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This section provides an overview for laser microscopes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 laser microscope manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked laser microscope companies as of December, 2024: 1.Heidelberg Engineering Inc., 2.HÜBNER Photonics, 3.Holmarc Opto-Mechatronics Ltd..
Table of Contents
A laser microscope is a type of optical microscope in which a sample can be observed by scanning a laser beam to a light source.
It generally employs confocal optics and is also called a confocal laser scanning microscope or CLSM. A laser microscope has high spatial resolution not only in the horizontal (XY) direction but also in the vertical (Z) direction because the confocal optics can exclude light from out-of-focus surfaces.
Therefore, by measuring microscope images while shifting them in the height direction, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional image or an all-in-focus image.
Since laser microscopes use light for measurement, there is no need to touch the sample. For this reason, laser microscopes are used in the industrial field to observe the three-dimensional shapes and surface profiles of precision instruments, such as semiconductors and electronic components. They are also used in the life science field to observe cells and biological tissues labeled with fluorescent substances.
Some manufacturers offer customized measurement stages for laser microscopes, making it possible to measure large samples such as large flat panel displays.
Figure 1. Comparison of optical and laser microscopes
Laser microscopes are similar to a typical optical microscope configuration of lenses and mirrors, but use a laser as the light source and are designed as a confocal optical system. Laser light is characterized by the uniform wavelength and phase of the emitted light, and by its excellent monochromaticity, directivity, and linearity.
Since ordinary light has different phases and wavelengths, the optical paths are not aligned, and the reflected light generated by irradiating a sample is overlapped by scattered light, making it difficult to obtain a clear image. On the other hand, with laser microscopes, a pinhole is placed at the position where the reflected light is focused through transmission through the lens and reflection from the sample. Therefore, excess light, such as scattered light, can be eliminated. As a result, clean images with clear contours can be obtained.
In addition, there are two methods of obtaining two-dimensional images with laser microscopes: one is to move the stage, and the other is to move the laser mechanism. The features of each method are as follows.
Figure 2. Laser microscope scanning method
There are various ways to scan with laser microscopes. For example, scanning with a galvano mirror involves mechanically moving the mirror, but a MEMS scanner or resonant scanner method can be used to increase the speed.
The spinning disk method is used for high-speed measurement, in which a laser beam is directed onto a disk lined with many micro-lenses and pinhole arrays to pick up many beams of light simultaneously reflected from the sample. This method can obtain a large amount of information at a time but requires a high-power laser that has sufficient intensity even when spread to some extent.
The electron microscope is another type of microscope with high magnification, but the principles of these instruments are not identical. Laser microscopes use light, while electron microscopes use electron beams, and the magnification, equipment, and measurement techniques are very different.
Because electrons are very short in wavelength compared to visible light, the resolution of electron microscopy is very high; scanning electron microscopes (SEM) can observe structures down to a few nanometers. Laser microscopes, on the other hand, cannot observe structures at wavelengths shorter than their wavelengths and have a resolution of only a few hundred nanometers.
The equipment used for laser microscopy and electron microscopy differs greatly. Electron microscopy uses an electron beam and requires measurement under a vacuum. In addition, when highly insulating materials are measured with electron microscopes, the electron beam may cause charge to accumulate on the surface, distorting the image, and other limitations exist, so care must be taken to determine what the sample's unique physical properties are.
Also, as a measurement technique, electron microscopy requires skillful techniques for cutting out the surface and optimizing the observation conditions. On the other hand, laser microscopes can be used more universally than electron microscopes because there is no accumulation of electric charge and the surface cutout does not require precision.
Confocal laser microscopes can measure the roughness of a sample surface in a non-contact manner. Although atomic force microscopy is the most common method for measuring the roughness of a sample surface, confocal laser microscopy has the advantage of non-contact measurement. Conversely, the resolution differs from that of the atomic force microscope, so the appropriate instrument should be selected depending on the roughness of the sample surface.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Holmarc Opto-Mechatronics Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer established in 1999, specializing in precision optical and mechatronics products. They design solutions for research, education, and industry, offering optical components, lasers, as well as precision positioning systems. Holmarc serves a global clientele in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and material science, empowering scientists and engineers with advanced technologies. Their solutions aid scientific research and educational advancements, remaining at the forefront of progress and excellence.
SOL Instruments, founded in 1989, is a manufacturer of advanced instruments based in Germany. The company primarily manufactures optical and photometric measurements and related products. One sample product is its Confocal Raman Microscope. This cutting-edge product is an invaluable tool for materials science, chemistry, and biology researchers. These instruments enable high-resolution, non-destructive analysis of sample composition. Additionally, the company provides customized solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop specialized instruments based on specific customer requirements. The company caters to the scientific community and various industrial sectors such as chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental monitoring, and manufacturing.
