Minipix

A graphical user interface (GUI)-based software has been developed to integrate a TPX3 Advacam Minipix pixelated detector with a ThermoFisher Nova scanning electron microscope (SEM). This setup is primarily used for electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements using the external direct-electron pixelated detector. One of the main advantages of using this detector is its higher sensitivity to weak EBSD signals. As a result, lower electron beam currents can be utilised, which is particularly beneficial for the characterization of beam-sensitive materials.

The ThermoFisher Nova scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be controlled using Dynamic Link Library (DLL) libraries from a third-party software called Bruker Espirit GUI. These libraries provide a means to access the functionality of the SEM and perform various operations, such as imaging and analysis. The Bruker Espirit GUI offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to interact with the SEM and control its various settings, such as the electron beam current, the imaging mode, the magnification, and beam spot position, among many other functionalities. The DLL libraries enable seamless communication between the SEM and the software, ensuring that commands are transmitted accurately and efficiently.

In order to control and communicate with Dynamic Link Library (DLL) C++ functions, a Python layer has been implemented using the ctypes library. This allows for seamless integration between the two programming languages, enabling the Python program to access the functionality provided by the DLL libraries. The ctypes library provides a means to call functions and pass parameters to them, as well as to receive return values from the functions.