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Microscope light source
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hardware and software. The Nano-R2™ system consists of the stage unit, controller, and a master computer backed with dual monitors for observing both the sample surface and probe.
Controller catches the PCI bus The E-761 digital controller from Physik Instrumente (PI) is used to drive closedloop piezoelectric positioners and scanners. It uses a peripheral component interface (PCI) bus interface to allow very fast communication and easy integration with other imaging and motion control devices. Many applications in metrology, scanning microscopy, and surface analysis require a combination of high-speed motion and high-resolution imaging. The need for fast data acquisition and precise synchronization between the imaging and motion control devices means a PCI interface is an advantage. The E-761 controller also offers coordinate transformation for active trajectory control. Contact: www.pi.ws
Microscope light source Meiji Techno has introduced a new family of fiber-optic lighting components for microscopy and general purpose applications. The FT190 is a compact, high-intensity cold light source that is compatible with large diameter fiber bundles and adapters for all major manufacturers’ fiber-optic systems. A large dimmer knob allows the lamp to be continuously regulated. Meiji offers a full range of components, including goosenecks, ring lights, back lights, and light guides. Accessories such as focusing lenses and polarizing filters are also available. Contact: www.meijitechno.co.uk
Screening for neutrons A neutron detection screen from Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST) offers a 20% improvement in detection efficiency and a low signal-to-noise ratio. The screens are formed from a blend of 6Li compounds and phosphors that reacts with thermal neutrons to create light. This light is then detected by a photomultiplier tube or CCD system. The screens are smaller, cheaper, and easier to handle than alternative 3He detectors. AST has increased the loading of 6Li to give the 20% increase in neutron capture. The screens are available in large area formats but can also be produced in customized shapes for individual applications. Contact: www.appscintech.com
There is a choice of probe. Users can select the conventional light-lever AFM scanner or the crystal force microscope scanner, which is more suited to routine topography measurements. Nano-R2 also comes with two image acquisition software packages for novice and expert users, called EZMode™ and X’Pert™ respectively. The ease of probe placement and alignment together with sample positioning make the microscope easy to use. Contact: www.pacificnanotech.com
Stereo microscope shows new resolution The SteREO Discovery.V8 from Carl Zeiss is a stereo microscope suitable for advanced research as well as routine laboratory work. Its optics offer higher resolving power, greater contrast, and better threedimensional effects than standard microscopes. The microscope has an 8:1 zoom range, a manual focusing drive with a 340 mm focusing path, and a scratch-resistant work surface. Three objective series are available: Achromat S for high-contrast, threedimensional images; Plan S for flat, distortion-free object fields; and PlanApo S for additional detail resolution without color fringes. The CL1500 ECO cold light source provides infrared-free light, while the VisiLED system offers the possibility of segmented activation of the light-emitting diodes. The modular design of the SteREO Discovery.V8 allows the viewing angle and height to be set for comfortable use. Carl Zeiss’ AxioCam and Axio vision cameras and image analysis software can be used with the microscope. Contact: www.zeiss.de
Microscopes designed for comfort The SZX2 series of stereo microscopes from Olympus offers high resolution with a large zoom ratio. The SZX16 microscope is designed for advanced research. A zoom ratio of 16.4:1 combined with a maximum numerical aperture of 0.3, which produces a resolution of 900 line pairs/mm, gives clarity at all magnifications. Users can move from 3.5x magnification to 230x in one motion with no major adjustments. The SZX16 also offers an increased stereo effect for enhanced three-dimensional viewing. The SZX10 instrument is designed for routine, repetitive tasks. Images are distortion-free to the edge of the field-of-view and the microscope has an enhanced depth of field. Both microscopes are designed for long-term comfortable use. ComfortView eyepieces allow a larger range of eye movement, and the low stage height reduces sources of stress. The observation tube can also be adjusted between 5° and 45°.
AFM for all Pacific Nanotechnology has introduced a new atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with improved
The SZX2 series of microscopes can also be fitted with Olympus’ new DP71 digital camera. This offers high sensitivity with fast image acquisition rates and good color matching. Contact: www.olympus-europa.com
JULY-AUGUST 2006 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 7-8
57
06/15/2006
10:50
Page 57
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES UPDATE
hardware and software. The Nano-R2™ system consists of the stage unit, controller, and a master computer backed with dual monitors for observing both the sample surface and probe.
