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MRCZ - A file format for cryo-TEM data with fast compression
Robert A McLeod1, Ricardo Diogo Righetto1, Andy Stewart2
1Center for Cellular Imaging and NanoAnalytics (C-CINA), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Journal of Structural Biology
|November 28, 2017
Summary
Fast CMOS detectors in transmission electron microscopy generate big data. This study demonstrates a 10x improvement in data storage and transfer times using integer decimation and lossless compression for direct-detection device data.
Area of Science:
- Scientific instrumentation
- Data science
- Materials science
Background:
- Fast CMOS detectors are transforming transmission electron microscopy (TEM) into a big data field.
- Automated data pipelines in TEM increase data transfer and archiving demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a method for improving data storage and read/write times for TEM data.
- To address the challenges posed by big data in modern electron microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Implementing a combination of integer decimation and lossless compression.
- Testing the method on data from a Gatan K2 direct-detection device at a dose rate of 1 e-/pix/frame.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 10x improvement in storage and read/write times.
- Successfully reduced data handling requirements for high-throughput TEM.
Conclusions:
- The combined technique of integer decimation and lossless compression offers a practical solution for managing big data in TEM.
- This approach enhances the efficiency of data transfer and archiving in electron microscopy workflows.
