Xlab5 Manual
Xlab5 Manual
Xlab5 Manual
X-LabPro 5
Operator Manual
Table of Contents
SOFTWARE HELP ..............................................................................................................10
1 Job Manager ...............................................................................................................10
1.1 Job Manager ........................................................................................................10
1.1.1 Window overview ..........................................................................................10
1.2 Job Window .........................................................................................................10
1.3 Create New Job/Job Properties ...........................................................................12
1.4 Edit Job ................................................................................................................14
1.5 Import Job ............................................................................................................15
1.6 Export Job............................................................................................................15
1.7 Tree Control .........................................................................................................16
1.8 Context Menu for a job .........................................................................................17
1.9 Context Menu for a sample ..................................................................................17
1.10 Context Menu for the trashcan .............................................................................18
1.11 Menu Commands .................................................................................................18
1.11.1 Commands in the File Menu ..........................................................................18
1.11.2 Commands in the Edit Menu .........................................................................19
1.11.3 Commands in the View Menu ........................................................................21
1.11.4 Commands in the Window Menu ...................................................................21
1.11.5 Commands in the X-LabPro Menu ................................................................22
1.11.6 Commands in the Help Menu ........................................................................22
1.12 Other ....................................................................................................................23
1.12.1 Toolbar ..........................................................................................................23
1.12.2 Title Bar.........................................................................................................24
1.12.3 Status Bar .....................................................................................................24
2 Routine Dialog ............................................................................................................25
2.1 The X-LabPro Routine Dialog ..............................................................................25
2.2 How to Define New Samples/Enter the Sample Data (Xepos)..............................26
2.3 How to Define New Samples/Enter the Sample Data (IQ) ....................................28
2.4 How to Load and Save the Sample Plates ...........................................................29
2.5 The Measurement ................................................................................................30
2.6 Show the Sample Results ....................................................................................31
2.7 Prepare Global Recalibration ...............................................................................33
2.8 Prepare MCA Recalibration..................................................................................34
2.9 Prepare Intercept Recalibration ............................................................................35
2.10 Prepare Method Recalibration ..............................................................................36
2.11 The Routine Dialog Spectrum Display ..................................................................38
2.12 The Routine Dialog Sample Plate Display ............................................................39
2.13 Settings Dialog Box ..............................................................................................39
3 Result Viewer ..............................................................................................................43
3.1 Selection of elements / definition of concentration limits .......................................43
4 Spectra Viewer ............................................................................................................47
4.1 The Spectra Viewer..............................................................................................47
4.2 The Tree Control ..................................................................................................47
4.2.1 How to Select Spectra for Representation .....................................................48
4.2.2 How to Enable/Disable the Tree Control........................................................48
4.3 The Selection Table .............................................................................................48
4.3.1 Selecting Spectra ..........................................................................................49
4.4 Menu Commands .................................................................................................50
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 2 of 397
X-LabPro 5
SOFTWARE HELP
1 Job Manager
You get access to all commands of the Edit menu by clicking the right mouse
button on a sample.
Instead of a job, the trashcan can be opened. In this case the trashcan context
menu looks like shown on the following pictures.
Restore
Select Restore to restore the selected sample(s). The sample(s) will be
assigned to the former jobs(s). If a job does not exist any more, the sample
will be restored to the collective job.
Restore All
Select Restore All to restore all samples in the trashcan. See Restore for
details.
Delete
Select Delete to delete the selected sample(s).
Delete All
Select Delete All to delete all samples in the trashcan.
Note:
The samples should be assigned to different jobs even if your applications are not
organized according to jobs. In this case, a new job may be created for each
week, for example.
Changes to the data are automatically stored. Use the New Window menupoint of
the Window menu or of the job context menu of the tree control to open additional
job windows.
Use the Sample menu or the command buttons in the toolbar to copy sample data
to other jobs or windows.
Description
Enter a description of the new job. The description may be up to 20 characters
long.
Comment
Use this field to enter a comment for the new job.
Customer Group
Name
Enter the customer's name and the name of the contact person, etc. as desired in
these text boxes. Up to 40 characters may be entered in each field.
Street
Enter the street address for the customer in this text box. Up to 40 characters may
be entered in this text field.
City, State, Zip
Enter the city, state and postal code information for the customer address in this
text box. Up to 40 characters may be entered in this text box.
Comments Group
Enter comments about the job being created in these text boxes. Up to 80
characters may be entered in each of the text boxes.
After entering the new job´s data click on the OK command button to confirm the
entries. The job will be created and automatically displayed in a new job window.
To cancel just click on the Cancel command button. Now, the job won´t be
created.
Comments Group
Edit the comments about the job in this text boxes. Up to 80 characters may be
entered in each of the text boxes.
After editing the job´s data click on the OK command button to confirm the
changes.
To cancel click on the Cancel command button and the job won´t be changed.
For a detailed description how to import/export jobs please refer to the relevant
chapter.
For a detailed description how to import/export jobs please refer to the relevant
chapter.
The tree control displays all the jobs and their assigned samples and
measurements of the database. Further it displays the trashcan, where deleted
samples are stored. To show or hide the tree control choose Tree Control of the
View menu ( ALT, V, C ). Update of the same menu will add valid database
changes to the tree control.
Click on a job to display the assigned samples in the active job window. Double
click on a job or sample item to fold open or back the children, clicking on a plus or
minus icon of the tree is the same. The blue number maintain the numbers of
children of the items.
Right click on an item will give you access to a context menu in relation to the type
( job, sample, measurement, trashcan ).
Job Properties
Select Job Properties to get the properties of the selected job. This selection
opens the Job Properties dialog box.
New Window
Select New Window to open a new job window containing the selected job.
Delete Job
Select Delete Job to delete the selected job. This selection opens a dialog
box to confirm the deletion. The assigned samples will be moved to the
trashcan.
Sample Properties
Select Sample Properties to get the properties of the selected sample. This
selection opens the Sample Properties dialog box.
Show Spectra
Select Show Spectra to open the X-LabPro Spectra Viewer and see the
spectra of the selected sample.
Results
Select Results to get the results of the selected sample. This selection opens
the Display Sample Results dialog box.
Delete All
Select Delete All to delete all samples in the trashcan.
New Window
Select New Window to open a new job window containing the trashcan.
Note: The job window offers you some more commands for the trashcan. For
example, you can restore samples.
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+O
Close Job
Use this command to close the active job window.
Shortcuts:
Keyboard: CTRL+Q
Print
Use this command to print the selected sample(s). This command opens a
Print dialog box to do printer settings and the printing.
Shortcuts
Keyboard: CTRL+P
Print preview
Use this command to get a preview of the print-out on the screen.
Exit
Use this command to end your XLJobMan session. You can also use the
Close command on the application control menu.
Shortcuts
Mouse: Double click the application's icon.
Keyboard: ALT+F4
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+C
Paste
Use this command to paste the sample(s) from the X-LabPro clipboard into
the active job.
Shortcuts
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+V
Keyboard: CTRL+W
Clone
Use this command to clone the selected sample(s). The selected sample(s)
will immediately be copied and pasted to the active job. The X-LabPro
clipboard won´t be used.
Shortcuts
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+B
Delete
Use this command to delete the selected sample(s). The selected sample(s)
will be moved to the trashcan.
Shortcuts
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+X
Assign Method
This command changes the method assignment of a sample.
Reset Measurements
This command resets the measurements of one or more selected samples.
Import Sample(s)
Use this command to import samples from archive-files (*.smp). This
command opens a dialog box where you can select one or more files. The
imported samples will be assigned to the active job.
Export Sample(s)
Use this command to export the selected samples to archive-files (*.smp).
This command opens a dialog box where you can select the export folder.
Evaluate
Use this command to evaluate the selected sample(s)
Show Spectra
Use this command to open the X-LabPro Spectra Viewer to see the spectra of
the selected sample(s).
Shortcuts
Toolbar:
Results
Use this command to get the results of the selected sample. This command
opens the Display Sample Results dialog box.
Shortcuts
Toolbar:
Properties
Use this command to get the properties of the selected sample. This
command opens the Sample Properties dialog box.
Tile
Select this menupoint to arrange all of the open windows side by side so that
all of them are visible. Only a portion of the other windows is displayed. Scroll
within the visible portion with the scroll bars.
Arrange Icons
Select this menupoint to arrange the icons within the application window.
Shortcuts
Select this menupoint to display an overview of the keyboard shortcuts.
About XLJobMan
Show the version and copyrights of the Job Manager.
1.12 Other
1.12.1 Toolbar
The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu
bar. It provides quick mouse access to many functions used in the job manager.
To hide or display the toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).
Click to
Create a new job and open it in a new job window.
Open a dialog to select a job. The selected job will be opened in a new
job window.
Copy the selected sample(s) to the X-LabPro clipboard.
Paste the sample(s) in the X-LabPro clipboard to the active job.
Clone the selected sample(s). The selected sample(s) will immediately be
copied and pasted to the active job. The clipboard will not be used for this
operation.
Delete the selected sample(s). The selected sample(s) will be moved to
the trashcan.
Open the X-LabPro Spectra Viewer to show the spectra of the selected
sample(s).
Open the Display Sample Results dialog box to show the results of
the selected sample.
Print the selected sample(s).
Open the Online Help.
The title bar is located along the top of the application window. It contains the
names of the application and of the current job window.
To move the window, drag the title bar. Note: You can also move dialog boxes by
dragging their title bars.
The title bar may contain the following elements:
Exit button
Maximize button
Minimize button
Name of the application
Name of the job window
Icon of the application
The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Job Manager. To display or hide
the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.
The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the
arrow keys to navigate through menus. This area shows messages that describe
the action of a toolbar button while pressing the button. If after viewing the
description of the toolbar button command you wish not to execute the command,
then release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar button.
Moreover the database reading status will be shown in the status bar by a
progress bar.
The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched
down:
Indicator Description
CAP The Caps Lock key is latched down.
NUM The Num Lock key is latched down.
SCRL The Scroll Lock key is latched down.
2 Routine Dialog
The Routine Dialog offers the user an easy use of the X-LabPro routine
measurement.
It is possible to enter the sample data in the right area of the screen, the sample
table. The left area contains a tab control for the selection of different view modes
during the measurement. It is possible to switch between the
Sample Plate Display
Spectrum Display
Video Display (if your instrument is equipped with a video camera system).
Comunication
Element Mapping (MIDEX equipped with xyz stages only)
The following menus are displayed when the Routine window is active:
File Menu
Edit Menu
View Menu
Tools Menu
Recalibration Menu
Video Menu
Help Menu
System Menu
See also:
Toolbar
Statusbar
The following menus are displayed when the Routine window is active:
File Menu
Edit Menu
View Menu
Tools Menu
Recalibration Menu
Video Menu
Help Menu
System Menu
See also:
Toolbar
Statusbar
By clicking a cell in the "Name" column this will be highlighted and you can enter
the sample name using the keyboard. After leaving this cell by pressing the "Enter"
key, an arrow key or clicking into another cell, the sample name is accepted.
Moreover, the job name will generated automatically as configurated. You can
overwrite the job name if necessary.
Use the mouse to select a method from the method field. By clicking on the
method field, a drop down list opens and it is possible to select a method. Only the
methods of the selected method class will be displayed in the drop down list.
For editing additional sample data it is possible to display the respective columns
by changing the configuration in the Routine Dialog Settings Dialog Box in the
Configuration Editor. For changing additional data without displaying the columns,
click with the right mouse button on the respective cell containing the sample
name and select the Sample Data menu point from the context menu. The
Enter/Edit Sample Data Dialog Box opens.
It is possible to select another method class for your sample plate by using the
drop down list box above the sample table. In the example the method class "Vac
methods" is in use.
Note: By selecting a new method class all contents of the sample table will be
deleted.
It is possible to define the sample plate for repeated runs by selecting a repetition
number from the drop down list box left above the sample table (Here only 1 run is
selected).
You can use the following shortcuts to use the clipboard:
Use the "Del" key to delete the content of the selected field or the whole
sample, if the belonging row is selected in the table.
Use "Ctrl+Ins" or "Ctrl+C" to copy selected table areas into the clipboard.
Use "Shift+Ins" or "Ctrl+V" to paste the data from the clipboard into the
selected table area.
Use "Shift+Del" or "Ctrl+X" to cut selected table areas into the clipboard.
You can edit the entered data at every time before the measurement is started.
Just click into the cell to overwrite the contained data.
By clicking in the "Sample Name" edit box you can enter the sample name using
the keyboard. Moreover, the job name will generated automatically as
configurated. You can overwrite the job name if necessary.
Use the mouse to select a method from the "Method" drop down list. Only the
methods of the selected method class will be displayed in the drop down list.
For editing additional sample data click with the right mouse button in the "Sample
Name" edit box and select the Sample Data menu point from the context menu.
The Enter/Edit Sample Data Dialog Box opens.
It is possible to select another method class by using the drop down list box above
the "Sample Name" edit box. In the example the method class "SPECTRO IQ" is
in use.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 28 of 397
X-LabPro 5
Enter a file name for your sample plate. By clicking the "Save" command button
the sample plate data will be saved. The file type is "xst" ("X-LabPro Sample
Table").
To open a saved sample plate later, use the File Open command in the File Menu.
The File Open dialog shown in the picture below will open and you can select one
of the files shown in the dialog box.
For an IQ you have to enter a sample name in the Sample Name Eedit field. The
following picture shows the control panel of the Routine Dialog if your intrument is
a IQ.
Select the Results menu point to open the Display Sample Results Dialog Box:
For a IQ the sample results will be shown automatically after the measurement
and evaluation of a sample is finished.
The routine dialog for an IQ will also create a new global sample like shown in the
following picture:
The routine dialog for an IQ will also create a new MCA sample like shown in the
following picture:
New MCA samples with a continous numbered sample name (e.g. "_27R",
"_28R",...) will automatically be generated as defined in the configuration editor.
These samples will automatically contain a link to the original reference sample as
control sample.
Use this function only to prepare and start an MCA recalibration.
Do not try to edit the automatically generated sample plate manually.
The routine dialog itself will create a new Intercept sample plate like shown in the
following picture:
New Intercept samples with a continous numbered sample name (e.g. "_27R",
"_28R",...) will automatically be generated as defined in the configuration editor.
These samples will automatically contain a link to the original reference sample as
control sample.
Use this function only to prepare and start an Intercept recalibration.
The routine dialog itself will create a new Method sample plate like shown in the
following picture:
New Mehod samples with a continous numbered sample name (e.g. "_27R",
"_28R",...) will automatically be generated as defined in the configuration editor.
These samples will automatically contain a link to the original reference sample as
control sample.
Use this function only to prepare and start an Method recalibration.
The spectrum display shows the spectrum that is transmitted from the instrument.
On the top the sample name of the current measured sample and the
measurement number is displayed.
On the bottom the line cursor data for the current line cursor position is displayed.
Click into the spectrum display to place the line cursor.
Use the Toolbox to have enhanced access to the spectral representation. You can
open the toolbox by using the Toolbar symbol or the Tools Menu.
The sample plate display can be selected by using the tab control in the middle left
of the Routine Dialog screen. It shows the instrument sample plate status at its
current situation.
The different colors have the following significance:
Dark Gray (with text "Lock")
Locked Position. You cannot place samples on this plate position. Locked
positions can be defined in the Configuration Editor by using the Routine Dialog
Settings Dialog Box.
Green
Measurement of this sample is completed
Yellow
Measurement of this sample in progress
Red
Measurement of this sample is not completed
Blue (during editing the sample table)
This position is selcted for entering sample data
Here the method class, a sample plate and a list of locked positions can be
selected as pre-setted for the Routine Dialog. Moreover you can decide how the
job name will be created automatically. You can choose between collective job as
automatically used, a daily generated job (e.g. 2001_06_05), a weekly generated
job (e.g. 2001_23) or a monthly generated job (e.g. 2001_06).
Note: A job can include a maximum of 1000 samples.
If you measure a lot of samples it will be useful to use weekly or daily generated
jobs.
The check box at the bottom of the dialog can be used to start the Routine Dialog
automatically with X-LabPro.
You must define at least one method class. Click on the Method Class tab control
to open the following sheet:
Select the method class in the drop down list at the top right of the dialog. Use
Insert to add selected methods from the list at the left to the selected method class
represented by the right list. Use Delete to remove a selected method from the
right list.
Click to the Locked Positions sheet to define the list of locked positions as shown
in the picture below. Use New to open the Edit Locked Positions dialog box for
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 41 of 397
X-LabPro 5
selecting locked positions. By clicking Edit you can edit the selected list of locked
positions. Click Delete for deleting the selected list of locked positions.
In the Columns sheet you can define the order of the columns and select if you
want the columns to be visible or hidden. Use the Up and Down buttons to change
the order position of a selected column. Double-click on a column to change
between visible or hidden.
After the configuration is finished it is meaningful to edit and check the settings on
the first sheet Presets again and to save the configuration. Restart all the X-
LabPro applications to make user of the new settings.
If you want to change the settings for a selected plate in the Routine Dialog, use
the Settings dialog box that can be opened by clicking Settings in the Extras
menu.
3 Result Viewer
Certain applications require the compliance with a predefined set of concentration
limits for one or more elements. The result viewer not only controls the compliance
of the analytical result, it also presents it in a visual form with all relevant
information included.
To activate the Result viewer click on “Open Result View after Measurement”.
Select tab “Elements” and enter the minimum and maximum concentration range.
Here you can choose if you would like a scaling on the bars and a different color
for the concentration limits.
In the menu bar “View” you can either create a bitmap or open the bitmap in an
external application.
4 Spectra Viewer
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+O
Close
Use the close command to close the selected spectra window. You will be
promted to save the spectra data if the data contains any new information.
Save
Use this command to save the active spectra window to its current name and
directory. If you want to change the name and directory of an existing spectra
window before you save it, use the Save As command.
Shortcuts:
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+S
Save as
Use this command to save and name the active spectra. The Spectra Viewer
displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your spectra.
To save a spectra with its existing name and directory, use the Save command.
Print
Use this command to print the aktice spectra window.
Exit
Use this command to end the Spectra Viewer session. You can also use the
Close command on the Application Control Menu. The Spectra Viewer
prompts you to save documents with unsaved changes.
Shortcuts:
Mouse: Double click the application's Control menu Icon.
Keys: ALT+F4
Selection Table
Select this menupoint to display the Selection Table Dialog Box.
Rotate
Select this menupoint to rotate the order of the spectra in the selected spectra
window.
Click the left mouse button in the spectral representation to select a ROI. The
selected region of the second spectrum is automatically subtracted from the
foreground spectrum and the display is updated.
Edit Channel Contents
Select this menupoint to open the Edit Channel Contents dialog box. The
impulse number can be manually edited for each channel in this dialog box.
The display of the foreground spectrum is automatically updated.
Smooth Spectrum
Select this menupoint to smooth the foreground spectrum using a three point
formula. The smoothened spectrum is automatically displayed as the
foreground spectrum.
First Derivative
Select this menupoint to automatically calculate the first derivative of the
foreground spectrum. The derivative is automatically displayed as the new
foreground spectrum. Negative values or values smaller than 1 are displayed
only in the linear representation display format.
Second Derivative
Select this menupoint to automatically calculate the second derivative of the
foreground spectrum. The derivative is automatically displayed as the new
foreground spectrum. Negative values or values smaller than 1 are displayed
only in the linear representation display format.
Calculate Background
Select this menupoint to calculate a background for the foreground spectrum
in the second spectrum. The Calculate Background dialog box opens. After
the calculation, the calculated background is automatically displayed as the
second spectrum.
Reset Foreground Spectrum
Select this menupoint to abandon any changes to the foreground spectrum.
