A new generation of digital microscopes

With 30 years of experience in the field of observations under great magnification, Keyence launches its 5th generation of digital microscopes that combines high-performance image processing algorithms, 4K camera and new features.
"Keyence allows specialists to observe under a high magnification to take the next step. Its new digital microscope, the VHX-7000, benefits in particular from its powerful REMAX NEO graphics engine (electronic card and image processing algorithms), unique in the world. And many other features highlight the manufacturer's 30 years of experience in high magnification. The VHX-7000 also benefits from some major new features," a statement said.
A 4K CMOS sensor
Generations of digital microscopes using traditional image sensors offer up to 1600 x 1200 pixels (UXGA technology). With a 4K sensor (CMOS technology) the resolution increases to 4000 x 3000 pixels, or about six times more points to capture the image of the same room.
"The VHX-7000 offers very high resolution with a very low noise level thanks to CMOS technology. Adding to this the full range of Keyence's image processing algorithms, the surface analysis capabilities offered by the VHX-7000 are exceptional," the manufacturer said.
New image treatments
The VHX-7000 inherits the optical performance of its predecessors in the Keyence range and benefits from new features, such as the all-new shadow accent function. By combining the overlay and processing of series of images obtained with different lighting angles, powerful calculations on exposed shadows can highlight and locate surface defects, usually imperceptible, even in wide field. Thus this OPTO SEM function allows to obtain a visualization of the fine topography over the whole sample without resorting to a strong magnification.
Four integrated goals
Digital microscopes are usually equipped with zoom lenses, offering the advantage of being able to vary magnification with a single lens. The VHX-7000 covers the magnification range from 20 times to 6,000 times without intervention on the device and with four automatically selected lenses. When changing the lens, the digital zoom allows the user not to have an image interruption.
As in previous generations, the VHX-7000 stative is reclining. This allows the optical head to be oriented in relation to the surface of the room to be controlled, making it easier to observe from all angles. The optical head it supports consists of the CMOS sensor and a combination of modules made up of pre-mounted and combined lens blocks 3 by 3 to make up magnification families. The combination of these elements allows, with only four lenses mounted on a motorized selector, to cover magnifications ranging from 20 times to 6,000 times: 20-100x, 100-500x, 500-2500x, 2500-6000x. During the checks, all adjustments are made without manipulation of the device, using a small ergonomic console.
Augmented reality to help with settings
The handling and use of the VHX-7000 is easy.
The stative gallows houses a small camera that helps visualize the focal plane and sample, materialized in augmented reality on the screen. This makes the focus operation easier, saving time for space tracking.
"This ease in the use of the VHX-7000 opens up the panel of potential users who use the microscope to make observations," notes the manufacturer.
In addition, the power of the microscope ensures the reproducibility of the controls without the presence of an expert. Under the same project, the project will be able to spend less time preparing samples and controls, allowing the time they can devote to observing and analyzing the results.
Applications in all industries
Micrography, contamination analysis, particle counting, study of ancient materials, analysis of fine structures, etc.: possible applications are numerous and concern a plurality of sectors, such as metallurgy, pharmacy, electrical engineering, microelectronics, automotive, aeronautics, public research, archaeology or scientific police.

Find out more: www.keyence.fr