Leica Stereo ExplorerVisualizing and Analyzing Microstructures in 3D

Living up to Life

“No matter how big the eye, two eyes are better than one”

Three-dimensional photography – Nature shows us how it worksOne eye is enough to see. It takes two, however, to visualize the world spatially. The slight convergence of the optic axes generates two slightly differing images, which our brains then merge into a three-dimensional impression of reality. The world thus appears in relief, and we can immediately recognize whether an object is near or far and whether a surface is flat or rugged. Spatial vision helps us everyday – yet it becomes indispensable when observing specimens under a stereomicroscope.

Today we are capable of expanding this stereo visual effect to photography: Leica Microsystems offers a one-of-a-kind, modular 3D system for the Leica M165 C stereomicroscope that makes it possible to examine 3D images on a computer.

(Sudanese proverb)

Example Anaglyph image of a metal surface.

Example Anaglyph image of a fracture surface.

Anaglyph image of a metal surface with visible reference plane.

To create anaglyph illustrations, two images of an object are taken from slightly different viewing angles and combined afterwards. The small deviation in the viewing angle is sufficient enought so that our brain can combine them into a spatial 3D image. The same principle is used with the Leica IC 3D camera, which captures two images offset slightly with a different viewing angle. These images are combined by the Leica Stereo Explorer software into a single 3D image.

Would you like to learn more about the Leica IC 3D and the Leica Stereo Explorer software? Then visit us atwww.leica-microsystems.com/products/stereoexplorer

Left Eye Right Eye

The digital surface model of a specimen can be rotated in any direction and zoomed.

The module “Profile analysis” illustrates the height profile across any (red) line. Within this profile, numerous measurements can be taken in x, y and z.

Differences in height are made visible by an optional, height-specific false-color representation.

The Stereo Explorer software application generates a stereopair from a single specimen. The left and right image channels show slightly different contours, allowing height to be computed.

The reference plane is used for all displayed height data. It can be configured as desired, or recalculated based on user-defined points.

Using the auxiliary module “Volume”, the Stereo Explorer precisely calculates the volumes above and below the reference plane.

This surface model, too, can be encoded for height using false colors and rotated in any way in space.

Examination of a written sample in stereo image representation. Here is a signature written with a blue ball-point pen.

The fracture surface of a metal bolt is well suited for 3D analysis using the Stereo Explorer software.

With Stereo Explorer, you can immediately determine the pressure used when the signature was written, and which lines have crossed.

The Stereo Explorer can also be used to analyze complex specimens without contact and to examine their shapes.

The reference plane can be defined as desired and rotated around all axes. It determines the zero point for all subsequent 3D measurements.

The perfect pair for stereo photographyAs if within grasp: Relief photographs result when the most modern hardware and software come together. The Leica IC 3D digital camera becomes the eyes of the stereomicroscope, while the Stereo Explorer takes over the brain’s role: it com-putes the 3D data record from the stereopairs.

Together, they generate a spatial image of the specimen in bril-liant colors and high resolution. They apply the newest algo-rithms of digital image processing so that the camera and the objective can show off their proverbial Leica qualities.

The full program at the touch of a button With a modular design, the Stereo Explorer can be expanded to include new functions at any time. The “Autofocus” mod-ule, for example, can be utilized to control the motorized focus, while the “Profile” module graphically displays the profile of a surface. Stereo Explorer offers the precise functions that you need for your work.

Leica Stereo Explorer – A System Overview

1 A stereopair is generated by an integrated camera.

2 The Leica IC 3D is suited for the Leica M165 C and MZ16 A stereomicroscopes.

3 The motorized focus is controlled by the Stereo Explorer and ensures that a uniform depth effect is attained.

4 If no PC is connected, the Leica SmartTouch can also be used as the controller.

5 Possible to view sample while using the Leica IC 3D.

6 High-quality Leica objectives yield crystal clear images.

7 The Leica LED5000 RL ring light provides the optimum illumination for stereo photography.

8 Both the camera and the software can be used with a wide variety of Leica accessories.

Important details about the Leica IC 3D digital camera

2 × 3.3 megapixel CCD with Bayer Array RGB filter generate outstanding color pictures.

