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Microscope Glossary
Stereoscopic microscope

Stereoscopic microscope

What is a stereoscopic microscope?

Probably the most general form of an optical microscope. These systems generally provide a user with a lower magnification range than compound microscopes and have longer working distances for imaging larger, three-dimensional targets. Stereomicroscopes have two eyepieces to allow for 3D observation and are useful when performing assembly or re-work.

Limitation of stereoscopic microscope

Best-suited for observation in the low to middle magnification range (approx. 5x to 120x)
Typically use a zoom lens
Some can have a camera mounted
Provides a long working distance
Limited depth-of-field
Requires an additional light source
Effective for observation under relatively low magnification only.
Most cannot take photos
Difficult to obtain high quality images with a camera attached

The reason for switching from stereoscopic microscope to VHX digital microscope

1. FULL FOCUS - SHARP FOCUS ON THE ENTIRE TARGET -

Digital Microscopes achieve a depth-of-field at least 20 times larger than optical microscopes, allowing for accurate observation of a target with a highly uneven surface.
This type of observation is impossible to achieve with stereoscopes and helps to greatly reduce the amount of time needed for focus adjustments.

2. FLEXIBILITY - VIEW FROM ANY ANGLE TO NEVER MISS ANOTHER DETAIL -

With Variable-angle Observation capability, digital microscopes can achieve observation from 360-degree angles freely, without having to tilt the target.

3. 2D MEASUREMENTS & REPORTING - PERFORM ADVANCED MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS -

With just a few clicks, perform a variety of real-time measurements—from distance, radius, and other 2D measurements to automatic area measurements—directly on the screen.
Data can be saved and accessed later for further measurement. Moreover, free communication software makes it possible for anyone to utilize the measurement functions from their own PC.

4. 3D MEASUREMENT - 3D IMAGE STITCHING AND ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT -

Digital microscopes can produce fully focused, 3D displays at the push of a button. The three-dimensional measurement function achieves easy observation of the surface shape of a target, and simplifies communication with others.

5. HAND HELD CAPABILITY - OBSERVE FROM ALL DIRECTIONS -

VHX Series Digital Microscopes offer easy, handheld observation. By adjusting the viewing angle of the camera and lens, you will never miss a detail when observing a sample. Furthermore, the time required for inspection can be considerably reduced.

6. 4K MONITOR - QUICKLY ANALYSE AND DISCUSS AN IMAGE -

Magnified images are displayed onto a large, high-resolution monitor, enabling several people to observe and discuss the images simultaneously on-site. Users can then conduct analyses more efficiently and immediately respond to customer complaints.

7. OPTIMAL LIGHTING - AUTOMATIC ACQUISITION OF LIGHTING FROM ALL DIRECTIONS -

By simply pushing the Optimize button, nine different lighting scenarios are displayed.
From there, you can quickly select the image that is ideal for observing your target.

8. GLARE REMOVAL - RING REMOVAL FUNCTION SUPPRESSES GLARE ON TARGETS -

To prevent certain parts of the image being unobservable due to glare, multiple images are acquired while changing the direction of the ring light. This makes it possible to remove unwanted glare on the surface of the target at the press of a button.