The original data for the measurement is newly read from the measurement
databank when the spectrum is reset.
Reset 2nd Spectrum
Select this menupoint to abandon any changes to the second spectrum. The
original data for the measurement is newly read from the measurement
databank when the spectrum is reset.
Reset All Spectra
Select this menupoint to abandon any changes to all spectra. The original
data for the measurements is newly read from the measurement databank
when the spectrum is reset.
Assign Background
Select this menupoint to save the current spectrum as a background
spectrum.
Note: The manipulations are always performed on the foreground spectrum, with
one exception (Calculate Background).
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. The background is
calculated and carried into thesecond spectrum.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and cancel the procedure for
calculating the background.
Note:
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 55 of 397
X-LabPro 5
The calculated background is carried into the second spectrum. The calculated
background can then be subtracted from a selected region of the foreground
spectrum using the Subtract 2nd Spectrum menupoint in the MCA menu.
4.5 Other
4.5.1 Toolbar
The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu
bar. The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many functions used in the
Spectra Viewer.
To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).
Click To
Create a new spectra window
Open an existing spectra window. The Spectra Viewer displays the Open
dialog box, in which you can locate and open the desired file.
Save the active spectra window with its current name. If you have not
named the document, the Spectra Viewer displays the Save As dialog
box.
Display or hide the Toolbox Window
The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Spectra Viewer. To display or hide
the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu
The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the
arrow keys to navigate through menus. This area similarly shows messages that
describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing
them. If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not
to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off
the toolbar button.
Moreover the database reading status will be shown in the statusbar by a progress
bar.
The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched
down:.
Indicator Description
CAP The Caps Lock key is latched down.
NUM The Num Lock key is latched down.
SCRL The Scroll Lock key is latched down.
4.5.3 Titlebar
The title bar is located along the top of a window. It contains the name of the
application and the spectra window.
To move the window, drag the title bar. Note: You can also move dialog boxes by
dragging their title bars.
A title bar may contain the following elements:
Exit button.
Maximize button.
Minimize button.
Name of the application.
Name of the spectra window
Applications icon.
4.6.1 Toolbox
The toolbox window offers a lot of functions to view and edit spectral
representations. You can enable/disable this window by clicking the menu point
Toolbox in the View menu. It may be freely moved around on the monitor. In this
way, it is possible to move the window so that it does not interfere with your view
of the portion of the spectrum that is being examined. The Toolbox window
contains the following command buttons:
Click on this button to stretch the displayed spectrum. At least 64
channels are always displayed.
Click on this button to compress the displayed spectrum.
Click on this button to stretch the display of the spectrum along the y-
axis. The extent of the change depends on the type of display.
Click on this button to compress the spectrum along the y-axis. The
extent of the change depends on the type of display.
Click on this button to shift the displayed spectrum in small steps to the
left.
Click on this button to shift the displayed spectrum in small steps to the
right.
Click on this button to shift the displayed spectrum in small steps
upwards.
Click on this cursor to move the Z-cursor to the element with the next,
higher atomic number. If the Z-cursor is not active, it is automatically
activated by clicking on this command button.
Click on this cursor to move the Z-cursor to the element with the next,
lower atomic number. If the Z-cursor is not active, it is automatically
activated by clicking on this command button.
Click on this cursor to move the Z-cursor to the next, higher shell; the
element with the nearest energy is chosen. If the Z-cursor is not active,
it is automatically activated by clicking on this command button.
Click on this cursor to move the Z-cursor to the next, lower shell; the
element with the nearest energy is chosen. If the Z-cursor is not active,
it is automatically activated by clicking on this command button.
Click on this button to display or hide the background grid.
Click on this button to turn display of the selected ROI on or off. Display
of the ROI is automatically enabled after a ROI is defined.
Click on this button to turn display of the selected line markers on or off.
Display is automatically activated when line markers are selected.
Click on this button to open the Select Elements dialog box in order to
select the line markers to be displayed
Click on this button to open the Select Lines dialog box in order to
select the line markers to be displayed.
Click on this button to delete the ROI at the current Energy cursor
position.
Click on this button to delete all of the ROI in the displayed spectrum.
Click on this button to view data for the ROI data of the displayed
spectra.
Click on this button to search for the lines at the current Energy cursor
position.
Click on this button to activate the logarithmic representation of the
spectrum.
Click on this button to activate the square root representation of the
spectrum.
Click on this button to activate the linear representation of the
spectrum.
Click on this button to reset the display of the spectrum to its original
values.
Click on this button to switch to the magnify mode. You can choose an
area to zoom in by using your mouse.
Click on this button if you want to switch the spectral representation to
display one channel on one pixel.
Click on this button to enable the ROI marking mode. Display of the ROI
is automatically enabled after a ROI is defined.
The cursor keys may also be used to move the Energy cursor.
5 Method Administration
The Method Administration is used to do all settings for the methods in the X-
LabPro software. Create, edit or delete methods or the assigned standard samples
here. You get information about the methods in general and about their standard
samples or measurements. Settings for deconvolution or calibration may also be
done.. The Method Administration offers two possiblities to navigate through and
use the application:
The Tree Control
The Method Window
If at least one method is opened, the following menus are enabled:
File Menu
Edit Menu
View Menu
Method Menu
Tools Menu
Window Menu
X-LabPro Menu
Help Menu
General: This page includes general information about the opened method
like global settings, dilution, normalization and additional settings. Moreover,
you can finalize the method here.
Elements: You may choose the elements you want to analyse and do the
settings on this page.
Standards: Get a table of the assigned standard samples of the opened
method and information about these standard samples.You may also create,
edit or delete standards here.
Measurement: On this page you get information or do settings for the number
and type of measurements.
Deconvolution: This page offers you the possibility to do settings for the
deconvolution. Calibration: Do the settings for the calibration on this page.
Output: Do the settings for the printer output on this page.
If you select another page of the Method Window by clicking the title of this page
and if you have changed values or parameters, you will be prompted to confirm
the changes. In this case the changes will be written to the database immediately.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Administration ( Tree Control )
You may sort the different methods in a hierachy by using the option Subclass
Methods of the File Menu. While selected, this option offers you to drag a method
with a left mouse click and drop it as a child in the tree.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Window
select or change the standard sample click on the button at right. You will be
prompted to choose a standard sample. Click on the cross to delete the selection.
Elements Button
Click on this button to select the elements you want to analyse. The Select
Elements dialog box will be opened and shows a periodic table of elements. Here
you may select the desired elements. All of the elements that are to be expected
for the samples to be measured should be selected.
Display Matrix Check Box
Activate this check box to enable the matrix presentation of the selected elements
and the displayed values.
Elements Table
In the table below the selected elements are listed. Do the settings for the different
elements here. The table contains the following columns:
N Column
The atomic number of the element is displayed in this column.
Sym. Column
The element symbol (or its chemical bond) of the element is displayed in this
column.
Name Column
The name of the element is displayed in this column.
Analysis Elem Column
Select this option to include the element to the analysis. A check mark appears if
the option is selected.
LOD [µg/g] Column
This column shows the value for the Limit of Detection of the element. You may
enter a new value. Valid entries lie in the range between 0 and 10000 µg/g.
Conc. Range Min [µg/g] and Conc. Range Max [µg/g] Columns
It is possible to calculate up to three calibrations for different concentration ranges.
Control of selection of the range is conducted using the min and max
concentration limit for the respective calibration. Enter the desired range in this two
columns. If only one calibration is to be calculated, then select the concentration
limits for this range so that all possible cases fall within one range.
Conc. Limit [µg/g] Column
Enter the concentration limit for consideration of the lower shell for the selected
element in this column.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Window
This dialog box is used to enter and edit data for a sample or a standard sample.
The dialog box contains the following elements:
General Information Group Box
Sample Name Text Box
Enter the sample name (up to 250 characters) in this text box.
Comment Text Box
Enter an additional description (up to 20 characters) for the sample here. This text
box does not have to be filled in.
Method Drop-Down List Box
The name of the method to which the sample is assigned is displayed in this
display field. When editing a sample (not standard) you can select a method here.
Job Drop-Down List Box
The sample can be assigned to a job in this list box. This command is not active
for the definition of a standard sample, because standard samples are always
assigned to a single method. If the dialog box is opened from the Job Manager,
then the name of the currently selected job is automatically entered.
Ext. Conc.
Click on this command button open the Edit External Concentrations for Sample
Dialog Box.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and save the modified or
newly entered sample.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. New samples or changes to
an existing
See also:
Edit Menu (Job Manager)
Edit Menu (Method Development)
In the Concentration Values Group Box you find a table with the following
columns:
Z Column
The atomic number of the selected element is displayed in this column. Row 0
includes the LOI (loss of ignition).
Symbol Column
The element symbols of the selected element is displayed in this column.
Element Column
The element names of the selected element is displayed in this column.
Conc. Column
Enter the given concentrations of the selected element in this column.
Error Column
Enter the absolute errors of the given concentrations of the selected element in
this column.
Level Column
Select certification level for the selected element for the standard sample in this
drop-down list box.
Emp. 1, 2, 3, Fund. 1, 2 and Std. Columns
Select this options by a left mouse click if the standard sample should be used for
the calibration (Compton/empirical calibration, fundamental parameter calibration
and recalibration) for the various evaluation methods for the selected element. A
check mark appears in the field if the option is enabled.
Std. Lib. Command Button (Save)
Click on this command button to store the data for the standard sample in the
library of standards.
Std. Lib. Command Button (Load
Click on this command button to load the data of a standard sample in the library
of standards.
Reset Command Button
Click on this command button to reset the settings for the selected standard
sample to the default values stored in the library of standards . The name of the
standard sample must be the same as the name of an entry in the library of
standards . If this is not the case, all of the concentrations are set to zero. A
message to this effect is displayed.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog and store the settings that have
changed.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 73 of 397
X-LabPro 5
for the window in which the impulses are to be summed in this text box. Valid
entries lie in the range between 1 and 1024 and must be smaller than or equal to
the entry for the last channel.
Last Channel Text Box
When the measurement is to be limited by impulse number, enter the last channel
for the window in which the impulses are to be summed in this text box. Valid
entries lie in the range between 1 and 1024 and must be larger than or equal to
the entry for the first channel.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Window
Intensity Column
This column shows for which measurement and element the Intensity option is
selected.Click on this command button to open the Select Elements dialog box.
This dialog box is used to select the elements for which intensities are to be
determined for the selected measurement. Individual elements can be selected for
multiple measurements. Only elements that have been previously defined for the
respective measurement as deconvolution elements can be selected.
Concentration Column
This column shows for which measurement and element the Concentration option
is selected.
Measurement n Property Page
On this page you may do the individual settings for each measurement. The page
contains the following elements:
Element Table
This table shows all intensity elements assigned to the measurement n. You may
change the selection by clicking the Elements Button. The table contains the
following rows:
N Column
The atomic number of the element is displayed in this column.
Sym. Column
The element symbol of the element is displayed in this column.
Name Column
The name of the element is displayed in this column.
Conc Column
Click on the check point in this column to select an element which concentrations
are to be determined for the selected measurement. Each element can be
selected for only one measurement. A number behind a check point indicates that
the choosen element is already selected by the measuremment with the
corresponding number.
Line Column
In this column you select the line to be used for the deconvolution in the drop-
down list box. The type of line that should be selected depends on the type of
excitation and the selected element. The following line types are available:
K-Alpha
K-Beta
L-Alpha
L-Beta
M-Alpha
M-Xi
Deconvolution Column
In this column you select the deconvolution strategy to be used for the
deconvolution in the drop-down list box. The following deconvolution strategies are
available:
Summation
The channel contents in the given deconvolution region are summed with this
method. The K-alpha line should be used for elements with an atomic number
> 21; the L-alpha line for elements with atomic numbers > 56. The lines are not
subtracted from the spectrum. This strategy should only be used when no peak
overlaps are expected.
Series Fit
This method is used when other methods cannot be used.
Line Fit
If the K-alpha or an L-alpha line (for elements with N > 56) is without overlaps, but
the secondary lines are overlapped with K-alpha or L-alpha lines from other
elements, then this overlap can be removed by determining the height of the lines
that are not overlapped using a model adjustment. The heights of the secondary
lines are calculated from the model spectrum and subtracted from the measured
spectrum. The energetically next highest main line remains, without overlaps, in
the spectrum. Main lines with more than 500 impulses are additionally used to
standardize the energy-channel relationship with this method.
Example:
Evaluation of a Cr-Mn-Fe-Spektrum. The Mn K-alpha line is overlapped by the Cr
K-beta line. The Fe K-alpha line is overlapped by the Mn K-beta line. Beginning
with Cr, all of the elements can be processed with this method.
Line Fit with Standard
This method is similar to the line fit method, however, main lines with more than
3000 impulses are used for a width-energy relationship standardization in addition
to an energy-channel relationship standardization.
Elements Button
Click on this command button to open the Select Elements dialog box. Select the
elements to be considered with the selected measurement in this dialog box.
These elements are selected as deconvolution elements for this individual
measurement. All of the elements that are to be expected for the samples to be
measured should be selected.
Deconvolution Region Button
Click on this command button to open the Select Deconvolution Regions dialog
box. The deconvolution regions for the respective measurement can be set in this
dialog box.
Background Region Button
Click on this command button to open the Select Background Regions dialog box.
The background regions for the respective measurement can be set in this dialog
box.
Normalization Region Button
Click on this command button to open the Select Normalization Regions dialog
box. The normalization regions for the respective measurement can be set in this
dialog box.
Iron Cobalt Corr. Check and Text Box
Mark this check box to activate the optional iron-cobalt correction. This is
necessary when there is a high iron concentration and iron and cobalt are to be
deconvoluted in the same measurement. Enter the correction factor for the iron-
cobalt correction in the enabled text box.
Target Name Display Field
The name of the target selected for the measurement is displayed in this display
field.
Use Optimization Check Box
Mark this check box to enable the deconvolution optimization during the sample
evaluation.
Voltage Display Field
The voltage selected for the measurement is displayed in this display field.
Deconvolution cycles Text Box
In this text box you determine how often the deconvolution will be repeated.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Window
Extended Compton
Fundamental Parameter Model
Lucas Tooth/Price
Spectro
Compton/Rayleigh
Layers
You will see different dialog elements depending on the selected calibration
model:
Standards Property Page
The Standards Property Page shows a table which contains the folloing columns:
N Column
The number in this column shows how often a standard sample was used for the
calibration. An empty field means that the standard sample was not used. You
may enter numbers between 1 and 5 to weigh the different standard samples.
Standard Column
The name of an assigned standard sample is displayed in this column.
Intensity Column
The value of the intensity determined from the measurement is displayed in this
column.
Given Column
The value of the given concentration/MAC is displayed in this column.
Calculated Column
The value of the calculated concentration/MAC is displayed in this column.
Difference Column
The value of the calculated difference (calculated - given) is displayed in this
column.
Parameters Property Page
This page displays a table with the assigned parameters. It contains the following
columns:
No. Column
The number of the parameter is displayed in this column.
Parameter Column
The name of the parameter is displayed in this column.
Value Column
The value of the parameter is displayed in this column.
Calibration Diagram Property Page
On this page you get two diagrams with the following meanings:
Upper Diagram
This diagram displays the calibration line and can be used to check the calibration.
Use the Context Menu to switch between different display formats. You get access
to this menu by clicking the right mouse button on the diagram.
Lower Diagram
This diagram shows the differences between the given and the measured values.
Double click on this double line to open the
diagram in a new window. The assigned context
menu is still available. Move the mouse to this
double line without clicking to get the information
about the statistics.
The diagram on this page shows the calibration line to check the calibration. To
enlarge sections of the diagram, left click the mouse and draw a rectangle on the
desired section. The section will zoom in when you release the left mouse button.
Click the right mouse button to get access to the context menu. This menu
contains the following menu point:
Grid
Select this option to display a grid on the diagram. This may simplify an
interpretation.
Print...
Click on this command button to print the diagramm. A printer dialog will prompt
you to do further settings.
Reset
Click on this command button to reset your changes.
Enable All Command Button
Click on this command button to include all standard samples in the calibration.
Disable All Command Button
Click on this command button to remove all standard samples from the calibration.
Reset Command Button
Click on this command button to undo the last calibration calculation.
Calculate Command Button
Click on this command button to calculate the mass attenuation coefficients
calibration.
Corrections Command Button
Click on this command button to open the Correction Values dialog box. This
dialog box is used to edit element dependent corrections.
Calibration Data Group Box
The Calibration Data Group Box contains the following elements:
Element Text Box and PTE Command Button
Select the element for which the calibration is to be conducted with this
combination. Either the respective atomic number can be entered in the text box or
the Select Element dialog box can be opened with the PTE command button. The
command buttons Element Change can be used to increase or decrease in single
steps the atomic number displayed. The name of the selected element is
displayed in the display field. Only elements that have been selected as
concentration elements in the deconvolution method may be selected.
Command Buttons
Click on this command button to calibrate the next element.
Click on this command button to select the standard sample in the
diagram that has the next, lower given concentration.
Click on this command button to select the standard sample in the
diagram that has the next, higher given concentration.
Lower Conc. [µg/g]: Text Box
Enter the lower limit for the concentration range in this text box.
Upper Conc. [µg/g]: Text Box
Enter the upper limit for the concentration range in this text box.
Calibration Weight Text Box
Enter a concentration with which the concentration of the element of interest is to
be weighted before the calculation of the calibration parameters.
Color Level [%] Text Box
Enter a color level which determines the deviation of given and calculated
concentrations in %. Deviations which are bigger than the entered level will be
colored red.
Hide non-certified samples Check Box
Select this option to show only the standard samples with given concentration and
intensity values. If this option is not selected all standard samples will be
displayed.
Output Unit Check Box
Select this option to switch to a defined output unit. The default unit is ppm.
Log. Term Check Box
Mark this check box to use a logarithmic term for a Compton model during the
calibration.
Comp./Ray. Ratio as Matrix Element Check Box
Mark this check box to use the Compton/Rayleigh ratio as a matrix element.
Ratio Limit Text Box
Enter a limiting value for the Compton/Rayleigh ratio in this text box. The ratio is
used as a matrix beginning with this limiting value. This text box is only active if the
check box described above is selected.
Compton Range Measurement Drop-down List Box
The measurement number for the backscatter region for the defined normalization
region is displayed in this text box.
Compton Range Region Drop-down List Box
The region number for the backscatter region for the defined normalization region
is displayed in this text box.
Calib. incl. overlapping elements Check Box
Mark this check box to do the calibration including the overlapping elements.
These elements are selected via the Overlapping Elements Command Button.
Overlapping Elements Command Button
Click on this command button to open the Intensity Elements dialog box. All
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 82 of 397
X-LabPro 5
Edit Button
Click on this button to edit the chemical bond. The Edit Chemical Bond Dialog will
open to do the settings for the output bond format.
Output Unit Button
Click on this button to edit the output unit of the elements. A dialog will prompt you.
Print Form Group Box
In this group box you may choose the output form and the output destination. The
group box contains the following elements.
Drop-down List Box
Choose the output form in this Drop-down list box. There are three possibilities.
By Sample (Elements in rows)
With this output form, each sample is printed on a new page, and the
respective element data is printed by row in a table format. This print form
allows the most adjustment.
By Sample (Elements in columns)
With this output form, each sample is printed on a new page, and the
respective element data is printed in columns.
By Elements
With this output form, the printout consists of a table in which the data for all
samples is sorted according to elements. This form is practical when the
element data for a series of samples is to be compared. To print statistics, this
selection is necessary.
Print to Printer Radio Button
Choose this option to print to a printer.
Print to File Radio Button
Choose this option to print to a file.
Print to Printer and File Radio Button
Choose this option to print to a printer and to a file.