Fast data transfer through a unique FireWire connection.

Connecting the camera to any stereomicroscope of the Leica M series is quick and easy – no adjustments necessary.

Important details about the Leica Stereo Explorer software

The live image function makes focusing and positioning fast.

Stereoscopic live viewing of specimens with anaglyph technology.

The intuitive and easy-to-use interface reduces time need to learn how to use the software.

The ergonomic integration of motorized stereomicroscopes makes repetitive tasks easier.

Software modules for profile, roughness, surface and volume analysis can be added at any time.

Stereo Explorer supports the Leica M165 C and MZ16 A stereomicroscopes.

Auto Calibration modeThe calibration tool (part no. 33 007 039) applies software-based corrections to manufacturing tolerances in the optics or mechanical system. This simply requires that the calibration tool is set to a specific zoom position using the integrated cali-bration assistant – everything else is handled by the system automatically.

Leave a lasting impression From the data attained, the Leica 3D Viewer models the “Digital Surface Model (DSM)”. This can be used, for example, to draw the original 2D image as a texture onto the DSM. And to illustrate the specimen’s vertical scale, a height-encoded false-color representation is used. Naturally, the surface model can be rotated in any direction and zoomed. Once you are completely satisfied with the results, save the view in a popular graphics format, such as TIFF or JPEG. Now, your pre-sentations will look better than ever!

Leica M165 C – precise, efficient, compact

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Leica IC 3D camera – Technical data, performance characteristics

Camera type CCD stereo camera with control software

Compatibility Compatible with all stereomicroscopes of the M series

Energy consumption ~6 W

Sensor type RGB Bayer Mosaic

Shutter control Electronic global shutter/interlaced scan mode

Resolution 2 × 3.3 megapixels (2088 × 1550)

Max. interpolated resolution 2 × 7.3 megapixels (3132 × 2325)

Color depth 36-bit

Exposure time 230 µs – 30 s

Live image On computer screen for all formats

Cooling Passive heat dissipation via metal housing

Image formats & photography modes

Images per second: fast / HQ

Resolution Mono Stereo

Full image, color or monochrome 2088 × 1550 5 / 2.5 2.5 / 1.25

2 × 2 binning, color or monochrome 1044 × 772 10 / 5 5 / 2.5

3 × 3 binning, color or monochrome 696 × 514 15 / 7.5 7.5 / 3.75

4 × 4 binning, color or monochrome 520 × 384 20 / 10 10 / 5

Progressive sub-sample 696 × 516 33 / NA 16.5 / NA

Progressive R or G B monochrome 1044 × 775 10 / 5 5 / 2.5

Modes Formats in fast (20 MHz) or high-quality (10 MHz) modes as specified above, triggered or free running

Computer requirements

Hardware Pentium 4 with 2 GHz, 512 MB, 24-bit graphics card, 1024×768, CD-ROM drive, onboard 1394a FireWire OHCI or available PCI slot for FireWire PCI card

Operating system Windows 2000, Windows XP

Required software Leica DFC Twain / Leica Stereo Explorer

Interface FireWire 6-pin (IEEE1394a)

Leica IC 3D: Technical data and operating environment

Housing Die-cast aluminum

Dimensions 129.5 × 97.5 × 40.0 mm (W × H × D)

Weight 550 g

Permissible temperature range +10 to +35°C

Relative humidity 10% to 80%, non-condensing

ARTICLE DESCRIpTIONS

Eyepieces and tubes10 450 023 Wide-field eyepieces for eyeglass wearers,

10×/23, distortion-free, dioptric correction, with eyecups (replaceable)

