Sam's X-rays
Beam Line Software
The XRF beam lines require a vastly complex and interconnected set of hardware and software systems from multiple different suppliers. The software interfaces at the beam lines (developed by Sam Webb) are the top layer that hide the complexities underneath in order to make data collection as easy as possible.
The four SSRL XRF imaging beam lines use the same software, and on the whole use the same workflows.
However, each beam line is unique, so there are some variations from beam line to beam line.
Below are guides to the core data collection programs - xMapGUI, Master Data Queue, Microscan, uXAS, uXAS Plotter, and Hexapod GUI
xMapGui
This program allows you to define the elements that you want to detect for imaging and XAS.
It also allows you to collect an XRF spectrum for the current location of the beam, and shows count rates
Up to 16 elements can be collected, and each of these is called an "SCA" channel (SCA 1-16).
During imaging, the full XRF spectrum per pixel is also collected automatically, but this data is very large and stored on a separate PC. This data needs to be zipped after your beam time is finished, so defining these 16 channels allows visualization of the data as it is being collected.
Periodic Table Interface
There is a periodic table interface that allows you to choose elements and specific emission line.
SCA>Periodic Table Interface
Select element, then the emission line. This is added to the list on the right.
We only collect data XAS data in the first 4 SCA channels, so you have to choose which element go in these 4 channels. Select the element you want in the right hand list and click the "Toggle XAS" button.
This is important as you need to know which element is in which of the 4 channels so you can select the right channels to plot in uXAS Plotter (described below), and also when you want to process your XAS data.
Master Data Queue
This software runs all your scans- maps, XANES, etc. It MUST be open in order for MicroScan GUI and uXAS to open.
MicroScan
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This software allows you to drive around your sample and drive in between different samples that are mounted on the sample wheel. Importantly, you also use this program to place your sample in the focal point of the beam.
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MicroScan allows you to select regions on your sample to map. You can select the area, step size (i.e. pixel size), energy, and dwell time (i.e. length of time spent measuring the signal in a single pixel). When you have focused your sample and selected your mapping region (and named your sample!!), you can send this information to the Master Data queue, which actually executes the mapping.
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MicroScan does not need to be open to actually run micro-XRF maps; it is just a tool used to select the parameters for these maps.
uXAS
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This software helps you to set up a queue of micro-XANES spectra, which are then sent to Master Data Queue. Typically the actual selection of micro-XANES locations are selected using SMAK. The instructions for how to set up a queue using a combination of uXAS, SMAK and Master Data Queue are provided in the SMAK How-To:
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This software also allows you to move all motors, OTHER THAN the SAMPLE STAGE motors (driving around the sample stage is done using MicroScan
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The motor you most commonly move using uXAS is DETECTOR, which moves the detector in and away from the sample
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Importantly, this software also allows you to run "macros" that your beamline scientist sets up to enable you to switch energies and optimize beam intensity
uXAS Plotter
This software plots your XAS data
Hexapod GUI
This software allows you to select the optic. The buttons listed are the ONLY ones you should touch.
