Next generation data acquisition systems for the CSIRO Nuclear Microprobe: Highly scaled versus customizable

Here we detail the new data acquisition system (DAS) developed for the CSIRO Nuclear Microprobe primarily to handle large detector arrays and to work in tandem with the Maia detector system. Both systems use HYMOD FPGA-based processors. The current DAQ system and its microscopy suite and beam handling have been integrated with the HYMOD system(s) to facilitate easy access to the either system. Examples of the new scanning modes available with the combined system are highlighted on a complex Cambrian black shale sample from the Yangtze basin in Southern China.