PELCO^® Video Alignment Microscope

The PELCO^® Video Alignment Microscope (VAM) is designed for easy alignment and inspection of samples. It was originally designed with, and is an essential accessory for the PELCO^® Dimpler™, particularly for deprocessing/delayering and site-specific polishing applications. It allows for easy targeting of an area of interest, as well as precise control of the position, size, and shape of the bottom of the dimple or thinned area of the specimen. The VAM has a magnification of 100X or 200X (digital), with a bright TFT display. This unit includes a number of improvements over the Video Alignment Microscope originally offered by South Bay Technology, particularly with regards to ease of use. These include: much improved platen holding and sample motion; an upgraded display; and a high quality cross-hair in the optical path, rather than screen-mounted.

The sample stage consists of a hexagonal post with a center alignment mark that uses the same sample mounts as the PELCO^® Dimpler™. A crosshair allows for precise alignment of the area of interest. If using with the PELCO^® Dimpler™, this also corresponds to the center of rotation of the base while dimpling.

The PELCO^® Video Alignment Microscope may also be used as an inspection scope for any type of sample preparation, for example with our Lapping Fixtures and other instruments. It is an essential tool for monitoring progress during all kinds of sample preparation. The large, convenient display is easy to read and ergonomic in comparison to a traditional magnifier or optical microscope. Epi-illumination through the objective lens ensures excellent viewing contrast, an important factor when using optical fringes to monitor sample thickness.

Please see below for Features, Specfications and videos.