Microscopy: Keyence VK-X250/260K 3D Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope
Overview
The Keyence VK-X Series 3D Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope provides non-contact, nanometer-level profile, roughness, and film thickness data on any material. The lateral resolution of the microscope is 120 nm using the 408 nm Violet laser light. The microscope scans the surface using a 16-bit photomultiplier to receive the reflected laser light. The instrument is able to provide highly accurate 3D measurement data over any shape of materials and steep angles (up to 88 Degree angle of detection). High-resolution optical images can be acquired with resolutions up to 21.6 million pixels through 3CCD pixel shifting technology. High dynamic range (16-bit resolution color gradation) function automatically recognizes bright and dark areas as well as low contrast areas.
Getting Started and Training Information
In order to become a qualified user of the Keyence Laser Microscope, you need to follow each of these steps in the order as listed here:
- Complete the process to become a lab member of SNSF and follow the instructions to activate a Badger account.
- Complete the process to become a Nanopatterning Cleanroom user.
- Review the Resources section below for an introduction to the Keyence 3D Confocal Microscope and how to operate it.
- Pass (80%) and complete the Keyence 3D Laser Confocal Microscope Review Quiz and New User Intake Form. An email is automatically sent to staff once you have completed the form.
- Staff will reach out to schedule a one-on-one training session. Training is typically a single one-hour session. You are encouraged but not required to bring your own sample(s) to the session to look at your sample and go through the analysis you expect to do in the future. Any features that were not discussed in the SOP or videos may be taught during the training session depending on how you plan to use the tool and what your samples may look like.
Auto-disqualification: Badger will auto-disqualify you on the Keyence Laser Microscope if you do not use it in a 3 year period. This is to keep an up-to-date record of active, qualified users on the Keyence Laser Microscope in Badger. To get re-qualified (re-training not required), please email nano-keyence-staff@lists.stanford.edu.
Resources
Keyence Microscope - Standard Operating Procedures
Keyence Microscope - Standard Operation Quick Guide
Keyence Microscope - Training Video Playlist
Keyence Microscope - Training Session Outline
Online SEM edX course, from Nano@Stanford. The Keyence module is located under Microscopy.