Probe Software Forum Newsletters

[John Donovan]

Here is the summer newsletter that went out a week ago:

Hi all,

Here is the Probe Software User Forum Summer 2024 newsletter.  Sorry it's a bit late this year as we got distracted creating our new web pages and moving and updating the EPMA user forum:

https://www.probesoftware.com/

The Probe Software EPMA user forum continues to be busy this spring with 34 new topics, 179 new posts and 24 new members since July 1st. The forum totals currently stand at 12,064 posts in 1429 topics by 849 members. Here are a few highlights from the last few months.

We recently added a "Flank" output method in Probe for EPMA as requested by Ben Buse:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1605.msg12804#msg12804

Here is the "Flank" procedure as described by Ben Buse:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1605.msg12805#msg12805

Ben Buse reminds people that there are two methods for image calibration in probe for EPMA/CalcImage:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=329.msg12811#msg12811

John Donovan points out a new behavior of the Combine Selected Samples into a New Sample button in the Analyze! window, where if only a single sample is selected, Probe for EPMA will ask if you want to duplicate that sample:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=573.msg12816#msg12816

Dan R asks about the imaging interfaces available in the Remote Sever application (for writing your own apps to control the instrument):

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=754.msg12817#msg12817

John Donovan points out a subtlety regarding the Formula By Difference option in the Calculation Option dialog when stoichiometric oxygen is being calculated:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=92.msg12819#msg12819

John Donovan points out that we have over 1800 views on our Probe Software YouTube channel (back in September):

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1578.msg12820#msg12820

Now it's over 2000 views!

https://www.youtube.com/@ProbeSoftware

Dan R. note that SPI standard mounts are no longer available and wonders what other alternatives there are:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1670.msg12822#msg12822

Jtmitchell reported that her JEOL stage was not moving correctly after it had been serviced (this can caused by either a mechanical or electronic issue):

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1671.msg12824#msg12824

and after some discussions and testing she found that her stage was catching on the SE detector. Once that was fixed, all is well now!

Ben Buse likes the new click to update bias voltage on bias scans feature in Probe for EPMA:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=71.msg12828#msg12828

Coredump answers some questions on diffusion pump oil in EPMA instruments:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1668.msg12830#msg12830

Facundo Bilbao asks a question on modeling rough surfaces using the PENEPMA simulation in the Standard application and Ben Buse and John Donovan respond:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1673.0

Ben (not Buse) asks about modeling rough samples using Casino and Ben Buse answers:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1674.msg12832#msg12832

A reminder from John Donovan that Aurelien Moy has fixed a number of small bugs in our Probe Image over the summer, so you should grab the latest Probe Image zipped installer when you get a chance:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=117.msg12839#msg12839

Ben Buse notes a new EPMA/SEM position opened at St Andrews University:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=3.msg12843#msg12843

DCoulthardJr asks for tips on removing tape residue from samples:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1676.msg12845#msg12845

They have not gotten a response yet, so feel free to chime in!

Ben Buse asks for a modification of the display analyzed or digitized points on the PictureSnap image in Probe for EPMA and his request is granted:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=14.msg12846#msg12846

Ben Buse comments on one of his favorite "hidden" features in Probe for EPMA:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=110.msg12847#msg12847

What is your favorite "hidden" feature(s) in Probe for EPMA?

Ben (not Buse) asks about modeling SEs in Casino3D and Ben Buse and Nicholas Ritchie respond:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1674.msg12849#msg12849

Alejandro Cortes asks about beam defocus effects with EDS and John Donovan responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1620.msg12851#msg12851

John Donovan discusses the issue of WDS Bragg defocus and secondary fluorescence from nearby grain boundaries:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1545.msg12853#msg12853

Zhangzhou posts about new open source geo-chemistry software using AI:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1678.msg12864#msg12864

LukMuk asks about documentation/help methods in DTSA2 and Nicholas Ritchie responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1679.msg12865#msg12865

John Donovan reminds people of the automated "replicate" feature in Probe Image for quantitative mapping of beam sensitive samples:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=912.msg12868#msg12868

Because sometimes we forget about cool features!  This feature in Probe Image allows one to automatically acquire replicate maps which can then be corrected using the time dependent intensity (TDI) methods in CalcImage for fully quantitative maps!

