Advanced digital microscopes provide efficient solutions to a variety of common microscope challenges faced by users of conventional optical and digital microscopes. The following represent 10 conventional microscope issues and 10 solutions made possible with current digital microscope technology. 1. Specific details need to be seen on challenging samples. 2. A large sample area needs to be observed in high resolution. 3. All areas of an uneven surface need to be in focus at the same time. 4. Sample features need to be determined, characterized, and measured in 3D. 5. Operators with varying skill levels need to perform similar tasks. 6. Reproducible measurements are needed from multiple operators. 7. Optical-quality imaging is needed from a digital microscope. 8. Guaranteed measurement accuracy is required from a digital microscope. 9. Varied observation techniques require different lens setups. 10. Magnification adjustments require manual calibration. For more information on Olympus digital microscopy solutions, visit: http://www.olympus-ims.com/en/microscope/dsx/

1. Using Digital Microscopes
to Solve Common Microscopy Issues:
Even First-Time Users Can Produce
Superior Images and Reliable Measurements

2. “Made possible by the combination of high-quality optics and
advanced digital imaging technology, today’s newest digital
microscopes allow even first-time users to immediately produce
superior images and highly reliable results. These same
microscopes offer efficient observation, intuitive magnifying
operation, a variety of observation methods, and reproducibility—
and are as easy to use as a smartphone or tablet.”
Robert Bellinger
Product Applications Manager, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, Scientific Solutions Group

3. Summary
Advanced digital microscopes provide efficient
solutions to a variety of common microscope
challenges faced by users of conventional optical
and digital microscopes. The following represent
10 conventional microscope issues and 10
solutions made possible with current digital
microscope technology.

4. ISSUE 1:
Specific details need to be seen on
challenging samples.
In many imaging cases, a sample with low contrast cannot be
clearly observed. Even after enlargement, it can be difficult to
clearly observe sample surface conditions with low reflective
difference and low contrast. In other instances, glare caused by
halation can disturb the sample surface, making it difficult to
conduct a clear observation. To eliminate this glare, illumination
needs to be carefully adjusted, which can require considerable
time and may still not produce satisfactory results.

5. SOLUTION:
Optimized Digital Imaging Processing
The advanced digital image processing used by today’s digital
microscopes allows clear observation of surface conditions that
are normally difficult to observe using an optical microscope.
For example, the HDR (High Dynamic Range) function offered
by the Olympus DSX series digital microscope
combines several images taken
at different exposures, enabling
optimal observation, even with
low-contrast images.
Olympus DSX510i and DSX510
High-Resolution Digital Microscopes

6. SOLUTION:
Optimized Digital Imaging Processing
With HDR, samples that previously may have required multiple pieces of
equipment for precise observation can be clearly observed with a single
system. The DSX system also eliminates glare with WiDER® software, a
proprietary image processing system that takes care of high-contrast problems
with one simple click. WiDER software works effectively with live images
without requiring troublesome adjustments to illumination.
When performing
inspection with a
traditional
microscope, it is
often impossible
to image the
inner pattern of
the circuit board.
Using a digital
microscope, a live
image can be displayed
using HDR observation
to combine multiple
images with different
exposure times. (Image
created using the
Olympus DSX510.)

7. ISSUE 2:
A large sample area needs to be
observed in high resolution.
With conventional microscopes, it is difficult to view an entire sample
at high resolution. As magnification is increased, the observation field
becomes narrower, and it becomes very hard to obtain an overall
image of the sample.

8. SOLUTION:
Panoramic Imaging
With new digital microscope technology, nothing is “outside the
field of view.” With panoramic imaging, today’s latest digital
microscopes can automatically stitch images into one seamless
view by moving the stage, obtaining high resolution across all
image areas, even with large samples.
Where conventional microscopes reduce
field area with increases in magnification,
panoramic imaging maintains the original
field while delivering close-up clarity—
in 2D, 3D, extended focus, or any
combination of the three.

9. ISSUE 3:
All areas of an uneven surface need to be
in focus at the same time.
With conventional microscopes, it is sometimes only possible to
achieve clear focus on part of a sample that has an uneven surface.
Due to the limitation of depth of focus, the more the operator
increases the magnification, the shallower the depth of focus can
become, making it more difficult to achieve clear focus on the entire
sample.

10. SOLUTION:
EFI (Extended Focal Image)
With its EFI (Extended Focal Image) capability, the DSX digital
microscope can obtain a clear, in-focus image of an entire sample with
one click—no matter how uneven the surface. EFI extracts and
combines focused images by simply moving the point of focus up or
down, maintaining focus across the entire sample surface area and
allowing precise inspection of uneven surfaces.

11. ISSUE 4:
Sample features need to be determined,
characterized, and measured in 3D.
With an optical microscope’s plain view observation, it is difficult to
determine the exact features of a dimensional sample based on a 2D
image. In some cases, the operator has no choice but to make their
best guess as to height differences in a sample or whether sample
unevenness is concave or convex.

12. SOLUTION:
3D Imaging
With one click, today’s digital
microscopes can image a sample
in three dimensions, allowing
examination from any angle and
an accurate view of the sample.
And with accurate height
information, detailed 3D images
allow sample features or
unevenness to be viewed and
measured. Height differences and
volume can also be measured,
making it easier to obtain
accurate sample analysis. 3D image for
height data of
a gear. (Image
created using
the Olympus
DSX510.)
3D image of a
capacitor
surface. (Image
created using
the Olympus
DSX510.)

