Quantitative imaging ion microscopy: a short review.

A short review of recent efforts being made in the quantification of images in ion microscopy is given. Special aspects of instrumentation, detection and acquisition, which are unique to direct imaging secondary ion mass spectrometry, are discussed in relation to the successful application of traditional empirical quantification schemes. Application of such quantification schemes requires proper sample preparation, standardization, analysis, and quite often, special techniques in image processing and the correlation of ion microscopy with other microscopies. Quantification within this technique is a difficult goal which can only be realized if the analyst pays strict attention to every step of the analytical process.