Ben Buse asks about methane emissions from P-10 gas cylinders and sem-geologist and JonF respond:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1680.msg12870#msg12870

Sem-geologist writes detailed posts on his investigations into his SX100/SXFive stage and motor electronics:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=639.msg12875#msg12875

Ben Buse and sem-geologist discuss HyperSpy and open source microanalysis software:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1681.msg12876#msg12876

A new topic started by Ben Buse and sem-geologist on energy savings in the EPMA/SEM laboratory:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1683.msg12880#msg12880

Ben Buse asks about modeling Boundary fluorescence from epoxy containing Cl and Probeman responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=58.msg12881#msg12881

John Donovan notes the new Probe Software web pages:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=233.msg12883#msg12883

D. asks about mildly radioactive samples in the instrument and Nicholas Ritchie and Mike Matthews respond:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1682.msg12885#msg12885

Joe Boesenberg asks if anyone has written code to export standard compositions from either the Cameca or Probe Software standard databases to the JEOL EPMA format:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1684.msg12889#msg12889

Yup, he switching from a Cameca to a JEOL EPMA because, well, you all know why... and no one has responded yet, so you can be the first!

Lukmuk offers scripts for TEM foil simulations in DTSA2 and Nicoholas Ritchie thanks him:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1686.msg12902#msg12902

John Donovan reminds people that since Probe Software has moved to a new server, you should update your Probe for EPMA (or CalcZAF) software now (using the Help menu), so that you will still be able to update after the old server download repositories go away.

Regards,
The Probe Software Users Forum Team.

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php

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[John Donovan]

Hi all,
Here is the 2024 Fall newsletter that went out about 10 days ago. Happy New Year!

Hi all,

Here is the Probe Software User Forum Fall 2024 newsletter. The Probe Software EPMA user forum continues to be busy this spring with 32 new topics, 223 new posts and 100 new members since October 1st. The forum totals currently stand at 12,246 posts in 1450 topics by 859 members. Here are a few highlights from the last few months.

Ben Buse asks about better ways to import file setups from previous runs and John Donovan describes his own methods for importing runs with multiple sample setups by creating a "mother of all samples" setup and importing that:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=71.msg12976#msg12976

Joe Boesenberg asks about imaging the gun (filament) and SEM Geologist responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1697.0

Ejlochner asks about the interference correction in PFE when duplicate elements are present:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=69.msg12986#msg12986

and John Donovan responds with a modification to make the interface more intuitive.

Macosta asks about modeling beam convolution and Nicholas Ritchie responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1700.0

Ben Buse asks about the Boltzman equation and Nicholas Ritchie responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1691.0

John Donovan explains more details on cascade and self-interfering "pathological" interferences and a bug fix to improve strongly interfering lines such as Pb La and As Ka:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=69.msg12995#msg12995

Jtmitchell asks about automation time estimates in Probe for EPMA:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=255.msg12997#msg12997

and John Donovan responds. Note that improving these time estimates is an ongoing effort and if you would like to participate please in these efforts please contact John at probe Software.

Zorch and SEM Geologist discuss the SX100 EDS aperture mechanism and how to repair leaks:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1698.0

Probeman posts a short video by David Attenborough on electric fields of flowers and bees:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=133.msg13007#msg13007

Ben Buse asks how to calculate chlorite formulas in Probe for EPMA and Andrew Locock joined the discussion:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=71.msg13015#msg13015

John Donovan posts a tip on how to get text that is non proportionally spaced, for example when posting columns of numbers:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=6.msg13019#msg13019

John Donovan and Julien Allaz discuss LDE Bragg diffractors and the importance of measuring both the 2D spacing and the refractive index for accurate peak positioning:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=375.msg12945#msg12945

Probeman posts a link on a different sort of carbon contamination:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=133.msg13024#msg13024

John Donovan starts a new topic on "Problems with the Analysis" which discusses various analytical problems and how to determine their sources:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1705.0

including some examples of beam drift, and Faraday cup timing issues...

Probeman posts an example of modeling birefringence in the Coat application (included with CalcZAF/Standard) and some speculations on how this might be related to "supernummery" rainbows:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=331.msg13033#msg13033

Ben Buse asks about importing images into qgis:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1707.0

and SEM Geologist responds.

