Keyence 3-D laser scope simplifies surface analysis

-- Test & Measurement World, 6/18/2008 11:00:00 AM

Boasting a magnification of 18,000X and precision of 0.001 µm, the VK-9700 3-D laser scanning microscope from Keyence combines the capabilities of SEMs and roughness gauges with the convenience of an optical microscope. The VK-9700 performs a variety of noncontact 3-D color measurements, including surface profile and roughness. Objects need no preprocessing and can be examined and measured as they are.

Equipped with a shortwave violet laser, the VK-9700 examines objects using an ultra-depth imaging technique that focuses over the entire field of the microscope to obtain images that combine real color, high definition, and highly contrasted characteristics. Its 3-D display uses a virtual trackball method and computer mouse to control the viewing angle, lighting angle, zoom level, and Z-axis height. 3-D images can be illuminated with pseudo-light when displayed on the screen. Adjusting the angle of the light in accordance with an object shades microscopic irregularities on the surface of the object. The measurement area of an object displayed on the screen using the 3-D measurement method can be adjusted or set for both 2-D and 3-D images.

Three software programs are available for the VK-9700. VK-Viewer examination and measurement software reduces complex microscope operations to just three steps: examination positioning, adjustment of peak, and pressing the measurement button. VK-Analyzer analysis software features a document interface that allows multiple analysis results to be controlled and displayed in a single window, while a WYSIWYG function prints the analysis window the same way it appears on the display. VK-Assembler image assembly software joins together image areas that extend beyond the microscope’s field of view.

Keyence, www.keyence.com.