DNA Data Storage and Hybrid Molecular–Electronic Computing

One of the most common tasks in a typical analysis lab is the recording of images. Many analytical techniques (TEM, SEM, and metallography for example) produce images as their primary output. Until recently, the most common method of recording images was by using film. Current PS/2R systems offer very large capacity data storage devices and high resolution displays, making it practical to work with analytical images on PS/2s, thereby sidestepping the traditional film and darkroom steps. This change in operational mode offers many benefits: cost savings, throughput, archiving and searching capabilities as well as direct incorporation of the image data into reports.The conventional way to record images involves film, either sheet film (with its associated wet chemistry) for TEM or PolaroidR film for SEM and light microscopy. Although film is inconvenient, it does have the highest quality of all available image recording techniques. The fine grained film used for TEM has a resolution that would exceed a 4096x4096x16 bit digital image.

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Creating a standard method of controlling digital microscopes: the microscope access protocol (map)

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100136453 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 16-17

Author(s):

T. A. Dodson ◽

E. Völkl ◽

L. F. Allard ◽

T. A. Nolan

Keyword(s):

Data Storage ◽

Storage Systems ◽

Digital Systems ◽

Data Networks ◽

Digital Microscopy ◽

Command Language ◽

Access Protocol ◽

Analog To Digital ◽

Basic Physics ◽

Scanning Electron

The process of moving to a fully digital microscopy laboratory requires changes in instrumentation, computing hardware, computing software, data storage systems, and data networks, as well as in the operating procedures of each facility. Moving from analog to digital systems in the microscopy laboratory is similar to the instrumentation projects being undertaken in many scientific labs. A central problem of any of these projects is to create the best combination of hardware and software to effectively control the parameters of data collection and then to actually acquire data from the instrument. This problem is particularly acute for the microscopist who wishes to "digitize" the operation of a transmission or scanning electron microscope. Although the basic physics of each type of instrument and the type of data (images & spectra) generated by each are very similar, each manufacturer approaches automation differently. The communications interfaces vary as well as the command language used to control the instrument.

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