Frequently Asked Questions About MICROSCOPES
1. What is the maximum optical magnification and digital zoom capability of the microscope?
The microscope typically offers optical magnification ranging from 10x to 200x (depending on the lens and configuration). In addition, it includes digital zoom up to 4x, allowing for a combined magnification that can reach up to 800x without significant loss of image clarity. Note that optical magnification provides the highest fidelity, while digital zoom is best for quick inspections rather than detailed analysis.
2. What is the resolution of the sensor, and what is the effective pixel size?
The sensor resolution is up to 12 MP (4000 × 3000 pixels), ensuring high-quality images suitable for advanced analysis. The effective pixel size depends on the sensor model and magnification but is typically around 1.12 μm to 1.55 μm per pixel, providing excellent detail and sharpness across the field of view.
3. What is the field of view at the lowest and highest magnification settings?
- Lowest magnification (10x): Field of view is approximately 20 mm × 15 mm.
- Highest magnification (200x): Field of view narrows to approximately 1 mm × 0.75 mm.
The exact field of view varies based on the lens configuration and working distance.
4. What type of illumination is used (e.g., LED, fiber optic, coaxial), and is it adjustable?
The Microscope is equipped with high-intensity LED illumination, featuring both ring light and coaxial lighting options. The brightness is fully adjustable via the control interface, allowing users to optimize lighting for reflective or transparent samples. For advanced models, fiber optic lighting with adjustable angles is also available.
5. Can you provide the specifications for the working distance and depth of field at various magnification levels?
- 10x magnification: Working distance is around 90–100 mm, with a depth of field of 5–7 mm.
- 50x magnification: Working distance reduces to 40–50 mm, with a depth of field of 1–2 mm.
- 200x magnification: Working distance is typically 10–15 mm, with a depth of field of <0.5 mm.
These values can vary slightly based on the lens used.
6. What are the supported frame rates and video output formats?
The microscope supports frame rates of up to 60 fps (Full HD) and 30 fps at 4K resolution (if applicable). Supported video output formats include MJPEG, H.264, and uncompressed RAW for professional analysis. Output interfaces are typically USB 3.0, HDMI, or Ethernet (GigE) depending on the model.
7. What software is included, and what are its key features for image analysis, measurement, and annotation?
The included software offers a full suite of features, including:
- Image capture and real-time preview
- 2D and 3D measurements (distance, angles, areas)
- Image stitching and extended depth of field (EDF)
- Annotation tools (text, arrows, labels)
- Automated calibration and scale bar insertion
- Reporting tools for documentation and data export (CSV, PDF, etc.)
8. What operating systems are compatible with the software?
The software is compatible with:
- Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit)
- macOS (latest versions)
- Linux (via custom drivers, on request)
Some advanced tools also offer browser-based control for cross-platform usage.
9. Does the microscope support live streaming, and what are the connectivity options (e.g., USB 3.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi)?
Yes, the microscope supports live streaming in Full HD and 4K (depending on the sensor). Connectivity options include:
- USB 3.0 for high-speed data transfer
- HDMI for direct display on monitors
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet (optional modules) for remote streaming and control.
10. Is the SDK (Software Development Kit) available for custom integration?
Yes, an SDK is available for developers who want to integrate the microscope with custom software solutions or automation systems. The SDK supports C++, Python, and .NET APIs with detailed documentation.
Performance and Application
11. How does the microscope handle image stitching and extended depth of field (EDF) for large or three-dimensional samples?
The software uses automatic image stitching to create large composite images from multiple frames, ensuring no loss of resolution. For three-dimensional samples, the EDF function stacks multiple focal planes to produce a single image with a fully focused depth, which is critical for samples with uneven surfaces.
12. What are the capabilities for quantitative measurements and metrology?
The microscope provides sub-micron measurement accuracy when calibrated correctly. It supports:
- 2D/3D measurements (heights, widths, angles)
- Surface roughness and profile analysis (optional)
- Statistical reporting and repeatability tests for quality control.
13. Is the system designed for specific applications, such as materials science, life sciences, or quality control?
Yes, the system is versatile and can be tailored for:
- Materials science (metallurgy, composites)
- Electronics inspection (PCB, microchips)
- Life sciences (cell imaging, histology)
- Industrial quality control for defect detection and dimensional verification.
14. Can the system be calibrated to a recognized standard?
Absolutely. The microscope can be calibrated to ISO, NIST, or other international metrology standards using calibration slides or artifacts. Regular calibration ensures measurement accuracy and compliance with quality standards.