Remote operation of a Cameca SX100 scanning electron microprobe

We describe the remote operation of the Cameca SX100 scanning electron micr oprobe, located in building 31 at Johnson Space Center. A near-real-time gr aphics communications link was established via Integrated Services Digital Network telephone lines and the Internet between a remote personal computer , located off-site from Johnson Space Center and the Cameca microprobe. Wit h digital communications utilizing only the Internet, it is possible to hav e full control of all analytical and electron imaging operations at near-re al-time imaging rates and demonstrate this from as far away as the Universi ty of Houston Central Campus, a distance of approximately 30 miles. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.