File Settings Button
Click on this button to do special settings for the printing to a file. A dialog will
prompt you to do further settings. This Button is only enabled if you select the Print
to File Radio Button or the Print to Printer and File Radio Button.
Element Options Group Box
In this group box you choose which elements will be printed and the order of the
elements.
Elements Button
Click on this button to open the Select Elements Dialog Box where you can
choose which elements will be printed.
Sort Elements Check Box
Mark this check box if the elements by the print should be sorted with the order of
elements configuration.
Order Button
Click on this button to determinate the order of elements for the printer output. The
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 84 of 397
X-LabPro 5
Determinate Order of Elements Dialog Box will prompt you to do the configuration
settings.
Intensity Options Group Box
Do the settings for the intensity options in this group box. The box contains the
following elements.
Drop-down List Box
Select an entry of the list box.
no counts: No intensity counts will be printed.
net counts: The total number of intensity counts will be printed.
normalized intensity: The normalized intensity counts will be printed.
normalized intensity (compton): The normalized intensity counts by compton
will be printed.
Show C/F for intensities
Select this option to print the "F" for fundamental calculated results.
Special Options Group Box
Do special settings in this group box. The box contains the following elements
Short Sample Header Check Box
Mark this check box if a short description of the sample (sample name,
description, measurement and evaluation date) is desired, even on the first side of
the sample report.
MAC Check Box
Select this option to print the Mass Attenuation Coefficient.
Loss of Ignition Check Box
Mark this check box if the calculated loss of ignition should also be included in the
sample report.
Sum of Concentration Check Box
Select this option to print the sum of all concentrations of the elements
Overflow Calibration Range Check Box
If the calculated concentration is greater than the highest concentration in the
calibration this will be marked by a "~" character if this check box is marked. This
Check Box is only enabled if you select "by sample (elements in rows)" in the
drop-down list box of the Print Form Group Box.
Print Statistic Check Box
Select this option to print a statistic. This check box is only enabled if you select
"by elements" in the drop-down list box of the Print Form Group Box.
Cement Modules Button
Select this option to get a special printer form created for . A dialog will prompt you
to do further settings assigned to the output.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Window
First Column
The atomic number of the selected element is displayed in this column. Row 0
includes the loss of ignition .
Symbol Column
The element symbols of the selected element is displayed in this column.
Element Column
The element names of the selected element is displayed in this column.
Conc. Column
The given concentration of the selected element is displayed in this column.
Error Column
The absolute error of the given concentrations of the selected element is displayed
in this column.
Level Column
The certification level for the selected element for the standard sample is
displayed in this drop-down list box.
Emp. 1, 2, 3, Fund. 1, 2 and Std. Columns
These options are marked if the standard sample should be used for the
calibration for the various evaluation methods for the selected element.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog.
Toolbar:
Close
Use the Close command to close an opened method.
Print
Select the Print command to print one or more selected standard samples of
the method opened in the method window. You will be promted to select a
printer and do the printer settings.
Toolbar:
Print Preview
Get a preview of the printer output of the standard sample(s) you want to
print.
Subclass Methods
Select this option to sort the methods in the Tree Control. A check mark
appears next to the menu item as long as the option is enabled. After
enabling this option you can move the methods in the tree control via drag-
and-drop. You must first close all open method windows to make use of this
feature.
Exit
Use this command to end the Method Administration session. You can also
use the Close command on the Application Control Menu.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Administration ( Tree control )
Method Window
Method Administration ( Toolbar )
Given Concentrations...
Use this commands to enter given concentrations for a standard sample. This
command will open the Given Concentrations Dialog Box.
Copy
This command copies the selected standard sample(s) of the present method
to the X-LabPro-clipboard.
Toolbar:
Paste
Use this command to paste standard samples from the X-LabPro-clipboard to
the present method. The data of the measurements will not be pasted.
Toolbar:
Paste with Data
Use this command to paste standard samples from the X-LabPro-clipboard to
the present method. The data of the measurements will be pasted too.
Clone
This command clones the selected standard sample(s) of the present
methods. This means it will copy and paste in one single step.
Toolbar:
Delete
Use this command to delete the selected standard sample(s) from the
database.
Toolbar:
Define As Background...
Use this command to create a copy of the selected standard sample(s) and
define it as background. A dialog will prompt you to choose one of six
possible backgrounds.
Reset Measurements
This command resets the measurements of one or more selected standard
sample(s) .
Reset Evaluation
This command resets the results of one or more selected standard sample(s)
. (Sample Status will be set from A to M).
Import Standard Sample(s)...
This command imports standard samples from archive files into the selected
method. A dialog will prompt you to choose one or more archive files (*.smp).
Export Standard Sample(s)...
Use this command to export and backup standard samples of the selected
method. You will be prompted to choose a directory where the archive files
(*.smp) will be created.
Evaluate...
Use this command to evaluate the selected standard sample(s).
Toolbar:
Show Spectra...
Shows the spectra of one or more selected standard sample(s) via the X-
LabPro Spectra Viewer.
Results...
This command shows the results of a standard sample in the Display Sample
Results Dialog.
Properties...
This command shows the properties of a standard sample in the Sample
Properties Dialog.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Administration ( Toolbar )
Tile
Select this menupoint to arrange all of the open windows side by side so that
all of them are visible. Only a portion of the other windows is displayed. Scroll
within the visible portion with the scroll bars.
Arrange Icons
Select this menupoint to arrange the icons within the application window.
Shortcuts
Display the shortcuts.
Periodic Table
Select this menupoint to display the periodic table of elements.
About XLMethodAdmin
Show the version and copyrights of the Method Administration.
See also:
Method Administration
Method Administration ( Toolbar )
5.12 Other
5.12.1 Toolbar
The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu
bar. The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many functions used in the
Method Administration.
To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).
Click To
Create a new method. The X-LabPro Method Wizard will be opened to
assist you.
Copy the selected standard(s) to the X-LabPro clipboard.
Paste the standards from the X-LabPro clipboard to the opened method.
See also:
Method Administration
The title bar is located along the top of a window. It contains the name of the
application and the opened method.
To move the window, drag the title bar. Note: You can also move dialog boxes by
dragging their title bars.
A title bar may contain the following elements:
Exit button.
Maximize button.
Minimize button.
Name of the application.
Name of the spectra window
Applications icon.
6 Configuration Editor
Toolbar:
Keyboard: CTRL+O
Save
Use this command to save the active document to its current name and
directory. When you save a document for the first time, XLCedi displays the
Save As dialog box so you can name your document. If you want to change
the name and directory of an existing document before you save it, choose
the Save As command.
Shortcuts
Toolbar:
Keys: CTRL+S
Save as
Use this command to save and name the active document. XLCedi displays
the Save As dialog box so you can name your document.
To save a document with its existing name and directory, use the Save
command.
Print Configuration
Use this command to print out all configuration parameters.
Exit
Use this command to end your XLCEdi session. You can also use the Close
command on the Application Control Menu. XLCEdi prompts you to save
documents with unsaved changes.
Shortcuts
Mouse: Double click the application's Control menu Icon.
Keys: ALT+F4
Small Icons
Use this command to display the icons of the configuration editor in small icon
style.
Move
Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can move the active
window or dialog box with the arrow keys.
6.2 Other
6.2.1 Toolbar
The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu
bar. The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many functions used in XLCedi.
To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).
Click To
Open an existing configuration file. XLCEdi displays the Open dialog box,
in which you can locate and open the desired file.
Save the active document or template with its current name. If you have
not named the document, XLCEdi displays the Save As dialog box.
Print the actually configuration.
Switch the representation to large icon style.
Switch the representation to small icon style.
Display the online help.
The title bar is located along the top of a window. It contains the name of the
application and document.
To move the window, drag the title bar. Note: You can also move dialog boxes by
dragging their title bars.
A title bar may contain the following elements:
Exit button
Maximize button
Minimize button
Name of the document
Applications icon. This icon shows your type of instrument or the
selected dialog.
The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the XLCedi window. To display or hide
the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.
The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the
arrow keys to navigate through menus. This area similarly shows messages that
describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing
them. If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not
to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off
the toolbar button. Moreover, during opening and closing a document, a progress
bar will show you the current status.
The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched
down:
Indicator Description
CAP The Caps Lock key is latched down.
NUM The Num Lock key is latched down.
SCRL The Scroll Lock key is latched down.
Valid entries are 4, 5, 6, and 8. If a number smaller than 8 is selected, the table in
the Target/Filter Parameters group box is adjusted accordingly.
Changer installed Check Box
Mark this check box if your intrument is equipped with a target changer. This
control is only enabled in service mode.
Always Initialize Changer Check Box
If this check box is marked, the target changer motor will be initialized before any
target movement.
Offset Text Box
In this text box you can enter the offset steps that the target changer motor moves
the target changer after initialisition. The unit is steps.
Target Parameters Group Box
Target Configuration Table
The configuration of the individual target positions are displayed in this table.
Double click on a target position to open the Target Position Parameters dialog
box to view a detailed description of the target position. Double clicking
corresponds to the function of the Display command button.
Display Command Button
Select this command button to open the Target Position Parameters dialog box in
order to view a detailed description of the currently selected target position.
Edit Command Button
Select this command button to open the Target Position Parameters dialog box in
order to change the detailed data for the currently selected target position.
Delete Command Button
Select this command button to delete the data for the currently selected target
position. This corresponds to an empty position on the target drum.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
Target Position Parameters Dialog Box
This dialog box is used to view and/or edit the detailed data for a target position.
The dialog box contains the following elements:
Basic Settings Group Box
Type Drop Down List Box
Select the target type in this drop-down list box. Valid entries are: Empty,
Secondary target (K), Secondary target (L), Compton/Secondary, Compton
scatter, Barkla scatter and Bragg Crystal. One of the two dialog elements for a
more detailed description of the target (explained below) is displayed, depending
on the values selected in this drop down list box.
Activate the checkbox if you want the stabilization be started before the
measurement.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
This dialog elements will only be visible, if the Use Programm Directory check box
is not marked.
Database Group Box
Use DSN Name Radio Button / Drop Down List Box
Select this option if you want to use a SQL Database with X-LabPro software. In
the Microsoft Windows settings you can define one or more DSN Names for SQL
Databases. Select in the drop down list box the data source you want to use.
Use X-LabPro File Structure Radio Button
Select this option if you want to use the file structure as database for your X-
LabPro software.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
Up Command Button
Moves the selected column in the list to the previous position. Use the Up/Down
command buttons to define the order of the columns
Down Command Button
Moves the selected column in the list to the next position. Use the Up/Down
command buttons to define the order of the columns.
Double Click on the Column List
By double clicking a list item the item toggles from visible to hidden.
Locked Positions Tab Control
Insert Command Button
Generates a new list of locked positions and opens the Locked Positions dialog
box.
Edit Command Button
Opens the Locked Positions dialog box to edit the selected list of locked positions.
Delete Command Button
After prompting the selected list of locked positions will be deleted from the list.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
are to be displayed. The atomic number for the last selected element is displayed
in the Element text box.
Element Text Box
Enter the atomic number for the element to be selected in this text box. Then click
on the Add or Remove command button to select or remove the selection from an
element.
Add Command Button
Click on this command button to add the element in the Element text box to the
selection.
Remove Command Button
Click on this command button to remove the element in the Element text box from
the selection.
Select All Command Button
Click on this command button to select all of the elements in the dialog box that
can be selected.
Delete All Command Button
Click on this command to remove all of the elements from the selection.
Help Command Button
Click on this command button to display this help text.
See also:
Spectral Representation Settings Dialog Box
Edit Deconvolution Method Dialog Box
Special Options for Standard Printing Dialog Box
Special Options for Multi List Dialog Box
Special Options for Special (Roche) DialogBox
Tools
Multiple elements can be selected in this dialog box. The current selections remain
until the selection is removed from them by clicking on them.
In addition to the periodic table this dialog box contains the following elements:
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and accept the current
selection.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this button to close the dialog box and cancel the procedure for selecting
multiple elements.
Suggest Command Button
This command button is only displayed when the dialog box is opened from the
dialogs for configuration of the printout. For print functions, all of the elements
between atomic number 1 and 92 can be selected. Click on this command button
to select the elements that have actually been calibrated in the respective method.
K-Shell Check Box
Mark this check box if the line markers for the K-shell for the last selected element
are to be displayed. The atomic number for the last selected element is displayed
in the Element text box.
L-Shell Check Box
Mark this check box if the line markers for the L-shell for the last selected element
are to be displayed. The atomic number for the last selected element is displayed
in the Element text box.
M-Shell Check Box
Mark this check box if the line markers for the M-shell for the last selected element
are to be displayed. The atomic number for the last selected element is displayed
in the Element text box.
Element Text Box
Enter the atomic number for the element to be selected in this text box. Then click
on the Add or Remove command button to select or remove the selection from an
element.
Add Command Button
Click on this command button to add the element in the Element text box to the
selection.
Remove Command Button
Click on this command button to remove the element in the Element text box from
the selection.
Select All Command Button
Click on this command button to select all of the elements in the dialog box that
can be selected.
Delete All Command Button
Click on this command to remove all of the elements from the selection.
Help Command Button
Click on this command button to display this help text.
See also:
Spectral Representation Settings Dialog Box
Edit Deconvolution Method Dialog Box
Special Options for Standard Printing Dialog Box
Special Options for Multi List Dialog Box
Special Options for Special (Roche) DialogBox
Tools
You can select a directory for the automatic data storage by clicking this command
button. The filename of the data can be edited in the specified method.
Transmission Program Text Box with Command Button
You can select a program sending the stored data by clicking this command
button.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
to the different user levels have access only to certain functions for the analytical
system. The dialog box is opened with the User management menupoint in the
Tools menu. The dialog box contains the following elements:
Users must enter a username and password to use X-LabPro Check Box
Activate this check box if you want the X-LabPro Login dialog box to be displayed
when the program is started. This enables access control to the system. If this
check box is deactivated, then the user does not need to login when the program
is started. The first user entered is automatically selected as the user. This user
then automatically has the same access rights as a supervisor.
Allow delete only in Supervisor Mode Check Box
Activate this check box if you want that deletion of sample or spectra data is only
possible in the supervisor mode. In all other modes in the job, routine and spectra
window it is not possible to delete any data of measured samples.
User data List Box
A list of all of the defined users is displayed in this list box. Up to 16 users can be
entered here. There must be at least one user entered and this must be in position
1. This user must be assigned to the supervisor user level even if user
management is deactivated. Additional users may be defined as required.
Add Command Button
Click on this command button to open the Edit User Data dialog box for creating a
new user.
Remove Command Button
Click on this command button to delete the currently selected user from the list.
Properties Command Button
Click on this command button to open the Edit User Data dialog box. The data for
an entered user can be changed, or if an empty position has been selected, a new
user can be entered.
Your User Data Group Box
The data for the currently logged in user is shown in this group box. This includes
the login name, the complete user name and the assigned user level.
Save + OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and store any changes.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box. Changes to the settings are
not stored.
Only one element can be selected in this dialog box. A previous selection is
automatically removed when a new element is selected.
In addition to the periodic table of elements, the dialog box contains the following
elements:
OK Command Button
Click on this command button to close the dialog box and accept the current
selection.
Cancel Command Button
Click on this button to close the dialog box and cancel the procedure for selecting
an element.
Element Text Box
Enter the atomic number for the element to be selected then click on the Select
command button to confirm the selection.
Select Command Button
Click on this command button to select the element displayed in the element list
box or to remove the selection if it is already selected.
Help Command Button
Click on this command button to display this help text.
See also:
Library of Atomic Data Dialog Box
Target Position Parameters Dialog Box
Absorption Discontinuity Dialog Box
Average Atomic Number Calibration Dialog Box
Calibration, Compton/Empirical Dialog Box
Calibration, Fundamental Parameters Dialog Box
Select Elements (Calibration) Dialog Box
Edit Element Bonds Dialogbox
Edit Deconvolution Method Dialog Box
Edit Method Data Dialog Box
Method Development (Calibration Line)
Keys: ALT+F4
Procedures
Select this menupoint to display a table of contents for the procedures. Instructions
for commonly used procedures when working with the X-LAB energy dispersive x-
ray fluorescence spectrometer are given in this section.
Shortcuts
Select this menupoint to display an overview of the keyboard shortcuts.
About XLAdLib
Show the version and copyrights of XLAdLib.
Close
Use this command to close the active window or dialog box.
Clicking the Close icon and double-clicking the Control menu icon is the same
as choosing the Close command.
Note: If you have multiple windows open for a single document, the Close
command on the document Control menu closes only one window at a time. You
can close all windows at once with the Close command on the File menu.
Shortcuts
Keys: CTRL+F4 closes a document window
7.3 Other
The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the XLAdLib window. To display or
hide the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.
The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the
arrow keys to navigate through menus. This area similarly shows messages that
describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing
them. If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not
to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off
the toolbar button.
The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched
down:
Indicator Description
CAP The Caps Lock key is latched down.
NUM The Num Lock key is latched down.
SCRL The Scroll Lock key is latched down.
7.3.2 Toolbar
The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu
bar. The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many tools used in XLAdLib.
To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).
Click To
Click on this toolbar button to view the information for the element with
the next lower atomic number. The last element is shown again once the
first element has been reached.
Click on this toolbar button to view the information for the element with
the next higher atomic number. The first element is shown again once the
last element (atomic number 105) has been reached.
Click on this command button to select an element using a representation
of the periodic table of elements. The Select Element dialog box opens.
Click on this command button to search an elementby entering a line
energy range. The Search for Element dialog box opens.
Display the online help.
The title bar is located along the top of a window. It contains the name of the
application.
To move the window, drag the title bar. Note: You can also move dialog boxes by
dragging their title bars.
The Titel Bar contains the following command buttons:
Exit command button
Maximize command button
Minimize command button
8 Hot Keys
In the different windows, the program offers "hot keys". These enable some of the
program functions to be started directly with key combinations. The following hot
keys are available:
General Hot Keys
Special Hot Keys for Method Administration
See also:
Toolbar
8.3 Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Routine Dialog:
Key Description
F1 Shows help topics for the Routine Dialog.
Alt + F4 Closes the active document.
Ctrl + N Opens a new document.
Ctrl + F6 Switches to the next document window.
Del Deletes the selected area of the table.
Ctrl + X or Cuts the selected elements from the table and adds them to
Shift + Del the clipboard.
Ctrl + C Copies the selected elements of the table to the clipboard.
Ctrl + V or Pastes the contents of the clipboard to the table.
Shift + Ins
Ctrl + Left Navigate in table cell (only if activated).
Ctrl + Right
Fuels
Application: Check for S
Sample prep.: Pouring liquid into sample cup
Precision: 1-3 %
LOD: < 1 ppm
Quantification: Fundamental parameters
Minerals/Geology/Slags/Ceramics
Application: Check for main components
Sample prep.: Fusions
Precision: 0.2 %
LOD: Depends on elements
Fundamental parameters or alpha
Quantification:
coefficients
Metals
Analysis of metals of a defined matrix
Application:
(like brass, steel...)
Sample prep.: Polishing surface
Precision: 1-3 %
LOD: > 100 ppm
Quantification: Fundamental parameters
Ferro alloys
Application: Check for main components
Sample prep.: Pellets
Precision: 1-3 %
LOD: > 100 ppm
Quantification: Empirical calibration
Remark: Ferroalloys show strong particle size effects. Therefore, standards must
represent the same grain size effects as the samples do.
Caused to that no international standards can be used for calibration.
Food
Na, Mg, P, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Zn in
Application:
milkpowder
Sample prep.: Pellets, powders in sample cups
Precision: 1-5 %
LOD: > 0.5 ppm
Fundamental parameters or empirical
Quantification:
methods
10 Sample Preparation
Cut foil.
