REVOLON TEM Scan Controller

REVOLON TEM Scan Controller with open access and Python sample code

The REVOLON TEM Scan Controller defines new benchmarks with open access, high-performance functions, free scan patterns and compatibility with all major TEM models.

The TEM Scan Controller is an integrated unit with scan generator and image aquisition. It was developed by us as a high-performance digital image scanning system precisely for the requirements of transmission electron microscopes and is specifically prepared for researchers, developers or SMEs that require independent equipment or technique development in TEM.

✅ designed for, and tested, on all major TEM manufacturer external scan interfaces

✅ sample code is provided for Python, C and C#

✅ Full hardware control with the API documentation over conventional image scans, pixel map scans and hardware syncronisation with 4D STEM detectors and imaging cameras

✅ analog channels for conventional BF, HAADF and similar detectors

✅ digital channels for pulse processors.

A new standard in STEM control

free microscopy

Unrestricted beam access with Python code

fast scanning

Highest speed for in-situ STEM

flexible control

Best 4D STEM synchronization

4D STEM synchronization

• Gain direct and unrestricted access to beam timing
• Freely configure frame/line/pixel scan triggers for camera synchronization
• Combine with advanced subpixel, chopped or wobble scan modes

Highest speed for in-situ STEM

• Speed up in-situ experiments with gapless frames
• Improve temporal resolution with fastest analog and digital inputs
• Optimize frame rate with full access to flyback parameters

SDK for open device control

• Software Development toolKit (SDK) for complete configuration
• DLL control library for Windows and Linux
• Python sample code for independent coding

Advanced pixel maps

• Prepare a list of coordinates
• Upload to the scan controller
• Run and download digitized values
• Make an image, display and repeat

Advanced image scans

• Built-in scan generator
• Image acquisition modes like Subpixel Scans, Wobble Scan and Chopped Scan

Function highlights

• Additional digital 16-bit magnification, 10-bit scan shift and 360º scan rotation
• Built-in 1…50,000 kHz clock generator, with free running or synchronized scans
• Advanced 20-bit digital lock-in amplification on the 1 MHz analog input
• Optional GHz digital inputs with adjustable thresholds for ultrafast electron counting

Frequently asked questions

• How to set triggers/synchronisation between a pixelated camera and the REVOLON?

  Use the DIGITAL I/O connector/interface of the REVOLON. There are a lot of digital signals on that connector, but for a TEM camera the relevant signals are PixelClock and PixelSync. Typically, the scan controller is master and the camera slave, as the scan controller also has to deal with more complicated flyback procedures at the end of lines and frames.

  PixelClock output goes high when the scan controller holds the beam stable on the sample for acquisition. Duration/length of the PixelClock is configurable, generally 100 ns is sufficient. This should be used to trigger a new frame acquisition in your camera. The scan controller will acquire/digitize TEM video signals starting from this time as well, which could be BF, HAADF or other signals. There is also an optional hold time, which will wait for a fixed period (to match the camera reset time) before our signal acquisition/digitization starts.

  PixelSync input can be used to stop the beam from moving until input is received. This can be connected to an end of frame output from your camera to make sure that the scan does not progress to the next pixel until your acquisition is finished. It is optional, as scan acquisition time and frame acquisition time can be configured to match in value.

• Does REVOLON control the scan coils?

  Yes, REVOLON does control the scan coils through the TEM external scan interface for third parties. This is a low voltage analog interface with signals for scan X, scan Y, video and so on. This interface is analogue because of the speeds required for scanning, and the complex logic of the scan patterns used. These low voltage scan signals go to the scan amplifier of the TEM, which amplifies them to the high currents required for scan coils, and also adds scan rotation and magnification control.

• TEM Scan Controller

  
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• Advanced pixel maps

  

• 4D STEM Synchronization

  

• Software Development Kit with Python sample code

  

• Scan control software