Correlative Microscopy

With our extensive set of Carl Zeiss® microscopes we are the sole provider of light, laser scanning and scanning electron microscope measurements in the laser world and, thus, dedicated to offering correlative microscopy solutions that enable new insights into the micro and nano worlds. We strive for the shortest time-to-result and maximum information from your samples by offering solutions for easy sample transfer, fast coordinate recovery and powerful image correlation.

Laserscanning Microscopy

We analyze sensitive or soft samples and technical surfaces that are reflective, rough, smooth or semitransparent.
We carry out fluorescence measurements, create optical sections of your samples and combine them into 3D image stacks.
Our Carl Zeiss® LSM 700 hardware is fully automated and achieves fast scanning speeds.
The focus linear sensor ensures correct z-positioning.
The intuitive ZEN software from Carl Zeiss shortens the measuring time and stores the settings for all our customers (very usefull for recurring measurements).
We have combined the LSM 700 with the Axio Imager system to add the benefits of light microscopy and especially to provide correlative microscopy.

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Our Carl Zeiss® EVO MA 15 is the SEM for a broad range of sample weights and dimensions. Application fields include laser material treatment, forensics and failure analysis. Our EVO MA 15 includes among others:

Stage movement of 125 x 125 x 60 mm (XYZ).
Maximum specimen height of 145 mm.
Port for WDS instrumentation.

Imaging Microscopy

We operate a Carl Zeiss® Axio Imager 2 light microscope for advanced material research. We improved workflow by the introduction of a coded or motorized and easy-to-use system. Axio Imager 2 gives you accurate and reproducible results in quality control and process control.

Brilliant optics for superb contrast and excellent resolution;
Gain enhanced flexibility with the modular design concept with a range of motorized and encoded components for enhanced flexibility;
Reproducible results with its stable stand design and vibration-free working condition;
We have upgraded our Axio Imager 2 with the LSM 700 confocal laser scanning module;
We use Axio Imager 2 for correlative microscopy workflows;
We achieve accurate reproduction in quality control and process control with its automated functions;

Topology

Real time high quality 3D imaging

High quality real time imaging of 3D surface topography, with a wide range of renderings, user-definable color palettes and image enhancement tools.
Surface flyovers (with movie output).
Powerful filters remove anomalies, carry out smoothing, etc.
Overlay color images and intensity images on 3D surface topography to speed up detection of surface features.
3D reconstruction of multi-focus image stacks.

The most popular 2D and 3D surface texture parameters

ISO 25178 3D height and functional bearing ratio parameters.
ISO 4287 2D primary and roughness parameters.
ASME B46.1 3D and 2D parameters.
EUR 15178 amplitude and area & volume parameters.
DIN (Germany), JIS (Japan), GB/T (China), NF (France), BSI (UK), UNI (Italy), UNE (Spain) equivalents of ISO parameters.

Analysis of surface texure and geometry

Full set of surface roughness/waviness filters including Gaussian (ISO 16610-61), cubic spline filter (ISO 16610-62), robust Gaussian filter (ISO 16610-71).
Functional studies including bearing ratio curve, depth distribution histogram, surface substraction and more.
Calculation of distances, angles, areas, volumes and step heights.

Sources

Ultra stable 600 W CO2 laser light-weight build with carbon fiber

To achieve a highly stable resonator and a close to perfect beam mode, using a ”classic” folded CO2 laser with modern materials like carbon fiber for the resonator structure was an obvious choice. Carbon fiber tubes can have a very small thermal expansion coefficient (less than 1 micron per meter and kelvin), especially when well designed. Design includes intensive FEM calculations to optimize thermo dynamical behavior. For more information see SPIE paper 9343-61 from Photonics West 2015.
This reference laser source will be available soon!

Trusted Pulse

We are constantly working on fully closed loop controls of the laser signal at an industrial state to ensure a "Trusted PulseTM". (Trusted PulseTM is a registered trademark of Dr. Bohrer Lasertec GmbH). The better the performance the more applications can effectively be served. Especially with high speed laser engraving as engraving rollers for embossing high quality dashboards for the car industry and the production of artificial leather besides high security printing applications. Ongoing research is done in order to optimize the beam shape for the AOM to achieve even faster pulses.