Sample: Powder
Additives: Hoechst Wax C, Binder Licowax C
Preparation Mill
Utilities: Container for grinding and mixing
Die (diameter 32 or 40 mm)
Important note:
The weights are approximated values (3.8 g - 4.2 g and 0.85 g - 0.95 g,
respectively)! Enter the exact values in the Routine Dialog.
After the mixture is prepared and possible additives like nitrates for preoxidations
were added prepare a bead as shown in the following picture.
Sample: Powder
Additives: Lithiumtetraborate or other borates, wetting agent
Preparation Utilities: Platinum/Gold crucible and mould
Fusion machine or furnace
The sample material must be dried and milled to a grain size below e.g. 63 µm.
Approx. 0.7 g of the powder is homogenized with around 6.0 g of
Lithiumtetraborate and then fused at 1100 °C to form a bead. As standard
procedure 10 minutes fusion time should be sufficient.
Depending on the material and the fusion machine time and temperature may
vary.
Also, for some materials a preoxidation can be necessary. Especially Sulfur
present in sulfidic form is very sensitive against too high temperatures and it tends
to evaporate. To avoid this, a preoxidation (for example with Nitrates) can help.
Another possibility is the use of different borate like Tetraborate-Metaborate-
Mixture, which melts at around 950 °C.
In some cases it is obligatory to reduce the sample amount down to 0.2 g. If a lot
of fusion remains in the crucible the use of a wetting agent (e.g. NH4I) can be
necessary.
Note: There are some materials which may destroy your Pt/Au crucible.
The most dangerous ones are all kind of metals, especially elemental silicon,
boron or iron.
Also, carbides are dangerous.
Important note:
The weights are approximated values! It is not necessary to reach exactly 0.70 g
and 6.00 g, respectively.
It is enough to weigh between 0.65 g and 0.75 g (5 % deviation) and 5.7 g - 6.3 g,
respectively, and to enter the exact weight in the Routine Dialog.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 156 of 397
X-LabPro 5
As an example the foregoing picture shows the Routine Dialog for the SPECTRO
iQII comprising three different parts:
- The left part of the screen shows either a spectum.
- The right part shows a table presenting the results of the measured sample or,
as shown in the screenshot above, the sample plate as spreadsheet.
- The bottom part shows the control buttons to start or stop the measurement and
a presentation of the actual logfile.
To configure the Routine Dialog, use the section Routine Dialog in the
Configuration Editor.
The configuration of the Routine Dialog is handled from the Configuration Editor.
If a Supervisor is logged-in, the settings for the Routine Dialog can be reached
with the corresponding icon.
The first tab (Presets) allows to define some parameters like:
- Preset Method Class
- Sample Plate (number of samples - if available)
- Locked Positions (of a sample tray)
- The suggested Job Name (Job Number)
For other instruments, which use a table instead of the result screen, the Columns
can be selected:
By selecting a method the default values of the Method will be displayed. The
details like sample weightes and diameter can be edited if needed.
Now it is possible to create additional samples on different positions or to start the
measurement. To start the measurement click Start.
Depending on the selected method, the samples will be measured in vacuum, with
gas flush or in air. Whenever the samples shall be measured either with vacuum
or gas flush a warning message will pop up on the screen to inform you about this
measurement condition. Never run liquids in vacuum to prevent harm to your
instrument. If you are sure about the measurement conditions confirm with Yes
and the measurement will begin. Selecting No will cancel the entire measurement.
An additional message will inform about a protection foil, if the last one is defined
in the selected method.
While the measurement is running, the screen looks like the following one.
It is possible to use the Spectra Viewer Tool-Box, e.g. to identify peaks in the
spectrum.
After the measurement is completed, the results will be shown (two pictures
above). To start a new measurement, use New (right side of the sample name) or
paste the sample from Job/Method using the clipboard.
The SPECTRO iQ also allows the use of a Easy user interface, which is even
easier to handle:
Simulation Mode
There are two situations, when software starts the Simulation Mode:
1. If no instrument could be detected (Instrument off or not connected)
2. If the Simulation Mode ist selected manually.
12 Printing results
The layout of the output is defined in the method.
To print results select the Print... option from the pull-down menu File or select the
printer symbol in the icon bar or enable the Direct Print option in the lower left part
of Routine.
Various printing options can be selected as shown in the screen below.
In the same window it is possible to change the layout for the selected print job.
Modifications will not affect the default settings of the method.
12.1 Output
The tab Output is used to select the elements, which should be printed / shown on
the screen.
In addition, that's the place to define, whether bonds should be used, whether the
elements should have a special Order, and to select the Output Units for each
element separately.
In the left part, all available jobs are shown and you have access to the general
information for each job.
At the right side, a list of all samples in the selected job is shown.
To create a new job select the New... button in the Job menu.
Whenever a new job is created, a window will pop up to edit the name and other
information for the new job.
As default entries for the new job the settings of the job selected before will be
used as template.
Change the Name of Job to the desired new name.
In addition to the Name of Job and Description, further information can be edited.
This additional information might be the address of a customer (especially if only
samples for a specific customer are stored in a specific job) and a comment. If you
select the coversheet option in the print options dialogue the coversheet will
contain this information.
Confirm the settings of the new job by selecting the OK button.
15 Configuration Editor
The Configuration Editor can be used to edit a lot of parameters of X-Labpro.
Several of them describe SPECTRO inhouse instrument details and therefore they
are write-protected.
Supervisor The Supervisor has access to all windows and all options and
functions. Only methods delivered from SPECTRO can´t be edited.
New classes can be added, existing types of bonds can be deleted or modified.
To modifiy them, use the Edit button right to each line:
At this screen a new kind of bond can be defined or an existing one can be
modified.
To create a new class, decide between starting with an empty class or a copy of
an old class.
16 General
This tab is the main tab in the method window. It allows to edit the most important
parameters of a method:
16.1 Recalibration
An existing calibration is based on the relation between a known concentration
and a measured count rate. Whenever this count rate is changing with time, it is
necessary to either calibrate the instrument again or to recalibrate it. The number
of standards to run a recalibration is much less than for an initial calibration.
A recalibration is necessary, if the count rates change or if the excitation geometry
of the instrument was modified. During a recalibration the ratio of the original count
rates (at the moment of the calibration) to the actual count rates are calculated.
This ratio is used as a correction factor for the original calibration.
Recently measured count rates are multiplied by the correction factor and then the
old calibration curves can be used. The X-LabPro software supports three different
kinds of correction factors:
· target correction factors
· global correction factors
· method correction factors
If the correction factor for all elements, analyzed with a specific target, is the same,
a target correction factor is used. If the difference between the correction factors is
too large, an individual global correction factor for each element has to be used.
Global and target correction factors affect all methods, so if only a specific method
should be recalibrated, method correction factors must be used.
A recalibration is automatically in use from the instant of running it. With the
exception of target correction factors, the correction factors are even used, when
old measurements are reevaluated.
Two different recalibration procedures exist.
· Global recalibration
· Method recalibration
The global recalibration can be used to correct influences that are affecting all
methods in the same way. This includes a drift correction due to aging of
components (e.g. x-ray tube, detection system) or changes in the geometry or
excitation conditions (e.g. changed protection film material).
The method recalibration is only affecting the selected method and therefore has a
completely different application. The method recalibration should be used when
the modification of the geometry is only affecting a specific method. This can be a
modified purge gas (nitrogen instead of helium) or a different foil for the
preparation of cuvettes.
For both types of recalibration the software offers special routines to simplify these
procedures. They can be adjusted in the Configuration Editor.
To view the target correction factors, the appropriate target has to be selected
and then the Display button has to be used.
An alternative way is to double click on the desired target.
The target correction factor is named Intensity Correction Factor.
The global correction factors can be shown for each of the installed targets of an
instrument by selecting "Global corrections" in the configuration editor. After
selecting a target, the correction factors are shown in the table.
Define the elements, which you want to use from this sample by marking the tick
box for Std. at the given concentrations of this sample.
In the routine dialog select the Prepare Method Recalibration from the menu
Recalibration.
The correction factors are automatically stored in the method. To check or adjust
them manually, the Method Administration must be selected in the sub-module
Elements. In the last column one can find the correction factors (Corr.factor).
Define the element(s), which you want to use from this sample by clicking the
ticking the tick box for Std. at the given concentrations of this sample.
After the measurements and evaluations are finished, the software calculates
automatically the new offset.
The offset is automatically stored in the method. To check or adjust it manually the
method must be selected in the sub-module Calibration of the Method
Administration module.
After selecting the tab Parameters the offset is displayed as the first parameter,
called "Offset" (in this example 4.0035).
To start the MCA calibration, select the Start button (with enabled Evaluation box
right hand of the Start button).
To configure it, use the Configuration Editor.
This MCA can also be used in combination with a Global Recalibration.
16.6 Standards
The method comprises the calibration standards. These can be edited at the tab
Standards.
Given Concentrations:
This window is to define the given concentrations - the goal of the calibration.
As mentioned before, it can be necessary for FPM to describe the sample 100 %
(if all these concentrations are of interest or not!).
The first details, which should fit to the sample and its given concentrations should
be the Typical Unit.
This should be the right one before entering concentrations. It can be changed at
each time, but BEFORE entering a number. Changes of the unit afterwards will
have no influence to "old" concentrations.
To make it more comfortable, if bonds like Oxides are to define, the feature
"Bonds" can be used. A sum is counting all defined concentrations as additional
control option.
In the list in the lower part of this screen all elements ALL elements - (independent
from selections) are visible. A concentration, the error of this concentration and the
level of cerification can be defined.
The last 5 columns are not really important, because there's another location to
get access to the informations stored here.
Dilution Material:
If the sample should be a new Dilution material, that can be selected for new
routine samples, this should be selected.
Std-. Lib.:
The Standard-Library (or Library of Standards) is a tool to
accelerate the definition of the given concentrations, if a well-
known, certified standard is used:
Many of these Certified Reference Materials (CRM) are pre-
defined in the Library of Standards and own standards can be
added.
To use the stored data or to add the actual sample into this library,
these buttons can be used.
17 Data Storage
The User of the Spectro X-LabPro software is fully responsible for data storage and
backup copies!!!
We - as SPECTRO - have prepared a backup of your instrument specific data
before shipment of the instrument, but we are not able to store / to archive the
data you have measured after delivery / installation.
· Jobs contain the routine measurements and here the archiving is the main
reason.
· Single samples are exported to make them available to other users (e.g.
SPECTRO).
18 Import/Export
This function opens a box to select the directory for the data storage. To change
the directory double-click on the corresponding drive or directory.
The name of the method is used automatically as name of this new subdirectory.
If the method was stored before (the directory still exists ), a message will inform
you before overwriting the old export files.
The progress of storing (e.g. the just stored sample) is shown on the screen and
at the end of the archiving a message box is shown.
In the following selection box the method archive file (with the extension .mar if
using software version 2.5 or older) of the specific method has to be selected.
This method archive file is generated automatically when a method is stored. It
contains a list of all samples that are part of this method. Without this .mar file, the
method can not be restored.
In the line above the selection field, the just selected directory is shown.
To change this directory, a double-click on the target directory is necessary.
When the directory is selected, only the methodname.mar file will be shown.
This file should be selected and the selection confirmed by OK.
In the next window the name for the method can be modified. The default name is
the old name of the method.
The software needs unique method names: If the name of the method already
exists, please rename the new method.
After the confirmation or modification of the Method Name, the files will be loaded.
The progress of this task is shown in a message box.
A selection box opens to choose the target directory. The software is automatically
creating a subdirectory, so only the directory to store all jobs should be selected.
The default setting is the archive subdirectory in the program directory (X-LabPro).
The selected directory is shown above the selection window. To change the
directory, double-click on the corresponding drive or directory.
The following selection box shows the subdirectory where the samples are
archived. If the directory is correct, this path has to be confirmed.
After selecting a Job, there's the possiblity to change the name of the re-imported
job.
The samples are restored automatically. It is essential that the Method that was
used for the samples still exists.
In the following box the sub-directory for the stored samples can be selected.
The default sub-directory for exporting samples is Xlabpro\Archive. After the first
data exchange, the last used directory will be the default for the next action.
When samples are imported it is necessary to select the dilution material (if
necessary) for the samples.
19 Literature
Basics
P. Hahn-Weinheimer, Grundlagen und praktische Anwendung der
Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse, Vieweg Braunschweig-Wiesbaden (1984), german.
Polarisation
J. Heckel, M. Brumme, A. Weinert, K. Irmer, Multi-Element Trace Analysis of
Rocks and Soils by EDXRF Using Polarized Radiation, X-Ray Spectrom. 20, 287-
292 (1991).
B. Kanngiesser, B. Beckhoff, J. Scheer and W. Swoboda, Comparison of Highly
Oriented Pyrolytic and ordinary Graphite as Polarizers of Mo K Radition in
EDXRF, X-Ray Spectrom. 20, 331 (1991).
R. Schramm, Untersuchungen zur Optimierung der Energiedispersiven
Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse als Methode der Instrumentellen Analytik,
Diplomathesis, Gerhard-Mercator-Universität Duisburg (1995), german.
T.G. Dzubay, B.V. Jarrett, J.M. Jaklevic, Nucl. Instrum. Methods 115, 297 (1974).
E. J. Taggart, Adv. X-Ray Anal. 28, 17 (1985).
J. Heckel, M. Haschke, M. Brumme, R. Schindler, Principles and Applications of
Energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis With Polarized Radiation, J. Anal.
Atom. Spectrom. 7, 281 (1992).
J. Heckel, Using Barkla polarized X-ray radiation in energy dispersive X-Ray
fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), J. Trace Microprobe Tech., 13(2) (1995) 97.
Matrixcorrection
G. Andermann and J.W. Kemp, Scattered X-Rays as Internal Standard in X-Ray
Emission Spectroscopy, Anal. Chem. 30, 1306 (1958).
R.C. Reynolds, Matrix Corrections In Trace Element Analysis by X-Ray
Fluorescence: Estimation of the Mass Absorption Coefficient by Compton
Scattering, Jr. Am. Mineral. 48, 1133 (1963).
C.E. Feather and J.P. Willis, A Simple Method for Background and Matrix
Correction of Spectral Peaks in Trace Element Determination by X-Ray
Fluorescence Spectrometry, X-Ray Spectrom. 5, 41 (1976).
Methods for Quantification
H.J. Lucas-Tooth, B.J. Price, A Mathematical Method for the Investigation of
Interelement Effects in X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis, Metallurgia 64, 149 (1961).
J. Sherman, A Theoretical Derivation of the Composition of Mixable Specimens
from Fluorescent X-Ray Intensities, Adv. X-Ray Anal., 1 (1958) 231.
Tables
J. H. Hubbell, W. J. Veigele, E. A. Briggs, R. T. Brown, D. T. Cromer, R. J.
Howerton, Atomic Form Factors, Incoherent Scattering Functions, and Photon
Scattering Cross Sections, J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data, Vol. 4, No. 3 (1975).
21 Starting up
21.1 Log in
When the Easy Routine dialog starts up, first you have to provide your login and
password.
Figure 2: Log in
In the upper part of the main dialog you can see the Parameter Bar stating the
actual measurement parameters. While measuring, the bar will be updated
continually.
Right next to the Parameter Bar is the Close Button.
On both sides of the dialog are several Function Buttons.
Below the buttons are three State Icons.
In the center you can see the Sample View. The Sample View is shown by default
on start up. By using the buttons below the center view you can switch between
Sample View, Spectrum View and Video.
While measuring the Spectrum View shows the measured spectrum.
After a measurement is completed the Sample View shows the analysis results.
Video shows a live picture of the measured sample to adjust the manual sample
table.
The Virtual Keyboard can be used like a normal keyboard. Shift and Caps Lock
work in the expected way. Selecting characters with Shift is not possible.
To move the cursor in the edit field use the Arrow buttons left to the edit field.
To delete the character left to the cursor use the Delete button on the right side of
the edit field.
Press OK to accept the name or Cancel to close the dialog.
Clicking the Close button exits the Easy Routine Dialog. You will have to confirm
exiting. If the high voltage is switched on, it will be powered down before the dialog
is closed.
22.2.1.1 Start
22.2.1.2 Stop
22.2.1.3 Off
The Off button is active only when the x-ray tube is on.
Clicking the Off button ends the Standby mode.
22.2.1.4 Standby
The Standby button is active only when the x-ray tube is off.
Clicking the Standby button switches the instrument into Standby mode.
22.2.1.5 Settings
22.2.1.6 Recalibration
22.2.1.7 Validate
22.2.1.8 Print
The Set Video button helps to adjust different parameters of the video display
(Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Saturation), of the crosshair (X-Pos, Y-Pos, Size) and
light and laser intensity:
22.2.3 Light
With the Light button the light can be switched on and off.
22.2.4 Laser
With the Laser button the laser can be switched on and off.
22.2.6.1 Lock/Unlock
The Settings dialog lets you configure some parts of the Easy Routine dialog.
enable / disable the Spectrum view.
enable / disable printing directly after evaluation of the measurement.
enable / disable Full screen mode. The Full screen mode is suitable only
when a touch screen monitor is used because in Full screen mode the
mouse pointer is hidden.
enable / disable the question for an inserted protection foil.
With the Recalibration dialog you can prepare the instrument calibration.
Click one of the Recalibration method buttons to prepare the recalibration.
For information about the different calibration methods click the Help button next to
the Recalibration method button.
22.3 Recalibration
In this chapter the application flow of the different recalibration methods is
explained.
For information about the different calibration methods open Recalibration dialog
and click the Help button next to the Recalibration method you are interested in.
22.3.1 MCA
To perform a MCA Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
MCA button. The recalibration is then prepared. If the actual method does not
contain any MCA sample you will be noticed.
If a MCA sample was found, the Easy Routine Dialog then switches into
Recalibration Mode: only the Start button and the New Sample button are active.
To perform the recalibration click Start. To cancel the recalibration click New
Sample.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. The
Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal Mode.
22.3.2 Global
To perform a Global Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
Global Recalibration button. The recalibration is then prepared. If the actual
method does not contain any Global sample you will be noticed.
If a Global sample was found, the Easy Routine Dialog then switches into
Recalibration Mode: only the Start button and the New Sample button are active.
To perform the recalibration click Start. To cancel the recalibration click New
Sample.
Depending on the settings in the Configuration Editor the Global Recalibration
is performed with one or more samples.
If more than one sample is calibrated, a message box advises you when to insert
the next sample into the Sample Chamber.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. If more
than one sample was measured, the results are only written to file and nothing will
be shown in the Result List. The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal
Mode.
22.3.3 Intercept
To perform a Intercept Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
Intercept Recalibration button. A Select Dialog opens and you can choose a
method for calibration. The method must contain an Intercept Sample. After
successfully selecting a method, the recalibration is then prepared.
The Easy Routine Dialog then switches into Recalibration Mode: only the Start
button and the New Sample button are active. To perform the recalibration click
Start. To cancel the recalibration click New Sample.
Depending on the settings in the Method Configuration the Intercept
Recalibration is performed with one or more samples.
If more than one sample is calibrated, a message box advises you when to insert
the next sample into the Sample Chamber.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. If more
than one sample was measured, the results are only written to file and nothing will
be shown in the Result List. The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal
Mode.
22.3.4 Method
To perform a Method Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
Method Recalibration button. A Select Dialog opens and you can choose a method
for calibration. The method must contain a Method Sample. After successfully
selecting a method, the recalibration is then prepared.
The Easy Routine Dialog then switches into Recalibration Mode: only the Start
button and the New Sample button are active. To perform the recalibration click
Start. To cancel the recalibration click New Sample.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. In an
additional column in the Result List the recalibration factors are shown.
