Reflective Active, Confocal Autofocus System Optical Path

As modern manufacturing technology becomes increasingly miniaturized and precise, highly accurate measurements are even more essential—not only along the horizontal XY axes, but also along the Z-axis. Olympus has responded to such needs by being the fi rst to realize an autofocus system for measuring microscopes by means of the reflective active, confocal method.

Measuring Microscopes Traceability System

The accuracy of Olympus’ measuring microscopes is controlled by a strict traceability system and Olympus even offers traceable calibration at the time of installation.

Offering Stages to Fit the Sample Size at Hand

Offering Stages to Fit the Sample Size at Hand

Measuring Objectives

Because the measuring objectives have an extremely long working distance, they provide confidence when focusing on samples with large peaks and troughs while reducing worries of the objective coming into contact with the sample. Furthermore, their low-magnifi cation capability enables wide areas to be observed in a single view.

Metallurgical Objectives

Brightfield image

Darkfield image

Metallurgical objectives enable high-magnifi cation, highresolution observation capability comparable to that of optical microscopes. What’s more, these objectives can be used not only for brightfield, but also for darkfield and DIC observation.

The STM7 Line Includes both Manual and Motorized Focus Options
Focus control is available with either manual or motorized operation. Choose the model that addresses your needs in terms of samples and measurement content, regardless of stage size—with all frames incorporating a linear scale for the Z-axis that enables 3-axis measurement.

Manual Z-axis Focus Models

Manual Z-axis focus models offer excellent cost performance—with familiar handle operation for rapid vertical movement that offers convenience for users who needs to measure samples with variety of heights.

Motorized Z-axis Focus Models

Operability is improved and handling fatigue is reduced for focus and height measurements when using the motorized focus unit. The coaxial knobs for coarse and fine movement offer a feeling similar to manual operation, while the models can also be equipped with an autofocus unit.

Control Box

For Manual Z-axis Focusing Models: STM7HS Hand Switch

For Motorized Z-axis Focusing Models: STM7-MCZ Focus Controller

The power supply and transmission for each unit are combined in a single control box. This preserves maximal workspace even when a range of optional functions, such as the focus navigator, are added.

Light Intensity Manager Eliminates the Need for Manual Adjustment
Light intensity manager can be used with the coded revolving nosepiece configuration. The coded revolving nosepiece automatically detects the switching of objectives. This allows the illumination method and light intensity to be registered for each objective, and adjusted automatically during measurements when the objective is switched. Now there is no need to manually adjust light intensity, which used to be required with every switch between magnifications.

5xIntensity 50

20xIntensity 70

100xIntensity 120

Common Problems

• The need to check the operation status of equipment, such as illumination, or measured values on individual units makes overall operation cumbersome.

STM7 Solutions

Digital Indicator Enables the Current Operation Status to be Verified Visually
The indicator displays the device status and settings. The minimum X, Y, and Z-axis values can be switched between 0.1 ?m and 1 ?m, and the display units can be switched between mm, ?m, inches and mil.

Detachable Digital Readout Allows for Individual Preference and Placement
Whether attached to the frame or a desk, the placement of the detachable digital readout is up to the individual user. While standing to take measurements, it can be placed on the side of the frame at almost the same height as the site of observation for an exceptional and easy view. When operating from a sitting position, such as observation or measurements on a monitor via a digital camera or when using the motorized Z-axis focusing model, simply place the digital readout and hand controller on the desk.

Achieve Faster, Simpler, More Accurate Height Measurement

Common Problems

• When doing visual measurement, variations can arise in the height measurements between different operators. Furthermore, this measurement method is time-consuming and inefficient.

STM7 Solutions

Simple and Highly-Precise Focusing System with Superior Repeatability
The Olympus’ focus navigator delivers highly reproducible height measurement by projecting a pattern within the fi eld of view and identifying vertical deviations. Slight errors can occur in height measurements taken with normal visual observation, even when focus appears to be sharp. The focus navigator, however, enables measurements to be made simply by matching up the marks—thereby reducing operator subjectivity in measurement results.

Focus Navigator
Below Focus		In Focus		Above Focus

One-Shot Mode
Instantaneously takes autofocus from a roughly focused state to sharp focus located at the center of the field of view.

Measurement Support System

The ability to clearly and easily see the output display component of measuring microscopes is essential. That is why the new Olympus measuring software has been created, helping to deliver complex measurements with greater accuracy. The software also enables the use of digital cameras.