Mitutoyo’s TAG Lens Ushers in the Future of High-Speed Microscopy
Mitutoyo’s TAG Lens, a revolutionary advancement in optical measurement technology, leverages Tunable Acoustic Gradient-index (TAG) lens technology. The state-of-the-art system delivers high-speed, all-in-focus imaging that reshapes what’s possible in dynamic, microscopic inspection and real-time 3D observation.
Paradigm Shift in Optical Imaging
Traditional optical systems often face a trade-off between speed, focus depth, and resolution. The faster an object moves or the deeper the field of view required, the harder it becomes to maintain sharp, clear imagery across varying focal planes. The TAG Lens upends this limitation. Using acoustic waves to dynamically modulate the refractive index within the lens material, Mitutoyo’s TAG system can rapidly shift the focal length — at rates exceeding hundreds of thousands of cycles per second.
This enables the camera system to scan through multiple focal planes in microseconds, producing a series of sharp, in-focus images across an extended depth range. The result is real-time, all-in-focus visualization, critical for inspecting fast-moving, micro-scale features in fields such as semiconductor inspection, microfluidics, and biomedical research.
Technology Behind the Breakthrough
At the core of the TAG Lens is acousto-optic modulation, where high-frequency sound waves create a tunable refractive index gradient inside a specially engineered fluid-filled lens. As the sound waves propagate, the lens curvature effectively changes at acoustic frequencies, allowing the optical system to “sweep” focus through a sample volume with no moving parts.
Mitutoyo’s implementation of this technology features:
- High-speed axial scanning — up to 140 kHz focal modulation
- Extended depth-of-field imaging without sacrificing resolution
- Non-mechanical focus control, eliminating mechanical backlash and vibration
- Compatibility with Mitutoyo’s renowned long working distance objective lenses
This makes the TAG Lens an ideal tool for dynamic measurement environments, where targets are not only microscopic but also constantly changing or moving rapidly through the field of view.
Real-Time 3D Observation for Industry and Research
The demand for real-time 3D visualization is increasing across all sectors. In industrial settings, manufacturers seek to monitor complex assembly or inspection processes with speed and clarity. In life sciences, researchers aim to observe biological systems in motion.
Mitutoyo’s TAG Lens meets these needs by enabling:
- Live 3D surface profiling at high frame rates
- Precise depth reconstruction for quality control in microfabrication
- Volumetric imaging for in vivo biological observation
- Non-contact, fast Z-stack acquisition for fragile or sensitive samples
When paired with high-resolution camera systems and Mitutoyo’s precision optics, the TAG Lens delivers unparalleled imaging flexibility — all while preserving the micron-level accuracy that precision industries demand.
Ushering in the Future of High-Speed Microscopy
With its no-latency focus modulation, extended depth clarity, and non-intrusive scanning, the TAG Lens is more than an accessory — it’s a fundamental enhancement to optical metrology systems. Its integration into high-speed vision systems positions it as a key enabler of Industry 4.0 inspection, where microscopic detail must be captured without sacrificing throughput.
By removing the physical constraints of mechanical focusing, Mitutoyo empowers engineers, scientists, and quality control specialists to see more, see faster, and see deeper — in real time.
For more information: www.mitutoyo.com