The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal Mode.
22.4 Validation
In this chapter the application flow of the validation is explained.
To perform a Validation, click the Validation button. A Select Dialog opens and
you can choose a method for validation. The method must contain a Validation
Sample against which the new sample is validated. After successfully selecting a
method, the Validation is then started.
When the Validation is complete the results are shown in the Result List. In an
additional column in the Result List the validation result is shown:
a marks a valid result, the measured concentration was within limits.
a marks an invalid result, the measured concentration was out of range.
The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal Mode.
Colored Identifies a text you will find in the current dialog, view or application
Text (e.g. title of a dialog box or the entries of a combo box).
This symbol is used for a Note, for general instructions and advices.
This symbol is used for a Tip, for special instructions for optimal use of
the system.
This symbol is used for a Warning (instructions to avoid dangerous
situations).
24 Getting started
Right click the icon to open the X-LabPro application launcher (Com Server) and
choose the menu item MIDEX – Routine Dialog. This will launch the application
and require authorization as first step.
It is possible to create a shortcut to the application on the desktop. Right click on
the desktop and select Create shortcut. Choose
C:\XLabPro\Bin32\XLRoutineDlgMII.exe as target path. Then enter Routine
Dialog Midex II as shortcut name.
Click Next
Click Next
Click Start
This is where the scanning starts!
25 Routine Dialog
The Routine Dialog for the Midex was developed to simplify the scan process. It
will assist the user from the beginning at setting up a scan and supports all
required actions at the moment they are needed.
Library of Atomic This library contains all atomic data for use within the
Data evaluation process.
User accounts and passwords can be created and edited using the Configuration
Editor.
Enter a username and password and click on OK to authorize. If the authorization
succeeds, the login dialog disappears and the initialization sequence of MIDEX
Routine Dialog continues.
If the login details are not correct a message is shown. Click OK and try again.
Username and password fields are not case sensitive.
If you click on Cancel the authorization process will be aborted. In this case the
MIDEX Routine Dialog will be closed and the application will shut down.
The interface provides a status icon to verify a device was successfully connected
and initialized. This status icon is described below in Chapter 4.2.2 Testing the
connection.
found and the device connected. If the device was detected the connection
was successful.
Notice the status icon in the bottom bar
The bottom bar of the application window contains several status icons. The
second is showing the connection status of the device. The following list
shows the meaning of the different status icons:
Move the mouse pointer over the status icon and leave it there; a
popup window will open and display a notification regarding the
current status. Move the mouse pointer outside of the icon and the
popup window disappears immediately.
Mark the simulation mode checkbox to enable it. Click OK to save the new setting.
This setting will get active when the MIDEX Routine Dialog is restarted.
When started in simulation mode all actions and reactions of the interface are just
simulated. The application will not connect to a device, even if it is connected. The
last (right) status bar icon shows a simulation mode symbol if it is active:
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 234 of 397
X-LabPro 5
In simulation mode all spectra generated are simulated and do not contain
measurement information!
Pro
------- X-LabPro 5 Bar Toggles the visibility of the X-Lab Bar (see
chapter 4.3.5)
------- Device Control Toggles the tool window for device messages (see
chapter 4.3.6)
------- Init Sample Stage Moves the sample stage back to its root position
------- Reload Methods Reloads the Method buffer and reads newly added
methods
------- Enter Standby Mode Activates the standby state of the device (holding
voltage)
Pro Pro
X-Lab Contains items to launch other X-Lab
components (same items like
Pro
X-Lab Bar)
Pro
------- Spectra Viewer Launches the Spectra Viewer of X-Lab
Pro
------- Job Manager Launches the Job Manager of X-Lab
Pro
------- Atomic Library Launches the Library of atomic data of X-Lab
Pro
------- Configuration Editor Launches the Configuration Editor of X-Lab
Pro
------- Evaluation Launches the Evaluation of X-Lab
------- About MIDEX Routine Shows a dialog containing application and version
information
The following table describes the values shown in the parameters bar:
Smp. Pos/Meas. Shows the current scan id and sub measurement id (Pointscan
only)
Voltage [kV] Shows the current voltage produced by the X-ray generator
Current [mA] Shows the current mA value produced by the X-ray generator
Maximum Time [s] Presents the time span in seconds scheduled for the active scan
Remaining time [s] Presents the remaining time of the current scan in seconds
(not overall time)
X-ray is inactive
X-ray is active.
The second icon displays the connection status to the MIDEX device. If the icon is
grayed out there is no device connected:
The third icon shows the state of the device power supply. The icon will be grayed
out if no status was detected. This can happen if the optional UPS (uninterruptible
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 238 of 397
X-LabPro 5
The main power line was interrupted. The Routine Dialog will
shutdown the device safely and close the MIDEX routine
dialog application.
The fourth icon presents the state of the sample chamber door lock. If the icon is
red, the chamber is locked and cannot be opened.
The fifth and last icon is usually empty (gray). It will change if the application is
launched using the simulation mode flag (see 4.2.3). It will also show if the device
is transmitting data to the computer or if the detector I regenerating.
The X-LabPro Bar lists the commonly used components of X-LabPro to make them
easy to access from the MIDEX Routine Dialog interface. Available options are:
Method Administration
Spectra Viewer
Job Manager
Configuration Editor
Evaluation
Help
(for MIDEX Routine Dialog)
The Device Control Log lists all notifications related to the device operation. During
connection the device control log window is shown automatically. It will be hidden
if the connection process has finished.
On the right side of the window you can find three tool buttons. These buttons can
be used to clear the log, save to a file or copy the listed text into the Windows
clipboard.
The button state depends on the current state of the wizard page. For example the
process can only advance to the scan setup page if there is a preview image
available. Because of that the next button in the preview scan page gets enabled
after the preview image was scanned correctly.
The navigation buttons will switch to a special state if the following step executes
an action. For example on the setup verification page the next button switches to a
Start button to clarify that the click on it will launch the scan process.
ID Page Task
The Welcome Page is shown after the application is launched and initialized. This
page is meant to give an overview of the initial state of the device before entering
the scan process.
Use this dialog to check if the device is connected properly (see chapter 4.2
Connecting the Device); check if the simulation mode is deactivated (unless you
want it to be active) and if the device parameters are correct.
When the application initializes there may be some messages notifying about
required actions. For instance if the high voltage of the X-ray generator is active at
launch a message will ask to shut the voltage down.
In case of errors during the connection initialization of the application (e.g. if no
device could be found) an error message is displayed. The application will exit
after closing the message box.
After successful connection another message will ask if the standby mode of the
device should be activated (see chapter 4.4.2.1 Entering Standby Mode for more
information).
When the application initialization sequence has finished, the device was
connected properly and a choice about the standby mode was made, the Start
button of the wizard navigation gets enabled.
Click the Start button to begin the scan process using your MIDEX device and the
MIDEX Routine Dialog. The wizard switches to the Stage Setup Page (see chapter
4.4.3)
The standby mode becomes active after every scan, even if it was not activated before.
Never switch off a device running in standby mode using the hardware switch. This could
drastically reduce the lifetime of the X-ray tube or cause direct damage to it. The X-ray tube
requires to be shut down softly by the MIDEX Routine Dialog to ensure a maximum lifetime
Move the sample to the center position of the camera live image
Use the stage navigation controls (see 4.4.3.2) to move the sample to the middle
position of the live image. Use the crosshair displayed on the screen as point of
reference.
The crosshair marks the center of the image captured by the camera. This point is not equal to
the point of the X-ray beam. The offset may vary for each device and was calibrated during
production.
Video Color Settings – opens a dialog to modify the color options of the camera. See
1
4.4.3.2
2 Reset Color Settings – resets the color settings to default as defined in the
configuration file.
Save Color Settings to Config – changes the default settings in the configuration file
3
to the current settings
Capture Image – opens a Save Image Dialog Box to save a snapshot of the current
4
camera image
Push the button leading into the desired direction to move the stage. The button
can be pushed and hold to move continuous. Leave the button to immediately stop
the movement. The faster the button is hit and left, the smaller is the distance the
sample stage moved.
Similar to these navigation buttons the interface provides buttons to move the
sample plate up and down:
The lift and lower buttons work like the navigation wheel buttons. Holding the
button moves the sample plate continuously into the corresponding direction.
These buttons should only be used as long as the distance to the detection area at
the roof of the sample chamber is large enough. If the distance gets lower use the
fine adjustment buttons supporting movement of the sample plate in very small
steps:
These fine adjustment buttons move the sample plate up or down like the former
buttons but they behave differently. If a button is pushed the stage moves a
defined length. If the button is held down, the plate does not move continuously, it
moves a pre-defined amount of motorsteps. There are three different (but small)
distances to move the stage. It is recommended to test the movement using the
fine adjustment buttons in a safe distance to get a feeling for the distance moved.
For easier and faster handling of the stage the MIDEX Routine Dialog supports navigating
by keyboard. Every navigation button of the Routine Dialog has a corresponding keyboard
button:
Cursor Keys Navigate North, East, South and West like using the Navigation
(Up/Down/Left/Right) wheel
Lift or lower the sample plate like the lift and lower buttons of the
Page Up/PageDown Keys
interface
Lift the stage in small steps like the fine adjustment lift buttons
Num Pad 7, 8, 9 (number on the button matches the key on the number pad of the
keyboard)
Lower the stage in small steps like the fine adjustment lower buttons
Num Pad 1, 2, 3 (number on the button matches the key on the number pad of the
keyboard)
1. Click the
desired spot
After:
The camera controls can be used to define the zoom level of the camera image,
adjust the brightness of the light inside the sample chamber and to set the
intensity of the laser.
The Zoom level of the camera image can be chosen from a dropdown box
provided by the stage setup page. The available zoom factors are configured in
the device configuration file. The values can be edited using the X-LabPro
Configuration Editor.
When selecting a different zoom level it is immediately applied to the camera.
Zoom levels in the dropdown list are relative to the initial setting (1x) and may not be equal to
the real measurements of the sample.
The light level (brightness) inside the sample chamber can be adjusted using the
slider of the dropdown area of the light button. Clicking the other part of the button
toggle the light on/off.
Move the slider to increase or decrease the brightness level until the desired result
is reached. Then just click outside of the button area to close the slider.
A glowing bulb signals the light is switched on, a gray bulb shows the light is
switched off. If the light is switched off and on again, the former brightness level is
restored.
The laser is calibrated to match one defined zoom level and because of that the
laser can not be used in any other defined zoom level. In this case the Laser
button is disabled.
If this position is reached click the Lock Z-Position button to define the distance.
Now the position of the Z axis is written to the device what makes it impossible to
lift it higher during further processes.
If the position needs to be readjusted click the Unlock Z-Position button to do so.
Now the movement options are available again until the Lock Z-Position button is
clicked again.
If the maximum position was defined, the Next button of the wizard navigation gets
active and it is possible to proceed to the next wizard page Preview Scan. See
chapter 4.4.4 for more information on scanning a preview image.
3. Set the camera preferences and proceed to the next wizard page
At this point there is no preview scanned and no segment selected for scanning,
all segments are black. The next step is to define which segments to scan. Every
combination is possible. If it is sure that a segment does not contain a part of the
sample or if there is no spot to scan, the segment does not need to be selected.
To select a segment just click it. The segment changes its color. To deselect an
already selected segment click it again. The segment will turn black again. To
quickly select all segments click the All button, to deselect everything click the
None button.
When every desired segment is selected, the selection may look like this:
To scan the preview, click the Scan Selected button and wait until the scan
process has finished. The MIDEX Routine Dialog application will move the sample
plate and capture all segments of the sample fully automated. It is not possible to
perform any tasks during this process.
If you wish to abort the operation click the Abort Scan button (Scan Selected has
changed). The scan will stop and the partly created preview image will be deleted.
To define the exact position of the segment on the sample plate click into an area
near the desired position on the black field. The stage will be moved to display the
clicked spot in the center (crosshair) of the live video image on the right side of the
Point and Shoot page.
You can use Point and Shoot navigation on the miniature live video image as
described in chapter 4.4.3.2.2. This allows defining the position exactly. Click the
part of the sample you wish to be in the center of the live video. The application
will move the stage there automatically to the target position.
Verify the desired part of the sample is visible in the live video image, then click
Capture to add this segment the preview image. Repeat these steps until all parts
of the sample needed for scanning are visible.
If the preview image fits your needs (and you have at least one segment
captured), click Next to go to the Scan Setup Page.
4 Preview area
5 Thumbnail preview
6 Zoom selector
9 Setup properties – Choose Method Class for scanning and define the units
to show
10 Table with scan entries – one entry is one Mapping, Linescan or Pointscan.
Table values (method, duration, coordinates, etc.) can be edited.
25.6.5.1 Toolbars
The scan setup page offers two different toolbars. The first is used to switch edit
modes, the second offers options to save or load from/to the current table setup.
Add Mode
Toggles the ability to add Mappings by drawing them into the preview image.
Delete Mode
Toggles the ability to remove entries from the table
Zoom Mode
Toggles the ability to zoom into a smaller area of the preview image by drawing a
rectangle around the desired region.
Fullscreen
Switches the zoom slider to show 100% of the scanned image inside the preview
area.
Options
Opens a window to adjust the color of the Mapping presentation on the preview
image and to save the preview (full stage image) as image file.
Load Table
Opens a dialog box to load a previously saved list of Mapping, Linescan or
Pointscan entries. (depends on scan type, see chapter 4.4.5.8)
Save Table
Opens a dialog box to save the current list of Mapping, Linescan or Pointscan
(depends on scan type, see chapter 4.4.5.8) entries into a file.
The main preview area shows the scanned image generated in the previous
wizard page (Raster Scan or Point and Shoot). The zoom level and the portion of
the image visible in the preview area can be defined dynamically using the zoom
and navigation tools provided on the scan setup page. See chapter 4.4.5.3 for
more information on zooming and chapter 4.4.5.4 for more information on moving
the image to display a desired region of the preview.
If there are entries in the table, the preview shows these Mappings, Linescans or
Pointscans as crosses or as lines/rectangles if the zoom level is too small to
display crosses. The color of the crosses can be defined in the options tool
window. Each cross represents a point to scan. See chapter 4.4.5.9 for more
information on scan positions and how they are defined.
The main preview displays only entries of the current scan mode (Mapping,
Linescan, Pointscan) defined by the activated tab on top of the scan setup
page (see 4.4.5.8)
The thumbnail preview area shows a miniature version of the full image scanned
before. It marks the region of the image which is currently presented in the main
preview area. The thumbnail preview can be used to navigate over the full stage
preview image by dragging the section rectangle. Short clicking inside the
thumbnail preview area moves the center of the section rectangle to the clicked
spot. The main preview is updated immediately.
+ -
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 262 of 397
X-LabPro 5
Below the thumbnail preview area a zoom slider control is displayed. Moving the
slider increases/decreases the zoom level. Moving the zoom slider to the right
decreases the zoom level, the segment of the picture shown in the main preview
area gets larger.
Moving the zoom slider to the left increases the zoom level, the segment of the
preview displayed in the main preview area gets smaller.
The maximum Zoom level (slider fully left) is reached if the main preview area
displays a segment of 5% of the full preview image.
The view will not be interpolated; upscaling increases the pixel size of the image.
1. Click on a spot inside the main preview area as start point and hold the left
mouse button down.
Drag the mouse cursor to the desired end point. Notice that the selection keeps
the aspect ration automatically. Release the left mouse button to finish.
3. The main preview now shows the contents of the selection using proper scaling
and moving.
Zoom mode remains active until it is deactivated or another mode was activated. It
is possible to zoom in until the maximum zoom level is reached.
To restart the zooming process, simply right click into the main preview. The
whole image is now visible and a new region to be zoomed in to can be
selected.
Grab Mode
The grab mode can be used to easily move the sample preview image. It works
using drag and drop. In grab mode the cursor becomes a hand when moving over
the preview area. Click on any spot inside the preview area and hold the mouse
button down. The hand cursor grabs the picture. Now move the mouse cursor in
any desired direction, the image moves the same amount. To apply the new
position just leave the left mouse button.
Thumbnail Preview
Click anywhere into the thumbnail preview image and the clicked spot will become the
center of the main preview area. The zoom level will not be altered. Click, hold and
drag the rectangle to review the movement and the resulting display in the preview
area.
The Mapping Color region allows modifying the color used to mark the Mapping,
Linescan or Pointscan display (crosses, lines or rectangles) in the main preview
area.
The display color in the preview area will immediately change after selecting a new
color. This allows checking if the color meets the requirements (high contrast to
background).
Click the color drop down button to choose a different color. Choose one from the
predefined set or define a new color by clicking the More Colors button.
The default button color is restored, if the application is restarted. If you wish to
define a new default color select it and click the Set as default color button. This
action will write the color value into the configuration file and restore it after each
restart.
The Save Current View region offers possibilities to save the preview image (the
complete image, not just the preview area) into a file. There are two options:
After clicking a button a Save Image File dialog box appears offering to save the
image as jpg, gif, png and bmp.
A Method class is a container for multiple methods of a similar type or for a similar purpose.
Choose a method class from the list of available method classes. The method list
that can be selected for an entry in the tables will be replaced with the method list
of the newly selected method class. If there are already entries in any table, a
warning will be displayed. If a new method class is selected the method selection
of all entries is reset to the first item of the new list.
For proceeding confirm the message, otherwise cancel it. After canceling the
method class will be set back to the former setting. The table entries will not be
changed.
The method lists for Mappings and Linescans contain only those methods marked as Mapping
compatible in the method administration of X-LabPro
When a method is selected from a dropdown item in the table (see chapter
4.4.5.9), the scan duration is automatically set to the value defined in the
respective method. This default value can be edited using the method
administration of X-LabPro. The value displayed in the table can be modified and
applies only to the corresponding item. If the method selection changes, the value
will be reset to the value configured in the method.
The scan duration will also be reset if a new method class was selected and the method has
changed.
toolbar. An Open File Dialog Box pops up requesting to choose a setup file.
Choose a compatible file from your file system. The following list shows the file
formats available for import:
After selecting a file the list entries inside will be read and imported into the table
for the corresponding scan type.
If a file is loaded all existing table entries will be replaced by the imported
entries.
To save the list has to contain at least one item. Select the tab page for the
corresponding scan type (Mapping, Linescan or Pointscan) and click the Save
Table button. A File Save Dialog Box appears and offers to save the file as the
format matching the currently selected scan type.
Select the scan type using the tab control at the top of the scan setup page.
Activate the desired tab to switch the view of the scan setup page to the
corresponding table. The table columns differ for every scan type. The following
chapter describes how the setup of a scan entry can be done.
If the Mapping scan type is activated the scan setup page shows the table for
Mapping scan entries.
The following list describes the columns of the table and their properties:
Height Numeric Value Height of the Mapping (base value to distribute vertical scan points).
Numeric value
Res. X < 128
Count of scan points to distribute along the width of the Mapping.
Numeric value
Res. Y < 128
Count of scan points to distribute along the height of the Mapping.
To add a Mapping first make sure the Mapping tab is activated at the top of the
scan setup page. Next use the zoom and navigation tools of the scan setup page
to set up the preview area. Ensure the complete area required for the Mapping is
visible. Then enter Add Mode by clicking the Add button of the toolbar.
In add mode click the first point of the Mapping (top left corner) inside the preview
area and drag a rectangle until the desired area of the Mapping is enclosed
exactly. Then leave the mouse button.
The Mapping is now added to the table at the bottom and displayed in the preview
area. If the position of the Mapping is not correct and needs to be modified, this
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 272 of 397
X-LabPro 5
can be done using the values in the table. Adjust a coordinate value and the
change will immediately be applied to the preview. If the positioning is done
choose a method from the method list in the new row of the Mapping table.
