Super Large Stage Metallurgical Microscope with 12-inch Stage for Chip, Wafer, Particle Blasting Inspection
Research-grade upright metallurgical microscope with a 12-inch stage (760 × 430 mm platform, 300 × 300 mm travel) for semiconductor wafer inspection, FPD examination, and large-specimen metallography.
Infinite Semi-Apo BF/DF optical system with polarization analysis and DIC-ready nosepiece. Dual 10W LED illumination.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Configured during quote
- SKU family
- MCX-0018
- Shipping box
- 4.9 × 6.6 × 6.6 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Microscopy
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
CM120BD Super Large Stage Metallurgical Microscope with 12-inch Stage
The CM120BD is a research-grade upright metallurgical microscope built for inspecting oversized samples that standard stages cannot accommodate. Its 12-inch stage provides a 760 × 430 mm platform area with 300 × 300 mm motorized travel, making it purpose-built for 12-inch semiconductor wafer inspection, flat panel display (FPD) examination, circuit board cross-section measurement, and large metallographic specimen analysis.
Infinite Semi-Apochromatic Optical System
The infinity-corrected semi-apochromatic (Semi-Apo) optical system delivers superior chromatic correction compared to standard plan achromatic objectives. Four long-working-distance BD objectives are included (5×, 10×, 20×, 50×), each designed for simultaneous brightfield and darkfield observation. Optional 2.5× and 100× Semi-Apo objectives extend the magnification range to 25×–1000×, while optional full apochromatic 50× and 100× objectives are available for applications demanding the highest optical fidelity.
Multi-Mode Observation
The CM120BD integrates four observation techniques in a single instrument:
- Brightfield (BF): Standard reflected-light imaging for metallographic structure, grain boundaries, and surface features.
- Darkfield (DF): Enhances surface scratches, particles, and defects invisible under brightfield by illuminating the specimen at oblique angles.
- Polarization: Insert-plate polarizer and 360° rotary analyzer eliminate glare from highly reflective surfaces — critical for semiconductor and PCB inspection where stray light obscures detail.
- DIC (Differential Interference Contrast): The 5-hole nosepiece includes a DIC prism slot. With the optional DIC group, surface height differences as small as a few nanometers produce visible relief contrast, ideal for detecting conductive particles and subtle wafer defects.
12-inch Large-Format Stage
The mechanical stage accommodates full 12-inch (300 mm) wafers and large flat samples. The 310 × 418 mm glass insert area and 300 × 300 mm XY travel with coaxial adjustment and fast-move device enable efficient scanning of large specimens without repositioning. The stage is also compatible with the optional 12-inch universal wafer turntable for rotational inspection.
Dual LED Illumination
Both reflected and transmitted illumination use 10W adjustable LED sources, providing cool, stable, long-life lighting suitable for extended inspection sessions. The reflected illuminator includes variable aperture and field diaphragms with adjustable centering, a color filter slot, and a polarizer/analyzer slot. The transmitted lamp room supports analysis of transparent and translucent materials.
Precision Focus and Ergonomic Frame
The low-hand-position coaxial focusing mechanism provides 35 mm coarse travel with 0.001 mm fine adjustment precision. An adjustable tightening device prevents stage drift, and a random upper-limit stop protects objectives and specimens from collision during focus adjustment.
