The complete set of spectrum data is preliminarily captured in one continuous exposure before any sample degradation can significantly occur. By acquiring all necessary spectral information in advance during a single brief irradiation event, the method prevents prolonged beam exposure that would otherwise cause drift, contamination, and damage.
3Productivity
If the read-in speed of the CCD camera is increased to reduce acquisition time, then faster data processing is achieved, but the hardware cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the CCD camera hardware to increase read-out speed, the method creates a composite image that copies and consolidates multiple spectrum datasets into a single standard-format image. This software-level copying approach achieves fast batch reading (1/100th of original time) using conventional CCD hardware, avoiding the need for expensive high-speed hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware solution of increasing CCD read-out speed with a software/image-processing solution. By consolidating multiple spectra into one composite image and using batch reading with subsequent digital processing to rotate and extract individual spectra, the system achieves high productivity without increasing hardware complexity or cost.
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
This approach significantly reduces read-in time by a factor of 100, minimizing sample damage and contamination, while maintaining analysis accuracy by enabling faster data processing and rotation correction of spectral images.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric device 10 for converting the electron beam image into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The dispersive power of the analyzer at the energy dispersive surface is normally only several micrometers per volt. Energy dispersion referred to herein is an index indicating the distance by which electrons having energies differing by 1 volt are spaced apart.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analysis using an energy loss spectrometer and a transmission electron microscope equipped with the energy loss spectrometer. The spectrometer has a CCD camera for recording plural spectra as one photoelectric device image and a controller for batch reading in images from the camera, converting the positions of the pixels forming the images, and splitting each image into plural spectra. This permits improvement of the processing speed of the spectrometer.