Changing the method will load the default duration for one scan point from the
method data and change the duration cell of the new row. The resolution values
will also be calculated after a change of the method. This calculation is based on
the size of the collimator. The application calculates how many points fit into the
width of the Mapping. After the method was defined, the values for duration and
resolution can be edited as required.
It is recommended to only lower the values for the resolution because a higher resolution could
lead to unexpected results due to overlapping scan points.
Deleting Mappings is done using delete mode. First make sure the Mapping tab is
activated and there are Mappings defined you wish to delete. Next enter Delete
Mode by clicking the Delete button in the toolbar.
The border of the preview area turns red to warn that you have entered delete
mode. It is important to be aware delete mode is activated to not accidentally
delete a Mapping. A new column is added at the beginning of the table containing
a button X. This is the delete button. To delete a Mapping in delete mode click on
the delete button of the corresponding table ro
The following list describes the columns of the table and their properties:
Numeric value Count of scan points to distribute along the line defined
Res. X < 128 by the start and end coordinates.
The Linescan is now added to the table at the bottom and displayed in the preview
area. If the position of the Linescan is not correct and needs to be modified, this
can be done using the values in the table. Adjust a coordinate value and the
change will immediately be applied to the preview. If the positioning is done
choose a method from the method list in the new row of the Linescan table.
Changing the method will load the default duration for one scan point from the
method data and change the duration cell of the new row. The resolution value will
also be calculated after a change of the method. This calculation is based on the
size of the collimator. The application calculates how many points fit into the length
of the Linescan. After the method was defined, the values for duration and
resolution can be edited as required.
Deleting Linescans works similar to deleting Mappings, see chapter “Adding,
Deleting and Modifying Mappings” for more information on deleting table entries
using delete mode.
The following list describes the columns of the table and their properties:
Duration for scanning one point (usually millseconds for Mappings and
Duration Numeric value
Linescans, seconds for Pointscans).
X coordinate of the scan point (units here and below as selected, see
X Numeric value
4.4.5.12).
Define Z Button Opens a window to define the Z-coordinate for the selected Pointscan.
To define the Z-coordinate click the Define Z button in the corresponding row of
the pointscan table. A tool window opens showing a live video image of the
sample stage. The window allows moving the stage in Z-direction and to define
camera option like it was already possible in the Instrument Setup Page.
To scan standards defined in a method use the copy and paste feature of
X-LabPro. The following procedure describes how to copy standards from a
method and paste them into the Pointscan list:
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 278 of 397
X-LabPro 5
A job is a collection of scans (one or more). Jobs can be managed using the X-
LabPro Job Manager. Please consult the online help of the Job Manager for more
information on managing jobs.
To select a job for a Pointscan entry use the dropdown control in the Jobs column.
By default the selection is set using a default naming pattern configurable in X-
LabPro Configuration Editor (e.g. current date, week of the year, etc). This pattern
is applied to the first Pointscan entry in the list. Every following item will have the
job selection of its predecessor as default setting.
To change the job select another list item from the drop down list or add a new Job
name by selecting the first list item < New Job >.
After choosing to add a new job a window opens requesting to enter a name for
the new job. Enter a job name and click OK. The job name will be added to the
dropdown list and selected for the current Pointscan.
The job name will only be assigned to the scan; it is not created in the Job
Manager. The job will be created when the first item using that job name is
scanned.
The coordinate values used in files and background processes are always handled
as absolute amount motorsteps of the XYZ-stage motors starting at the
initialization position of each motor.
The MIDEX Routine Dialog uses a different coordinate interpretation. Values
displayed in the Mapping, Linescan and Pointscan tables are defined as distance
to the top left corner of the stage (which is identical to the top left corner of the
displayed preview image.
All coordinate values displayed in the MIDEX Routine Dialog base on the top left corner
of the stage (preview image)
the scan list will be processed. Selecting 5 means every pointscan in the list will be
scanned 5 times. The Scan Verification page will display the full list including all
repetitions. The routine dialog allows repeating a maximum of 10 pointscans up to
20 times.
25.6.5.14 Recalibration
The MIDEX Routine Dialog allows recalibration using Global or MCA. To define a
recalibration use the pointscan tab of the Scan Setup page. Add the appropriate
number of pointscans and place them on the standards on the stage.
Choose Edit->Recalibration->Global or Edit->Recalibration->MCA in the main
menu. The Routine Dialog will switch to recalibration mode. Continue the
recalibration lie a usual scan.
To reset the Routine Dialog to default scan mode use Edit->Reset Table in the
main menu.
The Scan Verification Page displays the selected scan mode and the setup
created before. On the right side it displays evaluation options.
Notice that the Next button of the wizard navigation changed to Start. This means
finishing the tasks on this page and advancing in the process will finally start the
measurement of the selected spots.
Make sure the desired scan type is selected. This is the only tab left at top of the
page. If it does not match go back to the previous page, activate the desired tab
and click Next to return to the scan verification page.
Visually check the preview image and ensure the Mappings, Linescans and
Pointscans are at the right positions
No evaluation Saves the detector information and does not run any evaluation.
The Direct Print option is available for Pointscans only. If this option is checked,
the results are sent to the printer after a measurement has finished.
After choosing an evaluation mode and selecting the Direct Print option (if desired)
everything is set up for measurement.
After verification of the scan setup click the Start button to start the scan and
switch to the scan progress view.
During measurement the scan progress and the remaining time is displayed in the
parameters bar (see chapter 4.3.2). The X-ray generator will be active and the
shutter will be opened for each scan point. The voltage of the X-ray generator will
also be displayed in the parameters bar.
25.6.8.1 Visualization
The available visualizations depend on the scan type (Mapping, Linescan or
Pointscan). Mappings can be visualized as color maps. Linescans offer Linescan
view only. Pointscan results can be displayed as a list of elements or as a single
spectrum. The following chapters describe these visualizations.
Mappings can display multiple elements in one view. These elements can be
configured in the method using the X-LabPro Method Administration.
To display a single element the MIDEX Routine Dialog allows switching to a single
element view. To select an element use the drop down list on the right side of the
scan results page.
The All elements list item displays all elements configured in the method. Select
an element from the drop down list and the view switches to display only the
selected element.
A single element view can be zoomed using the Zoom Selection drop down list.
Choose a zoom factor and the view is updated immediately. The zoom of the
image is lossless, there is no interpolation. Each pixel of the Mapping will be
multiplied by the zoom factor.
1x
3x
Color maps are views of the intensity of an element at a scan point (one pixel).
The higher the intensity of the element, the higher gets the intensity of the color.
Every element is displayed as a rectangular image with its own colors.
The base color is black, which means if the intensity gets lower, then the color of
the pixel gets darker. A black pixel means the element does not exist (or the
intensity is extremely low).
Here some examples from different scans:
For Linescans there is only one view available. The view shows an XY graph
listing the points and their relative intensity side by side. Every element is shown in
a separate graph and may have a different color.
This view can be very useful to analyze the homogeneity of elements across a line
on the sample. The more linear the line is displayed on the graph, the more
homogeny is the element on the line.
The result list is only available for Pointscans. It displays a list of elements and
their concentrations and intensities.
The spectrum view is only available for Pointscans. It displays the detailed
spectrum received during measurement.
When the measurement has finished, the results are saved for later use. This is
where the functionality of the MIDEX Routine Dialog ends. For further evaluation
and review of results the Spectra Viewer of X-LabPro is required.
The results of Mappings and Linescans are saved as file archives to the file
system of the computer running the MIDEX Routine Dialog. Pointscans are added
to Jobs and available in the X-LabPro Job Manager.
To finish the scan process and continue operating the MIDEX device click Finish.
A message box will be displayed and offer different options how to continue:
The mapping images displayed in the spectrum viewer show the intensities in
regions of interest of the spectrum. In addition to this the software also allows to
evaluate mapping files to get concentrations calculated and displayed in the
mapping file. For this the minimum measurement time is 3 s per spectrum!
If the analytical method is already appropriate for the evaluation (for example of
alloy applications) the procedure is fairly easy
Open the evaluation tool, then click on the folder symbol to start the file open
dialog.
After the evaluation is finished the intensities in the mapping file will be replaced
by concentration values. When opening again the mapping file in the spectrum
viewer do not activate the fast evaluation when asked.
Then select the method, with which the mapping was created.
In the mapping select a single point and with a right mouse click it is possible to
create a virtual sample from this single measured spectrum.
The virtual samples are stored automatically in a job with the name of the mapping
file.
From here those sample files can be copied into the method.
In the method the virtual samples can be handled as “regular” samples. The
calibration of the method can be changed based on the measurements of the
samples.
When this procedure is finished the evaluation of the mapping file can be started
as described above.
27 Starting up
27.1 Log in
When the Easy Routine dialog starts up, first you have to provide your login and
password.
In the upper part of the main dialog you can see the Parameter Bar stating the
actual measurement parameters. While measuring, the bar will be updated
continually.
Right next to the Parameter Bar is the Close Button.
On both sides of the dialog are several Function Buttons.
Below the buttons are two State Icons.
In the center you can see the Sample View. The Sample View is shown by default
on start up. By using the buttons below the center view you can switch between
Sample View and Spectrum View.
While measuring the Spectrum View shows the measured spectrum.
After a measurement is completed the Sample View shows the analysis results.
The Virtual Keyboard can be used like a normal keyboard. Shift and Caps Lock
work in the expected way. Selecting characters with Shift is not possible.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 303 of 397
X-LabPro 5
To move the cursor in the edit field use the Arrow buttons left to the edit field.
To delete the character left to the cursor use the Delete button on the right side of
the edit field.
Press OK to accept the name or Cancel to close the dialog.
Clicking the Close button exits the Easy Routine Dialog. You will have to confirm
exiting. If the high voltage is switched on, it will be powered down before the dialog
is closed.
28.2.1.1 Start
28.2.1.2 Stop
28.2.1.3 Pause
28.2.1.4 Continue
28.2.1.5 Off
The Off button is active only when the x-ray tube is on.
Clicking the Off button ends the Standby mode.
28.2.1.6 Standby
The Standby button is active only when the x-ray tube is off.
Clicking the Standby button switches the instrument into Standby mode.
28.2.1.7 Settings
28.2.1.8 Recalibration
28.2.1.9 Validate
28.2.1.10 Print
28.2.3.1 Lock/Unlock
The Settings dialog lets you configure some parts of the Easy Routine dialog.
enable / disable the Spectrum view.
enable / disable printing directly after evaluation of the measurement.
enable / disable Full screen mode. The Full screen mode is suitable only
when a touch screen monitor is used because in Full screen mode the
mouse pointer is hidden.
enable / disable the question for an inserted protection foil.
With the Recalibration dialog you can prepare the instrument calibration.
Click one of the Recalibration method buttons to prepare the recalibration.
For information about the different calibration methods click the Help button next to
the Recalibration method button.
28.3 Recalibration
In this chapter the application flow of the different recalibration methods is
explained.
For information about the different calibration methods open Recalibration dialog
and click the Help button next to the Recalibration method you are interested in.
28.3.1 MCA
To perform a MCA Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
MCA button. The recalibration is then prepared. If the actual method does not
contain any MCA sample you will be noticed.
If a MCA sample was found, the Easy Routine Dialog then switches into
Recalibration Mode: only the Start button and the New Sample button are active.
To perform the recalibration click Start. To cancel the recalibration click New
Sample.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. The
Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal Mode.
28.3.2 Global
To perform a Global Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
Global Recalibration button. The recalibration is then prepared. If the actual
method does not contain any Global sample you will be noticed.
If a Global sample was found, the Easy Routine Dialog then switches into
Recalibration Mode: only the Start button and the New Sample button are active.
To perform the recalibration click Start. To cancel the recalibration click New
Sample.
Depending on the settings in the Configuration Editor the Global Recalibration
is performed with one or more samples.
If more than one sample is calibrated, a message box advises you when to insert
the next sample into the Sample Chamber.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. If more
than one sample was measured, the results are only written to file and nothing will
be shown in the Result List. The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal
Mode.
28.3.3 Intercept
To perform a Intercept Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
Intercept Recalibration button. A Select Dialog opens and you can choose a
method for calibration. The method must contain an Intercept Sample. After
successfully selecting a method, the recalibration is then prepared.
The Easy Routine Dialog then switches into Recalibration Mode: only the Start
button and the New Sample button are active. To perform the recalibration click
Start. To cancel the recalibration click New Sample.
Depending on the settings in the Method Configuration the Intercept
Recalibration is performed with one or more samples.
If more than one sample is calibrated, a message box advises you when to insert
the next sample into the Sample Chamber.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. If more
than one sample was measured, the results are only written to file and nothing will
be shown in the Result List. The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal
Mode.
28.3.4 Method
To perform a Method Recalibration, open the Recalibration dialog and click the
Method Recalibration button. A Select Dialog opens and you can choose a method
for calibration. The method must contain a Method Sample. After successfully
selecting a method, the recalibration is then prepared.
The Easy Routine Dialog then switches into Recalibration Mode: only the Start
button and the New Sample button are active. To perform the recalibration click
Start. To cancel the recalibration click New Sample.
When the recalibration is complete the results are shown in the Result List. In an
additional column in the Result List the recalibration factors are shown.
The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal Mode.
28.4 Validation
In this chapter the application flow of the validation is explained.
To perform a Validation, click the Validation button. A Select Dialog opens and
you can choose a method for validation. The method must contain a Validation
Sample against which the new sample is validated. After successfully selecting a
method, the Validation is then started.
When the Validation is complete the results are shown in the Result List. In an
additional column in the Result List the validation result is shown:
a marks a valid result, the measured concentration was within limits.
a marks an invalid result, the measured concentration was out of range.
The Easy Routine Dialog switches back to Normal Mode.
The a.m. parts are influenced by each other, and the best way to design a new
method is to start with elements, followed by the measurement, the deconvolution,
the calibration and finished with the output.
But even the first steps, the selection of elements and the measurement
conditions, are already influenced by the aims of the calibration. A brief outline of
the steps for an idealized method development is listed below:
1. Select the Elements, which can be in the samples
Select the Elements, for which a concentration should be calculated (they
2.
have to be a part of the elements selected one step above)
3. Depending on 1. and 2. the Measurement Conditions have to be selected
Measure one or several standards without evaluation and use the Spectra
4.
Viewer to check 1. - 3.
Optimise the measurement conditions depending on the results of 4.: This
5. can be: Vacuum?, gas-flush?,
measurement time? or excitation conditions?
6. Define or optimise the deconvolutrion parameters based on 1. and 2.
7. Measure the calibration standards
8. Optimise background spectra for the method
9. Evaluate the samples to get the net count rates
Calibrate the method. The procedure, which should be used, depends on
10.
the number of elements and the concentration range
11. Evaluate standards again
12. Edit the output sub-method
Some of the steps are very easy to perform, while others require a detailed
knowledge of the software.
All of the critical steps will be explained in detail on the linked pages, but it is
impossible to explain all of the basics of x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in this
guide. Please refer to the typical literature on these topics.
30 Calibration
The sub-method Calibration is used to get the correlation between the measured
net count rates and the given concentrations of the standards.
The user interface depends on the procedure which is selected at the tab General.
This figure above shows the calibration screen, when the SPECTRO procedure is selected.
This is the most comprehensive calibration and contains three different sub-procedures:
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 316 of 397
X-LabPro 5
The following figure compares the four most common procedures with their
advantages and disadvantages:
This figure compares the four procedures regarding Accuracy and how much they
are matrix indepentent. The meaning of this comparison is that Lucas-Tooth/Price
is the procedure using a minimum of mathematics which results in the best
accuracy. The more mathematics are used, the bigger the deviations.
On the other hand, the models located at the left side of this figure, are not able to
handle different matrices or a wide range of concentrations in the same calibration.
If it is important to use a method, which is matrix independent, one of the models
of the right side of the figure should be used.
But then there can be a bigger deviation between expected and calculated results:
In addition, there are some individual advantages / disadvantages for each
procedure:
Lucas-Tooth/Price: The advantage is the simple algorithm. It can be
controlled using a pocket calculator and it is "stupid", that means, there are no
physical / logical tests (e.g. a concentration can be > 100%) - this can be
used for special jobs
Extended Compton: The most important limitation for this model is the
Compton-peak, which is needed. If in measurement no sub-measurement
using a Compton-Target is defined, this procedure cannot be used for
calculations.
Fundamental Parameter Model: Defining the given concentrations, the
software has to know all information about the elements in the calibration
standards, e.g. if a Diesel, containing 400 ppm of Sulphur should be defined,
the residual nearly 100 % of "oil" are important for the procedure, too. This
100%-knowledge can be a big problem.
Spectro-procedure: Disadvantages are the same as for FPM, additionally
more samples (especially for mac) are needed.
If Matrix for Calib. should be used, they can be selected in General from a set of
predefined bonds. To edit / create predefined Bonds the Configuration Editor has
to be used.
Normalization
All options for the normalization are concentrated in the Normailization region on
General.
The normalization procedure allows to force the sum of the concentrations on a
specific value (defined by Normalization Concentration). This function influences
the concentrations after the calibration. The options MSK (mac) and Normalization
to a fixed concentration are not possible at the same time. When MSK is selected,
an additional tab is displayed in the calibration tab.
The use of a Difference element is an additional option. This can only be one of
the non-visible elements (typical H to F). If this option is used the difference
between the sum of all analyzed elements and 100% is calculated as the
difference element. It is possible to select bonds for the difference elements (see
sub-method evaluation) to define matrices like (CH2)n for an organic sample.
The option Normalize Results normalizes the results before each iteration step, so
that the matrix effects are calculated again based on the new information. The
option Normalize Results will be performed after the last iteration. This will always
lead to a sum of all concentrations equal to the Normalization Concentration.
These options can be used successfully, if all elements can be analyzed directly
(i.e. alloys) or if the bonding state of the elements is exactly known (i.e. oxides in
fusions) and the option Matrix for Calib. is selected at the same time.
This normalization has nothing in common with the normalization on the Compton
scattering peak or the normalization on regions of spectra used in the evaluation
process.
This card shows on the left side the list of the standard samples.
There are two possible presentations: If the option "Hide non-certified samples" (at
the right side) is enabled,
two important conditions will control, if a sample appears in this list:
The standard needs a given concentration for this element AND intensity is found
for this element during evaluation.
If this option is disabled, one of these conditions is enough, because it is an OR-
condition.
This standard list contains different columns:
N This column shows, if the sample is a part of the calibration and about its
weight:
None
Sample is not in the calibration
1-5
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 322 of 397
X-LabPro 5
The sample is in the calibration. The number shows, how many times this
sample will be in the calibration
Name That's the name of the sample
Norm. Int The normalized intensity of the selected element in this sample.
We like to use normalized intensities, because using them, we are able to
handle different tube currents and/or measurement times in the same
calibration.
Given That's the goal
Conc.
C The certification level describes, how "sure" the given concentrations are:
N Not analyzed. simple: not analyzed
L Laboratory The given concentration is measured using another
instrument
I Info At a certification paper some values are certified as
"Info"
C Certified The given concentration is certified
Calc. The result of the calibration
Conc.
Diff. To check the quality of the calibration, the differences between calculated
and given concentrations are an important number.
At the right side of this sample list, some options were located, explained in
the following:
Calibration Weight
That's a value to control the calibration range, which should be important. If the
calibration for smaller concentrations should be increased, reduce the value and
vice versa for high concentrations...
Color Level
After the calibration is done the sample are shown using black or red color: The
red color means, that the difference between given concentration and calculated
value for this sample is too big. The limit, if a line is printed red or black, is this
parameter (in % relative).
