LEXT OLS5500 3D Optical Profilometer
The award-winning LEXT™ OLS5500 hybrid 3D optical profilometer unites laser scanning microscopy (LSM), white light interferometry (WLI), and focus variation microscopy (FVM) in one powerful platform. Designed for R&D, QA, and QC teams, it delivers precise surface detail, traceable accuracy, and an intuitive user experience to streamline workflows.
Offering 3-in-1 exceptional precision imaging with LSM, WLI, and FVM in an easy-to-use system, the OLS5500 delivers up to 40x faster throughput than conventional LSM using WLI. It is also the world’s first 3D optical profilometer that ensures guaranteed accuracy and repeatability* for both LSM and WLI measurements.
- Product Status: This product is a replacement for the LEXT OLS5100 and earlier OLS series systems.
LEXT OLS5500 3D Optical Profilometer
Infinite Surfaces, Trusted Results
Combining laser scanning microscopy (LSM), white light interferometry (WLI), and focus variation microscopy (FVM) in one platform, the award-winning LEXT™ OLS5500 3D optical profilometer ensures every surface can be measured clearly and accurately.
The Complete Imaging Solution for Accurate Surface Measurement
- LSM: exceptional lateral resolution for rough textures, microstructures, and steep slopes.
- WLI: nanometer-level vertical precision for smooth or sloped surfaces and thin films.
- FVM: macro-to-micro coverage for large or uneven areas requiring broader context.
Each method complements the others—delivering the right imaging mode for every surface. Generate comprehensive, true-to-form surface data from nanometers to millimeters and flat to steep slopes, all in a single system.
RF package imaged using three surface metrology techniques.
Exceptional Precision Imaging
Left: With conventional lenses, distortion increases at the periphery and affects measurement accuracy. Right: With LEXT lenses, the periphery is reproduced free of distortion for accurate measurements.
Precision Across Every Surface
Whether you’re working with highly sloped samples, reflective surfaces, or complex geometries, in-house engineered objective lenses maintain clarity and shape fidelity across the full field of view.
Laser Microscopy Objectives
Dedicated LEXT objectives accurately measure peripheral areas, overcoming the measurement challenges of conventional lenses.
LEXT objective lenses from left to right: long working distance (20X, 50X, 100X), high performance (20X, 50X, 100X), and low magnification (10X).
White Light Interferometric Objectives
High NA WLI objectives (up to 0.8 NA) produce sharp interference fringes and exceptional phase stability, even on steep or textured surfaces.
Comparison images of a Fresnel lens sample taken with a conventional WLI 20X objective (left, NA 0.4) and Evident’s 20X WLI objective (right, NA 0.6).
Comparison images of a Fresnel lens sample taken with a conventional WLI 50X objective (left, NA 0.55) and Evident’s 50X WLI objective (right, NA 0.8).
Comparison images of a calibration sample taken with a conventional WLI 50X objective (left, NA 0.55) and Evident‘s 50X WLI objective (right, NA 0.8).
Clarity That Uncovers the Unseen
Improve validation speed by revealing critical features that are invisible to conventional systems. From fine structures and subtle topography to transparent surfaces and low-contrast features, the OLS5500 provides multiple contrast-enhancing options to expose hidden or subtle details.
- 4K imaging with a high-sensitivity sensor ensures fine contrast and color fidelity.
- Laser DIC and Color DIC reveal surface relief and material boundaries with stunning clarity.
- Top-surface detection filter isolates the true surface, eliminating interference from underlying layers.
Comparison images of a polymer film. Left: laser image without DIC. Right: laser image with DIC.
Comparison images of a hard disk landing zone. Left: color image without DIC. Right: color image with DIC.
Comparison stitched images of a wafer. Left: without Intelligent Shading Correction. Right: with Intelligent Shading Correction.
Seamless Large-Area Imaging
Inspect larger regions—without losing detail or image integrity. Intelligent Shading Correction minimizes artifacts and balances illumination across stitched images, ensuring seamless results even on low-contrast or uneven surfaces. This edge-to-edge clarity supports consistent analyses.
Trusted Measurements
Accurate, Trusted Measurements
Fewer retests, reworks, and rejections—thanks to trusted measurements in LSM, WLI, and FVM that you can verify and prove.
