Prior Scientific PureFocus 690 Laser Autofocus System
Price available on request — please contact us for a quote
Prior Scientific Hardware Autofocus
PureFocus 690 Laser Autofocus System
Real-time hardware autofocus designed for Raman, near-infrared and advanced microscopy applications.
Price on quotation
PureFocus 690 must be configured for the microscope, objectives, optical path, imaging wavelengths, sample interface, focus actuator and software requirements. Auckland Scientific will assess the complete application and provide a system-specific quotation.
Click to View PureFocus 690 Datasheet
Product overview
Prior Scientific PureFocus 690 combines advanced optics and intelligent processing with a 690 nm laser to provide rapid, real-time focus maintenance for compatible infinity-corrected optical systems.
Designed principally for Raman and near-infrared microscopy, the system provides greater near-infrared transmission than PureFocus 850. Its optical path transmits wavelengths from 385–650 nm and 730–1100 nm, encompassing the major Raman microscopy excitation wavelengths while extending transmission into the near-infrared.
PureFocus detects a suitable reflective interface and maintains the required distance between that interface and the imaging focal plane. This helps compensate for focus drift caused by temperature changes, mechanical movement, sample variation and long-duration image acquisition.
A motorised offset lens allows the imaging depth to be adjusted relative to the detected interface. The system can maintain a selected image plane continuously or acquire images at different focus offsets while referencing the same surface.
Raman and IR compatible
Designed to transmit the major Raman excitation wavelengths and wavelengths extending to 1100 nm.
Real-time focus control
Provides rapid sample detection, focus recovery and continuous correction during imaging.
Long recapture range
Provides an objective-dependent focus capture range for recovering focus after larger movements.
Multi-objective operation
Stores and recalls objective-specific parameters for automated multi-objective systems.
PureFocus 690 or PureFocus 850?
| System | Autofocus laser | Transmitted wavelength range | Principal applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureFocus 690 | 690 nm | 385–650 nm and 730–1100 nm | Raman, near-infrared and spectroscopic microscopy |
| PureFocus 850 | 850 nm | 365–800 nm | Life science, industrial, materials and semiconductor imaging |
Wavelength compatibility must be checked
PureFocus 690 does not transmit continuously across the complete 385–1100 nm range. The published transmission bands are 385–650 nm and 730–1100 nm, leaving a wavelength exclusion region around the 690 nm autofocus laser. All excitation, illumination, detection and spectroscopy wavelengths must therefore be reviewed before selection.
How PureFocus works
- The PureFocus laser is introduced through the infinity optical path of the compatible microscope.
- The autofocus system detects a suitable reflective reference interface within the sample arrangement.
- PureFocus calculates the correction needed to maintain the selected relationship between the reference interface and imaging plane.
- A compatible motorised focus mechanism, piezo device or supported third-party actuator moves the focal plane.
- Focus is continuously monitored and corrected during image acquisition or sample movement.
Available PureFocus 690 configurations
PureFocus 690 is available with point-based or averaged surface tracking and either a human-interface or compact OEM controller. These are system configurations selected at quotation stage, not Shopify variants.
| Part number | Tracking mode | Included controller | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PF690 | Slice mode | PF100 human-interface controller | Focus detection from approximately the centre of the field of view |
| PF690M | Line mode | PF100 human-interface controller | Averaged surface tracking across a proportion of the field |
| PF690OEM | Slice mode | PF301 compact OEM controller | Software-controlled or OEM instrument integration |
| PF690MOEM | Line mode | PF301 compact OEM controller | OEM averaged-surface autofocus integration |
Slice mode
Determines focus from a point around the centre of the field of view. It may be appropriate when the central sample area provides a reliable reference.
Line mode
Determines focus from an averaged signal across part of the field of view, which may provide more representative tracking for suitable samples.
Controller options
| Controller | User interface | Focus control | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| PF100 | Human-interface controller with adjustment control and USB-B | One stepper or piezo Z-axis port | Operator-accessible standalone and integrated systems |
| PF301 | Compact black-box OEM controller with USB-B | One stepper or piezo Z-axis port | Software-controlled and OEM systems |
A computer is required for initial PureFocus setup. The PF100 human-interface controller subsequently allows focus, offset and other parameters to be adjusted without continuous computer operation. The PF301 does not provide the same human-interface controls.
A separate focus actuator is required
PureFocus detects and calculates the required focus correction, but a compatible motorised microscope focus mechanism, piezo device or supported third-party actuator is needed to move the focal plane. The actuator is not included unless specifically identified in the quotation.
