Typically, SPM data are collected on a raster pattern. Goal of Gwyscope is to demonstrate simple use of other scan patterns, so many options of scan organization are implemented.

In the main window, in the area of “Scan settings”, there are various tabs for controlling the microscope operation and three of them control also the probe-sample motion, offering raster, path and Lua script based scans.

Raster scan controls the most conventional approach where data are scanned on a rectangular area with equally spaced points (not necessarily equally in x and y). This regime is also suitable for advanced regimes like dual pass where second scan has to be performed while lifting probe above surface or when collecting map of ramps.

Path scan controls various ways how the probe can follow non-raster scan path, e.g. spiral.

Lua scan is another way how to do arbitrary things with probe, described in separate section.

Which path is used depends on the actually chosen tab - most of the settings in the “Scan settings” tab are related to raster scans, however, when the active tab is “Path scan” when clicking on “Scan” button, the selected path scan will be run and when the active tab is “Lua scan” when clicking on “Scan” button, the Lua script will be interpreted.