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Written Artefact Profiling Guide
Written ArtefactProfiling Guide

Photo: CSMC

Written Artefact Profiling Guide

3D-Microscope: VHX-5000, Keyence

An all-purpose microscope with digital focusing technology to obtain high-resolution in-depth images. A high-speed stage with mounted lenses for 20 to 200 times magnification is connected to the computer unit that covers observation, image capture, and measurement. The microscope is mostly used to analyse surface topography, for example to evaluate the depth of incision on palm leaves manuscripts. It can also be used for a non-invasive study of papers.

  • General description: 3D Microscope, non-destructive
  • Application aim: analysis of layers and surface topography; fibre analysis in transmittance light
  • Mobility: transportable, 40-45 kg in 2 pelican boxes
  • Equipment specifics:
    • Digital camera
    • xyz movable stage (17 x 17 cm)
    • Objectives movable of 90° on both sides
    • Panorama function: a number of pictures stitched together (the stage moves automatically in xy directions)
    • 3D functions: 2D pictures with higher depth of field; 3D pictures
    • Multiple illuminations: upper ring, half ring, transmittance light
    • 3 high resolution objectives: VH-Z20R: 20-200x, VH-Z500R: 500-5000x, VH-Z100UR: 100-1000x; with differential interference contrast
  • Application requirements: 
  • Sample required: no
  • Contact required: no
  • Limitations:
    • Thickness of the object smaller than 4.5 cm
    • Dimensions of the object smaller than 20 x 20 cm for panorama function; larger objects can be placed with additional stands but then the movement of the stage is limited
    • For fibre analysis: the paper needs to be thin and not excessively sized or coated; illuminated surface in transmittance: 6 cm diameter
    • Waving surfaces may compromise the measurements
  • Average time for measuring: from immediate to 15 minutes for larger panorama picture
  • Average time for processing: from no time to 15 minutes
  • Software package: included in the computer
  • Output: .jpg or .tif for 2D images; 3D pictures only usable with the internal software
  • Contact: Sebastian Bosch, sebastian.bosch"AT"uni-hamburg.de
  • Location of the equipment: CSMC Lab (Warburgstr. 28, Hamburg)