10 450 252 Inclined binocular tube, 45° viewing angle10 450 156 Binocular ErgoTube® with 45° viewing angle

and long tubes10 450 157 Binocular straight tube with 90° viewing angle10 450 158 Binocular ErgoTube® with variable viewing

angle 10° – 50°

Camera12 730 060 Leica IC 3D camera kit (includes 2 m 6-pin/6-pin

FireWire cable, Leica DFC Twain software) Zoom systems and accessories10 450 035 Leica M165 C, 16.5:1 zoom system,

apochromatic, electronically encoded

Focusing drive10 450 050 Motorized focus with 420 mm profile column10 450 258 Motorized focus with 620 mm profile column

Controls10 450 052 SmartTouch™, external control unit with integr.

touchscreen for status control and control of all settings and functions

10 450 298 Manual controller for motor focus

planapochromatic objectives, parfocal10 450 027 Planapochromatic objective 0.63×,

working distance 67 mm ∅ 80 mm10 450 028 Planapochromatic objective 1.0×,

working distance 61.5 mm ∅ 80 mm10 450 029 Planapochromatic objective 1.6×,

working distance 30.5 mm ∅ 80 mm10 450 030 Planapochromatic objective 2×,

working distance 20.1 mm ∅ 80 mm

Illuminators10 450 061 Leica LED5000 RL – ring illuminator with

48 LEDs30 310 001 Leica Fluo ring illuminator10 447 078 Adapter ring for Leica Fluo ring illuminator

Base and stage10 450 049 Incident-light base10 446 301 Gliding stage, ∅ 120 mm

pC and monitor12 723 869 PC33 000 011 19" TFT monitor for ShuttlePC

Software33 007 033 Leica Stereo Explorer, core33 007 034 “Autofocus”* 33 007 035 “Profile”*33 007 036 “Surface”*33 007 037 “Volume”*33 007 039 Calibration tool

* auxiliary module

SmartTouchTM

10 450 052Handwheel

10 450 298

M165 C10 450 035

IC 3D12 730 060

10×10 450 023

0.63× planapochromat10 450 027

1× planapochromat10 450 028

1.6× planapochromat10 450 029

2× planapochromat10 450 030

LED5000 RL10 450 061

Motorized focus10 450 050 short10 450 258 long

ErgoTube® 45°

10 450 156

Straight tube

10 450 157

Binocular tube 45°

10 450 252

Binocular Ergo-Tube®

10 450 158

Gliding stage10 446 301

Incident-light base10 450 049

Leica Microsystems operates globally in four divi sions, where we rank with the market leaders.

• Life Science DivisionThe Leica Microsystems Life Science Division supports the imaging needs of the scientifi c community with advanced innovation and technical expertise for the visualization, measurement, and analysis of microstructures. Our strong focus on understanding scientifi c applications puts Leica Microsystems’ customers at the leading edge of science.

• Industry DivisionThe Leica Microsystems Industry Division’s focus is to support customers’ pursuit of the highest quality end result. Leica Microsystems provide the best and most innovative imaging systems to see, measure, and analyze the micro-structures in routine and research industrial applications, materials science, quality control, forensic science inves-tigation, and educational applications.

• Biosystems DivisionThe Leica Microsystems Biosystems Division brings his-topathology labs and researchers the highest-quality, most comprehensive product range. From patient to pa-thologist, the range includes the ideal product for each histology step and high-productivity workfl ow solutions for the entire lab. With complete histology systems fea-turing innovative automation and Novocastra™ reagents, Leica Microsystems creates better patient care through rapid turnaround, diagnostic confi dence, and close cus-tomer collaboration.

• Surgical DivisionThe Leica Microsystems Surgical Division’s focus is to partner with and support surgeons and their care of pa-tients with the highest-quality, most innovative surgi cal microscope technology today and into the future.

“With the user, for the user”Leica Microsystems

The statement by Ernst Leitz in 1907, “with the user, for the user,” describes the fruitful collaboration with end users and driving force of innovation at Leica Microsystems. We have developed fi ve brand values to live up to this tradition: Pioneering, High-end Quality, Team Spirit, Dedication to Science, and Continuous Improvement. For us, living up to these values means: Living up to Life.

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www.leica-microsystems.com

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