Setting up

an experiment with Sigma is very simple. You first need to enter some data about your sample and decide how many runs you want to carry out in this experiment (picture to the right).

For each run you can quickly and easily create complex programs for the variation of temperature, measuring amplitude, DC-bias and frequency (picture below). You change your settings by dragging sliders, flipping switches and / or entering numerical data, and you immediately get a graphical verification of your entry on the right-hand side of the window. In the context of each variable program you can set up several options, such as engaging texture monitoring at selected points.

You can choose between two main modes for each run (right picture): either you

run through a frequency program for each combination of temperature, DC-bias and amplitude that you have programmed, or you can have Sigma continuously monitor the dielectric properties at a selected set of frequencies that are run through repeatedly, for a certain period of time for each step of your program.

When you are satisfied with the settings, they are saved in a script file, with a name and location of your choice. Next time you want to do a similar experiment, just load the script and you’re ready to go. Of course you can edit the program in case you want some differences compared to the old experiment. The editing is done in exactly the same graphical way as the basic programming. With Sigma, you will never need to edit a text file! (By the way, that also holds for editing the preferences of Sigma. You edit the complete preferences in a separate window, as usual with sliders, switches, dials etc.)