Prior Scientific PureFocus 690 Laser Autofocus System

Prior Scientific PureFocus 690 Laser Autofocus System

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Prior Scientific PureFocus 690 Laser Autofocus System

Prior Scientific PureFocus 690 Laser Autofocus System

Price available on request — please contact us for a quote

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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

  1. The PureFocus laser is introduced through the infinity optical path of the compatible microscope.
  2. The autofocus system detects a suitable reflective reference interface within the sample arrangement.
  3. PureFocus calculates the correction needed to maintain the selected relationship between the reference interface and imaging plane.
  4. A compatible motorised focus mechanism, piezo device or supported third-party actuator moves the focal plane.
  5. 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.

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