"Manufacturers Presentations on Their Latest Data Systems
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A set of basic guidelines was sent to all the manufacturers, in order
to focus their presentations on up grading from old non-Y2k compliant systems to the
latest bug free data systems. The guidelines were as follows:
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Platform Type:
i.e. PC/UNIX/Mac etc.
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Min Spec:
Hard Drive, RAM, Speed, Screens (Type and number), Min Screen Res, Operating System
plus version number, Data Format (Loading), Data Storage options (Zip, Jazz, CD)
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Optimum Spec:
As above
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Performance Parameters:
Outputs to standard packages (such as Word etc.), Printer compatibility, Peripheral
compatibility, Format Types (VAMAS, ISO format for importing/exporting data)
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Interfacing to Old Instruments:
What systems can they be bolted onto ? (ESCA3, XSAM 800, ES200,etc.)
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What Techniques can it support:
XPS, iXPS, AES, SIMS, EDX, SEM, Angle Resolved XPS (Stage control) etc.
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Instrument control/data processing:
X-windows mode operation, second desktop package supported?
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Networking:
Part of package, use standard systems such as Novell etc.
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IAC/Bristol University:
Dr John Day
Dr Day gave a brief presentation on the basic functionality of IAC PC
based software system, which can be used to control XPS, Auger, SIMS, SEM, EDX in both
Imaging and spectroscopy modes. The software can be customised control most systems.
Kratos:
Dr Chris Blomfield
Dr Chris Blomfield from Kratos, showed the use of the new Vision 2
software, which is UNIX based, but can also be used in X-windows environments via
Hummingbird. This package is currently used on all the different Kratos surface analysis
systems, such as AMICUS and the AXIS Ultra. Dr Blomfield highlighted both the powerful
data processing and the excellent computer controlled vacuum operation software.
PHI:
Dr Uli Rolli
Dr Uli Rolli from PHI, showed their latest data processing software,
developed for the PC based platforms. The software was the MultiPak called and uses Matlab
for some of its data processing functions. Data can be exported/imported into the package
via ASCII, PCX, PS, TIFF, HPGL, formats, but its best to use cut & paste with MS
Office. Dr Rolli showed numerous examples of the various data processing operations
available in the software package
VG
Dr Richard White
Dr Richard White gave the presentation on the VG -ECLISPE data system.
The operating system is OS/2 warp, which runs on standard Pentium PC’s. Dr White
showed that the instrument set-up routine is now fully computer controlled, using live
displays in a multi-window environment. The image and spectra acquisition modes were
displayed, plus data processing software.
Xi Presentation
Dr Alan Carrick
Showed the data handbook generated by Dr Vince Crist. The software is
highly flexible and allows you to import spectra from a range of different systems, such
ECLISPE, VISION and the IAC software. The database is available on a wide range of
platforms including, NT, Windows 95 and 98 and Mac.
MSI:
Dr Phil Hastings
Dr Phil Hastings went through the basics of the Cerius2
software, highlighting the different modules available for materials research. These
included the spectra prediction software for IR, X-ray diffraction, Electron Diffraction
and NMR. Dr Hastings also went through several applications, were surface reactions were
simulated in catalysis and corrosion studies.
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