The Match List

The so-called "match list" on the lower right-hand side of the Match! window contains the entries/phases that are currently selected as "matching", i.e. that have been decided on as being present in the sample.

Normally, match list entries correspond to entries in the current reference database. However, it is also possible to add so-called manual entries directly from scratch.

For each matching entry, a variety of data can be displayed optionally:

Color

In this column the color of the corresponding pattern in the diffraction pattern graphics is given. The color of the unknown sample's pattern is blue by default, while the colors of the database patterns (starting in the second row) are assigned automatically, depending on the order of marking/selecting. For instance, the diffraction pattern of the entry which has been marked or selected first is automatically displayed in red, the second marked entry in green etc. You can also assign colors manually using the Colors and line styles dialog that can e.g. be opened from the "Options" menu, or by pressing the corresponding button in the main toolbar at the top.

Entry

Entry number according to the new ICDD PDF numbering scheme. Entry numbers < 95-000-0000 refer to PDF database entries; larger entry numbers belong to other reference databases (e.g. user database).

Formula

Formula sum

Crystal system

The crystal system is represented by a single character:

  • X (crystal system not assigned or partial cell data)
  • A (Anorthic / triclinic)
  • M (Monoclinic)
  • O (Orthorhombic
  • T (Tetragonal)
  • H (Trigonal, hexagonal axes)
  • R (Trigonal, rhombohedral axes)
  • C (Cubic)

Matched phase

This is the name of the phase: If you are using a PDF database, this is the so-called "PDF index name", i.e. the name of the compound/phase as given by the ICDD editors. If the COD is applied as reference database, this is the "chemical name". If a mineral name is present, it is also given behind the name.

Quant. (%)

This column only contains the result of the semi-quantitative analysis (amount of the corresponding phase given in weight percentage). For the semi-quantitative analysis Match! uses the "Reference Intensity Ratio method" (de Wolff, Visser (1964)). Note that this analysis can only be performed if all matching entries contain a I/Ic factor (or if the corresponding default value is given/activated on the "General" page of the "Options" dialog). If the value is displayed in red color, this indicates that the entry did not contain a I/Ic value and that the default value of 1.0 has been used instead for the calculation of the amount. If the Match list is exported, this fact is indicated by a '(*)' sign after the value.

Depending on the match list options, the unidentified peak area or the peak residuals can be displayed in the row below the last phase. If no raw (profile) data are present, the peak residual intensity is displayed, otherwise the unidentified peak area (profile integration of peak areas that are not covered by selected phases).

Context menu commands: Most commands that refer to the match list can be accessed using its so-called "context menu". This menu can be displayed by right-clicking in the match list.

Sorting: You can sort the match list with regard to any of the columns in ascending or descending order. This sort criterion can be changed simply by clicking on the corresponding column headers. The current sort order is indicated by the triangle to the right of the column header texts.

Printing: You can print the match list by selecting the "Print..." command from the "File" menu. Afterwards, select "Match list" in the "Print" dialog which opens, then press "OK".

Exporting: It is possible to export the match list to an ASCII tabular file containing ';' characters as separators (a so-called "csv-file"), as a HTML- or pdf-file, or as a Match! answer set file (*.mta). In order to do so, please select the "Match list" command from the "Export" submenu of the "File" menu.

If you would like to unselect one or more entries that are currently selected as matching (i.e. are present in the match list), you can either double-click on the corresponding line in the match list, drag the corresponding entry from the match list back to the candidate list using the mouse, or mark the entry in the match list and selecting the "Remove from Match list" command from the "Entries" menu.