SMAL Lens
​Unlocking Super-Resolution with White-Light Microscopy
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The SMAL (Super-resolution Microsphere Amplifying Lens) is the core innovation behind LIG Nanowise’s breakthrough in optical nanoscopy. This patented optical component enables any conventional light microscope to resolve structures well below the diffraction limit—achieving sub-100 nanometre resolution using standard white-light illumination.
At the heart of the SMAL lens is a precisely engineered microsphere that acts as a photonic nanojet, amplifying evanescent waves and enabling the capture of high spatial frequency information. This allows users to visualize nanoscale features in real time, in full colour, and under ambient conditions—something previously only possible with more complex and expensive instruments like SEMs or AFMs.
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Key Benefits:
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True optical super-resolution: Achieves <100 nm resolution without fluorescence or scanning
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Full-colour nano-imaging: Maintains natural colour contrast, unlike monochromatic electron microscopy
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Non-destructive and easy to use: No vacuum, no coating, no invasive sample prep
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Versatile integration: Compatible with existing optical microscope platforms
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Dry and immersion variants: Tailored for a wide range of samples and environments
Applications:
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Semiconductor and MEMS inspection
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2D materials and nanocoatings
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Metals, alloys, and surface treatments
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Biomedical samples and tissue imaging
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Mineralogy and geological specimens
The SMAL lens represents a fundamental leap in optical microscopy—combining simplicity, performance, and accessibility. It bridges the gap between traditional light microscopes and high-end nanoscopy tools, enabling researchers, engineers, and manufacturers to see further, faster, and with far less complexity.
With the SMAL lens, LIG Nanowise is redefining what’s possible in optical imaging, bringing nanoscopic detail within reach of everyday labs and industry applications.
Nanoro M
​Super-Resolution Optical Microscope by LIG Nanowise
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The Nanoro M is a super-resolution optical microscope designed to break through the diffraction limit and deliver full-colour imaging at resolutions below 100 nanometres. Powered by the SMAL (Super-resolution Microsphere Amplifying Lens) technology, the Nanoro M opens new frontiers in optical microscopy—achieving detail traditionally only possible with electron microscopes, but without their limitations.
Unlike SEM or AFM systems, Nanoro M enables non-destructive, real-time imaging in ambient conditions, with no need for vacuum environments, conductive coatings, or complex sample preparation. Users can directly observe nanostructures with natural colour contrast and minimal delay, significantly accelerating workflows in both research and industrial settings.
Key Features:
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Sub-100 nm optical resolution using white-light illumination
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Full-colour nano-imaging with true surface texture and material contrast
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Live imaging in air or liquid environments
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No need for sample coating or vacuum systems
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Compact, user-friendly system with integrated software for easy image capture and analysis
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Applications:
The Nanoro M is ideally suited for:
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Semiconductor and microelectronics inspection
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Graphene and 2D material analysis
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Nanostructured coatings and advanced materials
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Biomaterials and medical devices
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Geological and mineralogical thin sections
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Metallurgy and failure analysis
Combining high resolution, speed, and ease of use, the Nanoro M represents a paradigm shift in nano-imaging—bringing the power of super-resolution optics into everyday laboratories, manufacturing lines, and R&D facilities.
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