What's New in SANS Analysis

In version 4 (2/2008):

- The "Fit Manager" now provides a unified interface to load and plot data, plot and append 
models, adjust coefficients, and setup and perform fits to data. This largely shields a user from 
needing to know how Igor operates, and lets them just do what they want with their data. Much 
of the user interaction that was previously needed to select data and options for fitting are now 
automatically selected.
- Coefficient tables for models are now confined to the Fit Manager window, reducing clutter.
- More feedback about the fit results is presented on the Fit Manager window.
- 2D SANS Analysis is now available. Model functions are courtesy of the DANSE project.
- Model functions are available as a compiled XOP and threaded for multiple processors when 
practical for a speed boost of 6-7x for the XOP, and an additional 0.9*Nprocessors for threading.
- USANS slit-smearing calculations now use a matrix calculation method that is oodles faster.
- Reports that show the details of the fit and the graph in a convenient one-page notebook can be 
generated.
- Global fitting has been updated to be more generic, allowing different functions for each data 
set. It has also been streamlined to be (somewhat) easier to set up.
- A Plot Manager has been added to allow easier loading and plotting of data.
- Smeared models can be plotted multiple times, with each instance attached to a specific data set 
and its proper resolution function. Especially useful for SANS and USANS data plotted together.
- Direct link to a web page for feedback, bug reports, and feature requests.


What's New in SANS Reduction

Changes from Version 5.0 to Version 5.10 (2/2008):

- SASCALC, a tool for optimizing instrument setup is now an integral part of the Reduction 
package.
- NSORT - can now preview the scaling and overlap of data without writing a file. Also, a 
warning is displayed if the rescaling multiplier for overlap is more than allowed accuracy of 
absolute scaling (+/-5%).
- Added feedback button on main panel to submit bug reports and feature requests. Requires a 
web browser and active internet connection.
- An ASCII export format that is comaptible with GRASP software (C. Dewhurst, ILL) is now 
available.
- Included detector corrections to account for the variation of efficiency at large detector angles.
- ABS parameter selection now presents a more logical dialog to select the required empty beam 
file.
- Updated the resolution calculations to fully account for focusing lenses.
- Included updated attenuator calibration tables.