Prior Scientific reports that its OptiScan® controller together with associated microscope stage and focus motor have been used to create stunning artistic designs.

Using this equipment, Richard Weston, a former Professor of Architecture at Cardiff University (UK) has acquired high magnification images of minerals, such as agate, fluorite, and calcite, to produce unique designs for a range of products including scarves, glass panels, and in one case a facade for a three story house.

Asked about his novel use of the Prior stage and stepper motor, Richard Weston commented “Using this high quality equipment I am able to precisely frame the images I am looking to capture thereby ensuring the best possible composition for my designs. In addition, the stepper motor allows the use of techniques such as Z-stacking, which is vital for samples such as minerals that may have rough, uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the OptiScan control system is compatible with NIS-Elements®, which has allowed me to control the entire imaging process from a single point”.

The OptiScan ES111 stage offers a travel range of 125 x 75 mm with a resolution of 1 µm and +/- 5 ìm repeatability. The focus motor can drive at 20 revolutions per second, and has a minimum step size of just 0.002 µm.

Prior Scientific has been manufacturing top quality, high performance equipment and instruments for optical microscopy since 1919. Prior Scientific produces a wide range of motorised stages, system controllers, robotic sample loaders and illumination devices. Prior Scientific has been manufacturing top quality, high performance equipment and instruments for optical microscopy since 1919. Prior Scientific produces a wide range of motorised stages, system controllers, robotic sample loaders and illumination devices. 

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