Test & measurement
Life through a lens
The versatility of Keyence’s VHX-7000 is bringing academic and commercial benefits to the University of Derby...
M
icroscopic technology from Keyence is enabling a major UK research institution to carry out highly detailed
observation, analysis and measurement on projects in fields ranging from microbiology and invertebrate biology to mycology, forensic science and geological thin section analysis. The University of Derby is a teaching and
research institution dedicated primarily to undergraduate students, and researchers for Masters degrees and PhD’s. To aid students in their studies, the
University has invested in a KEYENCE VHX- 7000 Digital Microscope, which combines high magnification and precision with versatility and ease of use. The all-in-one microscope, boasting
an impressive ultra-high accuracy 4K camera and monitor, is being employed across all levels of undergraduate degree teaching, where it provides a fully automated system for students to carry out their own sample observation and analysis in up to 6,000x magnification. In particular, it is seeing extensive service with final year undergraduate students
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during their independent study projects, where they work largely unsupervised on a research topic of their choice. Although these projects vary significantly in nature, many require the availability of a microscope and image capture software, and the VHX- 7000 combines both functions in a convenient and compact package. One recent example involved a student
who was seeking to analyse mucus flow rates from coral samples. Here, the time lapse photography and video features of the VHX- 7000 proved invaluable, providing detailed high-resolution images. Another project was for a geology PhD
researcher working with micro-fossils. The multi-lighting capability of the VHX- 7000, as well as the depth composition and flexible stage and tilt features, allowed the capture of high-quality images on a non-destructive basis. The VHX-7000 is even being used in
commercial projects undertaken by the University. A local company approached the team with a request to use the VHX-7000 and scanning electron microscope to solve a problem with its production processes. The company was a producer of titanium aerospace fasteners, and a problem with the
March 2022 Instrumentation Monthly
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