Abstract: A system is provided wherein spectrometer measurements, and/or measurements from other analytical instruments, are transmitted to a processing station which determines the component substances of the sample(s) subjected to the measurements. The names of the component substances are then inserted into database search queries related to matters such as handling precautions, causes/sources of the substances, remedies and neutralizing agents for the substances, regulations related to the substances, etc. The results of the search queries are then provided to the personnel who made the measurements, preferably wirelessly and almost immediately after the measurements were made. The system therefore provides nearly immediate guidance as to what substances are present and how to handle them, which can be useful for inexperienced personnel in hazardous response, contraband detection, industrial process control, and other situations.

Abstract: In a spectroscopic microscope, a video image of a specimen is analyzed to identify regions having different appearances, and thus presumptively different properties. The sizes and locations of the identified regions are then used to position the specimen to align each region with an aperture, and to set the aperture to a size appropriate for collecting a spectrum from the region in question. The spectra can then be analyzed to identify the substances present within each region of the specimen. Information on the identified substances can then be presented to the user along with the image of the specimen.

Abstract: In a spectroscopic microscope, a video image of a specimen is analyzed to identify regions having different appearances, and thus presumptively different properties. The sizes and locations of the identified regions are then used to position the specimen to align each region with an aperture, and to set the aperture to a size appropriate for collecting a spectrum from the region in question. The spectra can then be analyzed to identify the substances present within each region of the specimen. Information on the identified substances can then be presented to the user along with the image of the specimen.