The VM-2000 Micro-Inspector video microscope from ASI is a full featured device that works well in a wide range of applications. The basic VM-2000 unit consists of a finely crafted optical microscope and camera mounted on one of ASI's precision linear stages and its controller.
The linear stage provides precise control of the focusing through the use of a closed-loop DC servomotor employing a high-resolution rotary encoder for positioning feedback. In this arrangement, a resolution of 0.1 µm can easily be achieved. For typical small focusing moves, the repeatability is less than 0.3 µm.
The position of the linear stage (point-of-focus) is displayed on the LCD of the MFC-2000 control unit and is also available via computer query. Control of focusing and illumination intensity can also be controlled via serial communication. An auto-focus option is also available.
The combination of the finely crafted optical microscope mounted onto one of ASI's precision linear stages allows the Micro-Inspector to be used as a very precise measuring instrument.
The basic VM-2000 unit offers built-in epi-illumination via a white LED. The LED can easily be exchanged to provide illumination in a range of wavelengths. Since epi-illumination is a reflected illumination from above, i.e., through the objective, the basic VM-2000 unit works very well in inspection applications requiring a reflected light source such as semiconductor manufacturing. Since the basic VM-2000 unit uses a standard filter cube, and the LED's can be selected for a range of excitation wavelenghts, the unit also works very well for fluorescence microscopy applications. For more demanding fluorescence applications, the unit can be used with a scanning monochromator to provide a bright tunable excitation source.
The Micro-Inspector can be mounted, as shown in the photo above, on an optional stand assembly or can be mounted on a user-supplied base.
The Micro-Inspector can also be combined with one of ASI's automated XY stages to offer an unparalleled automated inspection station (see the VM-2000-XYZ).
The Micro-Inspector can be used with a variety of objective lenses and CCD cameras. The table below shows the approximate magnification on the viewing monitor and the sample field-of-view for various configurations.
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