Scope for custom inspection systems

A range of new microscope systems developed for materials and metallurgical studies has been introduced by Olympus.

A range of new microscope systems developed for materials and metallurgical studies has been introduced by Olympus.

The company claims unprecedented flexibility in system configuration is provided by a modular design approach with three basic frames and a wide range of accessories.

With the BX2 Metallurgical Series, it is possible to select and combine components to provide customised systems optimised for observation of semiconductor wafers, magnetic heads, LCDs, and similar specimens for materials research, manufacturing development and quality control.

In standard configuration, the BX51 provides exceptionally bright images with UIS optics for brightfield, darkfield, Nomarski DIC and polarised light observation.

The reflected light illuminator is incorporated into the microscope arm to give additional flexibility.

It includes an adjustable aperture stop to give extended focus depth, and an integrated neutral density filter.

Inserting a spacer makes it possible to observe samples over 65mm in height.

A universal illuminator is also available to provide fluorescence capability.

For looking at semiconductor interiors and chip back surfaces, the same microscope and illuminator can be used for Near Infrared observation.

A range of IR objectives from 5x to 100x together with filters and analyser sliders and an Infrared trinocular tube provide a complete NIR system.

A choice of easily exchangeable slider-mounted Nomarski DIC prism sets allows this increasingly valuable contrast method to be optimised for the specimen under observation.

Exceptionally long working distance objectives - 21mm for 20x, 15mm for 50x - are available for observation of unprepared samples.

Centreable quintuple and sextuple revolving nosepieces allow the user to change from low to high magnification without image centre displacement.

An automated version, the BX61, allows operations to be performed via keypad, PC or palm-top terminal.

Revolving nosepiece, illuminators, autofocus unit and filter wheels can all be motorized.

Adjustment of the light path for a particular observation method, changing objective magnifications and engaging optical components can be precisely programmed, with macro functions to reproduce specific observation conditions.

As with all Olympus microscopes, the new BX2M series metallurgical microscopes have ergonomic design features including a range of tilting and adjustable height observation tubes for improved posture, and low positioned stage and focus controls to eliminate arm and wrist strain.

The microscopes are compatible with a wide range of Olympus photographic systems.

These include the compact LCD display 2.5 million pixel DP11 digital camera system with built in SmartMedia image storage, or the uniquely high resolution Peltier-cooled DP50 providing 5.8 million pixel images, as well as the PM10SP and PM30 control systems for conventional film photography.

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