Acquisition Flow and Feedback
Flow control
This section describes the typical workflow for performing an EFTEM spectrum imaging (SI) acquisition and monitoring its progress.
- Locate the region of interest and verify that the microscope and energy filter are correctly aligned.
- Configure the EFTEM SI acquisition parameters.
- Click Capture to start the EFTEM SI acquisition.
- Complete the required pre‑acquisition steps, which include:
- Aligning the zero‑loss peak (ZLP)
- Determining the auto‑binning value
- Setting the initial auto‑exposure value
- Proceed with EFTEM SI acquisition.
Monitoring acquisition progress
You can monitor acquisition progress using the available visual feedback tools.
Visual feedback options
- Align ZLP (zero‑loss peak alignment) – Invokes the EFTEM zero‑loss alignment routine at the start of the acquisition.
- EFTEM SI Spectrum Image Display –
Displays two images during acquisition:- The left image shows the evolving EFTEM spectrum image.
- The right image shows the most recently acquired energy‑filtered image.
Live Spectra
Live Spectra allows you to extract and view a real‑time electron energy‑loss spectrum from a selected region of the EFTEM SI during acquisition.
- Right‑click the EFTEM SI data.
- Select the Spectrum Picker tool.
- Place the spectrum picker ROI on the EFTEM spectrum image.
- Move the ROI to the desired region.
A live spectrum is displayed and updates continuously as acquisition proceeds.
This workflow allows you to verify alignment, monitor data quality, and observe spectral behavior in real time during EFTEM SI acquisition.
