Digital Microscopy

The Keyence VHX-6000 is a remarkable microscope that uses visible light. It is the latest development in the field of Digital Microscopy (DM). It makes extensive use of recent breakthroughs in sCMOS digital cameras, stage micro-motors, advanced zoom lenses, graphics engines, and software.

The microscope compliments and enhances the capabilities of other microscopy technologies at the Center for Advanced Microscopy, especially SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy).

Key features of the VHX-6000 include:
● Large Depth-of-Field by using Focus Stacking (Z-Stacking)
● Color Images
● Magnification range of 1X to 5,000X
● Samples up to 40 mm x 40 mm can be imaged
● 3D information including profiles, roughness, and volume measurements
● Full tilt stand, up to 90 degrees
● Automated Image stitching
● No sample processing required.

For service work on the microscope, please contact Abby Vanderberg.

Training in use of the Keyence VHX-6000 is done in the NSC-820 SEM class and the NSC-837 CLSM class. Please see our Courses page for more information. Additional training towards becoming an indepdendent user can also be provided.

Keyence VHX-6000 training and independent use policy

New users wishing gain access as independent users of the CAM’s Keyence VHX-6000 must complete the following steps:

• Participate in a training session (2 hours) with a CAM Staff member, in which the CAM Staff member is operating and demonstrating the instrument functions.
• Within 10 working days of the initial training, the user will participate in supervised data collection of 1 hour (total, could be multiple sessions) in which the new user is operating the instrument but the CAM Staff member is present.
  • As part of the supervised use, the user should demonstrate:
    • care and understanding regarding the stage position, sample height, and working distances, and
    • care and understanding in handling the hardware components.
  • If the user is determined to be sufficiently careful and proficient by the supervising CAM Staff member, the user may then be granted access to the scheduling calendar and may use the instrument as an independent operator. Otherwise, additional supervised sessions will be required until the researcher can demonstrate proficiency on the system.
  • The first independent use session must be within 10 working days of the supervised use session, otherwise another supervised session is required.

Please note:

• The training and supervised usage sessions will be billed as ‘Operator assisted’ use rate. Further independent operation will be billed at the ‘Self operation’ rate.
• Prior completion of NSC837 or NSC820 for independent use of the Keyence microscope by MSU graduate students is no longer required.