Continuous mode of Spectral Aquisition

Continuous mode is the simplest real-time Acquisition mode. Continuous mode involves continuous acquisition of one spectrum after another for a specified period of time. In its simplest form, Continuous mode is similar to Single mode repeated over and over, but allows much greater control over timing.

Time

Time dimension in acquired data is defined in real elapsed time, which starts when Continuous acquisition is activated. For each cycle, time calibration value is calculated as half the time between start of first Detector acquisition in first integration and end of last acquisition in last integration relative to overall acquisition start.

Total duration of acquisition in Continuous mode is defined by the total duration parameter in Acquisition control. Acquisition will stop when elapsed time for the latest cycle exceeds specified value. If total duration is set to a negative value, Continuous acquisition will run indefinitely. Continuous acquisition can be paused, but pause duration will appear as a gap in data. Total duration is not adjusted if acquisition is paused – it is possible that no data will be acquired following pause which extended beyond set duration.

Total real time duration of the acquisition, as well as date and time, are saved in the document information header.

Parameters

Continuous mode uses current Integration parameters as initial values. If change in the cycle duration is specified, it will be applied in successive cycles. For example, transient kinetic measurements may benefit from short initial cycle followed by gradual increase in cycle duration as specified by cycle factor.

Hardware

Continuous acquisition does not use Shutter for exposure, but may use temperature controls, if present.

Data flow

Data acquired in Continuous mode are processed as specified in Processing tab, and then streamed to a document specified by Destination tab. Continuous acquisition will not be started unless Destination specifies a valid document.

Data are optionally displayed per Display options tab. Data displayed may be different from data saved to the document if Display options specify that (set to Raw).