Abstract
AbstractThree-dimensional microscopy has become an increasingly popular materials characterization technique. This has resulted in a standardized processing scheme for most datasets. Such a scheme has motivated the development of a robust software package capable of performing each stage of post-acquisition processing and analysis. This software has been termed Materials Image Processing and Automated Reconstruction (MIPAR™). Developed in MATLAB™, but deployable as a standalone cross-platform executable, MIPAR™ leverages the power of MATLAB’s matrix processing algorithms and offers a comprehensive graphical software solution to the multitude of 3D characterization problems. MIPAR™ consists of five modules, three of which (Image Processor, Batch Processor, and 3D Toolbox) are required for full 3D characterization. Each module is dedicated to different stages of 3D data processing: alignment, pre-processing, segmentation, visualization, and quantification.With regard to pre-processing, i.e., the raw-intensity-enhancement steps that aid subsequent segmentation, MIPAR’s Image Processor module includes a host of contrast enhancement and noise reduction filters, one of which offers a unique solution to ion-milling-artifact reduction. In the area of segmentation, a methodology has been developed for the optimization of segmentation algorithm parameters, and graphically integrated into the Image Processor. Additionally, a 3D data structure and complementary user interface has been developed which permits the binary segmentation of complex, multi-phase microstructures. This structure has also permitted the integration of 3D EBSD data processing and visualization tools, along with support of additional algorithms for the fusion of multi-modal datasets. Finally, in the important field of quantification, MIPAR™ offers several direct 3D quantification tools across the global, feature-by-feature, and localized classes.
Highlights
The emergence of 3D characterization tools has permitted significant advancement in the field of materials characterization
To be truly robust, any 3D characterization software package must possess a broad array of tools capable of subjecting a dataset to each step described in the previous section
MIPARTM consists of five total modules; three of which are critical for 3D characterization of most materials
Summary
The emergence of 3D characterization tools has permitted significant advancement in the field of materials characterization. Various data acquisition techniques exist across length scales [1-6], each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The majority of the effort is spent post-collection, with the quality of the reconstructed data critically dependent on these processing steps. The typical processing sequence for 3D characterization is as follows: Acquisition The first step in any 3D characterization effort is the collection of three-dimensional data. If one wishes to accurately quantify the morphology of 1 um precipitates, DualBeamTM FIB/SEM serial sectioning is well suited. In this technique, material is iteratively “sliced” off the edge of a small cantilever using a focused ion beam of Ga+ ions, while subsequent images are acquired with a scanning electron beam [2]. If 100 μm precipitates are of interest, a larger scale technique such as Robo-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
