Hi Paul,
Others will possibly have more advice on how to improve the particle finding algorithm. However, I would first try to change your SEM acquisition conditions to better show the contrast and make the particle finding easier.
Two possibilities:
1) Try backscattered electrons. I'm guessing your ash particles are carbon and your filter is something heavier? If so then you should see black dots on white background.
2) Try low voltage secondary imaging. I don't have many specifics about your microscope, and I don't know what the chemical compositions of your ash and filter are so I can't recommend exact voltages. However, in my scope I would probably start around 1 keV, and then go lower. I have seen very nice contrast around 500 eV for carbon, and if you go up to 1.5 keV, maybe you will see other contrasts. I really depends on your sample's composition and conductivity, and your microscope's capabilities so you have to experiment.
Hopefully you don't need to resort to fancier particle finding techniques because the contrast of the image acquisition does the hard work for you.
Cheers,
Zack Gainsforth
Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley
7 Gauss Way
Berkeley, CA 94720
cell: 626-437-9186
[hidden email]
On Oct 29, 2014, at 7:20 AM, Paul John Folino <
[hidden email]> wrote:
Hello,
I am trying to identify ash particles in diesel particulate filters. I have been using "Adjust threshold" and "Make Binary" to isolate the particles to no avail. I am trying to find a way to identify individual particles and their respective area and depth in the picture attached. I attached my SEM photo for guidance (you can see clusters of ash). Any input would be much appreciated!!
Very Respectfully,
Paul Folino
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