ISO 28600:2011

Overview

ISO 28600:2011 defines a standardized data transfer format for scanning-probe microscopy (SPM) to enable reliable exchange, archiving and interpretation of SPM data between computers and across networks. Applicable to techniques such as scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), the standard prescribes a plain-text, printable-character format (commonly saved with the .spm extension) that is readable and writable on normal computer systems and transferable via parallel or serial links, LAN/WAN or other communication channels.

Key topics and technical requirements

• File structure: A two-part ASCII text file consisting of a fixed 128-line header followed by the data array (header items have predetermined positions for deterministic parsing).
• Data types covered:
  • Single-channel imaging (MAP_SC)
  • Multi-channel imaging (MAP_MC)
  • Single-point spectroscopy (SPEC_SC / SPEC_MC)
  • Future expansion planned for two-dimensional spectroscopy mapping.
• Encoding and character set: Uses printable characters compatible with common operating systems; end-of-line (EOL) conventions (CR, LF or CR+LF) are specified.
• Meta-language & syntax: A defined meta-language (following concepts in ISO 14976) describes header fields, allowed tokens and notation for repeatable/optional items.
• Header content: Includes format identifier, institution and instrument identifiers, operator/experiment metadata, timestamps (year/month/day/hour/minute/second/GMT offset), comment lines and detailed scan information.
• Scan geometry and acquisition:
  • Scan mode: ‘REGULAR MAPPING’ (raster) vs ‘IRREGULAR MAPPING’ (vector).
  • Scanning systems: open-loop vs XY or XYZ closed-loop scanners.
  • Scanner types: sample vs probe scanning combinations and specification of fast/slow scan axes and directions.
• Units and numeric conventions: Standard unit abbreviations (e.g., nm, nA, V, eV) and numeric formats are defined for consistent interpretation.

Applications and users

ISO 28600 is practical for:

• SPM instrument manufacturers - to export interoperable raw data files.
• Software developers - for analysis, visualization and conversion tools that read/write standardized SPM files.
• Researchers and laboratories - to exchange, reproduce and archive AFM/STM datasets with full acquisition metadata.
• Data managers and archives - to ensure long-term preservation and reduced uncertainty in data processing. Benefits include improved data exchange, consistent preprocessing, transparent metadata for reproducibility and simplified cross-platform analysis.

Related standards

• ISO 14976 - Surface chemical analysis - Data transfer format (meta-language conventions referenced)
• ISO 14975 - (related surface chemical analysis standard)
• ISO 22029 - Microbeam analysis (similar principles for data formats)

Keywords: ISO 28600, SPM data format, scanning-probe microscopy, AFM, STM, data transfer format, .spm, ASCII header, scan geometry, metadata.