Olympus Launches LEXT OLS5000 Laser Confocal Scanning Microscope

Four times faster data acquisition, enabling precise measurement at the submicron level

Published: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 - 11:00

(Olympus: Waltham, MA) -- The new Olympus LEXT OLS5000 3D laser confocal scanning microscope delivers precise imaging in a fast, easy-to-use system for research and development and quality control inspection in the automotive, electronic component, and semiconductor industries.

The OLS5000 microscope was designed with new features and updated technology to enhance its performance and advance measurement outputs.

The 4K scanning technology and optics designed specifically for the OLS5000 microscope provide improved measurement performance and reliability. This combination of technology and optics enable the detection of near-perpendicular features and small steps at close to nanoscale.

The OLS5000 acquires data four times faster (when compared to its predecessor), and improves the user experience with intuitive software designed to automate many common settings.

An expansion frame and a dedicated, long-working distance lens perform precise measurements on samples up to 210 mm in height and concavities up to 25 mm deep—even those with uneven surface cracks. A long-working distance lens can work at a greater distance from the sample surface than is possible with a conventional lens.

With the steady advancement of nanotechnology and the growing sophistication and miniaturization of electronic devices and car parts, quality management through the accurate measurement of components’ surface features is more important than ever. In the past, inspectors conducted surface shape and roughness measurements using direct contact, stylus-based roughness instruments. But an increasing number of samples, such as fragile films or samples with height variations less than the diameter of the stylus, gave rise to a need for more precise, nondestructive, noncontact measurement techniques.

Minimum aberration and accurate measurement

A new 10x lens optimized for a 405 nm-wavelength light source and a long-working distance lens was designed specifically for the use with the LEXT microscope to reduce aberration and enable accurate measurements across the entire field of view. Meanwhile, 4K scanning technology with a resolution of 4,096 pixels in the X direction (four times that of the previous model) enhances resolution and improves the reliability of shape measurements (doubling improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio). These features enable the detection of near-vertical slopes and small steps without image correction.

Faster data acquisition and enhanced ease of use

The OLS5000 microscope uses the PEAK algorithm for fast, precise measurements at both low and high magnifications with four times the data acquisition speed of the previous model. Smart Scan II and analysis template functions automate the sequence of steps from data acquisition to reporting.

Increased sample size functionality

An optional expansion frame enables the OLS5000 microscope to accommodate samples up to 210 mm in height. Observation and measurement can also be performed using a long-working distance lens, which enables a separation of up to 25 mm between the lens and the sample.

For more information about the LEXT OLS5000 microscope and Olympus’ line of laser confocal scanning microscopes, contact a sales representative or visit www.olympus-ims.com.

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Olympus

Olympus is a precision technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions and breakthrough technology in product design and functionality in its core business areas: cameras and audio products, industrial measurement and imaging instruments, life science imaging systems, and medical and surgical products. Olympus also serves health care and commercial laboratory markets with financial, educational, and consulting services. Olympus NDT Inc., located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is the U.S. marketing, manufacturing, and sales headquarters for ultrasonic and eddy current testing instruments.