LaboTex Software

The LaboTex software is the Windows tool for complex and detailed analysis of crystallographic textures. The program performs in user friendly form the different calculations and graphic analysis of Orientation Distribution Function (ODF), Pole Figures (PFs) and Inverse Pole Figures (IPFs).

LaboTex can be used to handle: crystallographic textures of materials such as metals and alloys, ceramics and composites, semiconductors and superconductors, polymers and rocks.

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Supported data formats

LaboTex is independent of x-ray/neutron/electron diffraction hardware. Currently LaboTex is able to import data in 40 data formats. If your format(s) is absent on the below list then we can make accomodation your format to LaboTex (free of charge):

Format Description
EPF LaboTex Experimental Pole Figure Files (description)
  • Pole figures data files: *.epf (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random(powder) pole figures data files: *.pow (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • or defocussing correction data files: *.cor (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • PPF LaboTex Preliminary Corrected PF Files (description) Corrected pole figures data files: *.ppf (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    SOR LaboTex Single Orientations Files (description) Single orientations data files: *.sor (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    NJA Seifert ASCII data format (compatible also with data from PSD) Pole figures data files: *.NJA (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list) Random pole figures data files: *.NJA (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
    NJC Seifert binary data format (compatible also with data from PSD)
  • Pole figures data files: *.NJC (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.NJC (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • TSV Single Orientations Files, Single orientations data files: *.tsv (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    PLF Queens Univ. PF Format files (4*5deg) - (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files : *.plf (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    PLF 5*5deg - (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files : *.plf (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    CON McGill University PF Format files - (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files : *.con (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    HKL HKL - Kawasaki KTEC Format files - (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files : *-hkl. (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    hkl AGH main format
  • Pole figures data files : *.hkl (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background pole figures data files: *-b.hkl (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random(powder) pole figures data files: *-p.hkl (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background random(powder) pole figures data files: *-t.hkl (input from "Choose Experimental Data"
  • xfb AGH second format (corected pole figures) Pole figures data files : *.xfb (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    CTF HKL Single Orientations Files Single orientations data files: *.CTF (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    SNG TSL Single Orientations Files
  • Single orientations data files: *.sng (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • TXT User Defined Format for EBSD Data or for Modelling Data (Single Orientations Format)
  • Single orientations data files: *.txt (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • User can define:
    • The number of the data column with Phi1 angles
    • The number of the data column with Phi angles
    • The number of the data column with Phi2 angles
    • The number of the data column with code of phase (optional)
    • The number of the data column with code of error (optional)
    • The code of error for correct data
    • The number of the data column with weight (optional)
    • The number of the data column with diameter of grains (optional)
  • Select column '0' if file doesn't contain optional data. You can choose phase in 'New Sample' dialog. LaboTex creates ODF for choosen phase (user can create ODFs for each phase).
  • UXD (file version 1) SIEMENS/BRUKER (corrected pole figures, ASCII-files!,GADDS/D-8 Discover XRD). Use only one pole figure in one file. Parameter "_sample" has to contain Miller indices of PF (in triangle brackets) for example: "Ir<111>"

    Pole figures data files: *.uxd (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list).

    Notice: Convert the binary files from the GADDS/D-8 Discover XRD to the the ASCII UXD files using software from Siemens/Bruker (XCH or other).

    UXD (file version 2) BRUKER (corrected pole figures, ASCII-file!,GADDS/D-8 Discover XRD).

    Pole figures data files: *.uxd (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)

    Notice: Convert the binary files from the GADDS/D-8 Discover XRD to the the ASCII UXD files using software from Bruker (XCH or other).Use only one pole figure in one file. Parameter "_sample" has to contain Miller indices of PF (in triangle brackets) for example: "Ir<111>".