Specifications
| Model | CM120BD |
| Optical System | Infinite chromatic aberration correction (Semi-Apo) |
| Magnification (Standard) | 50×–500× |
| Magnification (Extended) | 25×–1000× (with optional 2.5× and 100× objectives) |
| Digital Magnification | 75×–3000× (with 12MP camera, 2.5× & 100× objectives, 22″ display) |
| Eyepiece | PL10×/25 mm, high eye point, wide field, positive image |
| Standard Objectives | LWD BD Semi-Apo 5×/NA0.15/WD15 mm, 10×/NA0.30/WD8.4 mm, 20×/NA0.40/WD11.9 mm, 50×/NA0.75/WD3.0 mm |
| Optional Objectives | Semi-Apo 2.5×/NA0.08/WD9.2 mm, 100×/NA0.90/WD1.0 mm; Apo 50×/NA0.55/WD8.0 mm, 100×/NA0.80/WD2.8 mm |
| Nosepiece | 5-hole brightfield converter with DIC slot |
| Viewing Head | Angle-adjustable trinocular, positive image, pupil distance 50–76 mm |
| Stage Platform | 760 × 430 mm (12-inch stage) |
| Stage Glass Area | 310 × 418 mm |
| Stage Travel | 300 × 300 mm, coaxial XY with fast-move device |
| Focus | Coarse 35 mm stroke / Fine 0.001 mm accuracy, with drift lock and upper-limit stop |
| Reflected Illumination | 10W adjustable LED, variable aperture & field diaphragm, color filter slot, polarizer slot |
| Transmitted Illumination | 10W adjustable LED |
| Condenser | Swing-out achromatic, NA 0.9 |
| Polarization | Insert-plate polarizer + 360° rotary analyzer |
| Camera Adapter | 0.65× C-mount with focusing (optional 0.5× / 1×) |
| Observation Modes | Brightfield, Darkfield, Polarization, DIC (optional) |
Optional Accessories
- Semi-Apo objectives: 2.5×/NA0.08 and 100×/NA0.90
- Full apochromatic objectives: 50×/NA0.55 and 100×/NA0.80
- DIC differential interference contrast observation system
- Digital cameras: 12MP, 20MP, or 4K
- Image processing software (measurement, mosaic stitching, depth-of-field fusion)
- Stage micrometer calibration kit (0.01 mm / 100 divisions)
- 12-inch universal wafer turntable
Applications
- Semiconductor wafer inspection (up to 12-inch / 300 mm wafers)
- Flat panel display (FPD) quality control
- Printed circuit board (PCB) cross-section analysis
- Metallographic structure and grain size measurement
- Polymer and composite material analysis
- Conductive particle detection via DIC
- Fracture surface examination
Computer and camera are not included in the standard configuration.
How It Works
Metallurgical microscopy operates on reflected light principles where illumination from the integrated LED system passes through the objective lens to the sample surface and returns through the same optical path. The infinite chromatic aberration correction system eliminates color fringing across the magnification range while maintaining sharp focus from center to edge of the field of view.
The Köhler illumination configuration with variable aperture and field stops provides even sample illumination and optimal contrast. For specialized analysis, the polarizing assembly with 360° rotary polarizer enables identification of anisotropic materials and crystal orientations, while the DIC (Differential Interference Contrast) capability enhances surface topography visualization by converting optical path differences into amplitude variations visible as relief contrast.
The dual illumination system allows switching between reflected light for opaque samples and transmitted light for transparent materials, with the roll-out achromatic condenser (N.A. 0.9) optimizing illumination geometry for each mode.
Features & Benefits
Research record
Use these values in methods sections and data records.
- Device type
- Microscope
OBI:0400169
This ID comes from the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations (OBI).
Download the source data for this record as a JSON-LD file
Methods section wording
microscope (ConductScience, Skokie, IL, USA; cat. no. MCX-0018)
Automation Level
- Manual
Product Type
- Microscope
Microscope Type
- Metallurgical
Application
- Materials Science
- Quality Control
- Semiconductor Inspection
Skill Level
- Advanced
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Materials Science
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Quality Control
- Analytical Chemistry
- Industrial Inspection
Optical System
- Infinite Semi-Apochromatic
Magnification Range
- 50x-500x (25x-1000x extended)
Observation Modes
- Brightfield
- Darkfield
- Polarization
- DIC (optional)
Stage Size
- 12-inch (760 x 430 mm)
Stage Travel
- 300 x 300 mm
Illumination
- Dual 10W LED (Reflected + Transmitted)
Eyepiece
- PL10x/25mm Wide Field
Nosepiece
- 5-hole BF with DIC Slot
Focus Precision
- 0.001 mm fine adjustment
Condenser
- Swing-out Achromatic NA 0.9
Camera Mount
- 0.65x C-mount (optional 0.5x/1x)
Shipping weight
- 1.9 lb
Shipping box
- L: 4.9 cm
- W: 6.6 cm
- H: 6.6 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage Platform Size | 760×430mm platform with 300×300mm movement range | Standard models typically offer 200×150mm platforms with limited travel | Accommodates large semiconductor wafers and industrial components without sample repositioning |
| Optical System Design | Infinite chromatic aberration correction system | Entry-level models often use finite tube length optics | Eliminates color fringing and maintains sharpness across the entire field of view for accurate measurements |
| Illumination Configuration | Dual 10W LED systems for reflected and transmitted modes | Basic models may offer only reflected illumination or lower power sources | Enables examination of both opaque and transparent samples with stable, heat-free lighting |
| Polarization Capability | 360° rotary polarizer with analyzer slots | Standard systems may lack polarization or offer fixed orientations | Provides complete polarization analysis for crystal orientation and stress pattern studies |
| Objective Compatibility | 5-position nosepiece with DIC slots and long working distance options | Basic microscopes often have 4-position nosepieces without specialized contrast methods | Supports multiple contrast techniques and thick sample examination with rapid magnification changes |
| Digital Integration | C-mount adapter with 0.65x reduction and 75-3000x digital magnification | Lower-end systems may lack camera ports or offer limited digital magnification | Enables comprehensive documentation and measurement capabilities for quality control protocols |
This metallurgical microscope offers an oversized stage platform, infinite optical correction, and comprehensive illumination capabilities that exceed standard laboratory microscopes. The combination of large sample capacity, advanced optical design, and digital integration provides enhanced versatility for industrial and research applications.
