idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

Grafik: idw-Logo
Science Video Project
idw-Abo

idw-News App:

AppStore

Google Play Store



Instance:
Share on: 
04/26/2021 12:05

"SweepMe!" simplifies the use of measuring devices: TUD to cooperate with an IAP spin-off

Claudia Kallmeier Pressestelle
Technische Universität Dresden

    Many researchers are familiar with the problem: Before there are any new findings, there is an unknown measuring device. In order to control it, different libraries, protocols and command sets need to be followed. If you ever have to combine several devices from different manufacturers, you virtually have to take an additional course in computer science. This is because, in each case, a separate software is required for the special interaction.

    Axel Fischer and Felix Kaschura were facing exactly the same problem when they did their doctoral studies at the Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) of TU Dresden. So they spontaneously developed a user-friendly solution for the hitherto complicated handling of measuring devices. They developed a software application that allows various devices to be assembled for a measurement with just some mouse clicks - initially for experiments in the field of organic electronics. Following the foundation of the "SweepMe!" company in 2018, they expanded their program to include other areas of research.

    Fischer and Kaschura have now signed a cooperation agreement with TU Dresden. "All TUD members can download our 'SweepMe!' software and the additional modules free of charge during the term of the contract, and use it for an unlimited period of time," Fischer is pleased to say. "Moreover, the handover of device drivers which TUD employees create for our software will be significantly simplified. Transferring them to us is voluntary and can be realized via a simple form."

    "We hope that the cooperation agreement will encourage a continuous exchange with the researchers at TUD, so that we will hear about current problems and develop appropriate solutions, which can then be tested and used at TUD," says Kaschura, looking to the future.

    Thanks to the software developed by the two physicists, once the devices required for the measurements have been implemented, even users without much programming knowledge can create their own program sequences. "In contrast to the previous method, 'SweepMe!' addresses all measuring devices through modularly organized device driver files. Users can thus quickly click together new measurement sequences and use the same device drivers over and over again," Axel Fischer explains the principle.

    The device drivers are provided to all users worldwide via the sweep-me.net open-source platform. In addition, users can also create their own device drivers. The cooperation agreement simplifies the transfer of device drivers to "SweepMe!", whilst avoiding them being developed twice at TU Dresden. Own content can thus be easily shared with other institutes.

    About "SweepMe!"
    The "SweepMe!" GmbH offers a variety of services, e.g. the implementation of new device drivers and modules, the creation of program sequences and consulting on devices and setups. In addition, the company sells licenses for add-on modules. The user group includes SMEs, research institutions, start-ups, as well as larger companies mainly from the semiconductor device and material development sectors.


    Contact for scientific information:

    Dr. Axel Fischer
    SweepMe! GmbH
    contact@sweep-me.net
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweepme/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/sweep_me_net


    Images

    PhD students of the IAP
    PhD students of the IAP

    Axel Fischer


    Criteria of this press release:
    Journalists
    Physics / astronomy
    transregional, national
    Cooperation agreements
    English


     

    PhD students of the IAP


    For download

    x

    Help

    Search / advanced search of the idw archives
    Combination of search terms

    You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.

    Brackets

    You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).

    Phrases

    Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.

    Selection criteria

    You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).

    If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).