An illustrative embodiment of a method is disclosed for assessing image quality of a down hole formation image, the method comprising collecting acquisition system data from a plurality of sensors down hole; applying a set of rules to the acquisition system data to obtain an acquisition quality indicator; and presenting the acquisition quality indicator at a surface location. The gobos are formed by menued shapes. The first measurement unit includes a light-shielding member having an opening, and measures the intensity of light having passed through the opening in a light intensity distribution formed on the light-shielding member when at least one of the first stage and the second stage is scanned and a measurement pattern of the measurement mask is obliquely illuminated. Another method includes generating such an initial heating portion and subsequent sustaining portion of an irradiance pulse, monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a presently completed amount of a desired thermal process during the irradiance pulse, and modifying the irradiance pulse in response to deviation of the at least one parameter from an expected value. The device further includes a light receiving portion for detecting light that is emitted from one luminescent region of the plural luminescent regions and does not go through another luminescent region.