FAQs

How to choose between the Optiprexx PLS and a RubyLux mounted on the adjustable stage? 

Indeed, when the RubyLux is mounted onto its manual adjustment set-up, the two systems become very similar in terms of performance and functionalities.

 The way to choose between the two is the following:
•    Will you need a system with an interlock? If yes, then PLS + interlock option. The RubyLux cannot have an interlock;
•    The RubyLux has a CCD camera integrated to visualize the sample. This is an option for the PLS;
•    If you are planning to mount the Ruby measurement system onto a diffractometer then the RubyLux gives this option. 

If you are only planning to use this Ruby measurement system onto a bench as a standalone system then both are very similar (bar the camera).

What is the difference between the stand alone and the stereomicroscope versions of the RubyLux? 

We have two versions of the Optiprexx Rubylux.

The stand alone version is fitted with an objective for the laser light. The focal length of this objective is normally 63mm although shorter working distance objective can be fitted. The stand alone design is normally used in conjunction with cryostat with optical windows and serves the purpose of measuring the Ruby fluorescence inside the DAC mounted in the cryostat (hence the longer working distance). It does not need extra optics.

The stereo-microscope version of the Optiprexx Ruby Lux is to be mounted onto the top of microscope using a C-mount. The focusing is done in that case though the optics of the existing microscope.

What is the magnification of the RubyLUX Mk2? 

The RubyLUX is equipped with a custom made objective offering a working distance of 63 mm working in conjunction with an internal 5MP CCD camera. This set-up offers a magnification of around x100, i.e. an object having a size of 30 microns will appear as an image of around 3 mm on the PC display.

 Our objective is a home-made, customized and purposely designed to offer a long working distance (63mm @ 532nm) whilst keeping a large numerical aperture to collect more emitted light from the Ruby. As such it is not characterized by a nominal magnification but more as an overall magnification offered by the combination of this objective and CCD camera. It is not a commercial objective as used on systems from other companies which might advertise a specific magnification but to the detriment of the numerical aperture (and in turn collection).

Why is the image on the CCD camera blue? 

The blue light is because of the way the RubyLux is build.
The RubyLux is build to maximise the Ruby Fluorescence Signal, cutting as little as possible from the 532nm laser and capturing as much as possible of 690+ nm.
To do this we had to compromise on the camera path. The first dichroic filter when you enter the RubyLux cuts around 500nm, sending only light 380-500nm (which is blue), to the camera.
The also works in the opposite direction, the LED light output from the rubylux is blue, not white.

Why should I order the stereomicroscope and RubyLUX from you rather than use it my own microscope which is an Olympus SZ7X? 

For the Olympus stereomicroscope, I would rather encourage you to select our complete package Stereomicroscope + RubyLUX.  Each stereomicroscope has a different quality of optics and attenuation of the light when going through the C mount. This can have an impact on the amount of power from the laser actually exciting the sample as quite a lot of the laser light can be filtered by the internal optic. Also usually stereomicroscope have an incident illuminating light which is not particularly suitable for diamond anvil cell as this light does not illuminate the sample. Finally our RubyLUX is usually optically aligned with this specific type of stereomicroscope matching the light convergence or divergence coming out of the C mount.

Why can’t I measure the Diamond Raman peak with the RubyLux?  

The high-resolution spectrometers with 1200-, 1800-, or 2400-line density from Ocean Optics have spectral ranges of ~ 200 nm, 90 nm, and 80 nm respectively. The diffraction gratings are adjusted to a starting wavelength and fixed in place in the spectrometer. This means that RubyLux is not able to cover the spectral range of 570 nm – 800 nm allowing both diamond Raman with the 532nm laser and the fluorescence of the ruby.

What is the laser class of the RubyLUX? 

The RubyLUX is classified as Class IIIb (*). There is no interlock option available.

(*) A Class 3B laser is hazardous if the eye is exposed directly, but diffuse reflections such as those from paper or other matte surfaces are not harmful. The AEL for continuous lasers in the wavelength range from 315 nm to far infrared is 0.5 W. For pulsed lasers between 400 and 700 nm, the limit is 30 mJ. Other limits apply to other wavelengths and to ultrashort pulsed lasers. Protective eyewear is typically required where direct viewing of a class 3B laser beam may occur. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock. Class 3B lasers are used inside CD and DVD writers, although the writer unit itself is class 1 because the laser light cannot leave the unit.

Is the objective infinity-corrected? 

The objective of the RubyLUX is a custom home made objective which we have designed to ensure the  best possible compromise between the numerical aperture (NA) and the working distance (WD). It has been designed and is assembled to be an infinity-corrected objective. The laser beam comes in the objective parallel and focus at the working distance of the objective. Similarly the position of the internal camera is adjusted to collect the image of the object positioned at the working distance of the objective.