Controller catches the PCI bus The E-761 digital controller from Physik Instrumente (PI) is used to drive closedloop piezoelectric positioners and scanners. It uses a peripheral component interface (PCI) bus interface to allow very fast communication and easy integration with other imaging and motion control devices. Many applications in metrology, scanning microscopy, and surface analysis require a combination of high-speed motion and high-resolution imaging. The need for fast data acquisition and precise synchronization between the imaging and motion control devices means a PCI interface is an advantage. The E-761 controller also offers coordinate transformation for active trajectory control. Contact: www.pi.ws
Microscope light source Meiji Techno has introduced a new family of fiber-optic lighting components for microscopy and general purpose applications. The FT190 is a compact, high-intensity cold light source that is compatible with large diameter fiber bundles and adapters for all major manufacturers’ fiber-optic systems. A large dimmer knob allows the lamp to be continuously regulated. Meiji offers a full range of components, including goosenecks, ring lights, back lights, and light guides. Accessories such as focusing lenses and polarizing filters are also available. Contact: www.meijitechno.co.uk
Screening for neutrons A neutron detection screen from Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST) offers a 20% improvement in detection efficiency and a low signal-to-noise ratio. The screens are formed from a blend of 6Li compounds and phosphors that reacts with thermal neutrons to create light. This light is then detected by a photomultiplier tube or CCD system. The screens are smaller, cheaper, and easier to handle than alternative 3He detectors. AST has increased the loading of 6Li to give the 20% increase in neutron capture. The screens are available in large area formats but can also be produced in customized shapes for individual applications. Contact: www.appscintech.com
There is a choice of probe. Users can select the conventional light-lever AFM scanner or the crystal force microscope scanner, which is more suited to routine topography measurements. Nano-R2 also comes with two image acquisition software packages for novice and expert users, called EZMode™ and X’Pert™ respectively. The ease of probe placement and alignment together with sample positioning make the microscope easy to use. Contact: www.pacificnanotech.com
Stereo microscope shows new resolution The SteREO Discovery.V8 from Carl Zeiss is a stereo microscope suitable for advanced research as well as routine laboratory work. Its optics offer higher resolving power, greater contrast, and better threedimensional effects than standard microscopes. The microscope has an 8:1 zoom range, a manual focusing drive with a 340 mm focusing path, and a scratch-resistant work surface. Three objective series are available: Achromat S for high-contrast, threedimensional images; Plan S for flat, distortion-free object fields; and PlanApo S for additional detail resolution without color fringes. The CL1500 ECO cold light source provides infrared-free light, while the VisiLED system offers the possibility of segmented activation of the light-emitting diodes. The modular design of the SteREO Discovery.V8 allows the viewing angle and height to be set for comfortable use. Carl Zeiss’ AxioCam and Axio vision cameras and image analysis software can be used with the microscope. Contact: www.zeiss.de
Microscopes designed for comfort The SZX2 series of stereo microscopes from Olympus offers high resolution with a large zoom ratio. The SZX16 microscope is designed for advanced research. A zoom ratio of 16.4:1 combined with a maximum numerical aperture of 0.3, which produces a resolution of 900 line pairs/mm, gives clarity at all magnifications. Users can move from 3.5x magnification to 230x in one motion with no major adjustments. The SZX16 also offers an increased stereo effect for enhanced three-dimensional viewing. The SZX10 instrument is designed for routine, repetitive tasks. Images are distortion-free to the edge of the field-of-view and the microscope has an enhanced depth of field. Both microscopes are designed for long-term comfortable use. ComfortView eyepieces allow a larger range of eye movement, and the low stage height reduces sources of stress. The observation tube can also be adjusted between 5° and 45°.
AFM for all Pacific Nanotechnology has introduced a new atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with improved
The SZX2 series of microscopes can also be fitted with Olympus’ new DP71 digital camera. This offers high sensitivity with fast image acquisition rates and good color matching. Contact: www.olympus-europa.com
JULY-AUGUST 2006 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 7-8
57