Principal specifications
| Laser wavelength | 690 nm |
|---|---|
| Laser classification | Class 1 laser device |
| Laser optical output | Less than 0.77 mW |
| Dichroic clear aperture | 32 mm diameter |
| Focus accuracy | 20% of depth of field |
| Typical update rate | 1 kHz |
| Transmitted wavelength ranges | 385–650 nm and 730–1100 nm |
| Transmission | Greater than 85% across the specified transmitted bands |
| Laser module mass | 1.5 kg |
Typical capture performance
| Objective example | Typical capture speed | Capture range |
|---|---|---|
| 5×, NA 0.13 | Less than 30 ms | ±15,000 µm |
| 10×, NA 0.4 | Less than 50 ms | ±3,000 µm |
| 20×, NA 0.5 | Less than 60 ms | ±1,000 µm |
| 40×, NA 0.95 | Less than 100 ms | ±500 µm |
| 100×, NA 0.9 | Less than 1,500 ms | ±100 µm |
These are Prior’s published example figures. Actual capture speed and range depend on the objective, numerical aperture, sample, reflective interface, optical configuration and focus actuator.
Published microscope compatibility
Prior publishes the following microscope and adapter combinations for PureFocus 690. Compatibility must be reconfirmed against the complete microscope configuration.
| Manufacturer | Compatible microscopes | Adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Evident/Olympus | BX53M, MX50, MX51, MX61, MX61L, MX63 and MX63L | LF335 |
| Evident/Olympus | IX73 two-deck configuration | PF208 |
| Evident/Olympus | IX73 one-deck configuration | PF214 |
| Evident/Olympus | IX71 | PF203 |
| Evident/Olympus | IX81 | PF213 |
| Evident/Olympus | BX51 and BX53 | PF210 |
| Nikon | LV100ND, LV100NDA, LV150N, LV150NA, L200N, L200ND, L300N, L300ND and Ni-U | LF320 |
| Nikon | Ti-U | PF211 |
| Nikon | Ti2-U and Ti2-A | PF212 |
| Leica | DM4000, DM5000, DM6000 and DM6 | LF312 |
| Zeiss | Axioskop 40 | LF341 |
| Prior Scientific | OpenStand-U, OpenStand-M, OpenStand-L and OpenStand-V | OpenStand-specific adapter to be confirmed |
Additional compatibility checks: contact Auckland Scientific regarding Nikon Ti2-E, Zeiss Axio Imager models, an IX73 with both decks occupied, or a microscope not listed above.
Typical applications
- Raman microscopy
- Near-infrared microscopy
- Spectroscopic imaging
- Automated materials analysis
- Semiconductor and wafer inspection
- Geological and mineralogical imaging
- Long-duration time-lapse acquisition
- Automated slide and sample scanning
- OEM analytical and imaging systems
Software and system integration
PureFocus 690 can be used within a standalone microscope arrangement or integrated into a larger automated imaging or analytical platform.
Prior’s published compatibility information includes PureFocus support through µManager and Inscoper. Compatibility depends on the controller, focus actuator, operating system, software version and required functionality.
PF100 and PF301 controllers provide USB connectivity for computer integration. Where Python or other custom control is required, Auckland Scientific will confirm the applicable Prior commands, interface documentation and development support before quotation.
Setup tools and accessories
| Part number | Description |
|---|---|
| PF209 | PureFocus setup sample slide |
| PF300 | Setup camera with visible and near-infrared detection |
| PF200 | Setup target for RMS, W26 and M32 objective threads |
| PF201 | Setup target for M25, M27 and M32 objective threads |
| PF400 | 1.5 m PureFocus module-to-controller cable |
| PF404 | 1.5 m focus-control cable with 15-way D-type connection |
Please note: the microscope adapter, focus actuator, setup tools, cables and other accessories are not necessarily included with the base PureFocus system. All required components will be identified in the quotation.
Supported by Auckland Scientific
Auckland Scientific brings more than 21 years of experience in microscopy sales, imaging applications and scientific instrumentation. PureFocus is an application-dependent system, so we assess the complete optical and automation arrangement rather than specifying the autofocus module in isolation.
Our service can include:
- Application and sample-interface assessment
- Microscope and optical-path compatibility checks
- Raman, illumination and detection-wavelength review
- Slice-mode or line-mode selection
- Focus-actuator and controller configuration
- Installation and commissioning
- System setup and operator training
- Software and workflow guidance
- Ongoing technical and service support
Request a quotation
To help us assess and configure your PureFocus 690 system, please provide:
- The microscope manufacturer, model and optical configuration
- Whether the microscope is upright or inverted
- The objectives and numerical apertures being used
- The sample type and reflective reference interface
- All excitation, illumination and detection wavelengths
- The Raman excitation wavelength, where applicable
- The existing motorised focus or piezo actuator
- Whether human-interface or OEM control is required
- The imaging, spectroscopy or automation software
- Any installation, training or custom-integration requirements
Auckland Scientific will review the application and provide a quotation covering the PureFocus module, controller, microscope adapter, focus actuator, setup components, cables and support services required.
PureFocus performance depends on the microscope, objectives, optical configuration, wavelengths, sample interface and focus actuator. Specifications and compatibility information may change. Final suitability and the complete system configuration will be confirmed at quotation stage.