Materials Research Imaging Solutions

Microscopes and microscopy for the materials research field is a broad and inclusive category. Here we address the imaging challenges for metals, ceramics, plastic, glass or refractories, and materials forming. No matter what your sample imaging challenge, Olympus Micro-Imaging has a microscope and imaging system for it.

Metals If you have a metallurgical application, grain structure and analysis is central to your microscopic imaging process. By examining the minute structures of metal materials, it is possible to determine composition, and surfaces conditions of the metal or alloy.

If you are experiencing difficulties in obtaining sharp surface resolution, having a wide zoom range and a variety of illumination techniques available is important. Our GX Series of inverted Metallograph microscopes are ideal for a wide range of metallurgical uses, providing Brightfield, Darkfield, Nomarksi DC, simple polarized light and fluorescent illumination. Coupled with one of our DP Series of digital cameras and our Discover series of software enables your results to be shared laboratory-wide.

An upright microscope that’s popular for metals research is our BX 51. The BX 51 can be configured to perform all of the same tasks as the GX series plus quantitative polarized microscopy. The BX51 is well suited for examining grain structure, for both inspection and measurement functions. For added versatility the BX 51 can provide transmitted light illumination for extremely thin sections or new emerging materials.

For simple sample preparation and examination routinely performed under lower stereoscopic magnification, consider our SZ Series of zoom stereomicroscopes, such as the SZ 51 and SZ 61, which offer outstanding depth of focus and flatness.

Having trouble with accurate reproduction of the specimen shape such as a complex metal surface? The SZ51 and SZ61 feature low, suppressed field curvature for highly accurate specimen reproduction.

Is surface roughness and grain size measurement presenting accurate imaging challenges? Our LEXT Laser Confocal microscope provides unparalleled metrology informational imaging information in most microscope techniques, providing excellent x, y and z measuring functions including surface roughness and grain size measurement.

Most of these Olympus microscopes can be coupled with our digital cameras and imaging analysis and management software for easy sharing and archiving.

Ceramics Ceramics often require precise sample preparation and formation information, which can be performed with a simple stereomicroscope such as our SZ 51 or SZ 61. If your samples are particularly complex, you may require more precise higher resolution work – our new SZX 10 stereomicroscope enables the most advanced digital imaging with higher resolution.

If your ceramics research requires a more critical understanding of the microstructure, as well as the need to perform sample measurements, Olympus Micro-Imaging offers both upright and inverted microscopes designed especially for this type of work. The BX 51 and the GX 51 provide the flexibility in contrast method required by ceramics researchers and manufacturers as well as the ability to quickly change between Brightfield, Darkfield and DIC without any loss in image placement.

When combined with these microscopes, our Discover series software provides a flexible tool for particle analysis data as well as excellent digital imaging.

For applications where a broad range of magnification is typically required along with improved resolution, our new SZX 10 zoom stereoscope provides the widest zoom ratio of any stereomicroscope on the market -- 16.4:1. The SZX series can be configured with a wide variety of transmitted light illumination systems that make it simpler to find contamination and voids.

Plastics Plastic researchers often run into problems switching between high and low magnification, which can be necessary when searching for voids and stress in raw materials and product formation. In addition, good high-resolution imaging is often needed when checking raw material purity. If the bulk of your research involves low magnification, the Olympus SZ 61 is the scope of choice. If you require more high magnification, then we recommend our BX 51 compound micrtoscope. If your plastics research requires complete documentation and precision metrology, Olympus offers several options for digital imaging and analysis. Our DP series of digital cameras and Discovery image analysis software are ideal for particle analysis and basic point-to-point metrology functions. Both our cameras and software can be used with the entire family of Olympus Micro-Imaging microscopes.

Glass or refractories If you’re involved in glass research, you may be challenged by optical strain which can cause double refraction to occur. By using transmitted polarization, you can measure glass strain using a polarizing microscope such as our BX 51P to provide both qualitative and quantitative information. The BX 51 can be easily configured for the most demanding polarized light techniques that include refractive index assessment, purity and general imaging.

The BX Series is an advanced platform that easily accommodates adding digital imaging and image analysis, which is becoming mandatory for precise documentation of research findings that can be shared within a plant or around the world. Our Discover series software is ideally suited for the critical measuring of inclusion and structure detail.

For general sample preparation and course material examination the SZ 61 and SZX 10 can be outfitted with both transmitted and reflected light to provide high contrast. By providing both transmitted and reflected light the optimum contrast can be obtained to highlight the subtle artifacts found in transparent and translucent materials.

Materials forming In general materials formation typical challenges include finding a way to measure the result of the stamping or processing method. Often the parts are larger then can be placed on microscope for measuring – in this case a measuring or toolmaker’s microscope is used. The Olympus STM 6 provides 3-axis measuring that can include laser Autofocus that removes uncertainty caused by optical depth of focus.

For more refined measurement the LEXT Confocal microscope system can provide submicron measurement that enables easy analysis of surface roughness and microstructure.