Scan Devices

Actually, we can scan much more than just the sample in X and Y. The following list describes the devices which can be moved and scanned in STXM 5. Table 1.2 summarized all devices with their short names, which you will frequently encounter in the microscope control program.

In principle you can scan almost any scan device against any other. Note that in STXM 5, all scans are 2-dimensional (even point spectra, in which case the size of the second dimension is 1). Throughout this manual, we frequently talk about the fast and the slow scan axis, which for regular sample images will be X and Y, respectively.

X and Y Sample Piezo Stages

Fine X and Y stages with which the sample can be scanned with very high resolution, but limited travel range (100 microns). This stage is usually used for detailed high-resolution scans of small sample areas (the "real" data you're interested in). The piezo stage is mounted on top of the stepper stage (see below).

X and Y Sample Stepper Stages

Coarse X and Y stages with limited resolution (1 micron in X, 0.1 micron in Y), but large travel range. This stage is usually used for overview scans, to find interesting sample areas (when you insert a new sample).

Z Sample Stepper Stage

Since a zone plate is a chromatic optic, the focal length changes depending on the x-ray energy (or wavelength). The Z stage is used to get the sample into focus, and to keep it there even when the x-ray energy (wavelength) changes. It has 0.1 microns resolution.

Monochromator

The monochromator sets the x-ray energy (wavelength). In point spectra, it is scanned on the fast axis. In contrast scans, it is scanned on the slow axis. In stacks, it's not scanned, but changed in between images.

X, Y and Z Detector Stages

The detector is also mounted on motorized stages for alignment (1 micron resolution each). As a general user, you usually don't have to bother about moving or even aligning the detector.

Z OSA Stage

As the x-ray energy and therefore the focal length of the zone plate changes, the ideal position of the OSA relative to the ZP also changes. The Z OSA motor is usually automatically tracked as you change the energy, so don't bother about it.

Table 1.2: STXM 5 scan devices

Scan Device	Short name	Device Code
X Sample Piezo Stage	XPZT	0
Y Sample Piezo Stage	YPZT	1
X Sample Stepper Stage	XSTG	2
Y Sample Stepper Stage	YSTG	3
Z Sample Stepper Stage	ZSTG	4
Monochromator	EV	5
X Detector Stage	XDET	6
Y Detector Stage	YDET	7
Z Detector Stage	ZDET	8
Z OSA Stage	ZOSA	9