John Donovan comments on IT departments locking computers down more and more and Nicholas Ritchie, SEM Geologist and Probeman respond:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=228.msg13038#msg13038

Joe Boesenberg asks about observed peak widths:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1514.msg13047#msg13047

Joe Bosenberg asks about measuring noble elements in the EPMA :

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=179.msg13048#msg13048

and John Donovan explains the "Virtual Standards" method in Probe for EPMA which can do this.

Andrew Lock shares some measurements he performed on the NIST Au-Ag alloys and found that the Donovan and Moy (DAM) backscatter correction gave the most accurate results:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=40.msg13051#msg13051

Steve Kuehn asks about the compatibility of Bruker Esprit 2.6 (currently shipping) and John Donovan explains that everyone is still waiting for the v. 2.6 Esprit API DLLs from Bruker in order to test this:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1710.0

We've written Bruker several times over the last month and no response as yet...

Ben Buse asks if anyone has created a script for testing spectrometer reproducibility and Probeman responds regarding the Remote (COM) interface for this purpose:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=88.msg12982#msg12982

John Donovan posts about the new Advanced EPMA "helper" window in the latest version of Probe for EPMA:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=40.msg13066#msg13066

which not only links to the specific feature in probe for EPMA, but also provides links for context sensitive help and links to tutorial videos on the Probe Software YouTube channel.

There is now a YouTube tutorial menu link in CalcImage demonstrating how to quantify x-ray maps:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=41.msg13072#msg13072

Video produced by Scott Boroughs.

Joe Boesenberg asks about differences in quantification of Mg using matrix corrections in the Cameca, JEOL and Probe Software applications:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1711.0

John Donovan discusses the importance of adjusting the Faraday cup "wait in" parameter, especially for new JEOL EPMA instruments.  If this "wait in" delay is not long enough, your 2nd beam current measurement accuracy may be affected:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1702.msg13075#msg13075

John Donovan posts some links for image calibration in Probe for EPMA and CalcImage:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=831.msg13077#msg13077

This is critically important when displaying analysis stage positions on beam scan images or maps.

John Donovan posts about stage errors in JEOL and Cameca software/hardware and how to differentiate between them:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=868.msg13078#msg13078

An interesting development regarding using the JEOL MEC EDS interface with Probe for EPMA:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=868.msg13087#msg13087

Joe Boesenberg asks about using a single off-peak background intensity and a slope factor and John Donovan explains:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1712.0

John Donovan notes that the latest version of Probe for EPMA no longer requires the use of beam scan mode when acquiring EDS spectra in Probe for EP<MS when using the JEOL MEC EDS interface on JEOL iSP100/iHP200F instruments:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=230.msg13090#msg13090

Sander asks about modeling continuum fluorescence:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=490.msg13091#msg13091

and Probeman adds a comment.

Regards,
The Probe Software Users Forum Team.

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php

[John Donovan]

Here is the winter 2024 newsletter that went out a week or so ago.

We noticed that we overlooked a very interesting discussion started by Andrew Locock asking about W filament sources. SEM-geologist and Jon Fellowes chimed in with some interesting information, so we include that here:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1734.0

Hi all,

Here is the Probe Software User Forum Winter 2024 newsletter. The Probe Software EPMA user forum continues to be busy this spring with 21 new topics, 211 new posts and 12 new members since January 1st. The forum totals currently stand at 12,447 posts in 1470 topics with 871 members. Here are a few highlights from the last few months.

John Donovan was asked about automating standard, unknown and mapping acquisition and made this post on that topic:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=744.msg13216#msg13216

John Donovan discusses the issue of "backward compatibility" in EPMA and particularly with regards to the Probe for EPMA software and science data in general:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=924.msg13203#msg13203

John Donovan mentions that some users of CalcZAF and/or Probe for EPMA are having trouble updating their software from the Help menus as usual. This issue is explained in this and prior posts:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=40.msg13219#msg13219

Ben Buse has questions about using DTSA-II for modeling inclusions and Nicholas Ritchie responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1725.0

John Donovan discusses a new correction method in Probe for EPMA for correction of Bragg defocusing effects when performing secondary fluorescence corrections from boundary phases:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1545.msg13214#msg13214