Ushio Inc., established in 1964 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of specialized light sources, with a particular interest in ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. The company boasts an extensive product portfolio that includes various lighting solutions, including laser diodes, UV lamps, visible lights, lamps designed for projectors, and halogen lamps. These diverse products cater to a wide array of industries and applications, including architecture and landscape illumination, disinfection and deodorizing, litho-patterning, optical systems, as well as curing and bonding processes.
Becker & Hickl GmbH, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, has been a manufacturer of time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) electronics and systems since 1993. The company offers various products, including TCSPC electronics, pulsed lasers, detectors, laser scanning FLIM microscopes, and related components. These products cater to professionals and researchers working in time-resolved fluorescence and associated fields, where precision and accuracy are paramount. Its flagship product is the TCSPC photon counting modules and systems, designed for precision time-resolved measurements in various scientific and industrial applications.
ZEISS Microscopy, established in Jena, Germany, in 1846 is a manufacturer of optics and optoelectronics used in Precision Mechanics, Binoculars, Microscopy, and Eyeglass Lenses. Their product portfolio includes precision optics, such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms, laser mirrors used in laser cutting, and medical devices, optoelectronic devices and Coatings and Thin Films. The company also provides solutions including industrial quality, microscopy research, project simulation, sample testing and product development. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
Lasertec Corporation, founded in 1960 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor-related systems, FPD-related systems, and laser microscopes. The company's product portfolio includes mask inspection systems, mask edge inspection systems, FPD photomask inspection systems, laser microscopes, and lithium-ion batteries. These products find applications in various sectors, including materials science, the flat panel display industry, semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical and life sciences, as well as research and development. The company is ISO 45001 and ISO 9001 certified, with offices in the USA, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea for global outreach.
HÜBNER Photonics is a manufacturer of high performance laser and photonics products, including single-frequency lasers, diode laser modules, tunable lasers, and fiber-coupled laser diodes. These products are used in a variety of applications, including spectroscopy, metrology, sensing, and microscopy.
BestScope, established in 1998 and based in Beijing, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of microscopes and cameras for the industrial sector. The company primarily produces its Catchbest brand industrial cameras for industrial imaging and process inspection applications. It also offers biological microscopes for medical as well as biological R&D, and LCD digital microscopes equipped with digital displays for use in educational institutions. The company chiefly serves clients in the industrial, educational, and laboratory research sectors.
Nano Instruments Ltd. is a supplier and distributor of scientific instruments based in Israel. The company specializes in importing, marketing, and servicing scientific instruments, research and development tools, failure analysis equipment, and production systems. It represents global manufacturers and offers comprehensive technological solutions to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, and polymers. Its technological offerings include Raman and infra-red microscopes, atomic force microscopes, optical profilers, two-photon laser scanning microscopes, and dynamic light scattering instruments.
Evident Corporation is a scientific research and development company in Shinjuku, Tokyo that was established in 2008. Formerly known as Olympus Scientific Solutions, the company specializes in developing cutting-edge technology and products for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and medical research. Evident Corporation has proliferated and expanded its product offerings and services to meet the needs of its customers. Their product offerings include non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions such as thickness gauges and automated inspection systems, XRF analyzers like handheld XRF analyzers, industrial microscopes, and video scopes and borescopes.
TCK inc, founded in Japan in 2005, is a supplier of semiconductor related devices. The company's product portfolio includes precision machines, information industry machines, piezoelectric actuator mechanisms, piezoelectric actuator mechanisms, and particle beam imaging systems. It also provides services such as Equipment Calibration Services, Preventive Maintenance Programs, Repair and Equipment Upgrades, and Retrofits. it serves markets like Automotive and Transportation, Aerospace and Defense, Medical Devices and Healthcare, and Energy and Renewable Energy.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heidelberg Engineering Inc. |
15.9%
|
| 2 | HÜBNER Photonics |
14.3%
|
| 3 | SOL instruments |
11.1%
|
| 4 | Holmarc Opto-Mechatronics Ltd. |
11.1%
|
| 5 | Becker & Hickl GmbH |
9.5%
|
| 6 | Lasertec Corporation |
9.5%
|
| 7 | ZEISS Microscopy |
6.3%
|
| 8 | Toray Research Center, Inc. |
6.3%
|
| 9 | Nano Instruments Ltd. |
4.8%
|
| 10 | Ushio Inc. |
4.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the laser microscope page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
Japan
|
5 | 41.7% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 16.7% |
United States of America
|
1 | 8.3% |
|
India
|
1 | 8.3% |
| Deutschland | 1 | 8.3% |
|
China
|
1 | 8.3% |
|
Israel
|
1 | 8.3% |
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