Microscopy far below the diffraction limit

A new objective is now opening up new horizons in microscopy. It permits the ideal combination of classical light microscopy and top-resolution scanning microscopy.

With the ULTRAObjective™ from Surface Imaging Systems GmbH, Herzogenrath, Carl Zeiss has introduced a means of permitting the integrated and extremely convenient solution of widely varying, separate problems. The resolution capability of the light microscope has been extended down to a resolution of 1 nanometer. Micro- and nanostructures can be characterized qualitatively and quantitatively.

Classical microscopy with its high operating convenience and productivity has now been extended by new types of contrast, such as topography, magnetic and potential contrast.

It is possible not only to obtain images of extremely high resolution, but also to perform measurements in a very easy way. Applications range from new materials to microbiological, magnetic and semiconductor structures.

Depending on the application, the ULTRAObjective™ can be combined with different microscopes from Carl Zeiss. Particularly efficient configurations are possible with the new Axioplan 2 and Axiophot 2 research microscopes recently launched.

The objective is screwed into the nosepiece and thus integrated into the light microscope system. The interesting sections of the object are easily and conveniently relocated and can then be examined in detail using the ULTRAObjective™.

Digital photomicrography or spectroscopy permits an extremely large variety of object characterizations to be performed, covering six orders of magnitude from the millimeter to the nanometer.

ULTRAObjective™ extends light microscopy by new, non-optical types of contrast, such as topography, magnetic and potential contrast.

If you have any suggestions and/or requests please contact [email protected].