Joe Boesenberg started a topic on "apparent shifts in Mg concentrations on his new JEOL instrument:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1718.0

These are small differences in concentrations and Pete McSwiggen and I have been working with Joe off-line on this for a few weeks now and we may have found the problem.  Basically it involves testing the spectrometer/crystal alignment for consistent k-ratios as a function of sin theta by measuring (as suggested by Pete) both 1st and 2nd order Bragg emissions on the spectrometer in question, e.g.,

Spectro position for mg ka on TAP (140 mm), is 107.798 (with refractive index correction, k= 0.00218)
Spectro position for mg ka (II) on TAP (140 mm), is 215.2433 (with refractive index correction, k= 0.00218)

I think this is a brilliant idea by Pete and perhaps we should be performing this sort of testing more often. More on this once we are confident in our findings.

Joe Boesenberg asks a great question about how should his standard compositions be organized in the standard composition database in PFE and John Donovan responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1559.msg13224#msg13224

Dawn Ruth asked for a small modification when exporting data for Bragg orders > 1 and we provided it:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=71.msg13230#msg13230

Jon Fellowes requested a way to trigger a external acquisition from Probe for EPMA and we came up with a solution for him:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=71.msg13129#msg13129

Four more new Probe Software customers:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=245.msg13235#msg13235

Dawn Ruth asked for a string selection control to the Position window and we responded:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=71.msg13238#msg13238

Someone asked for a feature to export analyses automatically during acquisition and it is already implemented:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=8.msg13241#msg13241

An interesting discussion by Probeman with followups by Sem-Geologist:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1526.msg13242#msg13242

Dawn Ruth asks about the Faraday cup being inserted before the WDS acquisition finishes,and Probeman responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=136.msg13247#msg13247

Jon Fellowes asks about carbon coaters and Dawn Ruth chimes in:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=623.msg13207#msg13207

CoreDump and Sem-Geologist discuss Faraday cup circuits:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1702.msg13250#msg13250

Probeman points out that just switching from the traditional dead time correction to the new logarithmic dead time correction results in a significant improvement in accuracy, even without re-running the dead time calibration:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1466.msg13255#msg13255

Joe Boesenberg asks about testing spectrometer reproducibility and John Donovan responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1729.0

Sem-Geologist posts about his DIY video camera system:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1724.msg13267#msg13267

Jens Andersen asks about coating the inside of the bell jar on carbon coaters to make it easier to clean:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1730.0

And Probeman responds.

Jen Mitchell asks about using fluorescent dyes in thin sections and Jen Andersen responds:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1723.0

John Donovan runs another test of using AI for tech support in microanalysis. This time asking about WDS spectral interference corrections:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1715.msg13272#msg13272Check to see how well it did.

Ben Buse asks and John Donovan and Dan Ruscitto discuss using the Remote imaging interface from Probe Software for writing your own EPMA imaging applications:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=754.msg13125#msg13125

Probeman posts a figure and link to a paper showing an interesting effect at low sin theta between integral and differential PHA modes:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1526.msg13242#msg13242

and Sem-Geologist responds.

Sem-Geologist posts a poll and asks how other labs deal with safety regulations involving P-10 gas:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1732.0

John Donovan posts some suggestions for those installing CalcZAF and Probe for EPMA for off-line processing of data:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=535.msg13237#msg13237

John Donovan posts about some recent issues with the Bruker EDS interface that are now working again:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1710.msg13297#msg13297

Dan Coulthard asks about sources for synthetic spinel group minerals:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1733.msg13300#msg13300

No one has responded yet. WE are always interested in sources for high purity synthetic minerals!

John Donovan posts a slide from his presentation this week at the Athens 2025 EPMA workshop on modeling and correction of secondary fluorescence effects:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=1535.msg13307#msg13307

and also the full pdf.

Ben Garcia updates us on the situation with his JEOL 8530 EDS interface with Probe for EPMA. Apparently recent updates of the JEOL software break this API interface. JEOL Japan is looking at the issue:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=79.msg13311#msg13311

Ben Buse posts Arden Albee's obituary:

https://smf.probesoftware.com/index.php?topic=133.msg13313#msg13313