Getting the most from the data behind your beautiful NanoSIMS images

Session

Stream 2: Software and Smart Microscopy

Authors

Dr. Greg McMahon (1)

Affiliations

1. National Physical Laboratory

Keywords

NanoSIMS, image analysis, statistics, stable isotopes

Abstract text

In biological and materials sciences, NanoSIMS images observed in the literature typically showcase the exquisite spatial resolution of the technique, but far less often emphasize the wonderful quantitative information behind those images. This presentation will discuss aspects of NanoSIMS data acquisition and analysis beyond the normal. Following a brief introduction of NanoSIMS, attributes of its multicollection system and electron multiplier detectors will be discussed. This will lead into a topic not often discussed -  when exactly  should the data acquisition be stopped? Before the end of the allotted instrument time is  never the best answer. More sound approaches based on the goal of the study and statistical analysis will be discussed. Following this, a somewhat novel approach of exploring the quantitative data behind the images will be demonstrated live using examples from biological imaging. Briefly, it involves deconstructing the images into the (x,y) pixel data and loading and reconstructing the image in JMP software (SAS, Cary, NC) and using methods such as dynamic data linking to quickly observe multivariable (ie. isotopic masses or ratios) associations within the image data that are far more subtle and more robust than what might be observed using the typical methods. Though the method is described using examples from NanoSIMS images, it could be applied to any quantitative scanning characterization method.