Output Unit
The concentrations in the standard list are presented in the internal unit "ppm".
Most times it is more comfortable to use the unit, which is used for the printout.
Calibration regions
Only for Lucas-Tooth/Price it is possible, to calibrate using up to 3 regions. If more
then 1 region is selected, the limits to switch between the regions have to be
defined. The presentation on this card shows only the selected region. As result,
the region which is interesting has to be selected. All following steps are now for
this region. If another region should be modified, it has to be selected first..
Possible Corrections:
Intensity Ratios
That's an unusual correction option, only available for this empirical model
(Lucas-Tooth/Price): These are normalized matrix elements (normalization of
count rates or weighting of the concentrations). This leads to better analyzes of
samples with irregular surfaces. When using this correction, the calibration should
be checked with a large number of samples
Overlapping Elements
Elements that influence the deconvolution of the main line of the element of
interest through peak overlap. If systematic error occurs (because of this) during
deconvolution, the respective elements should be selected here. For example the
K-lines of S are overlapped by the M-lines of Pb. This overlapping can lead to a
systematic error. Pb should be entered as an overlapping element for S.
Matrix Elements
Secondary excitation and discontinuity elements are entered as matrix elements
for the Compton model. Secondary excitation elements are used for Fundamental
Parameter Models. Elements that have a matrix influence on the element of
interest are entered for Lucas-Tooth/Price
Offset
If the calibration needs an offset, this can be enabled here.
Parameters:
Calibration Diagram:
The Calibration Diagram shows the calibration line. The different signs are
showing the level of certification.
If the right mouse button is used, a context menu is available, to select different
options like linear or logarithmic scaling.
Touching a sample with the mouse, an info-box appears, that shows some details
regarding this sample.
A double-click in the top-line (with the double-line) opens the diagram as full-
screen version.
Calculate:
The button Calculate will start the mathematical procedure to calibrate the selected element.
If no errors occur, this ends in the window which informs about the standard deviation during
the calibration.
The calculated concentrations are responsible for the spectra - that's the theory of
the FP-Model.
Following the calibration screen for Fundamental Parameter Model is described.
This description takes care for the differences to Lucas-Tooth / Price. Similar
functions are explained there.
K-Shell/L-Shell:
Overlapping Elements
Matrix Elements
Calibration with Offset
The example above shows case 1 (Emission of the coating material) for Gold
layers. In this case some options for the substrate material are disabled, because
the substrate is not taken into account.
The calibration is completed, if the intensity, which is found for the blank sample
(green high-lighted in the figure above), is used as "Offset" value (here: 0,0041)
(light blue). This has to be done manually !!!!
30.5 Elements
This tab is one of the most important tabs in a method, because it contains a list of
all elements, which
a) can be contained in the samples
b) should be analyzed.
Both will control the Measurement Conditions and the Deconvolution!
As first step (using the button Elements on top) all possible elements have to be
defined.
These are the elements which can be in the samples.
All the selected elements are visible in the list, shown above.
Now, as second step, one can assign the elements of interest. This can be done
by using the Analysis Elem column. If an element is marked here, the intensity of
this element is fed to the calibration procedure to calculate a concentration.
The LODs are the Limits Of Detection for each element.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 331 of 397
X-LabPro 5
The column Conc. Range Min. [µg/g] defines the lower limit of the calibration and it
describes the detection limit. The following column Conc. Range Max. [µg/g] is
important to define the size of the concentration range.
That's an important information regarding the calibration procedure.
The values for both columns will be extracted from the method automatically.
Whether the columns called Coupling Factor L... and Conc. Limit [µg/g] are visible,
depends on the user level.
The last column contains the correction factors, which are calculated during a
Method Recalibration.
In addition to these factors the two factors for the scattering intensities (Coherent
Back Scatter Correction and Incoherent Back Scatter Correction) are editable on
top of the list.
If Bonds should be used, they can be selected from a set of pre-defined bonds at
General and/or Output.
To edit / create pre-defined bonds the Configuration Editor has to be used.
30.6 Measurement
The setting of the measurement conditions is one of the first steps of the method
development.
It is necessary to decide the purpose of the method first. Which are the critical
parameters, detection limits or measuring time?
Is it possible to measure the samples in vacuum or is gas flushing necessary?
Which elements are important?
These questions have to be answered in advance to create a tailor made method
for a specific application.
For almost all elements a variation of different excitation conditions exists for each
instrument. The first step is to select the best target combination for a specific
method.
A method is limited to 8 different targets. The number of targets used is influenced
by the analytical needs and by the measuring time.
The General Settings of the measurement are located in the upper half of the
screen. The number of sub-measurements can be selected here. Additionally, the
environmental conditions (vacuum, air or He-flush) are selected here.
The lower half of the screen contains the settings of sub-measurements for this
method.
Some of the values in the lower part of the window should not be changed, others
can be varied (see below). An overview of the parameters, the possible settings
are listed in the table below.
Parameter Notes
Channels 1024 and 2048 channels are recommended for
measurements at the Energy Range 12,5 and 25 keV,
respectively. For measurements at the Energy Range of 50
keV 4096 channels should be used. - Do not change
Peak Time [µs] The time for the detection electronics to shape a peak. This
time is a characteristic value for the detection electronics. It is
important to note that all used combinations of peak time and
energy range must be calibrated with the Method called MCA.
- Do not change
Zero Peak Rate Necessary for the accurate dead time correction - Do not
[cps] change.
Energy range The scaling of the x-axis of the spectra. For light elements we
[keV] like to use 12.5 keV, for mid-range energies 25 keV and for
heavy elements 50 keV. Each target or filter has its own
recommended Energy range. - Do not change
Target Selects the target for this sub-measurement.- Do not change
Voltage The excitation depends on the voltage which is used. A
voltage depending on the selected target/filter is
recommended. Changes in the voltage will influence the
background spectra which have to be modified after changing
the voltage. - Do not change
Current The optimum dead time is 25%. If Current Regulation in
enabled (see next item), the current stored here is only the
default start value. This will be regulated depending on the
intensity which is influenced by the sample type.
Current When this option is activated, the settings for tube current will
Regulation be used as a starting current only. The software will measure
the sample with the given settings and then optimize the tube
current. The resulting intensity should not exceed 100,000
cps.
Measurement Default: This option is selected as standard stop criteria.
Time Limit
Measurement This is the clock time for the measurement. It is not possible to
Time select a live time.
Live time = clock time * (1 - rel. dead time).
Measurement An alternative option to end a sub-measurement. If the
Pulse Limit number of counted impulses is bigger than the given value in
No. of Impulses the measurement will stop. If both options
(Measurement Time Limit and Measurement Pulse Limit) are
selected, the criteria first met will stop the sub-measurement.
No. of Impulses For the Measurement Pulse Limit option the criteria for
stopping the sub-measurement can be set here.
First Channel For the above listed option No. of Impulses the region of
interest (ROI) must be defined. This is done with the two
If elements should be identified using only the Spectra Viewer, please take care of
the ARTEFACTS !
The Spectra Viewer can be used for method development, because the question,
which elements could be in routine samples, can be answered a little bit easier
using this tool.
This information is necessary to define the deconvolution together with the
measurement conditions.
30.8 Deconvolution
The deconvolution is necessary to determine the net counts for the individual
elements of the method. This includes the subtraction of a background spectrum
and a selection which lines should be used for the deconvolution. As a method is
constructed of several sub-measurements, the parameters have to be defined for
each of the sub-measurements. It is possible to deconvolute elements in several
sub-measurements to correct for line overlaps, but it is only possible to calculate
the concentration from a single sub-measurement.
The sub-method Deconvolution is divided into two kinds of tabs:
The tab General is a summary of the deconvolution to get an overview.
The number of background spectra and the corresponding switching limits can be
selected here. The switchover values are the Compton to Rayleigh scattering
ratios. Therefore, it is only possible to use several background spectra, if a
Compton target is used in the method. With several background spectra available
for each target it is possible to calibrate different matrices with a different scattered
background (like organic and silicate samples) in one method.
The list shows, which elements have to be deconvoluted during evaluation in
general. These elements can be selected at the tab Elements.
All elements which are present in a specific sample, should be selected.
Even if the calculation of the concentration is not planned, it may be
necessary to deconvolute the lines because of possible interferences and
line overlaps.
Using the tabs Measurement x, all details of the deconvolution can be modified:
The main part of the screen is a list of elements, which shows all selected
elements, using the button Elements at the right side. The elements, which can be
chosen at this place are pre-defined on the Elements tab. Only elements chosen
on the tab are selectable here.
If an element appears in the list, the last three columns can be modified / defined:
The columns Line and Deconvolution describe the kind of calculation, which
should be applied. For example, Sodium will be calculated from the K-Alpha line
using Serial Fit as strategy. Possible strategies are:
- Summation,
- Series Fit ,
- Line Fit and
- Line Fit with Standardization
The check boxes in the column Conc are necessary to decide, whether an
intensity is used for the calculation of the concentration or just as intensity e.g. for
overlapping corrections. When a number is shown (like for Chromium) that means
that the concentration for this element must be calculated using the intensity from
a different sub measurement (Cr = 1).
On the right hand side there are 4 buttons to edit additional parameters.
Elements
If this button is selected a window with a periodic table of the elements will appear
on the screen:
In this periodic table all elements that were selected in the tab Elements are
marked in yellow and can be selected. All elements which can be excited in this
To create a ROI, the cursor is moved to the left edge of the planned ROI and then
the right mouse button is pressed. When the mouse is moved to the right hand
side – with still pressed mouse button – a region will be marked as ROI in a
different hatching. To simplify the creation of the ROIs, it is quite useful to show
the lines of the elements for this sub-measurement. This makes it easier to check,
if all elements are in selected regions and if all lines of the elements with Series Fit
are in the same deconvolution area.
The fitting of the background spectra allows to use longer measuring times for the
background spectra to reduce statistical effects. The fitting regions should never
be
in regions where elemental lines might influence the height of the fitted
background.
Normalization Region:
The normalization regions are defined exactly the same way as deconvolution and
background regions.
These normalization regions can be used as an internal standard even for other
sub-measurements. Two normalization regions are allowed per sub-measurement.
Iron-Cobalt-Correction:
With the button Iron Cobalt Corr. a special correction for Cobalt can be activated.
This correction improves the determination of Cobalt traces in the presence of a
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 339 of 397
X-LabPro 5
large amount of iron. The correction factor should not be changed. This special
correction is only possible if the Co K and the Fe K- Lines are in separate ROIs.
Use Optimization:
By ticking the Use Optimization check box the parameters from the three buttons
Deconvolution Region, Background RegionNormalization Region are calculated
automatically.
In each ROI, the elements with Line Fit or Line Fit with Standard will be
processed with increasing energy. The K-line (or the L-line) will be
deconvoluted and founded on the net count rate.
The additional lines of the same shell will be subtracted from the spectrum.
For the L-series all lines of the three different sub-shells LI, LII and LIII will be
considered. The coupling factors for the sub-shells can be edited in the
Evaluation sub-method.
Then all elements with a Series Fit are deconvoluted with increasing energy.
The deconvolution parameters are absolutely essential for the proper evaluation of
a sub-measurement. Wrong or missing deconvolution parameters might result in
severe problems of the software.
A series fit is only allowed, if all lines for one specific element are in the same
deconvolution area (see Deconvolution Region) and if the background under the
lines is not too different.
If the background is too different, the line ratio might be influenced and this will
harm the accuracy of the series fit.
While copying a method all of the elements, lines and even deconvolution
strategies will be pre-set, reducing the necessary effort to a minimum.
The first one is used only for special applications (e.g. during a mapping using a
MIDEX equipped with xyz stages).
To explain the differences between Line Fit and Series Fit, let's have a look, what
happens with a new unknown sample during its evaluation:
The energy-range of a sub-method is divided in different Regions of Interest
(ROIs).
These ROIs and their contents will be calculated from low-energy ROIs to high-
energy ROIs.
Starting with the first ROI, the first step will be the Line-Fit for all Line-Fit-
Elements:
It will start with the elements with the smallest Atomic-Number. In common cases
the Alpha-line like K-Alpha is chosen. In this case, the K-Alpha-line of this element
will be fitted. Based on this result, the corresponding Beta-line is calculated using
a theoretical alpha-beta-ratio. After removing these lines (alpha and beta) from the
spectra, the deconvolution will continue with the next element.
Doing this step-by-step (or element-by-element) all elements Line-Fit was chosen
for, will be removed from the spectra.
The residual spectra will be taken into a next deconvolution step:
In this last step, all elements with Series Fit (in one ROI) are deconvoluted in one
step in a big equation-system.
Line-Fit with Standardization means that, if a minimum intensity is reached, the
peak is used to recalibrate the energy-channel-calibration for this sample.
30.10 Artefacts:
The following figure shows a spectrum of the sample V2O5.
Without the artefacts the spectrum should contain the background information
from the instrument and the V-lines.
But in reality the spectrum looks a little bit different than expected: In addition to
the V-lines, it shows the 4 artefacts:
- Shelf
- Tail
- Escape
- PileUp
As the figure shows, SHELF and TAIL are both creating additional background at
the low-energy side of a peak. Both decrease the S/N ratio with the result of
increased detection limits.
If elements shall be identified manually, the artefacts described in the following are
more difficult to handle, because they are creating "peaks":
The artefact Escape has an energy which is reduced by around 1,75 keV
compared to the "original"-peak. That's the energy of Silicon, which is used as
detector chip material.
The PileUp occurs, when 2 photons, reaching the detector at the same time are
identified as 1 photon with doubled energy. If the "original" peak is a single peak
(because peaks cannot be separated) like Si-K-series, we will find 1 PileUp peak.
The figure above shows what happens with 2 lines like alpha- and beta-line: These
two lines will generate 3 PileUp lines, because 2 alpha-photons or two beta-
photons or an alpha- with a beta-photon can combine.
The background spectra are stored as standards and at the Standards they are
visible as it is marked with B.
"Contaminations" of Spectra:
**********************************************************************************************
The Target:
- HOPG-Target: The tube material (anode): Pd +
Reflections
All these "contaminations"
together are visible in the
The Measuring Chamber:
Background spectra.
- Iron
The Detector:
- Ta, Zr or Pd and a little bit of Sn (detector
cooling)
**********************************************************************************************
Sample Cups / Protection Film:
- Prolene: without contaminations
- Mylar: P and Ca
- Carbonat: Si
The Dilution Material:
- Oil: Sulfur
- Charcoal: a variety of elements
Artefacts
Contaminations in the instruments, e.g. after a foil crack, or caused by sample
preparation
*********************************************************************************************
Background Spectra:
Background Spectra for SPECTRO iQ II:
HOPG-Target
25 keV
(Low-Energy
range)
HOPG-Target
48 keV
(Mid-Energy
range)
means,
that for concentrations smaller then 10 ppm region number 1 is used and for
higher concentrations region 2:
After this change, pressing "Calculate" will calibrate the second region.
Negative Slope The slope of the calibration Many times, there is an error
line is negative in the given concentration like
a wrong unit during definition.
Has to be removed
Known examples for error messages which can be explained / ignored:
(1) "Offset seems to be too big" If the detector has a Zirconium collimator, the
offset for Zr will generate this message - that's ok.
(2) "Unexpected correction" Some K- and L-series line-overlapping like Ba-
L and Ti-K are creating these messages, if they are corrected.
"How to create a new Method?" desrcibes the sequence of the most important
steps.
In addition to this way, the Method Wizard can be a help to accelerate this.
The a.m. parts are influenced by each other, and the best way to design a new
method is to start with elements, followed by the measurement, the deconvolution,
the calibration and finished with the output.
But even the first steps, the selection of elements and the measurement
conditions, are already influenced by the aims of the calibration. A brief outline of
the steps for an idealized method development is listed below:
1. Select the Elements, which can be in the samples
Select the Elements, for which a concentration should be calculated (they
2. have to be a part of the elements
selected one step above)
3. Depending on 1. and 2. the Measurement Conditions have to be selected
Measure one or several standards without evaluation and use the Spectra
4.
Viewer to check 1. - 3.
Optimise the measurement conditions depending on the results of 4.: This
5. can be: Vacuum?, gas-flush?,
measurement time? or excitation conditions?
6. Define or optimise the deconvolutrion parameters based on 1. and 2.
7. Measure the calibration standards
8. Optimise background spectra for the method
9. Evaluate the samples to get the net count rates
Calibrate the method. The procedure, which should be used, depends on
10. the number of elements and
the concentration range
11. Evaluate standards again
12. Edit the output sub-method
Some of the steps are very easy to perform, while others require a detailed
knowledge of the software.
All of the critical steps will be explained in detail on the linked pages, but it is
impossible to explain all of
the basics of x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in this guide. Please refer to the
typical literature on these topics.
33 Calibration
The sub-method Calibration is used to get the correlation between the measured
net count rates and the given concentrations of the standards.
The user interface depends on the procedure which is selected at the tab General.
This figure above shows the calibration screen, when the SPECTRO procedure is
selected.
This is the most comprehensive calibration and contains three different sub-
procedures:
Mass Attenuation Coefficient This procedure is used to calculate the
"concentration" of the non-visible part of the sample. This calculation - based
on the Compton-peak - is used to normalize the results (of an unknown
sample).
Whether this feature can be used, depends on the selected procedure.
Whether it should be used, can be defined in General.
Compton Calibration This calibration is an empirical calibration. As part of the
SPECTRO procedure, it is used to calculate start values for the following and
final calibration based on Fundamental Parameters.
The Compton model is using the intensity of the scattered Compton peak to
correct matrix influences.
Fundamental Parameter Calibration. The Fundamental Parameter Model (FP)
is a calibration model, which tries to explain the spectra of the sample by
physical equations. At the end of this procedure, a theoretical sample is
calculated, which shows the same spectra as the measured one.
and FPM) can be used separately for calibrations. They can be selected in
General.
On top of this selection list an important and well-known calibration can be
chosen:
Lucas-Tooth, Price. This calibration is the easiest correlation between
intensity and concentration, because it's a line, described by concentration =
calib-factor * intensity.
In addition to the calibration models above, some general options can be set here.
The calibration models will be explained in the following in more detail.
The following figure compares the four most common procedures with their
advantages and disadvantages:
This figure compares the four procedures regarding Accuracy and how much they
are matrix indepentent. The meaning of this comparison is that Lucas-Tooth/Price
is the procedure using a minimum of mathematics which results in the best
accuracy. The more mathematics are used, the bigger the deviations.
On the other hand, the models located at the left side of this figure, are not able to
handle different matrices or a wide range of concentrations in the same calibration.
If it is important to use a method, which is matrix independent, one of the models
of the right side of the figure should be used.
But then there can be a bigger deviation between expected and calculated results:
In addition, there are some individual advantages / disadvantages for each
procedure:
Lucas-Tooth/Price: The advantage is the simple algorithm. It can be
controlled using a pocket calculator and it is "stupid", that means, there are no
physical / logical tests (e.g. a concentration can be > 100%) - this can be
used for special jobs
Extended Compton: The most important limitation for this model is the
Compton-peak, which is needed. If in measurement no sub-measurement
using a Compton-Target is defined, this procedure cannot be used for
calculations.
Fundamental Parameter Model: Defining the given concentrations, the
software has to know all information about the elements in the calibration
standards, e.g. if a Diesel, containing 400 ppm of Sulphur should be defined,
the residual nearly 100 % of "oil" are important for the procedure, too. This
100%-knowledge can be a big problem.
Spectro-procedure: Disadvantages are the same as for FPM, additionally
more samples (especially for mac) are needed.
Normalization
All options for the normalization are concentrated in the Normailization region on
General.
