REMOTE OPERATION OF ELECTRON-MICROSCOPES

Due to the availability of fast local computer networks such as Ethern et and FDDI and fast point-to-point connections such as T1 and T3 link s, the idea of telemicroscopy, including remote control of electron mi croscopes has gained momentum. Ellisman (1995), Fan et al. (1993), Par vin et al. (1995), and Zaluzec (1995) have discussed facets of systems which support such capabilities. In each of these reports the authors describe new stand-alone software packages that are required to run t heir systems. To make remote microscopy more universally available, we required the use of commercial software only and demanded scripting c apabilities. By (1) expanding the de facto standard software DigitalMi crograph to include a complete set of SET and GET commands for microsc ope control, (2) using the software TimbuktuPro to provide remote cont rol capabilities, and (3) using CUSeeMe and other video conferencing h ardware and software for telecommunication, all our requirements were met. All three software packages together then provide remote microsco pe operation capabilities and an open system architecture (through the scripting language) for future design of automated procedures and tel ecommunication (Dodson et al. 1995, Gatan Inc., Voelkl et al. 1995a). The route for remote microscopy operation described herein allows micr oscope operation through local networks, the internet, and point-to-po int connections with varying performance, and across Windows, Windows9 5, and Macintosh platforms. The expenses for the remote user are essen tially defined by the price tags on establishing and maintaining the c ommunication lines and the video conference tool of choice. This gener al approach has recently been demonstrated at the SuperComputing '95 c onference in San Diego, Calif.