Despite exciting development leaps in post-processing, high-quality optic components remain indispensable for the visualisation of tiny details in the microscopic world.

Digital microscopy offers us high-resolution images of living cells and cell processes in real time, which has led to significant advances in cancer research, genetics and stem cell research. In pathology, digital microscopy has revolutionised the analysis of tissue samples by enabling more precise diagnoses and collaboration between pathologists worldwide. In neuroscience, too, researchers can use these systems to examine neuronal networks and synapses in greater detail over long periods of time.

In many disciplines, both in medicine and industry, digital microscopes are seen as revolutionary. With sharp, high-contrast images at enormous resolutions and sophisticated tools for image processing and in combination with other digital technologies, they expand access to the finest details now visible under the microscope. There is no doubt that today‘s information technology has no problem processing immense amounts of data. As a result, digital microscopes have stretched the limits of diagnostics, efficient treatment methods and research. On thing is clear though: Anything that the optical components of digital microscopes cannot capture cannot be made visible with post-processing either.

OPTICS DETERMINE THE QUALITY
“Optics are and remain the key to excellence in digital microscopy. How well a system works will ultimately depend on the quality of its optical components. Precisely these components are our specialty”, stresses Franz Aigner, the WILD Group’s Head of Business Development. Whether it is Digital 3D microscopes for high-tech operating theatres, state-of-the-art video microscopes for ultra-precise on-wafer measurements or microscopes for mask aligners in semiconductor manufacturing, they have one thing in common: the centrepiece of all these systems are excellent optics.

“We bring the outstanding concepts of our customers into serial production in a safe and cost-effective manner. Not only due to our long-standing expertise in the development and conceptual design of optics, but primarily due to our different special skills in the manufacturing of high-precision optics, which we have mastered to the point of perfection”, Aigner adds.

EVER HIGHER COMPLEXITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS

This combination of depth and diversity in expertise is particularly coveted in digital microscopy. Nowadays, one can combine a digital microscope with OCT technology or other digital technologies. It is also possible to use several sensors that are active on several wavelengths. As a result, not only surfaces but also cross sections become visible. Yet the rising complexity of digital microscopes also brings higher requirements for competence, precision, and purity. WILD can meet these high requirements. The company’s competences range from the selection of the best-suited components,process engineering and choice of production and assembly process, to precision cleaning, cleanroom manufacturing and accurate adjustment of measurement instruments. “Moreover, customers can also rely on WILD’s competent support in creating fully compliant documentation for MDR or FDA approval”, emphasises Stefan Werkl, Head of Business Unit Optical Technologies.

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION FOR OPERATING THEATRES
The latest example is a digital surgical microscope that has been on the market since 2024. It opens new opportunities for the dynamic visualisation of information and has the potential to herald groundbreaking innovations in the field of surgery. WILD supplies the entire device. The customer opted for the expertise of the Austrian technology partner at a very early stage in the project phase. “The current optical block is based on a concept developed by us”, says Manfred Gallé, Head of Business Unit Medical Technology.

PROCESS EXPERTISE PAVES THE WAY TO NEW TOLERANCE RANGES
“Due to our close proximity to manufacturing, we were also involved in the definition of the assembly process. This meant dealing with questions like ‘Which measurement parameters are necessary?’ or ‘What should individual assembly devices look like?’”, Gallé explains. This shows that in order to advance into new tolerance ranges, much more is needed than just technical equipment and xpertise in manufacturing techniques like positioning milling and alignment turning. “We are constantly fine-tuning our processes, and they are permanently improving.”

PHOTONIC DELIVERS LIGHT
The WILD Group also delivers the complete lighting system for this innovative system. PHOTONIC supplies the complete lighting unit. “The quality of illumination is essential for the image to be generated”, stresses PHOTONIC Managing Director Stefan Zotter. Though this basically applies to every microscope, this one presented particular challenges. Zotter cites the example of a surgery mode, in which more light is projected into the eye over a short period of time. “The light intensity is significantly higher but also critical, so it must be monitored accordingly”, the lighting expert explains.

VIDEO MICROSCOPE FOR GLOBAL MARKET LEADER

Outside the field of medical technology, digital microscopes are also firmly established in the semiconductor industry. WILD is very pleased to welcome a new customer here, considered to be among the global market leaders in high-precision wafer testing technologies. Starting in 2025, they will be handing over the production of a video microscope for ultra-precise on-wafer measurements to the technology partner. The system was developed by the customer themself and incorporates an array of high-quality optics that guarantee maximum resolution. “We are proud to be part of these groundbreaking developments”, admits Stefan Werkl, Head of Business Unit Optical Technologies.