Interface design for NT-MDT SPM images processing software

Scanning probe microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is one of modern powerful methods for investigating the form and local properties of a solid body surface. The resolution of the resulting images is at least 1000 times higher than that of the images acquired with the help of the best optical microscopes working in the ultraviolet band. Electronic microscopes have a similarly high resolution, but they are only applicable to conductors and semi-conductors in perfect vacuum and have a damaging effect on living cells.

A scanning probe microscope allows for acquiring a digital image of an atomic lattice, a living cell, an integration circuit, the structure of a polymer, the surface of a CD. The resulting images of the surface being investigated are in fact three-dimensional, as while scanning at each point of the sample its relative height or the value of one of physical properties are measured: mechanical properties (for example, with liquids), optical or electromagnetic properties. SPM is employed in physics, chemistry, material science, biology, medicine and high-tech production.

The scanning probe microscopes produced by NT-MDT are supplied with software to control the device and process the data acquired using it. Art. Lebedev Studio developed and designed a user interface of the NT-MDT software module for processing and analyzing SPM images.

Processing of SPM images

Main window of the module

The scanned image has the largest possible vertical size owing to the movable toolbar and the general optimization of the work space.

The toolbar contains frequently used tools for area selection and image transformation and analysis.

The sensitivity of the “magic wand” is smoothly adjusted using the scrollbar at any time, not just during selection

On the Z axis scale the ends of the displayed range (triangles) and the entire selected range within the maximum range can be shifted (like a scrollbar). If necessary, you can open a supplementary histogram that’s positioned over a semi-transparent background so it can be left on screen.

The histogram over the semi-transparent background can be turned on and off

All transformations of the image are made using the toolbar or filters picked from the menu. The filters are used to align the plane of the image, reduce the noise, increase sharpness and solve special problems.

All filters are placed on the image without changing the original scanning data. The entire chain of filters is visible, so it’s always clear what transformations and in what sequence have been made. It increases confidence in the results of the research and is part of scientific ethics.

Every filter has an icon depicting the parameters, the mask or the result of filter operation. To illustrate the rotation and mirror reflection, we used a square with an asymmetrical letter F (filter). The names of filters on the list also contain the values of parameters: for example, “rotate by −13°”, “Fit lines (order 2, horizontal)”

Order of filter application can be changed by drag-and-dropping, and every filter can be temporarily turned off. Every filter has a mask, i.e. the areas on which it has an effect. The parameters of the filter are adjusted in a separate window in the preview mode.

System warnings don’t interrupt the user’s work as they do in some other programs

Analysis of SPM images

After the needed transformations, the adjustment and correction of the image have been performed, it’s time to investigate and analyze it. The program module provides tools for linear measurements and statistical and harmonic analysis.

In the older version of the program as a result of using any tool, the work space was additionally split to free up space for a frame with results. So when the new frame appeared, the size of other frames would shrink.

To compare the images, the work space can be split into two or four windows. A special lock () allows for scaling and scrolling simultaneously the images being compared and taking simultaneous measurements. It can be useful if during scanning different physical values were simultaneously measured and several “parallel” images were acquired.

One of the statistical analysis tools is used for studying the distribution of micro-grains on the rough surface of an object. This tool recognizes micro-grains in view of the threshold value set by the user.

Every grain is stored in a table. In the table the grains are grouped by intervals of square, volume, depth or some other parameter selected by the user. The number of grains in every group of the table is displayed in the histogram. The selected grains or their groups are highlighted in the image, the table and the histogram

Report editor

SPM images and related analytic frames are not only a means of scientific study, but also its practical result that can be presented as a scientific publication. For this purpose, the program module has an inbuilt report editor allowing for creating PDF and Microsoft Office documents.

Images and frames with data can be included in the report. Their look is automatically adapted for paper format.

Optimization of a frame with a section profile for print. Instead of reference axes, a scale is displayed on the image. Triangular markers on the graph turn into small circles 2 points in diameter and with 0.4-point thick outline. The data on the markers is displayed in a table

The report editor is based on the principle of a modular grid. Type area of the page consists of grid cells grouped in rows and columns. Objects containing images, graphs or texts from frames are “pulled over” the cells, when each object can take up a rectangle formed by a whole number of cells.

The results of a scientific research rarely look so neat and beautiful.

Icons

Image processing tools look as usual—exactly the way they were drawn for the first time 20 years ago.

Palettes

For SPM data visualization, the program has a set of palettes. Some of them are designed to solve actual analytical problems, while others are intended for presentation only:

Project

Russia-based NT-MDT supplies high-quality probe nanolaboratories, scanning probe microscopes, related accessories and software products.

In 2004 Art. Lebedev Studio started developing a user interface of probe microscopes control and data analysis software products NT-MDT was working on.

The SPM images processing and analysis module is the first of these products.