Optical Instruments

  • Radiation resistant optical instruments

  • Instruments for Hot Cell

  • Radiation Resistant Viewing System For Hot Cells

Metallographic samples of irradiated material are prepared in Hot Cells. Various optical devices are used for process control and inspection. Periscopes may be used to view and photograph a wide region inside a Hot Cell within an area of 180o centered around the objective end.


For inspection of metallographic sample, optical Macro Viewing System are deployed. The samples need to be checked for proper polishing and etching. There is a sufficient distance between the object and the instrument, so that the sample may be easily kept under the macroscope with the help of manipulators. The Macro Viewing System has binocular vision for ease of use. The length of the system depends on the wall thickness of the Hot Cell. The optical path is periscopic in nature and the Macroscope has radiation shielding blocks built into the optical system to avoid direct exposure of radiation and filled in with lead shots of different sizes. The system has a resolution of about 5 microns, with a field of view of approx 35mm.

A Stereo Microscope may be deployed to have a 3D view of the object, along with a provision for 3D photography. There are two paired objectives and eyepieces, and separate beam lines to give a stereoscopic image of the object under observation. The objectives are mounted on a slider. Required objective is brought into focus by indexing the slider. The available magnifications and the typical working distances for this stero-microscope are as follows.