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| FAQ |
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Most of the information and tricks about Hotstop can be found in these FAQs and in the publications. I am aware that this info is scarce if you plan to use Hotstop, so please contact me if you need help . -What is Hotstop? -How does Hotstop work? -Can I copy and use Hotstop? -Does Hotstop run under my Operative System? -How do I install Hotstop? -How do I download Hotstop? -What do the version numbers (X.Y.Z) mean? -Is there more info on how to use Hotstop? -How can I contact you? What is Hotstop? [go top] It is a program to calculate stopping force curves (note: I use the term stopping force to refer the stopping power as recommended by the ICRU) for ions in any material. If you don't know what I am talking about, then it is very likely you don't need it. Hotstop is an open-source code that implements a novel method for stopping force determination. It is based on a Bayesian Inference algorithm that allows to estimate also the uncertainties associated to the results. How does Hotstop work? [go top] The idea is to obtain a stopping force curve from a set of experimental RBS spectra taken form one or more samples containing the material we are interested in. If the structures of the samples are known and the RBS experimental parameters too, it is possible to simulate the energy position of every feature of the RBS spectra (I call "feature" to either a peak or an edge) by just using the appropriate stopping force curves for the materials in the sample. Now consider the case in which one of the involved stopping force curves is allowed to be scaled or reshaped to achieve a better fit of all the features simultaneously. In such a case, when the best fit is achieved, the resulting stopping force will be taken as the "correct one". This is how Hotstop works. In order to have a first approximation, a Simulated Annealing fitting routine can be used. To get an estimation of the uncertainties associated to the result -coming from the fitting process as well as from the intrinsic experimental uncertainties in the input data- a Bayesian Inference algorithm is implemented. Additionally, any other experimental parameter which is not accurately known, can be fitted simultaneously with the stopping powers and its uncertainty estimated. A paper with much more detailed information about Hotstop called "An efficient method for stopping force determination" has been published, and a pre-print version is available in pdf and html format. Check them (and more material) at the Publications section. See the links for information on related topics. Can I copy and use Hotstop? [go top] Of course, and you are invited even to modify it. Hotstop is free software and covered under the GPL license. As Hotstop is still in a very early development stage I would appreciate that you contact me so I get feedback. Of course, I will do as much as possible to help you in installing/using/modifying it. Does Hotstop run under my Operative System? [go top] I program and test Hotstop on a GNU/Linux machine but, as its source code and all the needed libraries are free, it should not be a problem to make it run under any other OS. NEW: I have included a small patch to the sources that allows direct compilation under M$ windows. So now,windows binaries are also available. However, note that these binaries are not optimized for any processor and may be slower. How do I install Hotstop? [go top] You need to compile it. It is written in C. See the installation instructions in the file 'INSTALL' that comes with the source code. If you experience difficulties, please contact me and I'll try to help. For lazy M$ windows users, I also provide a zip file with the binaries (.exe). How do I download Hotstop ? [go top] Hotstop can be downloaded from here. The source code as well as binaries are signed and the GPG / PGP signature files (with extension .asc) are released next to each released file. My GPG public key ID is: 1024D/2CB88E53 My GPG fingerprint is: FAE7 A12F 0446 E0B0 AAF3 54B5 3616 256C 2CB8 8E53 What do the version numbers (X.Y.Z) mean ? [go top] Hotstop is permanently changing. To reflect the changes I use three version numbers "x.y.z" next to the name.
Is there more info on how to use Hotstop? [go top] Yes, but not enough. As I have already told, I am aware that at this moment, the documentation is not enough to use Hotstop properly. As always, the reason is lack of time to write a manual (and besides, no real needing for me). BUT if someone IS interested in using Hotstop AND asks for a manual, I will be "forced" to write it, so please ask for it! Meanwhile, the only information sources are: this web-page, my publications and the source code (which you definitely should have a look at if you are planning to do serious use of Hotstop) How can I contact you? [go top] See this |
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