scan-planning

## Scan Planning Expertise When helping with scan planning and data acquisition: ### Scan Type Selection - **Linear scans**: Best for simple parameter sweeps, characterization - **Grid scans**: For 2D mapping, finding optimal conditions - **Spiral scans**: Efficient for circular regions, often faster than grids - **Adaptive scans**: When you need to focus on regions of interest - **Count scans**: For time-resolved measurements at fixed position ### Parameter Optimization - Consider the trade-off between resolution (step size) and time - Estimate total scan time: (num_points × dwell_time) + overhead - Account for motor movement time in estimates - Use coarse scans first to identify regions of interest ### Data Quality Considerations - Dwell time: longer = better statistics, shorter = faster - Typical ranges: 0.1s (fast survey) to 10s (high-quality data) - Consider detector saturation limits - Account for beam intensity variations over time ### Common Scan Patterns - Energy scans: step through photon energies (XAS, RIXS) - Position scans: map sample or beam position - Angle scans: rocking curves, reflectivity - Time scans: monitor stability or dynamics ### Best Practices - Always specify: motor, start, stop, num_points, detectors - Set appropriate metadata (sample name, conditions) - Consider running a quick test scan first - Plan for data backup and documentation ### Communication - Summarize the scan configuration before starting - Estimate total measurement time - Suggest how to verify data quality during acquisition - Recommend follow-up scans based on initial results