A Korean company
has developed an optical module that converts a two-dimensional (2D) microscope
into a three-dimensional (3D) microscope.
Regardless of the model, by just
attaching the module, it will convert them into 3D.
It is attracting attention
as an alternative to expensive 3D microscopes ranging from tens of thousands
KRW to hundreds of millions KRW.
SD OPTICS announced on the 26th that they have developed 'WiseTopo', a 3D
digital optical module using MEMS-based lenses.
This product is characterized by overcoming the limitations of 2D microscopes
with fixed focus
which can used by mounting a module instead of an existing
microscope image sensor.
The range recognized as being in focus during shooting is called depth of field
(DoF), and 2D microscopes have very limited DoF.
The plane can be seen from
above, but the exact shape or height change of the object cannot be easily
detected.
Solving this problem requires refocusing manually or with a Z-axis
(height) motor, which is inconvenient and less productive.
<2D microscope image (left) and 3D image with WiseTopo (right). It is
focused clearly even with the difference in height.>
The key to SD
OPTICS module is to overcome these limitations with their own 'ultra-high-speed
varifocal' lens technology.
The varifocal lens applied to the module contains
thousands of micromirrors.
Each micro-mirror moves at a high speed and focuses
without any separate Z-axis movement.
Through this, 3D images and various data
can be extracted.
The SD OPTICS variable focus lens has also been applied to
the digital 3D microscope (Visioner 1) of Carl Zeiss, a world-renowned optical
company.
SD OPTICS products also adopted 'C-mount' as a fixed mount standard required
when removing the existing microscope image sensor and mounting the module,
enhancing versatility.
Since many microscopes adopt this standard, SD OPTICS
products can be used regardless of the brand model.
In addition, they provide functions including △Depth of field expansion function △Real-time 'all-in-focus' that
focuses in all areas △'Fast auto focus' that automatically focuses on the desired area △Real-time 'multi-focus lock'
function that maintains focus even when the sample is moved.
<3D image shape made from using WiseTopo>
With the
high-speed 3D scan function, users can see the object as a more intuitive 3D
shape image.
Real-time comparison with existing designed 3D data is also
possible by using software (SW) independently developed by SD OPTICS.
Various
3D functions can be linked with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
devices, enhancing user convenience.
SD OPTICS plans to unveil their products at the world's largest optics
exhibition 'Photonics West 2023' to be held at the end of this month and begin
to target the market in earnest.
Demand for 3D replacement of existing 2D
microscopes is the target.
As of last year, the optical microscope market was
estimated at 2.6 billion USD (about 3.2 trillion KRW). Among them, 2D
microscopes account for more than 70%.
SD OPTICS’ Vice President Kyung-Suk Jeong said, “It is an innovative technology
that can evolve existing 2D microscopes into high-priced 3D microscopes, and we
are proud to build the foundation for popularization of 3D microscopes. We plan
to upgrade performance and functions so that we can target the bio microscope
market in the future.”
By Reporter
Dong-jun Kwon
Issued Date: 2023.01.26
News URL: https://www.etnews.com/20230126000169
WiseTopo Hompage URL: www.wisetopo.com
SD Optics Youtube URL: https://www.youtube.com/@sdoptics
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