Guaranteed Accuracy and Repeatability
Obtain consistent, high-precision measurements across applications—the OLS5500 is the world’s first 3D optical profilometer that ensures guaranteed accuracy and repeatability* for both LSM and WLI measurements.
On-site calibration by Evident technicians ensures precise, repeatable measurements with time-stamped records that support alignment with international metrology standards.
Every value you measure is validated through our traceable calibration process, giving you results you can defend across audits, reports, and production reviews.
*Based on Evident’s internal research as of October 2025. The guaranteed accuracy and repeatability apply only if the device has been calibrated according to the manufacturer‘s specifications and is in defect free condition. Calibration must be performed by an Evident technician or an Evident-authorized specialist.
Illustration showing the difference between accuracy and repeatability.
Example for the AIST standard
Length measurement module
Guaranteed Measurement Noise
Trust your height measurements—even at the nanometer scale. The OLS5500 guarantees measurement noise levels* in accordance with ISO 25178-700:2022:
- 1 nm with MPLAPON 100X LEXT objectives
- 0.08 nm with WLI objectives
This ensures high-resolution detection of even the most subtle topographic changes, from thin films to micro-patterned surfaces.
*You will receive a Measurement Noise Guarantee Certificate. This is a representative value measured under conditions specified by Evident and may differ from the guaranteed value.
Guaranteed Accuracy for Stitched Images
The OLS5500 incorporates a length-measuring module in its motorized stage, guaranteeing* the accuracy of stitched image data. While conventional systems rely only on pattern matching, the OLS5500 combines that with positional feedback, providing highly reliable stitched data for both LSM and WLI.
*The guaranteed accuracy for stitched images applies only to the 100 mm motorized stage. (OLS5500-SAF is available for both LSM and WLI, and OLS5500-EAF is available only for LSM).
Service and Support That Empowers
When it comes to protecting your investment and the integrity of your research, your needs come first. We stand behind our products with a commitment to prompt service and technical support to help you achieve your goals.
Maintain compliance and system uptime with our on-site calibration, global service network, and remote support—backed by 100+ years of expertise in microscopy.
Smarter Workflow
Smarter Workflow, Maximized Throughput
The OLS5500’s smart automation and workflow tools are designed to make surface analysis easier and faster for users of all levels. Obtain consistent, first-time-right results in LSM, WLI, and FVM to maximize inspection efficiency and throughput.
Seamless Observations
The OLS5500 automatically generates a macro map as the stage moves, keeping every area tracked and documented for effortless navigation. With continuous autofocus, focus remains sharp throughout movement—no manual refocusing, no interruptions.
Smart Automation for Effortless Precision
The OLS5500 automates key measurement processes so your focus stays on analysis, not adjustment.
Acquire data quickly and easily with Smart Scan II for LSM. Place the sample on the stage, press the start button, and the system does the rest.
PEAK algorithm provides highly accurate data from low to high magnifications and reduces the data acquisition time. When measuring the shape of steps on a sample, the data acquisition time can be reduced by skipping the unnecessary scanning range in the Z-direction.
VLSI standard 83 nm height sample (MPLFLN10LEXT).
Resist pattern on a silicon surface. Courtesy of the Nanotechnology Hub at Kyoto University.
Left: Smart Judge off: Right: Smart Judge on.
Consistency You Can Count On
Automate inspections with macros—create, edit, and run procedures for reliable results. Pair with the Smart Experiment Manager to make pass/fail decisions in a single click. Save reports as templates to streamline repeated measurements and ensure consistent results across analyses and users.
PRECiV™ software integration for routine metallography, AI-enhanced workflows, and advanced 2D analysis supports specialized applications and high-throughput production environments.
40x Faster Measurement Without Compromise
The OLS5500 delivers both speed and precision. Its advanced white light interferometry (WLI) mode accelerates surface measurements by up to 40 times compared to conventional LSM—without losing accuracy or traceability.
- Ideal for rapid process validation, design verification, and production sampling.
- Maintains consistent precision even across large, complex samples.
Sample: 60 nm step height, measurement area: 1,280 µm.
LSM: Data acquisition time: 630 s; 6×6 stitched image acquired with an LSM 50X objective (NA 0.95).
WLI: Data acquisition time: 15 s; single image acquired with a WLI 10X objective (NA 0.3).