13. ISSUE 5:
Operators with varying skill levels need to
perform similar tasks.
With traditional optical microscopes, switching between observation
modes can mean a sequence of complicated operations and
adjustments. Without the right level of expertise, it can be challenging
to ascertain the image characteristics one needs for the task at hand.
Changing observation modes often requires the adjustment of
aperture stop and illumination, the insertion of special filers, and more.

14. SOLUTION:
One-Click Observation Modes
With one simple click, today’s digital microscopes let any operator—
regardless of skill level—choose the observation mode that’s ideal for
their application. All a user has to do is select their optimal image from
a list of captured image choices, and the observation mode is adjusted
based on that selection.
This means that any
operator, from beginner
to expert, can conduct
the same types of
high-level observation.

15. ISSUE 6:
Reproducible measurements are needed
from multiple operators.
With conventional microscopes that require many adjustments and
settings, it can be difficult for multiple operators to conduct observations
under identical conditions. These conditions can vary depending on the
operator and their particular method, which can cause major differences
in images and placement of microscope points. This can lead to serious
problems with R&D, QA/QC, or material testing.

16. SOLUTION:
Digital Repeatability
With a fully digital microscope, all image acquisition and observation conditions,
including stage coordinates, observation method, etc., can be saved and
referenced at any time. Any operator can then easily repeat the inspection using
the same observation conditions and settings. Image capture conditions can be
recalled with one click. The system can further lead the user to perform the same
routine measurement through a guided interface.

17. ISSUE 7:
Optical-quality imaging is needed from a
digital microscope.
The perception still exists that digital microscopes provide ease of use,
while optical microscopes are used for clearer images with natural color
and higher resolution. Many operators still divide their microscope usage
between the two. This wastes time and does not allow continuity of
observation between digital and optical images.

18. SOLUTION:
Dedicated Lenses
Advanced digital microscopes utilize dedicated lenses that combine high NA,
long working distances, well-controlled aberration, and evenness of light
intensity. These lenses are then combined with Full HD cameras and HDR digital
processing, minimizing glare and helping ensure real color reproduction. Flare
and distortion are eliminated, previously unheard of with digital microscopes.

19. ISSUE 8:
Guaranteed measurement accuracy is
required from a digital microscope.
In general, traditional digital microscopes offer no clear accuracy
guarantees. Operators have no way of assuring the scope of error of the
equipment they are using.

20. SOLUTION:
Telecentric Optics
Digital microscopes like the DSX system use the same telecentric optics
utilized in measuring instruments, which eliminates variation in measurement
results. If the point of focus is changed, there is no change in the size of the
observation target. This minimizes variation between operators, allowing
measurements to be conducted under extremely stable conditions.

21. ISSUE 9:
Varied observation techniques require
different lens setups.
Standard digital microscopes feature a lineup of lenses for various uses—
different observations require the switching out of lenses. This creates
the time-consuming necessity of conducting lens replacement between
different types of samples and different types of observations. Numerous
steps are required to find the optimum lens setup for each application.

22. SOLUTION:
Variety of Observation Modes with One Lens
Today’s newest digital microscopes are equipped with an objective lens that
can be used for a wide variety of observation methods, enabling the creation
of optimal viewing conditions without replacing a lens. Switching between
observation modes is as simple as one click.
MEMS device image made
with brightfield observation
mode. (Image created using
the Olympus DSX510.)
MEMS device image made
with darkfield observation mode.
(Image created using the
Olympus DSX510.)

23. SOLUTION:
Variety of Observation Modes with One Lens
MEMS device image made
with MIX (brightfield plus
darkfield) observation mode.
(Image created using the
Olympus DSX510.)
MEMS device image made
with DIC observation mode.
(Image created using the
Olympus DSX510.)
MEMS device image made
with PO observation mode.
(Image created using the
Olympus DSX510.)

24. ISSUE 10:
Magnification adjustments require
manual calibration
Many digital microscopes require manual calibration every time the
magnification is changed. If images or measurements are taken using
the wrong calibrations, the magnification indication and measurement
values will also be wrong, and the whole process will have to be
performed again.

25. SOLUTION:
Automatic Magnification Recognition
To reduce human error, digital microscopes such as the DSX series
offer automatic magnification recognition, with a motorized zoom
system that displays the setting conditions of the mainframe.
Changing lens magnification automatically changes
the magnification setting, eliminating
the opportunity for measurement
error. When the zoom magnification
is changed, the current magnification
and image area information is also
updated, further reducing errors
in magnification indication and in
measurement. The DSX system
also provides automatic calibration
using a dedicated standard.

26. Conclusion
Today’s latest digital microscopes offer fast, efficient
observation; simple, intuitive operation; a wide variety of
image capturing methods; and superior imaging and
measurement results. Options include EFI and 3D imaging,
panoramic image capturing, movie capturing, and
programmed image capturing—all within an interface that’s
as simple to use as a tablet or smartphone.

27. About the Author
Robert Bellinger
Product Applications Manager, Olympus Corporation of the Americas,
Scientific Solutions Group
Part of the Olympus organization since 2005, Robert Bellinger provides
application support for Olympus industrial microscope systems in the U.S.,
Canada, and Latin America. Robert is an expert across all areas of industrial
microscopy, from routine inspection applications to highly sophisticated image
analysis to advanced measurement and reporting.