Practical Tips
Use the stage micrometer to calibrate both mechanical movement scales and digital measurement systems before beginning quantitative analysis.
Why: Ensures accurate dimensional measurements and maintains traceability to measurement standards.
Clean optical surfaces weekly with appropriate lens tissue and solutions, paying special attention to the objectives and illuminator components.
Why: Prevents contamination buildup that degrades image quality and measurement accuracy.
Establish Köhler illumination by centering the aperture and field stops before each analysis session using the BD illuminator controls.
Why: Provides optimal resolution and contrast while ensuring even illumination across the field of view.
When using polarized light, rotate the analyzer through 360° to identify optimal extinction positions for crystal orientation studies.
Why: Maximizes contrast for anisotropic materials and reveals crystallographic features not visible under normal illumination.
If image quality appears degraded, check that all objectives are properly seated in the nosepiece and DIC components are correctly aligned.
Why: Prevents optical misalignment that can reduce resolution and introduce measurement errors.
Document illumination settings and optical configuration for each analysis to ensure reproducible results across measurement sessions.
Why: Maintains consistency in quantitative measurements and enables validation of analytical protocols.
Allow LED illuminators to stabilize for 5-10 minutes before critical measurements to minimize intensity variations.
Why: Ensures stable illumination conditions for consistent photometric measurements and reduces thermal drift.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Super large stage metallurgical microscope main unit
- PL10X/25mm eyepieces (pair)
- BD semi-apochromatic objectives (standard set)
- 5-position nosepiece with DIC slots
- Polarizing assembly with 360° rotary polarizer
- Roll-out achromatic condenser (N.A. 0.9)
- Stage micrometer for calibration
- Power supply and cables
- Dust covers and maintenance tools
- User manual and optical adjustment guide (typical)
- Calibration certificate (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering optical and mechanical components, with technical support for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the maximum sample thickness that can be accommodated with the long working distance objectives?
The optional 2.5X BD semi-apo objective provides 9.2mm working distance. For thicker samples, consult the complete objective specifications to determine compatibility with your sample geometry.
Can this system perform quantitative phase measurements using the DIC capability?
The DIC slots in the nosepiece support differential interference contrast for enhanced topography visualization. For quantitative phase measurements, additional DIC prisms and calibrated retardation plates would be required.
What digital camera specifications are recommended for the C-mount adapter?
The 0.65x C-mount adapter is designed for standard microscopy cameras. A 12MP camera provides 75-3000x digital magnification range when used with the optional 2.5X and 100X objectives on a 22-inch display.
How does the stage movement precision compare to standard metallurgical microscopes?
The 300×300mm mechanical stage provides coaxial X-Y adjustment with fast movement capability. Consult product datasheet for specific movement precision and repeatability specifications.
Can the illumination system accommodate filters for specific wavelength analysis?
The BD reflective illuminator includes color filter slots. The system accepts standard microscopy filters for wavelength selection and contrast enhancement techniques.
What maintenance is required for the LED illumination systems?
The 10W LED systems provide stable, long-life illumination. Regular cleaning of optical surfaces and periodic calibration of illumination uniformity maintains optimal performance.
Is the polarization system suitable for stress analysis in transparent materials?
The 360° rotary polarizer assembly supports polarization microscopy techniques. Combined with transmitted illumination, it enables stress pattern visualization in transparent samples.
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