Science Lab

The knowledge portal of Leica Microsystems offers scientific research and teaching material on the subjects of microscopy. The content is designed to support beginners, experienced practitioners and scientists alike in their everyday work and experiments. Explore interactive tutorials and application notes, discover the basics of microscopy as well as high-end technologies – become part of the Science Lab community and share your expertise!

When particulate contamination is present in lubricating fluids or oils, it can cause damage to parts or components leading to malfunctions.

Hydraulics in the Automotive and Aerospace Industries

Cleanliness standards relating to lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and oils, e.g., ISO 4406 and DIN 51455 are discussed in this article. Cleanliness plays a central role in the automotive and…

Particles which could be found during cleanliness analysis of parts and components.

Cleanliness of Automotive Components and Parts

This article discusses the ISO 16232 standard and VDA 19 guidelines and briefly summarizes the particle analysis methods. They give important criteria for the cleanliness of automotive parts and…

Multiple particles seen on a filter imaged with a microscope

Improving the Cleanliness Analysis Workflow

For automotive manufacturers and automotive component suppliers, obtaining cleanliness results rapidly, accurately, and reliably over the entire workﬂow is a signiﬁcant advantage. Often for this…

Top Challenges for Visual Inspection

This article discusses the challenges encountered when performing visual inspection and rework using a microscope. Using the right type of microscope and optical setup is paramount in order to…

How to select the right solution for visual inspection

This article helps users with the decision-making process when selecting a microscope as a solution for routine visual inspection. Important factors that should be considered are described.

How to Use a Digital Microscope to Streamline Inspection Processes

Watch this webinar for inspiration and expert advice on how to make quality control simpler, quicker, and easier. Learn how to perform comprehensive visual inspection, including comparison,…

Fast Visual and Chemical Analysis of Contamination and Underlying Layers

Visual and chemical analysis of contamination on materials with a 2-methods-in-1 solution leading to an efficient, more complete analysis workflow is described in this report. A 2-in-1 solution,…

Depth Profiling and Layer Analysis for Inspection of Materials with a 2-In-1 Solution Combining Optical Microscopy and Laser Spectroscopy

In addition to simultaneous visual and chemical inspection, a 2-methods-in-1 materials analysis solution, which combines optical microscopy and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), can also be…

Visual and Chemical Analysis of Steel Microstructure: Faster Rating of Steel Quality

Simultaneous visual and chemical analysis of steel non-metallic inclusions with a 2-methods-in-1 solution, using optical microscopy and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), is described in…