Jul 28 2010
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has named Olympus America Inc. as a key partner for its Nanotechnology Research Center (NRC). Olympus will provide researchers with advanced microscopes, camera equipment and software to meet a variety of optical imaging needs.
The Georgia Tech NRC (http://grover.mirc.gatech.edu/) is one of the world’s leading institutions in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology research. It is one of only 14 United States academic centers in the National Science Foundation-supported National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network. The NRC serves nearly 600 researchers each year, of whom more than a third come from other universities, colleges, companies and government laboratories in the U.S. and abroad. It facilitates interdisciplinary research in micro- and nano-fabrication and characterization and welcomes outside individuals to use its facilities. Its new Marcus Nanotechnology Building merges nanotechnology and biological sciences with a clean room offering BSL-1 and BSL-2 clean room bays.
The suite of Olympus instruments installed at Georgia Tech includes the flagship LEXT OLS4000® laser scanning confocal 3D measuring microscope. The LEXT provides high-resolution imaging, submicron critical dimension measurements, film thickness measurements and non-contact surface analysis with full traceability. The world’s first laser-based, dual-confocal system optimized to operate at 405 nanometers, the system allows researchers, engineers and technicians to measure and image angles up to 85 degrees accurately. It quickly and easily accommodates samples that have multiple reflectivity levels and offers what may be the first-ever accuracy and repeatability guarantee provided by an industrial confocal system manufacturer.
Georgia Tech also has acquired semiconductor inspection microscopes from Olympus. These include an MX51® inspection microscope configured for critical near-infrared observation through silicon for nondestructive viewing of structures deep inside wafers. In addition, three MX61 wafer inspection microscopes configured for general optical inspection will be available for use. The digital imaging and analysis software provided by Olympus offers even greater benefit to researchers by making it possible to do basic metrology and share images acquired on all the optical tools.
“We are delighted to have been selected by one of America’s premier educational institutions to provide key equipment that will help researchers push back the frontiers of nanotechnology research,” said Matt Smith, director of sales and marketing for Olympus America Inc.’s Scientific Equipment Group – Industrial Microscopes.
“By providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and instruments in the NRC, we believe that we are facilitating great advancements in areas as vital and diverse as drug delivery, green energy development and consumer technology,” added NRC associate director Kevin Martin.