    Labotex can read background files for UXD format:

    • data for background please mark with 'B' letter in indices of pole figure (in filename - for example '<111B>cu brut').
      ----------------------------------------------------
      _FILEVERSION=2
      _SAMPLE="<111B> cu brut"
      _SITE='UNIV ...'
      _USER='LAMBDA'
      ...
      ------------------------------------------------
    • LaboTex requires one pole figure on the one UXD file. Each pole figure and background file has to be in separate file with extension UXD. For example: sample_100.UXD, sample_100BL.UXD, sample_100BR.UXD, ... (files with terminations BL or BR are background from 'left' and 'right' side of PF. LaboTex average BL and BR values).
    • You may use only BL or BR file, too.
    • Background files in UXD format are allowed only one background value for one alpha value!

      In case one pole figure called for example Cu-brut_111.UXD you should make 3 files in XRD software:

      • Cu-brut_111.UXD (pole figure data+ parameter sample: _SAMPLE="<111> cu brut")
      • Cu-brut_111BL.UXD (left background data + parameter sample: _SAMPLE="<111B> cu brut")
      • Cu-brut_111BR.UXD (right background data+ parameter sample: _SAMPLE="<111B> cu brut")
        • Many pole figures in file (2 cases). Please convert XCH (or other) to UXD with options: 2Theta-Intensity and with one column of intensity values. You can input data for azimuthal (KHI) angle in ranges: 0.0-360.0,0.0-180.0,0.0-90.0 or 0.0-X degrees (where 0.0
        • (available from version 3.0.004):
          write manually to UXD file hkl indices in triangle bracktes in places where pole figure datastarts:
          -------------------------------------
          ... (header)
          _ANODE='Cu'
          <111>
          ; (Data for Range number 1) <--- start (data for first pole figure)
          _DRIVE='PHI'
          _STEPTIME=5.000000
          ...
          <110>
          ; (Data for Range number 17) <--- start (data for second pole figure)
          _DRIVE='PHI'
          _STEPTIME=5.000000
          ...
          -------------------------------------

          In case of background data please add 'B' letter to hkl indices (for example: <111B>).
          Background data in UXD format are allowed only one background value for one alpha/PHI value! You can input defocussing correction data (from version 3.0.004). Random (powder) pole figures data files: *.UXD please input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list
        • (available from version 3.0.006): write manually to UXD file hkl indices in triangle bracktes starts from second line in file. In case of background data please add 'B' letter to hkl indices (for example: <111B>).
          -------------------------------------
          ;remarks line (first line)
          <111>
          <111B>
          <111B>
          <200>
          <200B>
          <200B>
          <311>
          <311B>
          <311B>
          _FILEVERSION=2
          _SAMPLE='Copper'
          ...
          -------------------------------------
          Background data in UXD format are allowed only one background value for one alpha/PHI value!
          If your file contains background data with label "_RATE_BKG=" then LaboTex automatic makes correction of your pole figure. In this case you don't writeto file hkl indices for background.You can also input defocussing correction data in the same way.

