Low-cost virtual instrumentation system of an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer for a scanning electron microscope
2002

Low-cost virtual instrumentation system for X-ray spectrometry

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Junfeng Lei, Libo Zeng, Ronggui Liu, Juntang Liu, Zelan Zhang, Jiming Hu

Primary Institution: Wuhan University

Hypothesis

The study aims to develop a low-cost, flexible virtual instrument for energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry connected to a scanning electron microscope.

Conclusion

The developed virtual instrument for energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry is smaller, faster, and more flexible than traditional systems, and has been successfully operational since 1999.

Supporting Evidence

  • The system was developed to replace older, more expensive energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometers.
  • It has been operational since 1999 without any inner malfunction.
  • The total cost of the system is under $6000.

Takeaway

This study created a cheaper and more adaptable tool for analyzing materials using X-rays, making it easier to understand what things are made of.

Methodology

The instrument was developed using computer-aided teaching and object-oriented programming in C, incorporating hardware and software calibration methods.

Limitations

The system may have limitations in fully automating the identification of elements due to the complexity of spectra.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/14639240210143163

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