The normalization procedure allows to force the sum of the concentrations on a
specific value (defined by Normalization Concentration). This function influences
the concentrations after the calibration. The options MSK (mac) and Normalization
to a fixed concentration are not possible at the same time. When MSK is selected,
an additional tab is displayed in the calibration tab.
The use of a Difference element is an additional option. This can only be one of
the non-visible elements (typical H to F). If this option is used the difference
between the sum of all analysed elements and 100% is calculated as the
difference element. It is possible to select bonds for the difference elements (see
sub-method evaluation) to define matrices like (CH2)n for an organic sample.
The option Normalize Results normalizes the results before each iteration step, so
that the matrix effects are calculated again based on the new information. The
option Normalize Results will be performed after the last iteration. This will always
lead to a sum of all concentrations equal to the Normalization Concentration.
These options can be used successfully, if all elements can be analysed directly (i.
e. alloys) or if the bonding state of the elements is exactly known (i.e. oxides in
fusions) and the option Matrix for Calib. is selected at the same time.
This normalization has nothing in common with the normalization on the Compton
scattering peak or the normalization on regions of spectra used in the evaluation
process.
This card shows on the left side the list of the standard samples.
There are two possible presentations: If the option "Hide non-certified samples" (at
the right side) is enabled, two important conditions will control, if a sample appears
in this list:
The standard needs a given concentration for this element AND an intensity is
found for this element during evaluation.
If this option is disabled, one of these conditions is enough, because it is an OR-
condition.
This standard list contains different columns:
At the right side of this sample list, some options were located, explained in
the following:
Calibration Weight
That's a value to control the calibration range, which should be important. If the
calibration for smaller concentrations should be increased, reduce the value and
vice versa for high concentrations...
Color Level
After the calibration is done the sample are shown using black or red color: The
red color means, that the difference between given concentration and calculated
value for this sample is too big. The limit, if a line is printed red or black, is this
parameter (in % relative).
Output Unit
The concentrations in the standard list are presented in the internal unit "ppm".
Most times it is more comfortable to use the unit, which is used for the printout.
Calibration regions
Possible Corrections:
Intensity Ratios
That's an unusual correction option, only available for this empirical model
(Lucas-Tooth/Price): These are normalized matrix elements (normalization of
count rates or weighting of the concentrations). This leads to better analyzes of
samples with irregular surfaces. When using this correction, the calibration should
be checked with a large number of samples
Overlapping Elements
Elements that influence the deconvolution of the main line of the element of
interest through peak overlap. If systematic error occurs (because of this) during
deconvolution, the respective elements should be selected here. For example the
K-lines of S are overlapped by the M-lines of Pb. This overlapping can lead to a
systematic error. Pb should be entered as an overlapping element for S.
Matrix Elements
Secondary excitation and discontinuity elements are entered as matrix elements
for the Compton model. Secondary excitation elements are used for Fundamental
Parameter Models. Elements that have a matrix influence on the element of
interest are entered for Lucas-Tooth/Price
Offset
If the calibration needs an offset, this can be enabled here.
Parameters:
Calibration Diagram:
The Calibration Diagram shows the calibration line. The different signs are
showing the level of certification.
If the right mouse button is used, a context menu is available, to select different
options like linear or logarithmic scaling. Touching a sample with the mouse, an
info-box appears, that shows some details regarding this sample.
A double-click in the top-line (with the double-line) opens the diagram as full-
screen version.
Calculate:
The button Calculate will start the mathematical procedure to calibrate the
selected element. If no errors occur, this ends in the window, that informs about
the standard deviation during the calibration.
K-Shell/L-Shell:
That can be an option for future...not available yet.
Calculate:
after pressing calculate, the calibration is done, but before the final window shows
the standard deviation
This figure shows the tab for the Compton calibration. In the following only the
differences to the same screen in Lucas-Tooth, Price are presented,. These
differences are located at the right side of the tab:
2 or 3 calibration regions are not available
Log. Term: hat's an additional calibration parameter that can be used in this
procedure.
Comp./Ray. Ratio as Matrix Element: The ratio Compton/Rayleigh is used as
internal standard to normalize results. This feature can be used for light
matrices (organic) with a big Compton peak.
Compton Range: These 2 numbers describe in which measurement (here the
first one) the Compton-peak is found. The second number is the number of a
region (ROI) selected in the deconvolution - do not modify these entries.
If something is going wrong or if some unexpected results were calculated, an
error message will appear which informs about the problem.
This final figure shows the above mentioned differences between light, mid-range and
heavy matrices:
This figure shows the big differences in the Compton intensity for
- Wax (Organic Matrix = green)
- a glass sample (SiO2 = red)
- V2O5 as a heavy oxide sample (blue)
33.6 Elements
This tab is one of the most important tabs in a method, because it contains a list of
all elements, which
a) can be contained in the samples
b) should be analyzed.
Both will control the Measurement Conditions and the Deconvolution!
As first step (using the button Elements on top) all possible elements have to be
defined.
These are the elements which can be in the samples.
All the selected elements are visible in the list, shown above. Now, as second
step, one can assign the elements of interest. This can be done by using the
Analysis Elem column.
If an element is marked here, the intensity of this element is fed to the calibration
procedure to calculate a concentration.
The LODs are the Lmits Of Detection for each element.
The column Conc. Range Min. [µg/g] defines the lower limit of the calibration and it
describes the detection limit. The following column Conc. Range Max. [µg/g] is
important to define the size of the concentration range. That's an important
information regarding the calibration procedure. The values for both columns will
be extracted from the method automatically.
Whether the columns called Coupling Factor L... and Conc. Limit [µg/g] are visible,
depends on the user level.
The last column contains the correction factors, which are calculated during a
Method Recalibration.
In addition to these factors the two factors for the scattering intensities (Coherent
Back Scatter Correction and Incoherent Back Scatter Correction) are editable on
top of the list.
If Bonds should be used, they can be selected from a set of pre-defined bonds at
General and/or Output.
To edit / create pre-defined bonds the Configuration Editor has to be used.
33.7 Measurement
The setting of the measurement conditions is one of the first steps of the method
development. It is necessary to decide the purpose of the method first. Which are
the critical parameters, detection limits or measuring time?
Is it possible to measure the samples in vacuum or is gas flushing necessary?
Which elements are important?
These questions have to be answered in advance to create a tailor made method
for a specific application.
For almost all elements a variation of different excitation conditions exists for each
instrument. The first step is to select the best target combination for a specific
method.
A method is limited to 8 different targets. The number of targets used is influenced
by the analytical needs and by the measuring time.
Some basic rules for the development of a measurement strategy:
1. Always start the method with the Compton target if you need the information
of the Compton Scattering (for details: see Calibration).
2. Proceed with the target requiring the highest excitation energy. The
information from this measurement about the concentration of the heavy
elements can be used to improve the deconvolution of low-Z elements
influenced by line overlaps of the L or M-Lines of the heavy elements.
Such a combination is Molybdenum and Sulphur: The Sulphur-K-line, which
is used for calculations, is overlapped with the Mo-L-line.
Without any correction, Mo in the samples will influence the S-results. If the
sub-measurement which calculates Mo-K is done before the S measurement
the result of the latter can be corrected.
3. To analyze traces of light elements in a high-Z matrix, use a target that can
only excite the analyte. This is only possible if the energy of the excitation
source is between the absorption edges of analyte and matrix.
4. To increase the count rate, it is possible to increase the tube current.
Increasing the tube current leads to a higher intensity of the radiation.
Increasing the tube voltage not only changes the intensity, but also the
spectral composition of the radiation. Thus, it is necessary to create new
background spectra when the tube voltage is changed.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 373 of 397
X-LabPro 5
The General Settings of the measurement are located in the upper half of the
screen. The number of sub-measurements can be selected here. Additionally, the
environmental conditions (vacuum, air or He-flush) are selected here.
The lower half of the screen contains the settings of sub-measurements for this
method.
Some of the values in the lower part of the window should not be changed, others
can be varied (see below). An overview of the parameters, the possible settings
are listed in the table below.
Parameter Notes
Channels 1024 and 2048 channels are recommended for
measurements at the Energy Range 12,5 and 25 keV,
respectively. For measurements at the the Energy Range
of 50 keV 4096 channels should be used. - Do not
change
Peak Time [µs] The time for the detection electronics to shape a peak.
This time is a characteristic value for the detection
electronics. It is important to note that all used
combinations of peak time and energy range must be
calibrated with the Method called MCA. - Do not change
Zero Peak Rate Necessary for the accurate dead time correction - Do not
[cps] change.
Energy range [keV] The scaling of the x-axis of the spectra. For light elements
we like to use 12.5 keV, for mid-range energies 25 keV
and for heavy elements 50 keV. Each target or filter has
its own recommended Energy range. - Do not change
Selects the target for this sub-measurement.- Do not
Target
change
Voltage The excitation depends on the voltage which ist used. A
voltage depending on the selected target/filter is
recommended. Changes in the voltage will influence the
background spectra which have to be modified after
changing the voltage. - Do not change
Current The optimum dead time is 25%. If Current Regulation in
enabled (see next item), the current stored here is only
the default start value. This will be regulated depending
on the intensity which is influenced by the sample type.
Current Regulation When this option is activated, the settings for tube current
will be used as a starting current only. The software will
measure the sample with the given settings and then
optimize the tube current. The resulting intensity should
not exceed 100,000 cps.
Measurement Time Default: This option is selected as standard stop criteria.
Limit
Measurement Time This is the clock time for the measurement. It is not
possible to select a live time.
Live time = clock time * (1 - rel. dead time).
Measurement Pulse An alternative option to end a sub-measurement. If the
Limit number of counted impulses is bigger than the given
value in No. of Impulses the measurement will stop. If
both options (Measurement Time Limit and Measurement
Pulse Limit) are selected, the criteria first met will stop the
sub-measurement.
No. of Impulses For the Measurement Pulse Limit option the criteria for
stopping the sub-measurement can be set here.
First Channel For the above listed option No. of Impulses the region of
interest (ROI) must be defined. This is done with the two
parameters First Channel and Last Channel. This is only
necessary, if the option Measurement Pulse is used.
Last Channel See above.
If elements should be identified using only the Spectra Viewer, please take care of
the ARTEFACTS !
The Spectra Viewer can be used for method development, because the question,
which elements could be in routine samples, can be answered a little bit easier
using this tool.
This information is necessary to define the deconvolution together with the
measurement conditions.
The following figure shows with which target one can calculate which element (for
XEPOS and the standard TurboQuant applications).
33.9 Deconvolution
The deconvolution is necessary to determine the net counts for the individual
elements of the method. This includes the subtraction of a background spectrum
and a selection which lines should be used for the deconvolution. As a method is
constructed of several sub-measurements, the parameters have to be defined for
each of the sub-measurements. It is possible to deconvolute elements in several
sub-measurements to correct for line overlaps, but it is only possible to calculate
the concentration from a single sub-measurement.
The number of background spectra and the corresponding switching limits can be
selected here. The switchover values are the Compton to Rayleigh scattering
ratios. Therefore, it is only possible to use several background spectra, if a
Compton target is used in the method. With several background spectra available
for each target it is possible to calibrate different matrices with a different scattered
background (like organic and silicate samples) in one method.
The list shows which elements have to be deconvoluted during evaluation in
general. These elements can be selected at the tab Elements.
All elements which are present in a specific sample, should be selected. Even if
the calculation of the concentration is not planned, it may be necessary to
deconvolute the lines because of possible interferences and line overlaps.
Using the tabs Measurement x, all details of the deconvolution can be modified:
The main part of the screen is a list of elements, which shows all selected
elements, using the button Elements at the right side. The elements, which can be
chosen at this place are pre-defined on the Elements tab. Only elements chosen
on the tab are selectable here.
If an element appears in the list, the last three columns can be modified / defined:
The columns Line and Deconvolution describe the kind of calculation, which
should be applied. For example, Sodium will be calculated from the K-Alpha line
using Serial Fit as strategy. Possible strategies are:
- Summation,
- Series Fit ,
- Line Fit and
- Line Fit with Standardization
The check boxes in the column Conc are necessary to decide, whether an
intensity is used for the calculation of the concentration or just as intensity e.g. for
overlapping corrections. When a number is shown (like for Chromium) that means
that the concentration for this element must be calculated using the intensity from
a different sub measurement (Cr = 1).
On the right hand side there are 4 buttons to edit additional parameters.
Elements
If this button is selected a window with a periodic table of the elements will appear
on the screen:
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 379 of 397
X-LabPro 5
In this periodic table all elements that were selected in the tab Elements are
marked in yellow and can be selected. All elements which can be excited in this
sub-measurement should be selected. To select an element, click the element
symbol and the colour changes to red.
All selected elements will be deconvoluted. It is not necessary to calibrate all of
them or use them as concentration elements. For the Compton target it is
essential to deconvolute the elements even if no concentration is calculated from
the Compton target (like in most geological calibrations).
In this way the overlaps with the scattering lines can be corrected.
Only the elements selected in this PTE can be ticked as "concentration elements"
in column Conc.
Deconvolution Region:
Most of predefined SPECTRO methods do not require any changes in the
deconvolution settings. If this is required for a specific application, the Optimization
must be disabled
With the above defined settings all lines to be deconvoluted are selected, but it is
not defined where the lines are and in which way they should be grouped in
deconvolution areas. These deconvolution areas are selected with the button
Deconvolution Region. These ROIs should be created in such a way that all
elements are in ROIs but not too many lines in the same ROI.
To create a ROI, the cursor is moved to the left edge of the planned ROI and then
the right mouse button is pressed. When the mouse is moved to the right hand
side – with still pressed mouse button – a region will be marked as ROI in a
different hatching. To simplify the creation of the ROIs, it is quite useful to show
the lines of the elements for this sub-measurement. This makes it easier to check,
if all elements are in selected regions and if all lines of the elements with Series Fit
are in the same deconvolution area.
To create the background regions, it is necessary to display a spectrum. The
sample shown in the window can be selected at the bottom of this window. There's
a list with all measured standards.
The deconvolution areas will be copied together with the rest of the parameters,
when a method is copied. So, it is not necessary to edit all the regions.
Background Region:
A background spectrum can be fitted to the measured spectrum after some of the
detector artefacts (as an example: pile-up, escape, shelf) have been corrected. To
do this, fitting regions have to be defined, according to the way described under
Deconvolution region:
The fitting of the background spectra allows to use longer measuring times for the
background spectra to reduce statistical effects. The fitting regions should never
be in regions where elemental lines might influence the height of the fitted
background.
Normalization Region:
The normalization regions are defined exactly the same way as deconvolution and
background regions.
The normalization regions are parts of the spectra that can be used to normalize
the net count rates of an element. These normalization regions are necessary for
Compton targets because the entire principle of the Extended Compton model
(see Evaluation) and of the matrix correction based on the Compton intensity (or
the Compton/Rayleigh ratio) is based on this normalization:
These normalization regions can be used as an internal standard even for other
sub-measurements. Two normalization regions are allowed per sub-measurement.
Iron-Cobalt-Correction:
With the button Iron Cobalt Corr. a special correction for Cobalt can be activated.
This correction improves the determination of Cobalt traces in the presence of a
large amount of iron. The correction factor should not be changed. This special
correction is only possible if the Co K and the Fe K- Lines are in separate ROIs.
Use Optimization:
By ticking the Use Optimization check box the parameters from the three buttons
Deconvolution Region, Background RegionNormalization Region are calculated
automatically.
The deconvolution parameters are absolutely essential for the proper evaluation of
a sub-measurement. Wrong or missing deconvolution parameters might result in
severe problems of the software.
A series fit is only allowed, if all lines for one specific element are in the same
deconvolution area (see Deconvolution Region) and if the background under the
lines is not too different.
If the background is too different, the line ratio might be influenced and this will
harm the accuracy of the series fit.
While copying a method all of the elements, lines and even deconvolution
strategies will be pre-set, reducing the necessary effort to a minimum.
33.11 Artefacts:
The following figure shows a spectrum of the sample V2O5.
Without the artefacts the spectrum should contain the background information
from the instrument and the V-lines.
But in reality the spectrum looks a little bit different than expected: In addition to
the V-lines, it shows the 4 artefacts:
- Shelf
- Tail
- Escape
- PileUp
As the figure shows, SHELF and TAIL are both creating additional background at
the low-energy side of a peak. Both decrease the S/N ratio with the result of
increased detection limits.
If elements shall be identified manually, the artefacts described in the following are
more difficult to handle, because they are creating "peaks":
The artefact Escape has an energy which is reduced by around 1,75 keV
compared to the "original"-peak. That's the energy of Silicon, which is used as
detector chip material.
The PileUp occures, when 2 photons, reaching the detector at the same time are
identified as 1 photon with doubled energy. If the "original" peak is a single peak
(because peaks cannot be separated) like Si-K-series, we will find 1 PileUp peak.
The figure above shows what happens with 2 lines like alpha- and beta-line: These
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 385 of 397
X-LabPro 5
two lines will generate 3 PileUp lines, because 2 alpha-photons or two beta-
photons or an alpha- with a beta-photon can combine.
The Detector:
- Ta, Zr or Pd and a little bit of Sn (detector
cooling)
Background Spectra:
Background Spectra for XEPOS:
HOPG-
Target
(Low-
Energy
range)
Mo-
Target
(Mid-
Energy
range)
Al2O3-
Target
(High-
Energy
range)
Pd-
Target
(Mid-
Energy
range)
Zn-
Target
(Low-
Energy
range)
CsI-
Target
(High-
Energy
range)
Co-
Target
(Low-
Energy
range)
Zr-
Target
(Mid-
Energy
range)
In the frame of the calibration 9 parameters are calculated. Look at the tab
Parameters (see figure below).
The green highlighted limits are the switch-limits for the three regions.
If these parameters shall be controlled, the yellow highlighted parameters should
be positive.
The following figure shows the correlation between Compton intensity and "mac".
a1, a2 and a3 are the three parameters for each region (1 to 3) shown in the figure
above, "I" means the intensity of the Compton peak and µ is the "mac".
It is much faster done, if the given concentration were copied/imported from this database
instead of entering each element concentration.
After this change, pressing "Calculate" will calibrate the second region.
Negative Slope The slope of the calibration Many times, there is an error in
line is negative the given concentration like a
wrong unit during definition.
Has to be removed
Known examples for error messages which can be explained / ignored:
(1) "Offset seems to be too big" If the detector has a Zirconium collimator, the
offset for Zr will generate this message - that's ok.
(2) "Unexpected correction" Some K- and L-series line-overlappings like
Ba-L and Ti-K are creating these messages, if they are corrected.
34 Important Information
Data Backup
Regular data backups are important for the operation safety and availability for
your analytical system. Utilities that enable regular backups of the program
directory that are appropriate for the installed operating system should be used. In
this way, it is possible to restore the most current data possible to a new computer
or newly installed software if the PC or your specific data is lost or destroyed. The
medium on which the backup is stored should be stored in a location that is
spatially separated from the PC.
Copyright and Guarantee
© 1992-2010 SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH, D-47533 Kleve, Boschstr.
10, All rights reserved
The X-LABPro software is copyrighted and is protected by international copyright
laws. This software must be treated as a book. You have the right, however, to
transfer the software to computers for internal use within the company or to make
storage copies of this software. Additional copies, especially for transmission to
third parties are prohibited. This is in violation of SPECTRO A. I.'s copyright.
SPECTRO A. I. cannot guarantee that the software and documentation are free of
errors. Nor can SPECTRO A. I. assure that the delivered software can fulfull all of
your requirements. Especially for the error-free communication with products from
third parties (e.g., printers and their drivers) or networks can no responsibility be
accepted.
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH
Pro
Software Help X-Lab 5
Revision 4; 17/08/2011 Page 397 of 397