The RipperTM
The affordable phase microscope and noninvasive refractive index profiler
Quantitative phase microscopy
In addition to standard brightfield microscopy, the Ripper makes use of interferometry to provide the user with real-time and low-noise quantitative phase images, thus allowing the imaging of samples for which the transmission contrast is not adequate such as transparent samples. The Ripper provides imaging with a spatial resolution of 0.8 µm over a large area of 660 µm by 540 µm at a rate of up to 18 frames per second. The low phase imaging noise of under 10 mrad allows the study of ultra-low phase contrast samples.
While brightfield microscopy (left) can help identify cells positions and sizes, the Ripper’s quantitative phase microscopy (right) can identify difference in thickness or density between cells. For example, although they look similar in the brightfield images, cells B and C turn out to be respectively 2.75 and 3.65 times denser than cell A.
Resolution target with patterns from 5 µm down to 1 µm showing the Ripper’s sub-micron spatial resolution.
Simple radial profiling of optical fibers
Radial refractive index profile of a standard single-core optical fiber measured using the Ripper.
Radial refractive index profile of a multi-clad optical fiber measured using the Ripper.
From the phase image of an axially symmetric optical fiber (or any type of waveguide), the Ripper’s software can reconstruct its radial refractive index profile with a precision of 1×10-5 RIU. The reconstruction being based on single image acquisition (as opposed to surface scanning in other techniques) the measurement process takes less than a second to complete.
Whereas other techniques require the end-face of the fiber to be exposed to be measured, the Ripper can measure the refractive index profile along its length. It can thus be used to evaluate fiber consistency without lengthy sample preparation between each measurement. The fiber only needs to be inserted in our custom-made fiber cell holder and dragged to the desired measurement position.
The custom-made fiber cell holder can accomodate fiber diameter ranging from 50 µm to 600 µm and allows for fast and convenient measurements.
Tomographic capabilities for 2D profiling of complex fibers
The Ripper features tomographic capabilities for the measurement of the refractive index profiles of axially asymmetric optical fibers (such as polarization maintaining fibers, microstructured fibers and photonic-crystal fibers) and photonic structures such as fibered couplers.
Tomographic measurements consist in the rotation of the smple under constant image acquisition. Albeit slower than radial profiling, the technique is applicable to any rotatable sample regardless of symmetry and gives a lot more information on the subject. For example, tomographic measurements can be of use in measuring circularity and concentricity of axially symmetric fibers.
RI profiles of structured fibers measured using the Ripper (solid-core fiber, hollow core PCFs and PM fiber).
RI profiles of a 2×2 and a 3×3 fibered coupler
RI profiles of fibers with octogonal claddings
Refractive index profiling of glass inscribed samples
The microfabrication of waveguides as part of bigger photonic devices are of ever growing interest to the scientific community. A popular fabrication technique relies on very short high-power laser pulses focused directly in glass to locally modify the refractive index of some types of glass as illustrated in the figure on the right.
The Ripper is the only device that allows for the measurement of the RI profile of photonic structures directly inscribed in glass. Since tomography is not generally possible with these samples, the measurement is made possible by the use of our specially developed genetic algorithm. Also available is an optional partial tomographic imaging of glass samples for a more robust measurement on some types of structures. Feel free to discuss your particular needs with one of our experts.
Focusing a high-power laser inside a moving glass sample can create a waveguide.
End-face imaging and reconstructed refractive index profile of a fs-laser written waveguide.
End-face imaging and reconstructed refractive index profile of a fs-laser written waveguide.
3D refractive index profiling
The Ripper allows for a complete 3D refractive index profile reconstruction. In this particular case, a sub-micron taper structure is recovered by the Ripper.
Fully integrated software and sample positioning
Complete software for imaging and refractive index profiling.
The Ripper is shipped with our software for complete control over the imaging process, optimizing the trade-off between image rate and quality to your specific needs.
The complete software includes the different refractive index profile reconstruction techniques to support a wide array of samples ranging from simple optical fibers with purely radial profiles to complex microfabricated photonic structures.
The software also allows for the precise control of the Ripper’s fully motorized sample focusing and positioning. The optional programmable positioning system allows for the automatic measurement of samples containing many waveguides, thus enabling fast characterization.
Fully motorized sample positionning.
Specifications and requirements
General specifications
| Model | Ripper |
|---|---|
| Field of view | 660 µm x 540 µm |
| Image resolution | 2736 px by 1824 px |
| Maximum frame rate | 18 fps |
| Spatial resolution | 0.8 µm |
| Phase noise | 10 mrad |
| Light source | 633 nm |
| Maximum sample size | X: 75 mm, Y: 50mm, Z: 5mm |
| Maximum displacement | X: 75 mm, Y: 50 mm, Z: 6.5 mm |
| Dimensions ( L x W x H) | 436 x 265 x 345 mm |
| Weight | 15 kg |
* Custom specifications available upon request. Contact one of our experts for a solution tailored to your specific needs.
Computer requirements
| Specifiation | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10, 64-bit |
| Processor | 6th gen Intel Core i5 3 GHz |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Disk space | 7 GB |
| Display | 1920 x 1080 |
| USB connection | 1x USB 3.0 connector |
Available models
| Option 1: Ripper PHASE MICROSCOPE |
|---|
| – Simple microscope slide sample holder. |
| Option 2: Ripper FIBER PROFILER |
| – Specially designed mount to hold fibers of various diameters. – Hardware and software add-ons for tomographic measurements (3D refractive index profile reconstruction). |
| Option 3: Ripper WAVEGUIDE PROFILER |
| – Ideal for fs laser written waveguides in transparent materials such as glass, tempered glass, polymers, etc. – Proprietary algorithm for the refractive index profile reconstruction of asymmetric and complex waveguides. |