Miniscope has also been actively used for R & D in the environmental field as a basic tool.
Eco-consciousness of the 'Miniscope' is not only in its compact size, lightweight and energy-conservation functions, but also in its visual observation and element analysis capabilities that contribute to the improvement of new eco-technologies in the environmental field.
The 'Miniscope TM-1000', a desktop electron microscope, has realised user-friendly simple operations and compact size. However, there are no mentions of the fact that it is an 'electron microscope' in product catalogues. Why is this cutting-edge aspect of the product not highlighted? We asked about the reason behind this to Mr. Kenichi Hirane (First Advanced Analysis System Designing Department, Naka Division), in charge of the microscope's development and production... .
![[Image] Mr. Hirane is talking](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-01.jpg)
“Electron microscopes generally require various condition settings and equipment adjustment, including the level of voltage set during observation and the vacuum used. However, since these settings are too complicated for most people, they cannot use electron microscopes smoothly without extensive knowledge. We therefore developed the Miniscope as an easy-to-use microscope with a desktop size, focusing on the most commonly used functions, for example, by limiting the power up to magnification of 10,000, which is low for an electron microscope, and limiting its use to an observation mode in a low vacuum environment. This is a reason why we call it a desktop microscope rather than an electron microscope”.
![[Image] Offering the required functions and the right price! Also useful for companies, schools and individuals, as an easy-to-use desktop microscope.](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-c01.gif)
![[Image] desktop microscopes](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-02.jpg)
According to Mr. Hirane, this desktop microscope is a product with a new concept that links optical microscopes to electron microscopes. Thanks to its price of less than 5 million yen, which is low for an electron microscope, its height of approx. 50 centimeters, magnification of up to 10,000 and its compatibility to 3-pin 100VAC outlets, individuals as well as a variety of companies, plants, educational institutions, including universities and high schools have become able to use electron microscopes.
In the base design of the 'Miniscope TM-1000' as a desktop microscope, the environmental load is minimised.
![[Image] Turbo molecular pump](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-03.jpg)
Turbo molecular pump
For example, it does not need any special installation work, and you can get power by just connecting the plug into a 100VAC 3-pin outlet. In addition, for the vacuum pump to discharge air in the specimen room, a turbo molecular pump, which does not require cooling water, is used, lowering the running cost of the entire equipment and decreasing the power consumption by about 80%*, more than our existing equipment.
*Compared to the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope S-2600N.
Moreover, the startup time from turning on the switch to a state of readiness to observe the specimen is only three minutes. When compared to the approximately 3 minutes required for general electron microscopes, users can feel like they are able to observe specimens whenever they want, without having to wait.
![[Image] Comparison of the startup time](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-04.gif)
![[Image] Consumption power largely reduced by approx. 80%* and installation space by approx. 87%*! Its energy-saving, compact size and user-friendly features have been highly evaluated.](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-c02.gif)
The Miniscope TM-1000 Desktop Microscope has been registered as an Eco- Product of the Hitachi Group, based on evaluation in consideration of the environment, taking into account its energy-saving capability and compact size. *Compared to the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope S-2600N.
*Compared to the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope S-2600N.
Furthermore, the procedure for observation is also very simple thanks to the abundant auto functions. By just clicking the 'Start' button, the Miniscope starts with automatically adjusted brightness, including the luminous intensity and contrast, allowing you to use it instantly. The simple operating controls, similar to a digital compact camera, and the easy-to-see screen are really attractive. These features will enable it to be used by teachers and students in schools as well as by research institutions and companies that have previously used optical microscopes.
![[Image] Featuring an auto start function.](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-05.gif)
After the creation of the Miniscope TM-1000 Desktop Microscope, the possibilities of electron microscopes are coming to be recognised more widely. As well as serving in the role of the basic tool for R & D in the environmental field, microscopes are now an indispensable tool for the ecology field through their development in the medical and science fields.
![[Image] Diatom](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-06.jpg)
Specimen: Diatom
Possibilities for research advancement, based on new concepts created through observations made in research and development in the environmental conservation field, has been enhanced by giving consideration to the following points: (1) clues for improvements by solving the issue of how energy efficiency can be enhanced by improving fuel cells in order to increase the surface area where the catalyst reacts; (2) by observing diatomite that absorbs environmental endocrine disrupters (e.g. formaldehyde); and (3) by evaluating a catalyst to decompose air pollutants, including NOx and Sox and so on.
We will further evolve the technology of the Miniscope, continuing to make efforts to ensure its popularisation and to reduce its costs in the future. One approach involved here is an elemental analysis function to identify the composition of chemical substances that make up the specimen under observation, in addition to just viewing it. With this function, we are able to further deepen research and development in the ecology field, not only by observing shapes but also by analysing elements.
In this way the development of the next generation of products is underway towards meeting the needs of specialists. Our challenges with the Miniscope are far from over.
![[Image] Basic tool essential for eco-activities. Playing a large role in both the environmental field and R & D.](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-c03.gif)
![[Image] Mr. Hirane is talking in front of Miniscope](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-07.jpg)
Elemental analysis is accomplished easily with the Miniscope!
![[Image] Elemental analysis is accomplished easily with the Miniscope and visual observation of asbestos (Wollastonite)](/environment/showcase/speco_technique/miniscope/images/img_02-08.jpg)
An energy dispersive X-ray analyser is a piece of equipment that allows for the elemental analysis of microscopic elements observed with an electron microscope. By installing this equipment into the Miniscope, elemental analysis is enabled in addition to visual observation. This equipment enables the measurement of Na (sodium) through U (uranium) in the periodic table of the elements, and is easy to use, just like the main unit of the Miniscope.
For example, for asbestos with various types, we can not only observe the shape but also determine the elemental composition of a single piece of asbestos. This allows us to identify the types of asbestos and take proper measures against them.
Specimen in Left picture: visual observation of asbestos (Wollastonite) and indications of peak elements.
