Visual Feedback
During spectrum image (SI) acquisition, the software provides real‑time visual feedback that allows you to monitor acquisition progress and system performance.
Spectrum image display
During SI acquisition, each spectrum image is displayed in its own image window. The image fills progressively as spectral data is acquired and written to its corresponding spatial positions.
You can use 3D visualization tools (for example, the Slice tool) to explore the spectral data while acquisition is running. However, these tools introduce additional processing overhead that may affect acquisition performance or introduce artifacts. For best results, use advanced visualization:
- After acquisition completes, or
- While acquisition is paused
Live spectra
You can enable or disable live spectral feedback during acquisition using the Live button in the STEM SI palette.
When enabled:
- Live spectra are displayed in real time.
- You can manipulate the spectra using standard line plot visualization tools.
Beam position cursor
During acquisition, an orange beam position cursor appears on the survey image to indicate the current beam location and acquisition progress.
- For slower acquisitions, the cursor follows the beam position closely.
- For very fast acquisitions, the cursor may appear as a line or be disabled entirely.
Pixels per second
The actual SI acquisition rate is displayed in the DigitalMicrograph® status area at the bottom of the application.
- The rate is reported in pixels per second.
- This information is useful when configuring spectrometer settings for optimal readout performance.
Time remaining
The remaining acquisition time is displayed in real time in the STEM SI palette, just above the Capture button.
- The estimate is based on the actual acquisition rate.
- Any paused time is excluded from the calculation.
Related FAQs
This depends on the amount of drift. The more severe the drift, the more frequent the correction needs to be set up.
Note: The drift correction procedure increases the total exposure time for the entire dataset.