          Random (powder) pole figures data files: *.UXD please input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list.
    UXD As 'UXD' formats above (SIEMENS/BRUKER file version 1 and 2) - only with reversed radial direction! Corrected pole figures (ASCII-files).
    HKL Chalk River Neutron Diffr. Data (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files: *.* (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    ANA EMSE Format files (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files: *.ana (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    epf popLA or old Beartex PF Format files (corrected pole figures). Warning: Files in popLA format have the same extension as LaboTex files: "EPF". Select "epf" (small letter!!!) data format in LaboTex Options for files in popLA format. Pole figures data files: *.epf (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    RAW popLA Format files
  • Pole figures data files: *.raw (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Defocussing correction data files: *.dfb (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • ASC Rigaku ASC format (1PF/file)
  • Pole figures data files: *.asc (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random(powder) pole figures data files: : *.asc (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • XPF BEARTEX data format (corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files: *.xpf (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    PFG RIST data format from RIGAKU (ASCII)
  • Pole figures data files: *.pfg (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.pfg (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • TXT RIST data format from PHILIPS (ASCII- corrected pole figures) Pole figures data files: *.txt (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    RW1 PHILIPS/PANalytical X'Pert binary data format (Binary)
  • Pole figures data files: *.rw1 (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background pole figures data files: *.bgr (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list) Warning: Background pole figures data files have the same extension as defocussing correction data files ('COR'). Please change 'COR' extension of background files to 'BGR'!
  • Defocussing correction data files: *.cor (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • DAT Seifert ISO-DEBYFLEX 3003 - ASCII data format. Use only one pole figure in one file. Pole figure indices are 3 last characters before point in file name (example: PC_200.DAT for 200 pole figure). Optionally you may add the parameter "2THETA" before label "XDATA" in file (for example 2THETA=33.45). Values of 2THETA are essential for defocussing correction from Schultz equation. You may also use non equal angle step: 5deg for inclination angle (chi or alpha) and 10 deg for the azimuthal angle (phi or betha) - data are approximated to 5x5 grid. Background data (one data for each value of inclination angle) are first after label "XDATA".
  • Pole figures data files: *.DAT (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.DAT (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • COA COA data format (corrected pole figures)
    POL The University of Birmingham/HiltonBrooks Texture Data
  • Pole figures data files: *.POL (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.POL (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • DAT TU Berlin data format (1PF/file) Pole figures data files: *.DAT (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
    POL The University of Birmingham with background (add '_b' to filename for background data).
  • Pole figures data files: *.POL (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background data for pole figures (filename_b.pol): *.POL (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.POL (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Background data for random pole figures (filename_b.pol): *.POL (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • 000 U.Paris-Sud (Neutron Diffr.Data) (1PF/file) (add '_b' to filename for background data) - file extension '.000'
  • Pole figures data files (filename.000) : *.000 (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background data for pole figures (filename_b.000): *.000 (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • RWA Philips ATC3 (add '_b' to filename for background data)
  • Pole figures data files: *.RWA (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background data for pole figures (filename_b.RWA): *.RWA (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.RWA (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Background data for random pole figures (filename_b.RWA): *.RWA (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • M University of Northeastern (Shenyang) (add extension 'b' to filename for background data)
  • Pole figures data files: *.M (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background data for pole figures (filename.B): *.B (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Random pole figures data files: *.M (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Background data for random pole figures (filename.B): *.B (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • EXP (also 'CAL' and 'COR') (add '_b' to filename for background data) - Experimental data - RWTH Achen ('CAL' - recalculated pole figures and 'COR' - corrected pole figures can be also used.)
  • Pole figures data files: *.EXP (or *CAL or *COR) (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background data for pole figures (filename_b.EXP, input from "Choose Experimental Data" list);
  • Random pole figures data files: *.EXP (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Background data for random pole figures (filename_b.EXP): *.EXP (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • HPF (add '_b' to filename for background data) - Experimental data - pole figures
  • Pole figures data files: *.HPF (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background data for pole figures (filename_b.HPF, input from "Choose Experimental Data" list);
  • Random pole figures data files: *.HPF (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Background data for random pole figures (filename_b.HPF): *.HPF (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • CSV Oxford Crystal Single Orientations File (from version 3.0.12b) Single orientations data files: *.CSV (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list). If last character before point in filename is not number or '0' thenLaboTex creates ODF on the base all data (for example: 'filename.csv' or'filename_0.csv'. When you change last character beforepoint to '1' then labotex creates ODF on the base of crystal only for phase 1(for example: 'filename1.csv' or 'filename_1.csv'). When last characterbefore point is '2' then labotex creates ODF on the base of crystal only forphase 2 (for example: 'filename2.csv' or 'filename_2.csv'). When you have more phases you cancreates ODF also for other phases (up to 9). The phases are defined inside *.CSV file.
    tXt Rigaku 3014 - ASCII data format.
  • filename of pole figure data will contain 'hkl' data - three last characters before point (for example: PF200.TXT for 200 pole figure)
  • hkl data will be in 9 line
  • the amount of alpha, the first alpha, delta alpha will be in the 10 line
  • delta beta will 5 degrees (72 azimuthal data)
  • data will be start in the next line after label 'XDATA'
  • background data have to be first in file. The file should contain one intensity value for each inclination angle /alpha/, hence number of background data should be equal the amount of alpha.
  • Please input pole figures data files (*.TXT) from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Please input random pole figures data files (*.TXT) from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • XML format - files have to have extension 'XRDML' - PANalytical XML data format LaboTex will be input your TXT files with no problem if:
  • filename in case of pole figure data will contain 'hkl' indices - three last characters before point (for example PF110.XRDML)
  • filename in case of background pole figure data will contain 'hklb' indices+'b' - four characters before points (for example PF110B.XRDML)
  • file with backgorund data should contain one intensity value for each inclination angle /chi or alpha/) hence the number of background data should be equal the amount of alpha.
  • Please input pole figures data files (filename_hkl.XRDML) from "Choose Experimental Data" list
  • Please input background data for pole figures (filename_hklb.XRDML) also from "Choose Experimental Data" list
  • Please input random pole figures data files (filename_hkl.XRDML) from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list
  • Please input background data for random pole figures (filename_hklb.XRDML) from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Warning!
  • When you want to input experimental ormodeling data to LaboTex then you should open the dialog box New Sample (menu: File).
  • You can change data format using radio buttons (marked red line on the picturebelow).
  • If format of your data is other than one from 7 active in New Sample dialog box data formats (in case on the picture below, other than “EPF”, “PPF”, ”SOR”, ”TSV”, ”PLF”, ”CON”, ”HKL”) you should choose your data format in LaboTex Options as the active data format.
  • In LaboTex can be maximal 7 active formats of data. LaboTex data formats EPF, PPF and SOR are fixed as active formats.
  • You can choose maximal 4 additional active data formats (non-LaboTex) from 36 different data formats.
  • To make data format accessible for creation of CPF files you should:

    • select EDIT menu in LaboTex
    • select LaboTex Options

    • select Data Formats
    • select name of format from selection windows 4 - 7 (LaboTex data formats1-3 can not be changed – they are fixed)

    Example:

    To make format PFG (RigakuASCII or binary data format) accessible for creation of CPF files you should:

    • select EDIT menu in LaboTex
    • select LaboTex Options
    • select Data Formats
    • select name of format from selection windows 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 : 'PFG' - RIST data formatfrom RIGAKU.

    You can change default parameters for data format whenyou marked suitable checkbox or radio button: Now, when you open "New Sample"dialog window "PFG" format is accessible for user.

    You may use simultaneously several files with datafor the same sample (!!!): in "New Sample" dialog box select (click mouse) several files simultaneously holding CTRL (control) key.

    Selected files are marked by blue color (see for picture below). If you have files with corrected pole figures then youselect these files from "Choose ExperimentalData" list.

    If you have files with non-corrected polefigures and files with data for defocussing and background correction thenplease make extension for all file(s) PFG (*.pfg). Files with backgroundcorrection data should have also add “_B” before file extension “.PFG” (froexample: ferrite_B.PFG). Next you can input data from following lists in 'NewSample' dialog:

  • Pole figures - data files: *.pfg (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Background of pole figures - data files: *_B.pfg (input from "Choose Experimental Data" list)
  • Defocussing correction data files (files with pole figures from ‘random’ (powder) sample): *.pfg (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • Background of pole figures with defocussing correction data - files: *_B.pfg (input from "Choose Defocussing Correction" list)
  • For details see to report: 'Pole Figures: Plot and Registration Conventions'.

    Warning!

    LaboTex can input data for different azimuthal and radial steps (azimuthal step is adjusted toradial step by linear interpolation).

    Azimuthal step has to be in the range 1-10 deg., radial steps one from: 1. ,2.,1.2 ,1.25 ,1.5 ,2. ,2.5 ,3. ,3.75 ,5. ,6. , 7.5, 10. degrees and extra: 1.8,2.25 ,3.6 ,4.5 but with exceptions: trigonal and hexagonal crystal lattice symmetry.

    Radial step for defocussing correction data has to be the same as for pole figures(!!!). Background should be measure in this same condition as pole figure.