Abstract: A method of controlling a controller network is provided, the controller network comprising a plurality of devices, a controller for outputting control data to the devices, and a plurality of interface modules, each interface module being arranged to connect a respective device to the controller via the network. The method comprises: outputting, from the controller, a control message addressed to a first device, the control message corresponding to an action to be performed by the first device; receiving, at a first interface module connecting the first device to the network, the control message; storing the control message in a memory of the first interface module; broadcasting, from the controller, a trigger message addressed to at least the first device; receiving, at the first interface module, the trigger message; and passing, in response to the trigger message, the control message to the first device such that the action corresponding to the control message is performed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of image processing for materials analysis is provided. At least three image datasets are obtained, these representing intensity values of image pixels and being in common spatial registration. The image datasets are processed so as to assign a comparison measure to each pair of image datasets, the comparison measure for a given pair of image datasets being representative of the difference between the spatial intensity information within the pair. A number of image datasets are then selected using the comparison measures. A colour difference measure is defined which represents the difference between pairs of colours of a colour set. Colours are assigned to the selected image datasets such that pairs of the selected image datasets which have substantially different spatial intensity information are assigned respective colours which have a substantially different colour difference measure.

Abstract: A signal generating system comprises a signal generator (14) for generating an electrical signal at a predetermined frequency; an impedance matching circuit (16), the electrical signal being supplied from the signal generator (14) via the impedance matching circuit (16) to a reactive load (10) in use; and an impedance matching control system (30) for detecting the electrical signal between the signal generator and the reactive load and for adjusting the impedance matching circuit (16) to achieve a predetermined condition. The impedance matching circuit control system (30) comprises a heterodyne circuit, and the system further comprises a heterodyne frequency generator (48) coupled to the signal generator (14) to generate a second, heterodyne frequency from the predetermined frequency from the signal generator. This second, heterodyne frequency is mixed with the detected signal to generate sum and difference signals.

Abstract: A charged particle analyzer (1) comprises a first non-imaging electrostatic lens (8, 9) for receiving charged particles having divergent, trajectories and for converting the said trajectories into substantially parallel trajectories. At least one planar filter (10) is provided for receiving the charged particles having the substantially parallel trajectories and for filtering the charged particles in accordance with their respective energies. A second non-imaging electrostatic lens (11) receives the energy filtered charged particles and selectively modifies their trajectories as a function of their energies. A charged particle detector (12) then receives the charged particles in accordance with their selectively modified trajectories.

Abstract: A method of determining the feasibility of a proposed structure analysis process is disclosed. The process involved the electron beam excitation of x-rays from a multi-layered structure. The method comprises generating predicted x-ray data represents the x-ray excitation response of the multi-layered structure according to one or more sets of process conditions. The x-ray data are generated using structure data defining the structure and composition of the layers. The effects upon the x-ray data of changes to the structure data are then analyzed in accordance with one or more predetermined feasibility criteria, so as to determine the feasibility of performing the proposed structure analysis process upon the multi-layered structure.

Abstract: A method of controlling a controller network is provided, the controller network comprising a plurality of devices, a controller for outputting control data to the devices, and a plurality of interface modules, each interface module being arranged to connect a respective device to the controller via the network. The method comprises: outputting, from the controller, a control message addressed to a first device, the control message corresponding to an action to be performed by the first device; receiving, at a first interface module connecting the first device to the network, the control message; storing the control message in a memory of the first interface module; broadcasting, from the controller, a trigger message addressed to at least the first device; receiving, at the first interface module, the trigger message; and passing, in response to the trigger message, the control message to the first device such that the action corresponding to the control message is performed.

Abstract: A charged particle filter comprises a magnetic deflector and an outer shield. The magnetic deflector has a bore along an axis thereof passing through the deflector from a specimen end to a detector end of the deflector and through which charged particles pass when in use. The deflector is formed from one or more magnets positioned around the bore in a Halbach configuration thereby generating a relatively high magnetic field strength within the bore and a relatively low magnetic field strength outside of the deflector. The deflector has a geometry defining an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein each of the outer and inner surfaces of the deflector taper towards the axis as a respective function of distance in the specimen direction along the axis.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an adsorption refrigeration system. The system includes a primary adsorption pump which is arranged in communication with a primary chamber containing coolant, a secondary adsorption pump and a high fluid impedance conduit which places the secondary adsorption pump and primary chamber into communication. The method includes saturating the primary and secondary adsorption pumps with coolant while each pump is at its respective operational temperature. The pumps are then heated above their operational temperatures to desorb the coolant such that the coolant pressure in the primary chamber and the secondary adsorption pump substantially equalizes through the conduit while the primary chamber is cooled. The secondary adsorption pump is then cooled causing coolant gas to be adsorbed and, therefore, a reduction in temperature and pressure of the coolant in the primary chamber is effected.