A new data analysis system has been developed with computer-controlled beam
and sample positioning, video sample imaging, multiple large solid angle d
etectors for X-rays and gamma-rays, and surface barrier detectors for charg
ed particles. The system uses the LabVIEW(TM) programming language allowing
it to be easily ported between different computer operating systems. In th
e present configuration, digital signal processors are directly interfaced
to a SCSI CAMAC controller. However, the modular software design permits th
e substitution of other hardware with LabVIEW-supported drivers. On-line di
splays of histogram and two-dimensional elemental map images provide a user
-friendly data acquisition interface. Subregions of the two-dimensional map
s may be selected interactively for detailed analysis or for subsequent sca
nning. Off-line data processing of archived data currently yields elemental
maps, analyzed spectra and reconstructions of tomographic data. (C) 1999 P
ublished by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.