Standardization of Data Transfer Format for Scanning Probe Microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is the most versatile surface chemical analysis method both in the measurement functions and the operational environments. Recent activities and future outlook for SPM standardization through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is briefly reviewed. Fol- lowing the highly prioritized item of standardization, SPM terminology, the data transfer format shall be standardized in order to enable the access to and processing of SPM data collected by different types of in- struments. The present status of the development of open software for import of original data, conversion to standard format, comparison and processing are discussed.