Wider View, Faster Workflow
Save time imaging large or complex samples. The OLS5500’s high NA Mirau WLI objectives expand the measurable field of view while preserving vertical precision.
- 20X objective: up to 6X wider coverage than conventional 50X WLI lenses.
- 50X objective: up to 4X wider coverage than conventional 100X WLI lenses.
Fewer images per area mean fewer image stitching steps, improving efficiency while maintaining traceable, high-fidelity data.
Specifications
LEXT OLS5500 Main Unit Specifications
| Model | OLS5500-SAF | OLS5500-EAF | OLS5500-LAF | ||
| Total magnification | 54X–17,280X | ||||
| Field of view | 16 µm–5,120 µm | ||||
| Measurement principle | Optical system |
Reflection-type confocal laser scanning microscopy Reflection-type confocal laser scanning DIC microscopy Focus variation microscopy, color, color-DIC |
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| White light interferometry | - | ||||
| Light receiving element | Laser: photomultiplier (2ch), Color: CMOS color camera | ||||
| LSM | Height | Repeatability σn-1 *1 *2 *5 | 5X: 0.45 μm, 10X: 0.1 μm, 20X: 0.03 μm, 50X: 0.012 μm, 100X: 0.012 μm | ||
| Accuracy*1 *3 *5 | 0.15 + L/100 μm (L: measuring length [μm]） | ||||
| Measurement noise*1 *4 *5 | 1 nm (typical) | ||||
| Length | Repeatability 3σn-1 *1 *2 *5 | 5X: 0.4 μm, 10X: 0.2 μm, 20X: 0.05 μm, 50X: 0.04 μm, 100X: 0.02 μm | |||
| Accuracy *1 *3 *5 | Measurement value ±1.5% | ||||
| Maximum number of measuring points in a single measurement | 4096 × 4096 pixel | ||||
| Maximum number of measuring points | 400 megapixels | ||||
| XY stage configuration | Operating range | 100 mm × 100 mm (3.9 × 3.9 in.) motorized | 300 mm × 300 mm (11.8 × 11.8 in.) motorized | ||
| Maximum sample height | 100 mm (3.9 in.) | 210 mm (8.3 in.) | 37 mm (1.5 in.) | ||
| Laser light source | Wavelength | 405 nm | |||
| Maximum output | 0.95 mW | ||||
| Laser class | Class 2 (JIS C 6802:2018, IEC60825-1:2014, EN60825-1:2014/A11:2021,GB/T 7247.1-2024） | ||||
| Color light source | White LED | ||||
| Electrical power | 240 W | 278 W | |||
| Mass | Microscope body | Approx. 31 kg (68.3 lb) | Approx. 43 kg (94.8 lb) | Approx. 50 kg (110.2 lb) | |
| Control box | Approx. 12 kg (26.5 lb) | ||||
LEXT OLS5500 WLI Specifications
Maximum sample height
Colspan=2
*1 Guaranteed when used in a constant temperature and constant-humidity environment (temperature: 20 ℃ ±1 ℃, humidity: 50% ± 10%) specified in ISO554(1976), JIS Z-8703(1983).
*2 For 10X or higher, when measured with dedicated LEXT objectives.
*3 When measured with a dedicated LEXT objective.
*4 Typical value when measured with a MPLAPON100X LEXT objective, and it may differ from the guaranteed value.
*5 Guaranteed under the Evident Certificate System.
*6 This is a representative value measured using step height standards of 83 nm traceable to national standards under conditions specified by Evident, and it differs from the guaranteed value. The guaranteed value is 0.15+ L/100 μm.
*7 Equivalent to the measurement noise. *8 Verified under conditions specified by Evident.
LEXT OLS5500 Application software
*1 Including auto-stitching data acquisition and multi-area data acquisition functions.
*2 Including profile analysis, difference analysis, step-height analysis, surface analysis, area/volume analysis, line roughness analysis, area roughness analysis, and histogram analysis.
LEXT OLS5500 Objective Lenses
Resources
Application Notes
Insights
Videos
OLS5100 - Smart Experiment Manager Tolerance Judgement
OLS5100 - Smart Experiment Manager Change Your Workflow On the Fly
OLS5100 - Workflow Automation with the Macro Function
OLS5100 Experiment Total Assist
OLS5100 Smart Scan II
OLS5100 Real-time Macro Mapping
