GENESIS SPECTRUM USER MANUAL

Chapter 4Setup and Calibration4.2 Detector Geometry ParametersEvery system has an ideal geometry based on the set up of that particular microscope anddetector. It is important that the correct geometry be used, as it is crucial for accurate dataprocessing.To access the geometry settings, expand the spectrum collection portion of the analysispanel. For systems with column control, most of the parameters will be automaticallyupdated. If you have purchased the “EDAX Beam Current Monitor” option you can readthe microscope beam current directly from a Keithley Pico-ammeter, by clicking the“Beam Crt” button.For systems without column control, all of the parameters can be entered into the editboxes for the appropriate geometry setting. The values that were last entered beforeclosing the software will be the default values when the program is started again.Check that working distance (distance between the pole piece and the sample) is set at itsoptimal value. Each microscope and detector has it’s own optimal working distance whichcan be found in the “Detecting Unit Manual” that is sent with the system. The workingdistance can be read on the microscope or, if the EDAX system has column control, it willautomatically be read into the geometry settings.The other parameters in this window, intersection distance, elevation angle, azimuth angleand scale setting are not often changed and should match the settings that are in the“Detecting Unit Manual” as they are specific to each system set up. Once the settings areentered into the geometry panel the take off angle can be calculated based on theseparameters and the working distance. This will be done automatically or manually byclicking on the calculate button.12 GENESIS Spectrum - User’s Manual