Operating outdated EPMA (JXA-8600SX) by popular microcomputers and Windows PC

Abstract

Here we report on the operation of the JEOL JXA-8600SX wavelength-dispersive electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) after replacing the outdated and damaged native computers with popular and up-to-date microcomputers (Arduino) and a desktop Windows PC. Stepper motors actuating the sample stage and spectrometers are driven by computerized numerical control (CNC) kits commercialized for hand-made 3D printers, open-source firmware GRBL installed on Arduino, and a common text-based command “G-code” sent from a PC. X-ray pulse signals from the single-channel pulse-height analyzer (SCA) and analog signals from the probe ammeter are also acquired by Arduino. Sending commands from the PC to Arduino and receiving signals from Arduino to the PC are routinized by a homemade program coded by Visual Basic.NET. Quantitative analyses of anhydrous silicates and oxides, applying the Bence-Albee correction, provide reasonable oxide concentrations that are generally within 99-101 wt.% in total and compatible with stoichiometry within a 1%-2% relative deviation. This alternative control system not only extends the use of EPMA hardware regardless of generational changes in computer technology, but also introduces optional analytical techniques not available in the built-in system.